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Hj Abu Bakar Hj Ibrahim, Chairman of Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd (center) with Mozart Hj Ibrahim and Hjh Rena Azlina binti Dato Paduka Hj Abdul Aziz, directors of Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd and Ang Han Kee, Head of Network Management & Planning, Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd at the press conference yesterday at Radisson Hotel

The past is the past. Now it’s about moving forward. You may have heard or seen in the news about the new developments that B-Mobile Communications Sdn Bhd was going through a few months ago. A new company under the name of Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd will run the operations of B-Mobile Communications effective 1st July 2014. This would mean the name of B-Mobile won’t be used anymore and it will be known as Progresif Cellular from 1st of July 2014.

A press conference was held yesterday, led by the chairman of Progresif Cellular, Hj Abu Bakar Hj Ibrahim. Also present during the press conference were the board of directors of Progresif Cellular, Mozart Hj Ibrahim and Hjh Rena Azlina binti Dato Paduka Hj Abdul Aziz.

I believe the great news about the press conference is the assurance that B-Mobile will not ceased its operation. Instead the service will be sustained and the everyday operations will be under a new management of Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd. Acquiring an existing telco company is never an easy feat as they have to deal with many issues and paperwork. So it’s no surprise that the acquisition process took many months before it can be a successful one.

Hj Abu Bakar highlighted three important points which are important as their core values in achieving their vision as the most innovative mobile service provider in Brunei Darussalam. The first point he stated is the “People” which means the customers and their employees. It’s important to understand the needs and wants of customers and at the same time, it is important to train and develop the associates of Progresif Cellular so they can meet the demands of the customers in the best and most efficient ways possible.

The second point he shared was improving the network. This is no surprise that the existing subscribers of B-Mobile are experiencing inconsistent connectivity. He reassured that this issue will be put on a priority list and they have put on many countless hours in examining the problems that have been affecting the current network. Hj Abu Bakar hinted that the improvements of the network will be done in a gradual pace (in phases) and not instantly. I believe this is a great move by Progresif Cellular as I’ve seen telcos which focused too much on new services and products but forgetting the fundamental basics which is sustaining a good network.

The third point Hj Abu Bakar pointed out is building their brand. To me, it’s always important to create and make an impact, just by branding because it has a lasting impact and impression on consumers and that’s every entrepreneurs’ dream – to have a strong brand. From what I heard from the chairman’s speech is that the Progresif Cellular is very customer oriented and it wants to position itself to bridge that connection with its customers. Though this will take time to achieve such synergy and branding awareness to their customers, this is already a positive move by the company.

When asked about the 4G services, the chairman’s reply was simple – improve the existing network before upgrading their services and products. I’m quite excited what Progresif Cellular will be offering in the coming months and this will give a good competitive edge to their rival and of course, the winner here will be the consumers.

I’m also touched and honoured that the media was able to mingle with the chairman and the board of directors of Progresif Cellular after the press conference and this shows the trust they have on us and it’s also a good reflection of their vision and mission to create that relationship with their customers. In Brunei, it’s quite rare that we have an informal conversation during refreshments with directors of an organization. So I thank you for that opportunity and I’m sensing better things to come from Progresif Cellular.

Members of the media invited for the special press conference

If you see the balloons, I believe that’s the corporate colours of Progresif Cellular

 

$0.20 only mini chicken wings

 

Present to officiate the opening were Chairman of Taiwan Business Association in Brunei Darussalam Lien Kon Sien, Executive Director of Planet Popcorn Ben Lee, Executive Director of Gecko Enterprise Alan Liew and Property Manager of Abdul Razak Holdings Muhammad Fadzillah

Planet Popcorn is the latest food trend to invade The Mall. Just as their name states, their selection of gourmet popcorn that will thrill your taste buds. The franchise from Taiwan was brought in by Gecko Enterprise opened it’s doors on Saturday and was a big hit with several customers queuing up to get their first taste.

With almost 50 stores in Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, China and Hong Kong, Planet Popcorn wins over their customers with a variety of flavours ranging from savoury to sweet, In their current line up, they have Original, which is slighty sweet and salty, Seaweed, Kimchi and Caramel, but that’s not all.. coming soon will be Double Cheese and Double Chocolate.

How does Planet Popcorn differ from others? According to Ben Lee, the Executive Director of the Planet Popcorn Franchise, that there are two kinds of popcorn, butterfly, which is the kind sold in cinemas and in the microwave packs, and mushroom, a premium kind. In addition, the popcorn is picked specially so that when popped each popcorn measures to about 1 cm. Add to that some delicious seasonings and flavours, and you have the perfect snack to enjoy while watching the world cup, while hanging out with friends, or any occasion. The popcorn is sold in two sizes, a vacuum sealed pack and buckets, with prices starting at $6.90 for a pack. And while visiting the store, you have the opportunity to taste test the different flavours

Check out their Facebook : Planet Popcorn Brunei and their Instagram @PlanetPopcornBrunei to keep apprised of the latest promotions and to know when their latest flavours are coming in.

They had a special promotion during the opening day

Fans of the Planet Popcorn queueing up

I believe they have four flavours to choose from

The ladies at your service at Planet Popcorn

 

Ak Fakharazzi Pg Hassan scored a brace in DPMM FC 4-1 win over Harimau Muda. Image courtesy of Alson Ong of S•League

DPMM FC extended their lead at the top of the Singapore League (S-League) to five points after triumphing 4-1 over 10-man Harimau Muda II (Malaysian national Under-21 football team) last Sunday. Brunei’s only professional team continue to lead the 12-team table and are now on 38 points from 18 games.

Ak Fakharazzi Pg Hassan, who was given his first start and only his second appearance for DPMM FC this season, notched a brace in the win at the Pasir Gudang Stadium in Johor, Malaysia. The midfielder gave the visitors the best of starts after finding the back of the net as early as the 10th minute.The lead was doubled after Rodrigo Tosi netted his 16th of the season from the penalty spot five minutes later.

Ak Fakhrazzi made it 3-0 just three minutes after the interval and Irish striker Roy O’Donovan made it nine straight goals for DPMM FC – dating back to their first meeting of the year – without reply against the Malaysian basement dwellers. Akhir Bahari scored a consolation goal for Harimau Muda in the 73rd minute and a red card for Nurshamil Abd Ghani four minutes later summed up the outing for the hosts. Tosi’s strike puts him at 16 goals for the season, his goal leaving him level with Albirex Niigata (S) FC’s Kazuki Sakamoto as the league’s joint top scorers.

DPMM FC will now shift their focus to the Singapore Cup where they will face Albirex in the quarter-finals on Sunday. Text by Yee Chun Leong of The Brunei Times.

Alviz in action against Harimau Muda. Image courtesy of Alson Ong of S•League

Rodrigo scored from a penalty. Image courtesy of Alson Ong of S•League

The table so far