Are you catching Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice? I just got my tickets at The Mall Cineplex. It’s gonna be epic 😀

 

Katie Alice. Kitchen Kraft. Ginger. And many more.. These are the popular brands from the UK for plates, cups and cutlery and not forgetting the utensils you used behind the scenes in the kitchen. Normally we have the normal standard ones that we see at our local departmental stores. Now we have a dedicated cutlery and kitchen utensil physical store called “The Potters”.

It’s opening tomorrow officially to the public and it’s located at Unit 8, Setia Kenangan 2, Kiulap (opposite Pepper Lunch) and it’s open from 10am to 9pm and you can also follow their IG @thepotters_bn or contact them at 242 4000.

If you are interested in making sambal, this is convenient 😀

 

Yang Berhormat Dato Paduka Awang Haji Bahrin bin Abdullah, the Minister of Development and Chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines (5th from left) with board of directors of Royal Brunei, representatives from Darussalam Assets and Department of Civil Aviation during the launch of Operations Control Centre at Brunei International Airport last week

Outgoing Deputy Chairman of Royal Brunei Dermot Mannion in his welcoming remarks. This was also his final working visit in Royal Brunei Airlines.

Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) officially launched its Operations Control Centre (OCC) at Brunei International Airport last week.

On hand to officiate the launch as the guest of honour was YB Dato Paduka Awang Haji Bahrin bin Abdullah, the Minister of Development and Chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines.

As RB explained, at the Operations Control Centre the Corporate Business Unit and Operational Department handle the task of managing and coordinating execution of daily schedules as planned, while the OCC also houses the processes and personnel responsible for managing real-time operational decisions.

Its roles and responsibilities include proactively managing the impact of unplanned changes to schedules, providing quality service to the maximum number of passengers and directing the most cost-effective plan to return to published schedules.

Speaking at the event, Captain Saiful Bahrin Awang Bahar, Chief Pilot at RB Flight Operations called the launching “an important milestone”.

“As we are all aware, airline schedules typically do not operate as planned,” he said. “Hence, it is in every airline’s best interests to ensure that there is a proper management process in place to manage and coordinate the execution of daily schedules.”

Captain Saiful Bahrin Awang Bahar, Chief Pilot at RB Flight Operations delivering his remarks

Ribbon cutting to officiate the opening of the Operations Control Centre (OCC)

Viewing the OCC

This room is vital for monitoring flights. I’ve been one at Seattle and it’s huge.

Group photo at the OCC

Dermot greeting the pilots at OCC area

“OCC plays this important role for the day-to-day operations of all scheduled flights departing in and out of the Brunei International Airport.”

The newly structured OCC will see the integration of all the different but relevant departments involved, ranging from Ramp Handling, Reservations, MCC and Engineering Line Maintenance, in the same physical location, which they previously were not, Captain Saiful explained.

“In doing so, this will enable a more cohesive and coordinated workflow, as well as a faster and more informative decision-making process to help ensure the smooth operations of all scheduled flights.”

He added that, as and when required, the OCC can also function as a mini crisis centre able to handle disruptions far more effectively with all the affected departments in close proximity.

Speaking to reporters after the launch, RB’s new Chief Executive Officer, Karam Chand said, “The idea here is to get everybody into the same room and take advantage of all the technologies that are available.”

“I think by having people of all the key disciplines represented in the room, it helps in terms of decision-making. You can get to make a decision quicker, you can consider different scenarios. This is a live environment, you are doing your very best to have your aircraft flying as quick as possible. So by having all the disciplines, it really helps.”

“It’s really to make sure that we are looking after our customers,” he explained. “For example, in an operational environment, you would not normally see a commercial person, so now we are going to put a commercial person in this room as well. We’re always thinking about our customers ahead of everything.”

The outgoing Deputy Chairman and CEO of Royal Brunei Airlines, Dermot Mannion also spoke at the event, saying, “This is a state-of-the-art facility. Any airline in the world would be very proud to have the facility that we’ve now got, and as Karam says, in one area now, we have all of our key operations people present, which means they can monitor all of our activity across the network and do so very effectively.”

“It’s operating 24/7, so there could be 20 people operating in that area at any one time. In addition to the permanent staff in there, we have all the crews visit the area when they’re preparing for flights, so it’s a very active area all through the day and all through the night,” he added.

Also in attendance to witness the opening of the OCC were the RB Board of Directors and Darussalam Asset representatives as well as RB senior management and staff. Text by Danial Norjidi of Borneo Bulletin.

The photo of Captain Sharifah Czarena, Senior First Officer Dayangku Nadiah binti Pengiran Khashiem and Senior First Officer Sariana binti Nordin that spread around the world. Image courtesy of Royal Brunei Airlines’ Facebook Page.

There are so many things that I wanna talk about this picture. It went so viral that even big names such as Mashable and the newspapers in the UK were talking about it. The sharing of the image on Facebook reached into the millions of viewers with thousands of shares. It’s just phenomenal reach especially for a small country like Brunei.

The image of the three female pilots was taken during their flight from Brunei Darussalam to Jeddah during the 23rd February, the National Day. It was stated by former Deputy Chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines, Dermot Mannion, that it was coincidental that the roster featured three female pilots then.

Dermot was very proud that the RB brand has become viral even after weeks of posting. This is also a testament that there is an increasing number of female associates in the company namely engineering and also in the management team.

The incoming CEO of RB Karam Chand hopes the number of female representatives in the RB’s work force will improve to 50-50 especially in the management section. Currently it stands in the region of 40% of female employment.

Keep up the good job, RB! I’ve always been proud being a passenger of Royal Brunei.

 

The dance performance in closing the Japanese Language and Culture Week

Ms Bella won first place and the prize was presented by Ms Yuki IIDA from the Embassy of Japan in Brunei Darussalam

Times Square Shopping Centre ended its Japanese Language and Culture Week last Sunday, 20th March 2016. The event was held on 18th March, Friday until 20th March, Sunday at 10:00am till 10:00pm. The event was organized by Embassy of Japan in Brunei Darussalam, Times Square Shopping Centre and Japan Foundation. The co-organizers include Brunei Association of Japan Alumni (BAJA), Community Education & training Division (CET), BERSATU/SEAYP and supported by Japan Brunei Friendship Association (JBFA), The Japanese Association Brunei Darussalam, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), The Japan Council of Local Authorities Relations (CLAIR), BJFA-UBD chapters, Language Centre, University Brunei Darussalam, Youth & Sport Department in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Brunei Kendo Alliance, Tsuburaya Production Co Ltd, Human Capacity Building Consultancy Services (HCBC) and One Universal Production Sdn Bhd (OUP).

Throughout the event there was a Manga workshop by a Manga artist from Japan, Ms Manaru Tenkawa, as well as a Calligraphy competition. The closing ceremony that was held yesterday started with the appearance of the heroes from Japan, Ultraman. The prize presentation then followed and was presented by Ms Yuki IIDA from the Embassy of Japan in Brunei Darussalam. For the Manga competition, the third place went to Khairul Anwar bin Abdul Aziz, whereas Justine Lim came second. Ms Bella won first place, walking home with two tickets to the Ultraman show. All the winners were also presented with manga related prizes sponsored by Ms Tenkawa.

The top 3 winners for Calligraphy competition were Redzwan Haji Nasir who came as first place, bringing home a CANON digital camera, whereas Lim Nyuk Lan came second, walking home with a G-Shock watch Afwan Jali won third place, bringing home $100 Kaizen food voucher. The event ended with a dance performance of “Soranbushi” by UBD, JENESYS and SSEAYP.

Moreover, Times Square Shopping Centre will be having a DC-themed Mini Carnival: 9th edition on 23rd March to 29th March 2016, followed with a Wedding Fair on 7th April to 10th April 2016. For further information, please call 2338208 or 2338006 during office hours. Press release by Times Square Shopping Centre.

One of the winners of the Calligraphy competition last weekend

 

Wu Chun as the ambassador for BMW China

Very few people in the world had the chance to be a brand ambassador for world-class brands such as Coca-Cola, Levis, Guerlain, Canon, Osim, Mido Swiss watch, Disneyland, Gatsby, Seven-Eleven and few others. BMW China has recently chosen Brunei’s second biggest export after oil and gas, Wu Chun, our very own international superstar as their spokesperson, who is also a brand ambassador for Royal Brunei Airlines.

A new car for the modern family— the first-ever BMW 2 Series Tourer was officially launched in the China market. Its also the first time BMW China has appointed a celebrity as their brand ambassador and they have chosen Wu Chun mainly because of his signature cool-trendy, inspiring and healthy family man image in the eyes of the public which BMW needed for this new target market.

In the BMW Group centenary year, the launch of the fourth localized BMW product – BMW 2 Series Tourer is another important milestone, a marker of BMW Brilliance’s localization process and commitment in China. This new car addresses a new customer group, strengthening the leading position of BMW brand in the premium car market, taking on a full vitality for “The Next 100 Years.”

Anton Heiss, president and CEO of BMW Brilliance remarked, “The first-ever BMW 2 Series Tourer marks a significant milestone of BMW Group’s commitment to China. This car precisely captured the new consumer trend in China.”

Wu Chun who recently did a TV commercial shooting for BMW just right after he wraps up his first Hollywood movie in Australia shared,” During my TVC shooting, I have the chance to drive the first-ever BMW 2 Series Tourer and this car comes with an innovative concept, combining BMW’s signature driving pleasure and versatility, and how customer-oriented BMW is.”

The award-winning BMW 2 Series (iF Design Award 2015), stands out as the most dynamic tourer car in the class. The extreme dynamic bodylines add a cool and sporty harmony, illustrating the signature look of a BMW car.

Jochen Goller, Dr. Anton Heiss, President and CEO of BMW China, Wu Chun and Olaf Kastner

Dr. Michael Liu, Kun Ling, Wu Chun, Dr. Anton Heiss and Jochen Goller

 

Download SnapFeed app on your smartphones and check out the latest deals in Brunei and also get rewarded from respective merchants such as BurgerKing, KFC and Sushi Tei to name a few and also check out the new movie listings as well.

 

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam (3rd R) speaking with Captain Sharifah Czarena Surainy Syed Hashim (L), as former Deputy Chairman of Royal Brunei Dermot Mannion (2nd L) and Deputy Chief Operating Officer Captain Khalidkhan Hj Asmakhan (2nd R) look. It was His Majesty’s visit to the newly refurbished Brunei International Airport last year. Image courtesy of Zaim Kasmat of The Brunei Times.

Mr. Dermot Mannion have served in Royal Brunei Airlines for 5 years and he has definitely shifted the play field of Royal Brunei Airlines through restructuring and rebranding. It’s sad to know that he won’t be continuing his journey in Royal Brunei Airlines. Image courtesy of breakingnewstravel.com

After five years of service as Deputy Chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines (RB), Mr. Dermot Mannion has announced he will shortly depart from Brunei, on completion of his term of office. The Board of RB has expressed gratitude to Mr. Mannion for his service and in particular, has commended the successful completion of the restructuring and rebranding of RB in recent years.

Mr. Mannion will now be succeeded in the capacity of CEO by Mr. Karam Chand who was previously Chief Commercial and Planning Officer at RB. Mr. Chand holds an MSc in Air Transport Management from Cranfield University and has over twenty years’ experience at various flag carrier airlines and Virgin Australia.

Stated Mr. Mannion: ‘I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Board and to our staff for their loyalty and support during my tenure at RB. I would also like to congratulate Karam on his appointment and I extend my sincere best wishes to him and to RB for the future.’

Mr Chand stated “I am honoured and humbled by the appointment and for the trust and faith the Board has placed in me. We have tremendous opportunities ahead of us and with the strong legacy left by Dermot we are in a good position to fly the flag higher. I am grateful to Dermot for his support and guidance over the last three and half years. We wish him well in whatever he chooses as his next challenge”. Text courtesy of Royal Brunei Airlines.

Dermot with the winners of the talent competition for the in-house employees of RB last December. A very much loved leader in the company.

Dermot congratulating Sabre (formerly known as Abacus) for their 25 years in service last September. He even sang a number for the audience.

Dermot with the chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines, YB Dato Paduka Hj Bahrin bin Abdullah, during the signing agreement for the new Airbus A320neo aircraft. The signing took place in May 2014.

What I feel: It’s truly sad to know that a capable leader such as Mr. Dermot is leaving Brunei and our national air carrier Royal Brunei Airlines. So far he is the longest service leader compared to the past few CEOs of Royal Brunei Airlines. I have had a few dialogues with him and I am amazed by his humble character. I’m pretty sure that the senior management and the associates of the company will miss his company. He has turned RB into one of the strong brands in the country and guess what? Even their online presence is strong on social media as they were being recognized last year for being in the social trend.

I remember when Royal Brunei had to restructure which involved cutting cost here and there. It was a pretty challenging period for RB then and I was thinking to myself if RB will have the resilience to climb back up. Slowly it did and thanks to Dermot and his team as well as the chairmanship of YB Dato Paduka Hj Bahrin. It’s a great reminder for those who doesn’t have a vision, do follow those who have and Dermot is one of them. Thank you for your contribution to the Brunei economy and the community. I wish you the best in your future journey.

Dermot at the launching of the rebranded Royal Skies in September 2014.

The launching of the Dreamliner B787 back in October 2013. It suddenly became a reality that the Dreamliner is physically in Brunei Darussalam.

Dermot launching the Dreamliner service to Kuala Lumpur at Vistana Hotel back in May 2013

Dermot played an important role in rebranding the image and corporate culture of Royal Brunei Airlines. One of them is the logo.

He also saw a potential in signing superstar Wu Chun as the brand ambassador for Royal Brunei Airlines. The dividends have surely paid off.

One of the core values that Royal Brunei Airlines incorporated in their rebranding process – “Happyness”

The new uniforms of the cabin crew of Royal Brunei Airlines.

 

Standard Chartered Bank Brunei officially announced the launch of the Standard Chartered Cup 2016 indoor football tournament yesterday at a press conference at their Priority Banking Centre in Gadong. The Standard Chartered Cup 2016 in a local 5 aside indoor football tournament (futsal) and the tournament is planned to kick off in early April.

Marilyn Graeme, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing said:

“Standard Chartered Bank has been the main sponsor for Liverpool FC since 2009 and together the partnership has greatly benefitted both parties. The SC Cup tournament will give teams the opportunity of a once-in-a-lifetime experience to win a trip to Anfield to watch a home game in executive box seats as well as receive a coaching session with an LFC Legend at the LFC Academy.

The SC Cup aims not only to engage the large football loving community here as well as Liverpool FC fans in Brunei, we also look forward to contributing towards a charitable cause through 100 percent donation of the registration fees that will be collected. We would like to thank our generous partners, Royal Brunei as well as the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports and the National Football Association for their kind support.”

Last year, Standard Chartered hosted SC Trophy which saw winning team, Matahari FC, winning the local tournament to represent Brunei in the regional stage against Malaysia and Thailand. Press release from SCB Brunei.

NFABD Futsal standing committee chairman Rosdin Hj Abd Aziz, SCB Brunei Head of Corporate Affairs Marilyn Graeme and NFABD Fustal standing committee deputy chairman Bujang Hj Japar during the press conference at the SCB’s Priority Banking Centre in Gadong yesterday

Marilyn delivering some exciting news for football fans

The local media during the press conference

Matahari FC team members – winners of the Standard Chartered Trophy 2015 local tournament in February 2015 – received their kits from CEO of SCB. Rino Donosepoetro. They represented Brunei in the regional tournament but failed to win the tournament. The winner then won the trip to Anfield. This time round the winners of the Standard Chartered Cup 2016 indoor football tournament in Brunei will guarantee a passage straight to Anfield. Awesome news!!! Image courtesy of SCB Facebook Page.

SC Cup 2016 Local tournament

The local tournament will see 24 teams participating. It will kick off on 4 April with the finals taking place on 9 April. Teams can register for a place by visiting Standard Chartered’s Brunei’s website at www.sc.com/bn. Participants must be Brunei citizens or permanent residents, be over 18 years of age and not be professional or semi-professional players. Each registered team cannot have more than two (2) players who are also participating in the 2015/2016 national futsal leagues.

The grand prize

All seven (7) team members of the winning team from the Tournament will receive flights (return economy class) to and from Brunei Darussalam to the United Kingdom, transfers during the itinerary, accommodation for the duration of the trip, tickets to a Liverpool FC match at Anfield, training session at the Liverpool FC Academy (itinerary subject to change depending on final confirmation of flights and activities and availability). Participants should be able to travel to the United Kingdom between 4 May to 9 May 2016 in order to receive the grand prize.

The closing date for registrations is 25 March. To find out more about the Standard Chartered Cup, visit www.sc.com/bn or follow the bank’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/StandardCharteredBN. Press release from SCB Brunei.

What I think:  This is an awesome opportunity whether you are not a Liverpool supporter or not. Just to be sponsored all the way to the UK and experience a Premier League club are chances of a lifetime. Thanks to Standard Chartered Bank and Royal Brunei Airlines with the support of the MCYS and NFABD, this is made possible for the residents of Brunei Darussalam. The other great news is that the winners of the futsal team don’t have to play other winning countries to get that passage to Anfield. Just as long as you win the Standard Chartered Cup 2016 indoor football tournament, seven of you will earn the right to fly to the UK. Should the winning team couldn’t fly, then the runners-up will be given the opportunity.