I’m holding the 10 shortlisted winners for the Kia Lucky Drive to France this morning. The draw was carried out by financial agencies which took place at Grand Motors of Kia showroom. Good luck 😀

Maximising Kia’s efforts to enhance its brand image by leveraging on global sports sponsorship, Grand Motors Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in Brunei Darussalam supports its partnership with the UEFA Euro 2016 – the largest football event in Europe. In line with this, they are conducting the Kia Lucky Drive to France program which aims to boost the sports marketing initiatives of Kia and enrich the customer’s driving experience.

Almost 250 customers from BSB and KB participated and only 10 of them will be shortlisted. Thos who purchased Kia vehicles from 1st of March to end of April 2016 were eligible for the promotion. The grand prize is once in a lifetime trip for 2 to Paris, France to watch the opening of UEFA Euro 2016 and also a cultural experience tour of the host country.

Don’t worry as airfare, meals and hotel accommodations are included for the grand winner. There are also consolation prizes for the remaining 9 shortlisted winners. The final draw will take place on 20th May 2016 which also features the launch of the new facelift Kia Cerato. Do follow their Facebook Page and instagram @kiabrunei for updates.

The month promotion that ended last April.

 

Jackson Ting, Managing Director of D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd and Dato Paduka Hj Danial Hj Hanafiah, Executive Director of D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd with the partners of the 18th Consumer Fair

The 18th Consumer Fair will be dishing up sweet and savoury delicacies as well as all kinds of local and international specialties this time around.

Scheduled to take place from May 25 until 29 at the International Convention Centre in Berakas, apart from the Food Fest, the event will feature the ‘Biggest Deal in Town’ for visitors to enjoy great discounts.

This was announced during a signing ceremony between the organiser, D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd, with its official event and activity partners, at its premises last Wednesday.

Yay!! It’s me signing for being part of the event as the social media partner and thanks Kristy of Piccolo Cafe for being my witness. Furthermore, Piccolo café will have an activity on “Make Your Own Cup of Latte”

Sehat Water being one of the partners for 18th Consumer Fair

The representatives of Kotak Senyum Photobooth

Present to put pen to paper was Managing Director Jackson Ting, accompanied and witnessed by Executive Director Dato Paduka Hj Danial Hj Hanafiah along with representatives from fellow collaborators.

In addition, official event apparels were handed to the latter group.

The five–day expo will include baking classes led by award–winning Taiwanese franchise Bake Culture, at the price of $55. Early bird registrants can enjoy 18 per cent discount before May 14.
Other activities include latte art skills showcase by Piccolo Café head barista; ice–cream decoration challenge by Kingston Beverage and Creamery Sdn Bhd; Hers Kitchen’s cooking competition; Treasure Hunt Maze by Wonder Theme Sdn Bhd; and Fear House by Bouncer Ku.

Furthermore, the Thailand Embassy will demonstrate cultural arts; Go Hero will install a photo booth; Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital will conduct a blood donation drive; and KindyKare International will provide a daycare centre.

Another highlight to look forward to is the inaugural Grand Lucky Draw that prepares a list of great prizes.

Supported by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, the 18th Consumer Fair will run from 10am to 10pm daily, except on Friday where it breaks from 12pm to 2pm.

Based on a press statement, an additional $150 admin fee will be imposed on every nine sqm due to an increase in operation cost for cleaning fees, rubbish collection and many others.

For further enquiries, contact D’Sunlit’s Sales and Marketing Department at 2453666. Text by Ikhwan Salleh of The Brunei Times.

Hers Kitchen will be part of the Consumer Fair too.

 

Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Employee Trust Fund (TAP) and related agencies such as Baiduri Bank, held its second National Savings Day 2016 roadshow at Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Primary School last Wednesday.

The official ceremony was held earlier this month where the importance for the younger generation to start nurturing a savings culture from an early age was iterated. With this year’s theme “Financially Literate Generation”, it is hoped that the increased awareness of financial independence could lead to individuals and households alike to be more financially aware and financially vigilant in the future. This is in line with the Wawasan Brunei 2035 objective towards achieving a dynamic and sustainable economy, as well as highly-skilled population.

The roadshow in Brunei Muara was open to primary school students from the district. Students and teachers from ten different schools were invited to participate in interactive financial-related games and activities organized by AMBD,TAP, Baiduri Bank and Junior Achievement. The specially designed games introduced financial management themes and introduction to local currency geared towards primary school students.

As part of the day’s activities, Baiduri Bank also gave away limited numbers of DPMM FC mini balls and all access passes to enter the part 3 of the National Savings Day celebrations, the AMBD Financial Funfair. Several activities and games, specifically designed by Baiduri Bank for the National Savings Day, were lined up for the students. A word search puzzle (Fortune Finder), a board game based on life (My Savings Journey) as well as Express Banking, an interactive and fun game that involves quick arithmetic.

AMBD in collaboration with MOE and TAP will continue to hold roadshows at the Belait District and Tutong District on the Monday, 16th May and Wednesday, 18th May respectively.

In addition, other events planned in conjunction with the National Savings Day 2016 are the Financial Fun Fair, which will be held at Jerudong Park Colonnade on Sunday 22 May 2016 from 3pm to 9pm and will feature a host of family fun-filled programs and interactive activities; a Financial Planners’ Day organized by the Centre for Islamic Banking and Management (CIBFM), AMBD’s training arm, on Thursday, 26 May 2016; and followed by a Financial Planners’ Showcase on Saturday, 28 May 2016.

 

Pierre Imhof, CEO of Baiduri Bank Group holding the Baiduri Masters Trophy with Albert Lau, CEO of QAF Brunei

It’s back once more. The much highly anticipated annual golf tournament hosted by Baiduri Bank called the Baiduri Masters Charity Golf Tournament. Why is this golfing event popular? Because of many things – 1) The Green Jacket 2) It’s all for charity and numbers are always overwhelming 3) a chance to win fantastic cars

So yesterday was the official announcement of the event which will take place in two weekends of May 2016 (20th to 22nd and 27th to 29th). Yesterday was also the signing ceremony with the partners of the Baiduri Masters 2016.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the organiser, Baiduri Bank Group, and partners of the event: RBA Golf Club, QAF Group of Companies and Brunei Press. CEO of QAF Brunei Albert Lau, General Manager of Brunei Press Reggie See and General Manager of RBA Golf Club Asmadi Hj Alimustapha signed on behalf of their respective organisations  while Chief Executive Officer of Baiduri Bank Pierre Imhof signed on behalf of Baiduri Bank Group.

“The Baiduri Masters has always been centred towards supporting our community and making a difference, whether big or small. Last year, we were able to raise $80,000 for charity. The Baiduri Masters made history by being the first-ever golf tournament to have three hole-in-one in one tournament. The previous and first-ever hole-in-one during the Baiduri Masters was in 2008” said Imhof.

The Junior Golfers category is open to youth aged 13 to 18 years old.

Registration fee is $120 per adult and $60 for juniors. The fee is inclusive of green fee, buggy, goodie bag as well as buffet breakfast and lunch. Players are invited to the prize presentation dinner at the end of the tournament.

It was shared that players may play more than once to improve their chances of winning. Adult players will enjoy a discount on the registration fee on their second subsequent rounds and that the best score of any round played will be taken.

Signing of MOU with QAF Brunei and Baiduri Bank Group

Signing of MOU with Brunei Press and Baiduri Bank Group

Signing of MOU with RBA Golf Club and Baiduri Bank Group

The Porsche Cayenne for Hole 2

Mini Cooper for Hole 5

BMW 218 Active Tourer for Hole 14

 

LOL, sometimes it is really hard to predict what the message a lady is conveying.

 

Click image to enter Facebook Page

Checking out the 1,000 entries for the Red Bull Boost & Win promotion

This Friday will be the first weekly draw for the 25 lucky winners of the Red Bull Boost & Win promotion. The winners will win either a shopping voucher, Power Kad, Prepaid Top Up cards or a cluster pack of Red Bull bottle.

The draw will be held at Hua Ho Manggis Mall. Good luck to all the contestants. Don’t worry since it’s still an ongoing promotion, you can still be eligible for the next weekly lucky draw. All you have to do is buy a Red Bull can (Gold/Less Sugar) at the convenient store and fill in the entry forms and drop it at the contest box.

Drawing out 25 winners for the Weekly Lucky winners

Ivy making sure the draw runs smoothly

 

The Gavaliers and guests during the first demo inaugural Brunei Gavel Club meeting at Universiti Brunei Darussalam last Sunday

One of the guests giving comments after the meeting

Finally it has happened. A great start for the Brunei Gavel Club (national level) and it applies the same platform as Toastmasters International. The only difference is that the BGC applies to teenagers (14 yrs to 18 yrs).

I have paid a visit to in-house Gavel clubs in Maktab Sains and Chung Hwa Middle School and they have been encouraging. However, it’s only part of their curriculum activity and only happens on a temporary basis. With the BGC, it will open doors to all the youths aged 14-18 to be part of a club affiliated with Toastmasters International.

The attendance last Sunday, 17th April was overwhelming. It was actually more than the usual toastmasters meetings and furthermore, I was impressed with the quality delivered by the students from their respective schools.

The appointed club president is Mohd Farhan Jafar Ali and he had a short presentation to the audience on the objectives of the BGC. He has been a seasoned toastmasters for two years and prior to that, he has been a perpetual guest in toastmasters as he hasn’t turned 18 just yet. Four years later, he has taken a bigger role as the President for the Brunei Gavel Club.

His task now with the help of his executive committee will be to find new members before the national gavel club can be officially chartered. The required number is 20 members in the club and I’m pretty sure that’s achievable.

I do hope many corporate companies and government agencies will see the benefit in this non-profit club as the youth organisation will need some support to sustain the bi-weekly meetings and other gavel related things. I also do hope parents or guardians can also attend the gavel meetings to see the valuable learning experience from the youths in improving their communication and leadership skills.

As for now, it’s a definitely great start.

Nico (left) braved the Table Topics session and shared about his yummy ice-cream

Another confident speaker

Nabil has a great sense of humour

Jackie won her first table topics even as a first time visitor to a gavel meeting

Ahmad delivered his first speech at the Brunei Gavel Club meeting

Farhan the appointed President for Brunei Gavel Club and I am full of admiration on his growth as an individual

Iskandar giving out his evaluation on the Table Topic speakers

Toastmasters members giving support to the Gavaliers 

The Gavaliers had so much fun. The next meeting will be on 1st May 2016 at 10am at UBD

 

Register yourself now! “Save Life By Giving Blood”

Date: 21.04.2016
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Venue: @piccolocafebn

Every Donor will be entitled to:
1) 3 months magazine subscription from @plusbrunei
2) Refreshments from @piccolocafebn
3) Goodies from @jpmcbrunei
4) Cash Vouchers from @nailsnwaxbrunei
5) 3 days complimentary gym pass from @fitnesszonebrunei

Limited slots available. Please RSVP now by emailing us at Julie@plusbrunei.com / info@piccolocafe.co or head over to Piccolo Cafe in Bandar and register yourself at the counter.

 

I won’t be saying much but let the pictures tell the story of the on-going Consumer the 17th edition. Three more days left to go and the crowd is definitely picking up. A good way to spend the end of January 2016. How time flies so fast and soon it will be February. Have a great weekend, peeps!!

Check out the Mini Remix at the Consumer Fair.

The Mini Remix is like a portable Android box and it’s the first Android PC. Reasonable pricing too.

Citroen cars being displayed at Consumer Fair

Yes, the finale of the Mr. Brown manhunt happening at CF this Saturday

Your emcee for the finale manhunt of Mr. Brown. Who will be the final winner to fly to Taiwan?

Kristy looking busy writing something for her promotion

Her cafe Piccolo Cafe is collaborating with Food Panda

The team from Food Panda

Some of the booths at Consumer Fair

Check out the IT gadgets at Concepts Computer

Something that caught my eye at Concepts Computer – The Predator series.. Awesome gaming machine and powerful.

Huge boxes for the Predator CPUs and monitor

Tomato KidZ also participating at Consumer Fair

Ideal for parents to invest for their children on the products offered by Tomato KidZ

Suitable for children for their studies

@kindykare is available for parents who can rely on assistants to take care of their children at Consumer Fair

They have hourly rate or longer rates for the benefit of the parents and guardians

Upcoming fixtures

Results last weekend

Results last weekend

Politeknik Brunei (PB) last weekend came back from a goal down to salvage a 1-1 draw against Curtin University in Group ‘A’ of the BIBD At-Tamwil University Cup 2015 at the Padang Kebajikan.

Curtin University, the only foreign team in the tournament, took the lead late in the first half as Tisalona Anak Joannes connected with a cross from Thad Bess Chia.

With a majority of the possession and numerous goal attempts, PB could not break the deadlock. Curtin goalkeeper, Jeremy Dom, was on impressive form to thwart PB’s front line of Mohammad Ikmal Hakim and Nur Adi Zulhusni.

The goalkeeper could only do so much when PB super substitute Mohd Hazim Hamzah’s flick header in the 74th minute curled into the goal. The goal was enough to earn PB a point in their last game of the tournament.

PB has now collected four points and sit in third position in Group ‘A’.

Meanwhile, Laksamana College of Business (LCB) beat Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology 2-1, thanks to an injury time goal (90+2) from Muhammad Azizan Akmal Haji Mataii.

Curtin University will next play UNISSA on June 3 at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium at the Police Headquarters.

The next match for the BIBD At-Tamwil University Cup 2015 will see a top of the table clash between Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Institut Teknologi Brunei (ITB) on June 2 at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium at the Police Headquarter. Kick off will be at 7.45pm. Text courtesy of James Kon of Borneo Bulletin and images courtesy of Fazizul Haqimie.

For more updates, you can follow their Facebook page or instagram @attamwil_universitycup

Match between IGS and LCB

Match between IGS and LCB

Match between IGS and LCB

Match between IGS and LCB

Match between IGS and LCB

 

Hj Mohd Maszaiwardy bin Hj Masri, Assistant General Manager of Sales, Takaful Brunei Keluarga, Hjh Mahana binti Hj Ajak, Deputy General Manager of Takaful Brunei Keluarga and Nooramal Fitriyah Abdul Rahim, Sales Executive Officer, Sales Department of Takaful Brunei Keluarga

The popular short term investment is back!! Takaful Brunei Keluarga (TBK) previously held this special promotion two years ago back in 2013 and it was a big hit. This time round, the stakes are way better. For those who are not aware of Nur Savings from TBK, it’s basically a short term investment (maximum two years) where you will be insured and also gain interest from the savings at a profit of 2% per annum for two years.

The single minimum payment os BND 2,000 and there is no cap for the payment. Previously it was capped at BND 50,000 but now interested parties can inject any amount they feel comfortable with. The 2% interest is a pretty high return as compared to the banks in Brunei. Hence not only you save and get protected, you also earn the extra 2% from your savings. So imagine yourself investing BND 500,000 or even BND 1 million. That would be a great returns in a space of two years only. Awesome deal!!!

This promotion is open to all residents of Brunei Darussalam which means as long as you have an IC (green, purple or yellow), you will be eligible. For those interested parties, you can call TBK’s Certified Financial Planners at 223 1100 during office hours.

The media asking questions during the press conference

Hjh Mahana explained to the media the benefits of Nur Savings

 

Be a member of Skin Food and enjoy the privileges

Be a member of Skin Food and enjoy the privileges

The once a year members’ day is back at Skin Food Brunei. From 31st May – 2nd June 2015, members are entitled to enjoy a 30% discount off the original price on all items. The event comes as a means of thanking Skin Food Brunei’s loyal customers.

For those of you non-members who are eager for the hefty discount, worry not, as Skin Food is giving the opportunity to sign up for membership with just a $10 transaction, generously reduced from the usual $40. New members will also receive a lovely welcoming gift. Benefits include 10% discount on purchases, birthday vouchers and exclusive members-only promotions.

Skin Food is also giving away lots of fun free gifts, such $5 vouchers for purchases up to $50, while purchases above $88 get a limited edition manicure set. Purchases above $108 will receive a highly collectable Black Sugar enamel pouch, suitable for travelling with your favourite products!

Skin Food is one of the top skin and body care brands, that is well known for their plant and fruit based products that incorporate natural ingredients to “feed the skin”. Among some of their latest product lines is the introduction of the Argan Oil Silk Hair Care Range, and their Premium Tomato whitening skin care range.

 

The winners of the AMBD Treasure Hunt – Team Victorious Secret. Image courtesy of Armtrix Enterprise.

1st runner-up of the AMBD Treasure Hunt – Team A Square who won themselves two iPad Mini. Image courtesy of Armtrix Enterprise.

2nd runner-up of the AMBD Treasure Hunt – Blackjack who won two Garmin F15 watches. Image courtesy of Armtrix Enterprise.

We have winners from AMBD Treasure Hunt last weekend. The response was overwhelming and the organizers had to turn down others because it was only limited to 30 teams of two. The treasure hunt went on for two hours and there were given tasks to complete and the top 5 winners will be awarded. The first prize was a pair of tickets to Kuala Lumpur and it was won by team Victorious Secret where they also earned a trophy and a Good Life coin bank.

AMBD Day 2015 had been a successful event, spanning over 3 days and it was showcased at the ICC to create awareness on savings among the community. There has been many queries to the new notices and directives from the AMBD but then it’s all for the benefit of the community and also educating them on the importance of savings.

On 28th May 2015, they have released five notices – Total Debt Service Ratio, Unsecured Personal Credit Facility, Unsecured Personal Financing Facility, Consolidation Loan Scheme and Service Fee/Charges. You can read more of the notices here, taken from the AMBD website.

The Total Debt Service Ratio may be taken in the wrong context but if you look deeply, the positive aspect is that it will ease the burden of the borrower and also allow the borrower to have a better and sufficient disposable income. The other good point is that now the applicant can get a loan up to 18 times its net salary as compared to the previous one by 12 times. The maximum repayment period remains unchanged at six years.

These new directives may not be favourable for the banks in terms of gains but it will be a win-win situation for both the financial institution and consumers in a long run. Ok, enough on my rant on loan caps. Congratulations to the winners of the AMBD Treasure Hunt.

Group photo with the treasure hunters. Image courtesy of Armtrix Enterprise.

Participants hunting for crew

Participants hunting for crew

Participants hunting for crew

Participants hunting for crew

Piccolo Cafe enjoying brisk business during AMBD 2015 event and I had a photo with the founder of the cafe

 

There’s a clearance sale at Harajuku Boutique until 15th June. The boutique is located near Thien-Thien Gadong.

The owner of Harajuku Boutique is also looking for a buyer for the shop.