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His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam urged the public to use ICT responsibly, cautioning against its negative impacts on the society.

In his titah at the 10th annual Hari Raya celebration organised by Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (YSHHB), the monarch underlined the growing potential of ICT that influence users in all aspects of their live.

“Its power is so phenomenal that it has the potential to influence all aspects of life. If ICT is put to good use, good will come about and will be easily attainable,” he remarked.

His Majesty warned, however, that ICT will “undeniably be a potent poison” if used negatively. He reminded members of the public, particularly younger users, to be cautious about the damaging aspects of ICT.

“The abusive and undesirable use of ICT will present serious harm be it to the individual, the family and community,” he said.

Addressing the relevant agencies and related sectors, His Majesty called on them to ensure that ICT is used in the country to facilitate productivity, effectivity and efficiency towards promoting economic growth.

The monarch, citing the International Communication Union, also pointed out there is currently a total of 6.8 billion cellular mobile users worldwide, while 40 per cent of the world population, or 2.7 billion people, are Internet users.br />
“We are incapable of predicting the extent to which this trend will reach its peak. What is obvious is that it will continue to grow,” the Sultan said.

His Majesty also noted some of Brunei’s improved standing in the Network Readiness Index (NRI). The Sultanate is ranked 57 out of 133 economies in the past year, compared to its previous ranking of 63 from 2008 to 2010.br />
“This is indeed a good indication that the ICT sector is progressing well, and even expected to make further advances in the future,” the monarch said.

His Majesty the Sultan with Hj Yahkup, Chief Executive of AITI briefing the role of AITI in Brunei. AITI was being highlighted as a key driver in promoting ICT players through means of the AITI Grant Scheme.

His Majesty the Sultan at DST booth

His Majesty the Sultan with Suhaimi Hj Hussain, CEO of DST

His Majesty the Sultan at the TelBru booth

His Majesty the Sultan toured BAG Networks

His Majesty the Sultan at b•mobile booth

His Majesty the Sultan at Infocom booth

His Majesty the Sultan being briefed about iCentre by Dr. Mona

His Majesty the Sultan with Pg Hj Mohd Salleh, General Manager of BIG Sdn Bhd

His Majesty also expressed confidence that the local ICT sector will continue to flourish as a catalyst of economic growth. Observing the participation by youth in ICT competitions, the monarch commended them on their achievements at regional and international levels.

The monarch further encouraged them to continue their contributions by generating ICT products and services bearing the ‘Made in Brunei’ label to penetrate the global market.

Praise was also given to the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) and the Authority for Info-Communications Technology Industry (AITI) of Brunei Darussalam for promoting ICT through the provision of special grants.

The grants are offered to ICT and digital media companies to create products or services with commercial potential and marketability in the international market.

Over 1,200 representatives from the local ICT and digital media industry were invited to attend the event at the International Convention Centre in Berakas last Tuesday. Text by Rabiatul Kamit of The Brunei Times.

His Majesty the Sultan being briefed by Liam Janin on the Best of Halal app

His Majesty the Sultan at Halbase Company booth

His Majesty the Sultan at MediaHikmah booth

Photo opportunity with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince

His Majesty the Sultan at Ishajaya Technology booth

His Majesty the Sultan was impressed with Regalblue Production’s milestone

His Majesty the Sultan at PHMD Publishing Company

His Majesty the Sultan was handed Pesambah by Hiro of SocialBuzz Advertising

His Majesty the Sultan being briefed of SocialMart application

His Majesty the Sultan at SocialBuzz Advertising

His Majesty the Sultan at John Harith’s booth

His Royal Highness Prince Jefri being briefed by Hiro

The Paparazzi moment last Tuesday

Nice shot, Umi :p

 

One more day left for Travelmania 2013

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New and bigger things at ICON Design Store. Click to enter

 

Grand Raya Package at Peugoet and promotion ends 15th September. Click image to enter website.

 

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Black Angus Ribeye is back!! For Two!! Only at Deals Restaurant, Raddison Brunei. Click image to enter facebook page.

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His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam graced the 10th annual Hari Raya celebration held by Yayasan SultanHaji Hassanal Bolkiah (YSHHB) yesterday at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

His Majesty was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel. The royal entourage also included His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.

This year’s event paid tribute to the local ICT and digital media industry with over 1,200 representatives invited to attend the celebration.

“They were invited in recognition of their roles within the industry,” said the YSHHB Chairman of the Board of Directors, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Abu Bakar Hj Apong, in his welcoming remarks.

He explained that the event was aimed at promoting the use of ICT in daily activities as well as encouraging collaboration within the industry towards improving quality of life and economic progress.

The YSHHB official hoped that His Majesty’s presence at the Hari Raya celebration would “inspire, stimulate and motivate” all those in attendance to carry out their roles and responsibilities.

His Majesty the Sultan presented the prize to Adam Groves of Visual Dimension for the Open Category “Reiglious”. Image by Saifulizam of The Brunei Times.

His Majesty the Sultan presented the prize to Hj Alidin Hj Momin for Open Category “Education”. Image by Saifulizam of The Brunei Times.

His Majesty the Sultan presented the prize to Zatul Karamah Hj Tajudin who won the Open Category ‘Socio-economy/Community’. Image by Saifulizam of The Brunei Times.

His Majesty the Sultan presented the prize to Dk Syazana Syafiqah Pg Mohd Suffian emerged champion of the Upper Secondary and Sixth Form Student Category. Image by Saifulizam of The Brunei Times.

His Majesty the Sultan presented the prize to Nina Abd Ghani won the Higher Educational Institution Student Category. Image by Saifulizam of The Brunei Times.

In his titah at the event, the monarch touched on recent industry developments and called on the public to utilise ICT responsibly.

His Majesty also presented prizes to the winners of a short video contest that was initiated by YSHHB with the cooperation of the Authority for Info-communication Technology Industry (AITI) of Brunei Darussalam. The contest was organised in conjunction with this year’s Hari Raya celebration.

Carrying the theme Raja Yang Prihatin or The Caring Monarch, the short video contest was a platform for the public to showcase their creativity and talent. The Open Category ‘Religious’ was won by Visual Dimensions Production, while Hj Alidin Hj Momin was the winner of the Open Category ‘Education’ and Zatul Karamah Hj Tajudin won the Open Category ‘Socio-economy/Community’.

Dk Syazana Syafiqah Pg Mohd Suffian emerged champion of the Upper Secondary and Sixth Form Student Category, whereas Nina Abd Ghani won the Higher Educational Institution Student Category.

During the Hari Raya celebration, His Majesty viewed a series of musical performances and a play by 150 students from Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah School.

The monarch also took the opportunity to meet and greet with the guests, prior to touring an exhibition displaying information on 22 selected organisations in the local ICT and digital media industry at the Multipurpose Hall. Text by Rabiatul Kamit of The Brunei Times.

 

Baiduri Bank launches a new Baiduri Student Account package named the 4U Value Pack.  The package was designed to suit the needs of students currently or intending to study locally or abroad.  The Baiduri Student Account – 4U Value Pack offers 4 unique features being: Easy, Convenient, Save and Benefits. Both new and existing account holders of the Baiduri Student Account will be eligible for the exclusive privileges of the 4U Value Pack.

It is easy and hassle free to sign up for the Baiduri Student Account.  Students can visit any Baiduri Bank branch to sign up for the Baiduri Student Account.  To speed up the process, they can download the form from the website before approaching branches.  While registering for the account, students can also sign up for their student and travel insurance requirements.

Mr Ti Eng Hui, Deputy General Manager, Retail Banking and Branch Network of Baiduri Bank was especially excited about the new package.  “We have done in depth studies of the needs of students who study locally and overseas while designing the 4U Value Pack for Baiduri Student Account” said Mr Ti in a quote.

With this package, students, especially those studying overseas can access their account through Baiduri Personal i-Banking facilities available through the web and mobile banking app.  Baiduri Bank’s mobile app allows existing personal i-Banking customers to access internet banking via their smartphones without any need to use their computers. The app is available for download on App Store and Google Play allowing customers to enjoy this convenience – at no charge. Students can safely use this app while they’re overseas because the app utilises the mobile or token authentication just like the existing i-Banking.  Furthermore, students can enjoy fee waivers for local and overseas funds transfer facilities.

With the Baiduri Visa debit card also bundled in this package, students can enjoy access to over 1 million ATMs worldwide, and is accepted at over 24 million locations globally.  In addition, service fee for cash withdrawals on overseas ATMs are waived. 

Four good benefits for 4U Value Pack for Baiduri Student Account package

Aside from exclusive discounts available on their Baiduri Visa debit cards, students will also be able to enjoy special deals and e-coupons available on the Baiduri Deals app.

  “We understand that it may be difficult and a hassle to open an overseas account especially for those intending to study overseas.  So we hope that the fee waivers we have provided for overseas ATM cash withdrawals with the Baiduri Visa debit card and fee waivers for overseas funds transfer through i-Banking provides the best convenience and savings for students.”  He added, “Students, especially those currently and intending to study abroad will not need to worry about opening an overseas account as they can easily access their Baiduri Student Account using their Visa debit card.”

The Baiduri Student Account – 4U Value Pack has also built in financing packages available for parents of students, such as laptop and education loans.  Parents can rest easy and help their children transition into study life easily.

Mr Pierre Imhof, CEO of Baiduri Bank also added, “There are thousands of Brunei students studying locally and abroad.  This package was specially designed for them, so that they can focus on their studies and allow us to help them with their banking needs.  This is one way for us to contribute towards helping aspiring Bruneians to achieve their education goals.”

  An exclusive gift will also be available for new sign ups of Baiduri Student Account while stocks lasts. More information on the latest Baiduri Student Account – 4U Value Pack can be obtained via the Baiduri Call Centre at 244 9666 or online at www.baiduri.com.

 

Feeling the itch to brush off your sandals and go on an adventure? Is your passport in a drawer gathering dust? Well.. maybe you should grab your suitcase and your passport, because the Annual Abacus Holiday Fair is back!

Abacus Distributions Systems (Brunei) Sdn Bhd will be holding their Annual Abacus Holiday Fair at the Dewan 1, Bridex in Jerudong. This marks the 10th time that Abacus has organized such an event.

The three day fair, which starts on August 30th and ends on September 1st, is held in conjunction with Travelmania and will provide Abacus travel partners such as airlines, national tourist offices, hotels and travel agents a unique platform to promote and showcase their products and services. The fair aims to stimulate demand at both ends of the spectrum, providing travelers with the convenience of shopping for a wider range of great travel deals under a single roof.

Among the exhibitors will be Anthony Tours & Travel Agency, Century Travel Centre, Darussalam Holdings, Freme Travel Services, Pan Bright Travel Service, Southern Cross Travel Agencies and Straits Central Agencies.

“The Abacus Holiday Travel Fair is a well-established and highly anticipated travel fair since its inception in 2004,” said Ms Irene Soon, General Manager, Abacus Brunei. “With the support of our partners and travel agents, we are confident that we will be able to see a positive growth again this year,” Irene added. The fair will feature 7 Abacus-connected travel agents connected to over 50 Abacus terminals to assist them to efficiently service the visitors to the fair. Key national tourist organisations such as Brunei Tourism, Taiwan Visitors Association and Tourism Authority Thailand will also be present.

During the Travel Fair, visitors have the opportunity to take part in various promotions. Every booking or purchase made during the fair will earn you a chance in the lucky draw to win a Sony VAIO E-series, Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2 sets) and B$200 Shopping voucher (2 sets). There are also Return Business Class tickets to Melbourne, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, sponsored by Royal Brunei Airlines, up to be won.

The press conference for Travelmania 2013 at Dynasty Restaurant yesterday

Baiduri Bank, which is the official bank for the travel fair, is waiving fees for their financing programs for their cardholders who pay for their dream holidays at the travel fair. In addition, cardholders get 3 extra chances if purchasing tickets using their Baiduri Bank Debit or Credit cards, but they will also be enrolled in a draw to win 150,000 Royal Skies miles, which is the equivalent of a return trip to London! Second prize winner will get 80,000 Royal Skies miles and the third prize winner will get 50,000 Royal Skies miles.

“The presence of Brunei Tourism plays an important role in supporting Royal Brunei Airlines as well as travel agents to help promote domestic tourism. This travel fair provides an excellent opportunity for Brunei based travelers to shop for overseas and local packages, making it an event on the travel calendar not to be missed,” said Abd Halim Haji Abd Rahman, Sales & Marketing Manager, Abacus Brunei.

Two more days.. so mark your dates!!

By the way, for your info 😀

This year’s Abacus Holiday Travel fair aims to make a difference. “As part of Abacus Brunei Corporate Social Responsibility, Abacus Brunei with the collaboration of Cityneon Brunei will provide complimentary booths for Pusat Ehsan and SMARTER Brunei. This will provide these two organisations to have their own activities as well as a platform for the public to make contributions or donations,” Halim elaborated.

Abacus Brunei thanks its partners as well as travelers for their support in the previous travel fairs. Tourism Malaysia will also be featured in their own pavilion, where the focus is on the launch of the promotional campaign of ‘Visit Malaysia Year 2014’ in Brunei. Joining them will be Malaysian Airlines, Sabah Tourism Board, Labuan Corporation, Palm Beach Resort and Spa Labuan, Imperial Group of Hotels, Brighton Travel & Tour, Tiara Labuan Hotel and Educore Paradize, which is promoting the Looney Tunes Classroom Capers Musical LIVE in Kuching, this coming November 21-24 2013.

Visitors to the pavilion will enjoy Malaysian Cultural Performances and Sarawak Traditional Music by the famous Sape player, Jerry Kamit. There will also be Teh Tarik Demonstration, a feature on Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism, which is a growing sector of tourism, and a Batik Demonstration.

Lego Fans and enthusiasts will be glad to hear that Malaysia Tourism is also partnering with BULAT, Brunei Usergroup Lego and Technic to put up displays to promote Legoland Malaysia. The “Find The Hidden Miniatures” contest will be held daily at the pavilion, and will have up to 3 winners daily winning a pair of adult admission tickets worth RM280 to the toy brick heaven, courtesy of Legoland Malaysia.

Additionally, Tourism Malaysia is providing RM20 Parkson Shopping Vouchers per customer purchasing any travel arrangements to Malaysia through participating agents and Malaysian sellers throughout the travel fair.

Recap: Travelmania 2012 at BRIDEX last year

Tourism Malaysia will be having a much bigger presence this year because of the Visit Malaysia 2014.

Baiduri Bank has been a strong supporter for Abacus and this year, they even have a better promotion

The crowd last year at Travelmania 2013 at BRIDEX