Majid Ahmad topped Friday’s lead in the 1st Day of The Baiduri Masters 2012 event while former champion Seruji Hj Setia scored 4 strokes behind with a 76 while leader Majid Ahmad scored a 72. Suhaimi Ibrahim and Pg Adam socred a 73 each. A junior player Young Ren Wee hit a 79.

The standings will change every session of The Baiduri Masters 2012 but it’s safe to say that Majid Ahmad, Suhaimi and Pg Adam secured berth in the final round of golf tournament unless the next four days produced some miracle results from other players. Brunei’s top player Seruji Hj Setia might miss that cut depending on other results.

Majid Ahmad finished top spot in the 1st day of the Gross Leader Board. He is most likely to secure the cut off for the Green Jacket of The Baiduri Masters 2012.

Pg Adam finished Top 3 and his place in the final cut will depend on other players on the different sessions of The Baiduri Masters 2012

The helpers of The Baiduri Masters 2012 and making sure the tournament runs smoothly. A big appreciation towards them.

Gross Leader Board: Top 12 Players (Day 1)

1) Gross 72 – Majid Ahmad
2) Gross 73 – Suhaimi Ibrahim
3) Gross 73 – Pg Adam Pg Atan
4) Gross 76 – Lim Chai Hock
5) Gross 76 – Seruji Hj Setia
6) Gross 78 – Hj Momim Sawal
7) Gross 79 – Yunos Abdullah
8) Gross 79 – Young Ren Wee
9) Gross 80 – Suhaimei Besar
10) Gross 80 – Hj Yussop Daud
11) Gross 80 – Pg Hj Ali Hj Samsudin
12) Gross 80 – Lt Col Hj Abd Rahman

The tournament is held over this weekend and will continue over next weekend. A total of five prizes are up for grabs as hole-in-one prizes.

Besides the Porsche Boxster, BMW 520, and Mini Cooper, golfers also stand a chance to win two cash prizes of $20,000 each. In addition, there will be novelty prizes for nearest to pin at all Par 3 over the six-day event, as well as attractive charity draw prizes.

Proceeds from the Baiduri Masters will be channeled to a number of local charities and welfare bodies that provide help and support for individuals with special needs.

The public, which includes non-Baiduri customers, can still register to take part in any of the days still remaining, on a first-come first-served basis. They can also play more than once to increase their chances of winning.

The hole-in-one prizes for The Baiduri Masters 2012. No one has won it on the 1st day of The Baiduri Masters 2012.

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Simon Newn in action this afternoon for The Baiduri Masters 2012

QPR’s Barry Barton is banned for 12 games and fined 75,000 pounds by Football Association for two counts of violent conduct

John Cena lost to the People’s Power at Over the Limit Pay-Per-View after Big Show interrupted. The PPV was not bad. I quite enjoyed the Fatal-Four Way match.

Hmmm.. This ain’t good news for Chong Wei, World’s No.1 Badminton player. He was recently injured in the Thomas Cup and now his journey to the Olympics suffered a setback due to this injury.

Nurul recently participated in the netball tournament as she played for Ivy League. She flew in to Brunei last weekend just to compete in the tournament. Ivy League came 2nd in the competition.

Dwayne Wade and LeBron James guided Miami Heat to the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA. They edged Indiana Pacers 4-2 in the semi-finals of the Eastern Conference.

I played tennis once more after a year of hiatus. Terence Han thrashed me in the friendly match 6-0 6-0 yesterday *lol*

NN SPEED ran out winners in all four of their matches to seal the 7th Setia Motors Netball Championship Advanced Category title yesterday.

Meanwhile, in the Novice Category, Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah and her G-Force teammates lost out for a place in the semi-finals after falling 20-10 to eventual champions Strivers XOXO at the Multipurpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.

Strivers XOXO beat Institut Teknologi Brunei (ITB) 21-10 to clinch the Novice Category crown.

Ivy League led by Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah finished second behind NN Speed in the Advanced Category which was played in a single round-robin league format.

The netball tournament organised by Brunei Netball Association

The showdown between NN Speed and Ivy League where NN Speed won 17-14.

NN Speed (in red) had a tall defensive player from Sri Lanka

Speaking to The Brunei Times after receiving their trophy, NN Speed’s manager Kumalasari Hj Abd Latiff said that her players only had one thing on their minds when the competition started.

“Our team are made up of national players and our aim was always to win the tournament … Show Bruneians we can do it!,” declared the proud manager.

“We hope to compete in the 2012 Asian Championships in Sri Lanka in August so this tournament has helped us in our preparation,” added Kumalasari.

NN Speed’s (pic) only real test of the five-team competition came in their match against Ivy League, which they won 17-14.

Their other matches proved to be less of a challenge, beating Revival 27-9, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces’ Sports Council A (MS ABDB A) 25-14 and E-Gal Netters 40-10.

Ivy League won all of their other three games, prevailing 30-18 over both MS ABDB A and Revival and going past E-Gal Netters 33-12.

Revival claimed third after beating MS ABDB A 26-15 and E-Gal Netters 32-17. MS ABDB A’s only win came against E-Gal Netters, a 30-21 result which was enough for them to finish above their opponents who were the only team not to have won a match.

Kim Kyung-soo, the wife of South Korean Ambassador to Brunei, presented prizes to the winners. Text courtesy of Jason Thomas, The Brunei Times.

Red Bull Rookies Racing Team has added a new dimension this year. An all-male team will be introduced together with the 5th edition of the all-female team in the Battle of Sexes. The teams are to race at Sepang 1000km Race on 8th December. Initiated in 2008, it was an all female team until last year whereby they introduced a youth team led by Malaysian Mark Darwin with compatriots Siti Shakirah and Singaporean Amirah making up the rest of the Red Bull Under 21 Racing Team.

Ironically this year Mark was given the honour to lead the debutant all-male team this year due to his commitment, leadership quality and never say die attitude that he has portrayed during his last outing during Sepang 1000km Race at Sepang Internaional Circuit. Melissa Huang of Singapore has earned the armband to lead the female team. An audition was held at a local shopping mall from 18th till 20th May to search the 3 male and female icons respectively to represent Brunei Darussalam to partake in the first elimination round in KL together with 50 plus candidates from Malaysia and Singapore.

The Top 3 ladies last weekend. Image courtesy of Hanisham.

The Top 3 men last weekend. Image courtesy of Hanisham.

A total of 102 hopefuls from both sexes came for the multi-tier audition process including interview, eye test and reaction test. “The response was very encouraging”, said Wong Chin Toon, the event manager, when asked about the attendance. “This year we received many responses from the male hopefuls, as racing is still predominantly a male sport”, continued Wong. “As Brunei Darussalam is not guaranteed a spot in the teams like previous years as the elimination round will be an open affair. Despite the stiff competition, I am hopeful and reasonable confident that at least one of the 7 selected (including one candidate who earned his wildcard through Facebook) will be make it to the team”. Liana and Mel (2010) and Ogy (2011) from the previous Rookies teams have proven that Bruneians can always deliver when under pressure.

The candidates are required to qualify through a few elimination rounds with trainings provided at the same time. The finalists will slog out for the ultimate seat in the racing team during the Red Bull Rookies Track Day on 10th July at Sepang International Circuit. The names will be revealed for both teams on that day. All drivers are under the age of 25 years old. Red Bull Rookies Racing teams are fully sponsored and organized by Allswell Trading Pte Ltd and managed by GreenCity Concept Sdn Bhd locally. Kingston Beverage and Creamery Sdn Bhd is the local distributed of Red Bull drinks and Sunsnack.

Group photo with the winners and the representatives from Kingston Beverage and Creamery

Johnny Liew (center) with Evelyn Liew with the VIPs launching the opening of Pizza Hut Airport Mall

This is the 11th store of Pizza Hut and it features a new dining experience compared to the other Pizza Hut outlets in Brunei. The new branch is at The Airport Mall and the place was already packed right after its official launch yesterday.

The interior reminds of my dining experience at KL and Singapore at Pizza Hut outlets. They even have extended new menus that are only available at the Airport Mall branch.

Present during the launch were Ambassador of the Philippines to Brunei Nestor Z Ochoa and Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy Alex Barraso and Director of Pizza Hut (Olive Tree Corporation) Ahmad Tarmizi Dato Paduka Hj Yussof, Chairman of Pizza Hut (Olive Tree Corporation) Johnny Liew and CEO of Pizza Hut (Olive Tree Corporation) Evelyn Liew.

Perhaps one of the cool gimmick at the Airport Mall branch is the unlimited Salad Bar is definitely value for money and this is only valid if you order a regular/large pizza or pasta.

Some of the new dishes they have on the menu are Melted Mozzarella and Provolone Cheese, Rogatoni Pasta and Portobello’s Mushrooms.

The new look of Pizza Hut and it definitely looks more refreshing

One of the first diners after the launch of the new outlet

Are you craving for Pizza or Pasta?

It has an artistic feel too

You can enjoy unlimited servings of the Salad Bar if you order a regular/large pizza or pasta, only at the Pizza Hut Airport Mall outlet

You can relax here while waiting to be seated or waiting for your take away order

One of the new dishes at Pizza Hut Airport Mall

Oh hello…..

Guess what? Royal Brunei Airlines will be having its first roadshow in the UK and their main intention is to further have more exposure in the UK market. The 3 day roadshow will take place at Westfield, Sheperd Bush from 25th May to 27th May 2012 and the theme of the roadshow is “Dream a Little Dream”.

During the roadshow, they will invite a presenter who is a renowned explorer, Benedict Allen and there will also be Capital FM Street Stars and also some cultural performances from the Brunei cultural dancers. Visitors can enjoy special packages and holiday fares. Apart from that there will be activities such as Face Painting, “Spot the Cabin Crew” and video questionnaire.

You can also win prizes such as air tickets, Royal Skies Air Miles and RBA merchandise. This is a great opportunity for the students in the UK who can benefit from the RBA roadshow. Do spread the news among your friends in the UK and make Westfield a place to visit on the wekeend 😀

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This is to highlight that the petrol stations will be closed as early as 6pm this Wednesday 23rd May. For any enquiries, call 8722 985 or 7178 807

Sairol and Nabilah sending off Rodrigo Gral (center) at the Brunei International Airport. Image courtesy of Sairol.

The Brazilian star has been released by DPMM FC due to his knee ligament injury that forced him out of the season for the S.League. He was a slow starter for DPMM FC and he was finding time to adjust his game play.

He did manage to get on the score sheet and now Adi Said has a new burden in filling the shoes of Rodrigo Gral in attack and at the same time, DPMM FC are having trials on several import players. Rodrigo recently left Brunei and we all wish you the best and thank you for the contribution for DPMM FC’s recent success in the league.

Rodrigo arguing with the referee. Image courtesy of S.League Facebook page

Perhaps the best shot of Rodrigo in DPMM FC colours. Image courtesy of S.League Facebook page

T.C.Y. Motors Sdn Bhd the local Audi dealer/importer is set to introduce the refreshed Audi A5 Sportback 5-door coupé at its new Kiarong showroom.

Another addition into the A5 family which saw the introduction of the new A5 Coupé last month, the Sportback version will give coupé fans an alternative in this exciting segment. With the practicality of a 5-door sedan yet maintaining the sleek designs of a coupé, the new A5 Sportback defines a class of its own.

The 2011 Auto Trophy winner in the “mid-size” category voted by nearly 100,000 readers of “Auto Zeitung” motoring magazine will be offered for Brunei with an entry-level engine 1.8 TFSI which produces 125 kW (170hp) output, it will also be ‘spec-ed’ with Audi Drive Select, B&O Sound System and sporty 18” alloy wheels.

The new Audi showroom in Kiarong which will start operations soon marks a culmination of the dealership’s 10-years continuous effort as the brand’s sole importer.

For further details on the new A5 Sportback 1.8 TFSI call 2390725 during office hours.

Audi A5 Sportback

Yes, do visit their new showroom at Kiarong

Try out the Crown Delight Meal or Crown Fiesta Meal

Managing Director of GHK, Pehin Dato Goh King Chin (2nd from left) and Director of ASEAN Regional Distribution Operation, Thailand, Akshay Jaising (3rd from left) posing on the latest Chevrolet Spark

THE Chevrolet Spark was officially introduced to the local market recently at its official launching ceremony held at DAHA Chevrolet Showroom, Sumbangsih Bahagia.

Present to officiate the launching was the Managing Director of GHK Group of Companies, Pehin Dato Goh King Chin, as well as the Director of ASEAN Regional Distribution Operation, Thailand, Akshay Jaising and Manager of Regional Distribution Operation, GMODC, Singapore, Sam Ong. Welcoming members of the public to the showroom was John Too, GHK Motors general manager.

In his opening speech, the general manager stated that the Spark is General Motors’ latest entry into the compact vehicle market.

“It is powered by a 1000cc 4 cylinder engine, and though it is a small engine, it makes up by giving big savings in fuel consumption,” he said. He further stated that the Spark is able to travel 100km with just 4.8 litres of fuel.

“In dollars and cents,that means a driver can make a round trip from Bandar Seri Begawan to Kuala Belait for less than $5.”

The engine combines competitive performance with sophisticated technologies such as dual continuous variable cam phasing, electronically controlled thermostat and low friction engine oil to give customers an engine that is low maintenance, with reduced emissions and outstanding fuel economy.

“There are eight different exciting colours to choose from,” he continued, as he pointed at the various units of the Spark spread across the showroom.

Other features of the Spark highlighted during the launch is its touch-screen multimedia player interface, complete with DVD player and Bluetooth functionality.

On the outside, the Spark has an innovative design designers of the vehicle have cleverly disguised the rear doors of the Spark by integrating the handles into the c-pillar area. This in turn gives Spark a sporty appearance without sacrificing four door comfort and utility. It also has an integrated spoiler over the rear hatch door which enhances its dynamic appearance, while also improving the car’s aerodynamics for fuel efficiency.

Getting ready for the Chevrolet Spark launch

Managing Director of GHK, Pehin Dato Goh King Chin (right) and Director of ASEAN Regional Distribution Operation, Thailand, Akshay Jaising (left) unveiling the Chevrolet Spark

Pehin Goh trying out the Chevrolet Spark

One of the most important features of a vehicle is its safety. The Spark was designed with high levels of passive safety inbuilt from the outset, enough to earn it a creditable four-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.

Close to 60 per cent of the car’s structure consists of advanced steels, with varying levels of stiffness and built in crush zones to absorb crash impacts. The front engine bay rails and subframe are designed to absorb energy with the highest loads possible as they collapse, while a transition zone around the base of the A-pillars and front bulkhead effectively distributes crash energy around rather than into the passenger compartment.

All Spark seatbelts are fitted with pre-tensioners; in the back there are three, three-point belts and standard ISOFIX child-seat fixings on the outer two seats.

The four-speed auto transmission and five-speed manual transmission models of the Spark are now available at DAHA Auto Sdn Bhd, Chevrolet Showroom in Beribi.

Members of the public are welcome to visit the showroom to take a closer look at the all-new Chevrolet Spark. Text by Adib Noor, The Brunei Times.

There are a few colours that you can choose from

The launch took place last Friday

This was the latest promotion posted outside a DVD store last night. Prices of DVD was as low as $1.

This is the usual pattern that we normally come across this incident where DVS shop retailers will be on the alert if any raids would be carried out. This time the Municipal Board is taking stern action against DVD retailers should they fail to comply with the regulations.

I remember how they would shut their business down temporarily before opening up again and the authorities won’t take any action and business goes as usual. I have to admit that I’m a sucker to pirated stuff when it comes to TV series and Korean movies. It’s either we watch TV series using streamline or download the epiosodes or what for the 4-episode compilation of the series at DVD store. It came to a point where consumers are not at fault because the laws are only focusing on retailers, not consumer ends.

Few weeks ago, the retailers were given a time frame before the authorities can take stern action. Hence you will notice how cheap the DVDs have become though the downside is that they hardly bring in new movie titles. TV series that used to cost as high as $4 per disc, now selling at $1.

Today was interesting as I saw a few familiar DVD outlets closed for business but without any notice on their roller shutters. This could be a temporary thing. We shall see.

The popular stores weren’t open for business today

Another popular gaming DVD store was closed

Ok, this popular retailer is still open for business

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There is still time to register for the biggest golfing charity event in Brunei – Baiduri Masters Charity Golf Tournament. As usual, it will be held for two weekends – May 25th to 27th and June 1st to 3rd – and it will be held at RBA Golf Club. This charity event has already drawn many support from the local community and this year won’t be any different.

All participants have a chance to win either a Porsche Boxster, a BMW 520 and a Mini Cooper, altogether worth around 300.000 as the hole in one prizes for the upcoming Baiduri Masters Charity Golf Tournament.

Besides the luxury cars, this year’s participants will also stand a chance to win two cash prizes of 20,000 each with other attractive tournament prizes.

The registration fee for the Baiduri Masters 2012 will be $120 for adults and $60 for juniors. The registration fee is inclusive of green fee, buggy buffet breakfast and lunch.

Participating golfers can play more than one game to improve their chances of winning. For the second and subsequent game, adult player will enjoy a 10 percent discount on the registration fee. The best score of any round played will be taken.

Registration deadline for the first weekend’s tournament is May 23 while for the second weekend’s tournament is May 30. The tournament’s registration details and schedule can be obtained at RBA Golf Club, Berakas. The public can also log onto www.baiduri.com for full details where they can also download the registration form.

The signing ceremony between Baiduri Bank and their event partners, QAF Group, Brunei Press Sdn Bhd and RBA Gofl Club

One of the cars that can be won through a hole-in-one

Defending champion Miguel Eleazer Ochoa will be back to defend his title and he will be flying from the Philippines. He scored a gross of 71 last year.

Last Friday, the Baiduri Bank Group is organising a career day roadshow, which will be held at the VIP Room, Level 4, the Rizqun International Hotel.

“We at Baiduri Bank Group are on the lookout for locals who share the same vision and goals as us; Bruneians who are looking for dynamic opportunities to develop and have a rewarding career,” said Veronica Chong, senior manager of the Human Resources and Finance Division.

“We want to show that Baiduri Bank is a first-class bank with an invigorating atmosphere in which to work,” she added.

The roadshow showcased the many activities that Baiduri Bank Group is involved in, including staff development, social and sports activities, as well as corporate social responsibility initiatives.

The roadshow aimed to increase awareness of the various functions in the banking services industry and to attract and identify potential candidates. Staff from different departments were present to discuss career opportunities and answer any questions. Images courtesy of Baiduri Bank.

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Due to the overwhelming number of participants and concerns for overall safety, the organiser of the HSBC Walk Run Cycle (WRC) has announced that the 40km cycling route has been reduced to 30km. Aside from that, all other categories, 11.5km, 6km and 2km route will remain unchanged.

To mitigate the shortage of parking spaces around Bandar, HSBC will be providing free shuttle bus services to Taman Hj Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) from Stadium Negara Hassanal Bolkiah. The shuttle bus services will be made available starting from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. Return trips back to the car park at Stadium Negara Hassanal Bolkiah will be available after 10.00pm.

For safety reassurance of all WRC participants on the event day, road closures will begin at 6.00pm along: Jalan Sultan, Jalan Elizabeth Dua, Jalan Pemancha, and Jalan Pretty. Partial road closures will also be anticipated along the allocated routes of the Walk-Run-Cycle starting from 8.30pm to 10.30pm.

Participants are reminded to wear their bib or have them handy. To prevent overcrowding condition, the organiser may deny entry into the Taman if bibs are not sighted. And to ensure a smooth flow of the event, participants are encouraged to proceed to the respective zones according to their participating category upon entry into the Taman.

The charity event, which is held for the first time in the evening, will kick start at 8.00pm and flag off will be at 8.30pm sharp at the Taman Hj Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) on Saturday, 19 May 2012.

This could be a challenge for those who didn’t bring their bibs to the event. No bibs, no entry to the field due to security reasons.

So this is very important that needed to be addressed should you are a participant but you didn’t bring your bib.. Hence, the organiser has no choice but not allow the participant to enter the Taman field. There will be a designated area for those participants (refer to map) and the field will only open to public right after the all the participants with bibs have cleared the field which is roughly around 9pm tonight.

So I do hope the public can cooperate on this matter and having 1/35 of Brunei’s population in one area could be very tricky situation to handle. This reminds me of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy crowd where 1/30 of the population was at the National Stadium. Tonight will be another humongous crowd and let’s hope for the best..

I will be joining the 11.5 km run and I’m quite anxious as I can’t wait to jog *lol*

This is my route tonight. Wish me luck!!

Fish & Co. Brunei Darussalam will make its debut to public today, Saturday 19th May 2012 from 11.00 am at Unit 18 & 19, Ground Floor, Citis Square in Bandar Seri Begawan. Last night was held the soft opening by YM Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mohd Roselan bin Haji Mohd Daud, Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office. Also present was RBC Board of Directors, RBC management and other invited guests. It will be operated by Rizq Barakah Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of Royal Brunei Catering Sdn. Bhd. The opening of the franchise chain outlet is one of the RBC continuing transformation developments on the group’s specialty restaurants. RBC is also planning to bring more international lifestyle restaurant to Brunei Darussalam in the future.

Brunei Darussalam will be the 6th nation to have Fish & Co. chained restaurant after Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and the Middle East. Aimed to satisfy seafood lovers, Fish & Co. Brunei will strive to provide good-value seafood coupled with excellent service and outstanding quality. A casual dining chained restaurant serves up dishes enticing the young and old. The interior décor is designed with the feel of casual, relaxed and inviting, decked out in elements which portray a distinct nautical theme, Fish & Co. seeks to create an environment where customers can feel at ease and enjoy a good meal with family and friends.

Guest of honour Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mohd Roselan graced the launch of Fish & Co. last night

The launching of Fish & Co. Brunei *yeeehaaa*

Today Fish & Co. is open to the public

It’s quite a spacious environment at Fish & Co

All staff at Fish & Co. are friendly, efficient and always ready to help. This makes every experience an enjoyable and memorable one.Start your ‘fishing’ experience on the awesome Fish Bites (appetizers) like the Sneak Preview, Crispy White Bait and Grilled Calamari. Fish & Co. is also offering diners to have a preview of their best selling dishes by scaling it down to smaller portion which is priced from B$5.95. Get hooked on their mouthwatering main dishes like the award winning Mussels in Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce, Crispy Whole Line Fish, Baked Salmon with Citrus Crust and Brunei’s very own Fish & Chips. For those who like to share with friends and family, huge platters such as Feathers & Fins, Seafood Feast and Seafood Platter for 2 are very much recommended.

For those who are not into seafood, fret not, the Prime Fare Selection is just for you. Succulent Lamb Chop with Jus and Mango Salsa, Teriyaki Rib Eye Steak and Mediterranean Chicken will satisfy your appetite. Not forgetting the adventurous type, Tiger Prawns & Cod, Grilled Chicken with Mussels and Sirloin Steak with King Prawns, the combo meal is perfect for you. At Fish & Co., we vary on how we prepare the dishes, be it fry, bake, grill or even poach.

To end your dining experience, try Fish & Co. selections of cake such as Chocolate Layer Mousse, Key Lime and Chocolate Pecan Cluster. Quench your thirst with their signature drinks such as Kola Tonic, Passion Fruit, Lychee Mojito and many more. Get ready to fall in love with the casual and fuss-free eating experience and personalized service as well as the great value seafood.

To hook a table or two, please ring us at 2392 555/666. Visit us at fish-co.com or drop a line at fishncobrunei@gmail.com. Business hours are from 11.00am to 11.00pm, Monday to Sunday.

During the press conference with Lesley Woon Wenfei, Restaurant Manager, Hj Omar Ali, General Manager of Royal Brunei Catering and Chef Kathy, Head Chef of Fish & Co. As you can see, they have a young, dynamic team at Fish & Co. Brunei

Stanley of RBC, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hisham bin Haji Mohd Hanifah, Permanent Secretary (Fiscal), Ministry of Finance and Victor Lai, owner of Citis Square

The team behind Fish & Co. who worked tremendously hard for the past 5 weeks. Keep it up, guys!!

Awesome seafood platter and the quality is pretty good too. I’m a regular diner at Fish & Co whenever I visit Singapore 😀

Behind the scene at Fish & Co.

Women keen on harnessing the power of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) must be prepared to learn new skills and embrace opportunities to use the new technology for education and lifelong learning.

In her sabda at the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2012 yesterday, Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri PengiranAnak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah urged women in the ICT industry to continually seek ways to improve themselves in their careers.

“I would therefore encourage our women to capitalise on the opportunities….both in public as well as in private, to develop and upgrade their knowledge and expertise in ICT,” she said.

“It is only in this manner that they (women) will be able to pursue meaningful careers in the ICT industry,” said HRH.

“Alhamdulillah, under the wise and able leadership of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, through various initiatives undertaken by governmental agencies, there have always been equal opportunities for women’s empowerment and participation in all forms of activities,” added Her Royal Highness. To read more, click here. Courtesy of Leo Kassim of The Brunei Times.

Yesterday marked the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) and is being celebrated annually by many countries across the world to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention, and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) of the United Nations agency.

Brunei Darussalam observed WTISD at the Empire Hotel & Country Club, in an event organised by the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) in collaboration with Telekom Brunei Berhad (TelBru), DST and B-Mobile Communications Sdn Bhd.

Gracing the event as the guest of honour was Her Royal Higness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman.

On arrival, Her Royal Highness was greeted by the Minister of Communications, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar; Dato Paduka Haji Awang Alaihuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Di Gadong Seri Lela Dato Seri Utama Haji Awang Mohamad Taha, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Chairman of AITI; and Haji Yahkup Haji Menudin, Chief Executive of AITI.

The event also saw a panel discussion by prominent ICT women from both the government and private sectors who shared several challenges and opportunities for women’s involvement and participation in the ICT-related activities as well as career prospects in ICT for women. The speakers in the panel discussion were Dr Sophiana Chua Abdullah, Researcher at CSPS; Mariah Taha, Senior Special Duties Officer and CIO at the Prime Minister’s Office; and Azizah Ali, Country Manager of Microsoft Sdn Bhd. The discussion was moderated by Haslina Taib, CEO of BAG Networks.

Click image to enlarge image

A local women entrepreneur, Hajah Noraini Haji Jamudin of Taste on Tray, then shared her experience on how ICT has helped her to successfully start, manage and run a home business in the bakery industry.

Her Royal Highness has later consented to present a mock certificate of ICT training Programme participation to the two women’s leading associations in the country, namely the Council of Women of Brunei Darussalam and Women Business Council of Brunei Darussalam. Two training providers, HAD Technologies and Tech One Global Pte Ltd, will be conducting the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) and website training courses respectively to about 70 women participants from both associations.

Her Royal Highness also consented to receive a pesambah from the organising committee.

This year’s WTISD theme: “Women and girls in ICT” has been chosen by the ITU with aims to ensure that this vulnerable female half of the world’s population will march forward as equals. The theme also supports and promotes the ITU’s designated “Girls in ICT Day” which is celebrated every fourth Thursday of April.

AITI has lined up a number of activities to mark the WTISD celebration, amongst others include essay writing competition and radio quizzes.

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Finally the Spark will be unveiled tomorrow in Brunei and we had a special preview of the car before the launch. Thanks to Tony Chua, Sales Manager of Daha Auto Sdn Bhd, the local press had a sneak peek of the Spark which will be unveiled tomorrow at Chevrolet’s showroom at Sumbangsih.

You may recall that the Spark model was featured in Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen. I won’t spare much details just yet but all I can say that Spark has already won numerous awards such as the “Best Value Car of the Year” awarded by BS Motoring, “Best Supermini 2011” awarded by Wheels Magazine, UAE and “Top Performing Passenger Vehicle 2011” by Synovate Product Quality.

Stay tune for more updates soon.

TigerLim wanted to take the guys for a quick ride

Kenny Dagllish (right) parted ways with Liverpool. This picture was taken back last July during Liverpool Asia Tour in KL. Kenny was interviewed by the press then and he believed Liverpool would finished at least fourth.

I knew this will happen one day. King Kenny flew to the States to meet with the owners of Liverpool and his role was already in jeopardy as Liverpool finished a mediocre 8th in the Premier League. Even their bitter rivals Everton finished above them.

I believe it was the right decision that Kenny was to be replaced. After spending USD 100 million, you would expect Liverpool to challenge for the top four spot. Instead the players failed to deliver and their performance justified the results.

I would expect a major clear out of players too should Liverpool begin in rebuilding the squad. Henderson, Downing and Carroll have been disappointing though Carroll showed improvement in the final third of the season. Who will replace King Kenny is the big question now… We will just wait and see…

Kenny Daglish in the group photo with Liverpool representatives and Gavin Laws (3rd from right) Group Head of Standard Charted Bank

I managed to take a picture with Gavin Laws but not too sure if he still holds the position. Taken also during the Liverpool Asia Tour.

Liverpool match against Malaysia XI

This was hilarious. I didn’t know what Shell Stars meant when I received the invitation. Until I came to the event yesterday, I was pretty blown away by the competition orgnaised by Brunei Shell Marketing Sdn Bhd (BSM) and this is an annual event called Shell Stars. The event was held at Manggis Mall.

So basically the petrol attendants (the frontline staff) are to selected to participate in Shell Stars and each of them are representatives from various petrol stations in Brunei. These exercises are good in a way to improve the customer service at petrol stations and this also boost confidence in handling difficult situations especially relating to Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE).

The top 5 team will be attending the Shell Retail Academy in KL, Malaysia, in which they will undergo site visits and selected training programs to enhance their knowledge and gain experience.

One of the BSM representatives re-enacting a scenario using a mobile phone at a petrol station while the participant (petrol attendant) tried his best to handle the situation during the Shell Stars Qualifying 2012

I’m pretty sure the videos are worth watching over and over again. I was laughing my head off on some of the scenes.

The participant trying to tell the lady why the car must turn off the engine

The Managing Director of BSM, Hj Mohd Sufri Hj Sulaiman (left) was present to watch the competition

The judges who gave their feedbacks on each of the participants

Haha I thought this was a funny scene

One of the participants from TAIB Petrol Station (right) was given some feedback

I thought this guy (left) handled the situation well