Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa, the Minister of Communications looking at a souvenir product at one of the souvenir shop at Brunei International Airport

The minister speaking to Vincent Hong of See Hua Daily News

It’s good to see how much Brunei International Airport has grown after the renovation back in 2012. The foundation stone laying ceremony for the Modernisation Project of the Brunei International Airport  took place back in October 2012 and it was graced by the former Minister of Communications, Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah. It was a project spearheaded by Brunei Economic Development Board and Department of Civil Aviation.

Fast forward now, the Brunei International Airport has total changed from what it was before – better access for passengers, better and efficient check-in counters, more spacious at departure hall area and many more.

It was a great to see Brunei International Airport hosted a media day with the presence of Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa, the Minister of Communications and he shared his insights of the newly renovated Brunei International Airport to the media.

Also present was Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications, Dr. Hj Supry bin Hj Awang Ladi, Mohammad Nazri Mohammad Yusof, Director for Department of Civil Aviation and other officials of DCA and stakeholders of Brunei International Airport.

The minister was quite happy with the progress made at BIA and it is ready to soar to newer heights. BIA is ready to handle at least 3 million travellers and currently BIA is handling an estimated number of 1.5 million. He believed that there is still more room for growth in terms of travellers.

The minister gave an extensive tour with the media, covering different aspects such as goods and services offered at BIA.

What I found interesting is the “Commercially Important Person (CIP) Area” – a newly introduced service offering a VIP holding area which is also available for public rental before aircraft boarding, ensuring optimum comfort and privacy for passengers who need it.

Another that caught my eye was Savy’s Hall which is located on the upper floor which is a few metres after you pass the immigration. They probably need a bigger sign so passengers are aware of their presence. I didn’t know there was one until I attended the media tour. It’s basically another eatery place apart from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

Mixmediaworx has also helped to provide revenue for BIA as the advertising agency and they will be involved in a five year plan which began last year. Azlan Ahmad, the Executive Director of Mixmediaworx shared the updates with the minister of their progress and involvement so far with BIA.

The minister is very aware of the progress of BIA as he shared updates such as transportation (taxi system and even bus system in the future) and their newly launched mobile app, iFlyBrunei Version 2.0

I’ve been traveling a lot lately and I have seen great changes at BIA ever since its renovation. Good job on BEBD on the renovations and DCA on maintaining the standards and improving whenever necessary.

The minister at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

The minister touring inside the departure hall of Brunei International Airpot

Something to look forward to very soon

The minister visiting a new eatery place called Savy’s Hall

I might just dine here one day during one of the future travels

The minister launching Junjung

The minister and the entourage at Junjung kiosk

I shall try this one day. Now available at Junjung. A good way to buy souvenirs for outgoing tourists.

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, Minister of Communications viewing the newly launched book titled Nubivagant which means “Wandering through clouds” and being accompanied by Muhamad Husaini Bin Aji, Acting Director of Meteorology as chairperson of the World Meteorological Day in Brunei. The launch took place yesterday at Brunei International Airport.

Nubivagant contains a compilation of photos of clouds and such in Brunei Darussalam. The book is not available just yet but it will be soon be sold at local bookstores. The estimated price is BND 38.

The Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department (BDMD), Ministry of Communications, as a member of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), joins members of the specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) around the world and the meteorological communities in celebrating World Meteorological Day yesterday.

The Day is observed annually on the 23rd of March to commemorate the establishment of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) on 23rd March 1950, as well as to remember the substantial contribution to the safety and well-being of society made by the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services around the world, under the leadership of the WMO.

Each year, the celebration focuses on a theme of topical interest. This year’s theme, “Understanding Clouds”, highlights the vital role of clouds in regulating the Earth’s energy balance, water cycle, weather and the entire climate system. Understanding clouds is necessary in weather forecasting, modelling the impacts of future climate change, as well as predicting the availability of water resources.

To commemorate this year’s World Meteorological Day, the BDMD held a ceremony at the Arrival Hall of the Brunei International Airport. The guest of honour was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, Minister of Communications. Also present were the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Communications, Haji Azhar bin Haji Ahmad, Directors, Head of Departments, Deputy Head of Departments, Senior Officers from the Ministry of Communications, as well as specially invited guests.

The ceremony commenced with a welcoming speech by Yang Mulia Awang Muhamad Husaini Bin Aji, Acting Director of Meteorology as chairperson of the event. In commemorating the occasion, the Minister of Communications officiated the launching of the first coffee-table book produced by the BDMD. Titled Nubivagant which means “Wandering through clouds”, the book offers readers a unique experience in exploring and learning about the different kinds of clouds that float above the beautiful Brunei sky, and at the same time enjoying the wonderful sceneries of the Abode of Peace. Members of the public who are interested to get hold of the book may contact the BDMD for more details.

The guest of honour and invited guests later toured the World Meteorological Day 2017 exhibition that showcased educational information focussing on clouds. A collection of meteorological instruments and BDMD’s services information booth were also part of the exhibition.

Earlier in the morning, a recital of the Surah Yassin and Tahlil Ceremony was also held at the Ministry of Communications to mark World Meteorological Day 2017. Present was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, Minister of Communications, the Permanent Secretary at Ministry of Communications, Haji Azhar bin Haji Ahmad, Directors, Head of Departments, Deputy Head of Departments as well as officers and staff of the BDMD and the Ministry of Communications.

Muhamad Husaini Bin Aji, Acting Director of Meteorology delivering his welcoming remarks

Also in attendance was Haji Azhar bin Haji Ahmad, the Permanent Secretary at Ministry of Communications (left)

I can’t wait to get hold of the book. Pretty amazing shots by our local photographers. You will be thinking if the shots were taken in Brunei.

Abdul Malik Hj Abdul Razak, Yee Kian How and Syukri Zulkipli are some of the contributors with their cloud photos in Nubivagant

Learning more about clouds. Interesting facts about clouds. Reminds me of my days in geography class.