July 28, 2010 – Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Berhad (BIBD) will be participating in this year’s Consumer Fair Part 6 which will be held at the Bridex Exhibition and Convention Centre in Jerudong.

During the four-day fair, that will run from July 29 to August 1, 2010, BIBD will be offering, back by popular demand, its repackaged Home Financing promotion. This promotion is targeted for those who are dreaming of owning a brand new home or a second home.

The BIBD Home Financing package comes with a competitive financing rate which includes benefits such as start-up savings on legal fee, valuation fee and Mortgage Redemption Takaful Assurance (MRTA).

Also offered at the BIBD’s booth during the Consumer Fair, is a new product from Ar-Rahnu Micro Financing called Ar-Rahnu Al-Jauhar. This is a Shariah-based pawn-broking that allows individuals to acquire financing facilities using white gold items as collateral.

Besides that, visitors should drop by BIBD’s booth to learn about the six convenient ways of paying their bills – ATM, Cash Deposit Machine, Counter, Cheque Deposit Machine, Branches and SMS Banking. Approach any of our BIBD staff to find out on how to register and the participating payees.

For those who are interested to know more about investment or are looking for an opportunity to attain higher potential returns, come and visit our booth to find out more about BIBD’s Al-Kauthar Funds. These funds cover a diversified portfolio needs only low initial start-up capital.

Ahhh, Paris in the summertime… so darned hot and humid, dog-poo stains on the pavements, everything so gulpingly costly… its not quite my idea of the city of love… And yet, we were inevitably swept away by the city’s historical architecture, its renowned landmarks, and the whole bourgeois lifestyle apparent everywhere we looked.

We were hosted by friends who lived uptown on Victor Hugo Avenue, which incidentally, was where da sista and her family lived for sometime when they were here…

Just minutes from the apartment, the Arc de Triomphe, a monument in Paris that stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, at the western end of the Champs-Élysées.

Hotel Ritz at Place Vendôme. The rooms start at €770 a night. Suites start at €1,600 and can go up to €13,650 a night for the most prestigious ones (Suite Impériale). Hmmm… slightly beyond my paygrade… Incidentally, this was the last place Princess Diana stayed before she perished in the car crash.

The Louis Vuitton building, which was opened in 1913, and was the largest travel-goods store in the world at the time. Notice the queue waiting to get in…

The ‘Tell Ya Story’ Australian Photography Competition will be held from July to August 2010, to give those who have studied in Australia, the opportunity to document their memories and tell their story of their time in Australia, through photographs!!

We want to see your favourite snaps of your time in Oz… did you hike the Blue Mountains, surf the golden beaches of the Gold Coast, swim with dolphins, cruise the Great Ocean Road, or just get up close n snuggly with Koala Bear?!? Perhaps you met some of your closest friends for life?

Whatever your experience in Australia, we want to see your photos and hear the story behind them!!

So send us your pics and in 300 words or less..

We are not looking for the best photo in terms of photographic quality but the photo that most captures the essence of student’s time in Australia!!

RULES & REGULATIONS

• The competition is open to the Brunei – Australian Alumni Community and any non-member Bruneians that are currently studying or working in Australia, or are former students who have returned to Brunei.
• Entries submitted must be relevant to the theme and judging will be based on the most relevant entry to the theme rather than the most ‘photogenic’ photo. Entries will be judged on the basis of creativity in relating to their experience in Australia.
• Entries submitted must be in both print (8in x 12in) and digital raw or jpeg format (at least 3,000pixels), either in black and white or colour.
• Entry to the competition is FREE of charge and each participant can submit up to 4 entries.
• Prizes will be awarded to TOP 5 best photos and include digital cameras, external hard drive and other great prizes.
• Entries submitted must be a single work of original material taken by the participant for the purpose of the competition and must not have been used or published before.
• All entries submitted (winning and non-winning) shall become the property of the B-AAA and Australian High Commission. By entering the competition, participants agree to have their submitted photos used by the B-AAA and Australian High Commission for any publicity purposes without fees or other form of compensation.
• The organiser is not responsible for any lost or damaged entries.
• The judges’ decision is final.
• All entries must be submitted to Peta Pike, at the Australian High Commission by 4.00pm, 27 August. For further inquiries, please email enquiries@b-aaa.org

As suggested by our host in Brussels, we decided to visit two of Belgium’s smaller cities, Bruge and Gent. I was especially looking forward to visiting Bruge because this was the city in which the movie “In Bruges” starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson was set, and I remember saying to myself, “What a quaint little town” while watching that movie.

Known as the Venice of the North, Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It was a justified motive that prompted UNESCO in 2000 to include the entire historical city centre on the World Heritage list. Walking along the maze of winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals, you imagine yourself to be in medieval times. The wealth of museums is a striking image of this city’s stirring history. Bruges is also home to contemporary culture, such as the new Concert Hall, which is one of the most prominent music complexes in Flanders.

Image from Infofoto borrowed from here

Bandar Seri Begawan, July 16: Local hope Wira Salleh is determined to put in a good showing at the Brunei Open later this month to inspire more Bruneians to take up the game of golf.

Wira, 24, is the third professional golfer to emerge from the sultanate and will form part of the local challenge spearheaded by Pengiran Hassanal Alhaj and Faiz Damit at the Empire Hotel and Country Club from July 29 to August 1.

Wira will make his third appearance, his first as a professional, in the US$300,000 Asian Tour tournament and has set himself a lofty target of making the cut and securing a top-10 finish.

“It will be difficult but not impossible to achieve. I’m lacking in distance. After playing in the past two editions, I came to realise that you need distance like some of the Asian Tour stars. I have been going to the gym lately and I feel that my game is getting there,” said Wira, who joined the play-for-pay ranks in March.

Wira was introduced to the game at the age of 14 where he started hitting golf balls in his back yard. It wasn’t long before he was hooked to the sport and represented Brunei in the Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA) in 2004 and 2006.

He is relishing the opportunity of taking his game to the next level via the Asian Tour.

“There are a lot of opportunities for me to enhance my game on the Asian Tour. There’s a lot more competition as a professional and it drives you to excel. My goal now is to focus on improving my game and earning my Asian Tour card,” he said.

He revealed that the Brunei Open has been a huge influence in the development of golf in the country. “I felt proud when the Brunei Open was launched because it gave me hope that one day I could earn a chance to play with the big players. The Brunei Open has helped open the eyes of many people and it is slowly shaping the sport in our country,” said Wira.

Pengiran Hasssanal, who is the first professional golfer from Brunei, lauded the sentiments of his countryman.

“It has benefited Brunei by opening the mindset of the youth as they know that by playing golf, they have an opportunity to join the professional ranks and make it as their career,” said Pengiran Hassanal.

After playing in his national Open for the past three years, Pengiran believes he is better prepared to challenge for honours. “It has been quite a routine task preparing for the Brunei Open. It is just a matter of how friendly the week will be for me to score well and achieve my goal.

“Pressure is not an issue as this is my third year playing as a professional. The pressure is more on familiarizing myself with the course condition and green speed as they differ during the tournament week,” he added.

Darren Beck of Australia will be defending his title at the Brunei Open, which will celebrate its sixth edition this year.

About the 2010 Brunei Open

The Brunei Open is celebrating its sixth edition this year following its historic launch in 2005. The Championship is organized by Brunei Tourism under the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and will once again be staged at the award-winning The Empire Hotel and Country Club, Asia’s Ultimate Golf, Spa & Family Beach Resort which is a Jack Nicklaus signature course.

The Brunei Open 2010 sponsors are Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn Bhd (Title Sponsor), The Empire Hotel and Country Club (Host Venue and Official Hotel) and is also sponsored by Srixon (Official Ball), Fenix (Official Apparel), CityNeon (Official Contractor), Canon (Official Photography Equipment), DST Group Sdn Bhd (Official Telecommunications Provider), Inetol Headwears (Official Headwear) and 100 Plus (Official Sports Drink).

The Brunei Open is sanctioned by the Asian Tour, which is the governing body for professional tournament golf in Asia.

Brussels’s compact city centre is clustered with bars, restaurants and museums set along cobbled streets which open suddenly into the Grand-Place. With its ornate guild houses, impressive Town Hall and buzzing atmosphere, it would be difficult to find a more beautiful square in the whole of Europe.

Léopold II’s Parisian-style boulevards (Belliard and La Loi) are lined with embassies, banks and grand apartment buildings, while Sainte Cathérine, the Art Nouveau district of St-Gilles and Ixelles draw an arty crowd with their cool shops and restaurants.

The Bruxellois take pride in their self-effacing, intellectual sense of humour, underpinned by a strong appreciation of the bizarre. The city has a long-running love affair with the Surrealist art movement, pioneered by René Magritte, and with classic comic strips, epitomised by Hergé’s boy hero, Tintin. There’s a telling irony in the fact that the city’s best-known landmark is the Manneken-Pis, a tiny statuette of a urinating boy.

Spectacular view of the city

At the Royal Museum of Art and History
looking towards Parc du Cinquantenaire

A nice lunch before continuing on the tour

The Atomium

The Australian High Commission in Brunei will provide full voting services for the upcoming Australian federal election. Australians may vote by attending in person at the Australian High Commission and casting a ‘pre-poll vote’, during normal office hours in the two weeks prior to polling day and on the morning of voting day (to be advised).

Alternatively, voters may choose to vote by casting a postal vote. Postal vote application forms can be downloaded from the Australian Electoral website at www.aec.gov.au or the forms can be collected from the Australian High Commission. Completed applications for postal votes should be returned to the High Commission for the issue of ballot papers, once they become available (to be advised).

While voting at Australian Federal Elections and referendums is compulsory, and all Australian are encouraged to vote, it is not compulsory for eligible citizens who are overseas on voting day to vote.

The High Commission also encourages all Australians living in Brunei, who have not yet done so, to register online at www.smarttraveller.gov.au

Further information

Further information about this election, and about the AEC generally, is available at the AEC’s internet website www.aec.gov.au. General inquiries about voting, and enrolling to vote, can be sent to info@aec.gov.au

Counter hours for voting are 8.00am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and 8am to 12.30pm Friday. The High Commission will also be open in the morning of voting day (9.00am to 12 noon) to allow Australian’s to vote.

This was the exact house where da sista n fam used to live

Checking out Wittamer

Best hot chocolate in Brussels… die die must try one!

Streets of Sablon, Brussels

Pierre Marcolini, chocolatier extraordinaire!

Roaming the streets of Brussels

Superb lunch with my awesome hosts!

O3 ‘R U Sporting Enough?’ Contest 2010
is gearing up to be a must-enter event!

O3 Ice Green Tea and O3 Ice Lemon Tea will hold this contest on the most popular online social network – Facebook – at their O3 Page. This is the first time in Brunei that a contest is conducted with voting on Facebook. And it provides a virtual social place for O3 fans to interact with each other.

The contest aims to give all O3 fans an opportunity to express themselves in their own portrait, and for the Facebook public to vote for their best liked portrait.

To enter this contest is easy, you only have to upload your portrait photo with O3 drinks onto O3 Facebook Page, say what ‘Sporting’ means to you, and then invite all your friends and families to vote (‘like’) for your photo.

Every month, the 2 highest ‘likes’ based on public polling will be the winners! And you may enter up to 10 different photos each month. There are ample opportunities as the contest will run for 6 months, starting from 1 July 2010 to 31 December 2010.

Each winner will get their winning portrait imprinted on five hundred (500) O3 bottles to be sold throughout Brunei, and also receive 5 cartons of O3 drinks. The contest is open to all o3 consumers residing in the Sultanate, irrespective of the residential status.

The organiser is Aiking Trading Co. Sdn Bhd, the sole agent for O3 in Brunei Darussalam, and the contest is supported by Rasamas, major departmental stores and supermarkets, including Hua Ho Kiulap, Jaya Hypermart and Sim Kim Huat (SKH), White Room Studio (WRS) and the most popular bloggers – Ranoadidas.com, Anakbrunei and The Collaboration.

For full details of this contest, please refer to www.aiking.com or email aiking@brunet.bn or call 2640 210. Don’t wait, go get your O3 drinks in all major departmental stores and supermarkets today!

Have you ever held a bloody tool in your hands with which they have murdered your mother?
Have you ever touched the bloody skin and hair of your mother who has just been killed in a deep hole?
Have you ever followed the line of your mother’s blood in order to find her corpse thrown at the back of a truck?
Have you ever seen the fresh grave of that dearest being with a small piece of paper on which they have written her name wrapped around a small branch of tree?
Has anyone ever said a word about the children of the people who have been stoned to death?
…
I never forget the last words of my mother’s Islamic judge:
“I issued a verdict for stoning this woman to death so that other individuals learn a lesson from her doomed fate and to avoid sins of such nature. To execute by shooting would not have made her suffer enough!”

 Dear Friends,

Yesterday an Iranian woman, Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, was saved by global protests from being stoned to death.

But she may still be hanged — and, meanwhile, execution by stoning continues. Right now fifteen more people are on death row awaiting stoning in which victims are buried up to their necks in the ground and then large rocks are thrown at their heads.

The partial reprieve of Sakineh, triggered by the call from her children for international pressure to save her life, has shown that if enough of us come together and voice our horror, we may be able to save her life, and stop stoning once and for all. Sign the urgent petition now and send it onto everyone you know — let’s end this cruel slaughter NOW!

http://www.avaaz.org/en/stop_stoning/?vl

Sakineh was convicted of adultery, like all the other 12 women and one of the men awaiting stoning. But her children and lawyer say she is innocent and that she did not get a fair trial — they state her confession was forced from her and, speaking only Azerbaijani, she did not understand what was being asked of her in court.

Despite Iran’s signing of a UN convention that requires the death penalty only be used for the “most serious crimes” and despite the Iranian Parliament passing a law banning stoning last year, stoning for adultery continues.

Sakineh’s lawyer says the Iranian government “is afraid of Iranian public reaction and international attention” to the stoning cases. And after Turkey and Britain’s Foreign Ministers spoke out against Sakineh’s sentence, it was suspended.

Sakineh’s brave children are leading the international campaign to save their mother and stop stoning. Massive international condemnation now could finally stop this sickening punishment. Let’s join together today across the world to end this brutality. Sign the petition to save Sakineh and end stoning here:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/stop_stoning/?vl

In hope and determination,

Alice, David, Milena, Ben and the whole Avaaz team

SOURCES:

Iranians still facing death by stoning despite ‘reprieve’, The Guardian:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jul/08/iran-death-stoning-adultery

Britain condemns planned Iran stoning as ‘medieval’, AFP:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hjVdkvkzicGeInqw2R10rCKrqs3A

Support the Avaaz community! We’re entirely funded by donations and receive no money from governments or corporations. Our dedicated team ensures even the smallest contributions go a long way — donate here.

Pic courtesy of Asian Tour News

Kuala Lumpur, July 7: Unheralded Faiz Damit will spearhead the local challenge in the US$300,000 Brunei Open later this month with hopes of upstaging the stars from the Asian Tour.

Faiz will feature for third time at his national Open from July 29 to August 1 and hopes to become the first local professional golfer and second Bruneian, after amateur stalwart Seruji Setia, to qualify for the weekend rounds.

The 24-year-old will be one of three Brunei professionals to compete at the majestic Empire Hotel and Country Club alongside Pengiran Hassanal Alhaj, the country’s first professional, and Wira Salleh.

As a teenager, Faiz remembers watching the inaugural Brunei Open in 2005 and although there wasn’t a great sense of excitement for him back then, it eventually inspired him to take the game seriously.

He now reckons the successful staging of the Brunei Open has been the main reason for the development of golf in the country.

“I was only a boy back then and didn’t know anything about golf as our country didn’t have a golf background. But the Brunei Open is certainly getting bigger and we have more upcoming professionals. Our aim is to play in the Brunei Open and I’m one of them,” said Faiz.

Like all aspiring pros, Faiz harbours great hopes of lifting the coveted title but realizes that he needs to take it one step at a time in his fledgling career.

“To win the Brunei Open will be quite an achievement. It will be a goal of mine to do it someday. I don’t want to just make the cut but in saying this, making the cut will be the first step. Golf is a game of process and that is why I am playing abroad to learn and experience different challenges,” said Faiz, who started playing golf seven years ago.

The popularity of golf is slowly blossoming in Brunei and Faiz believes that a good performance by a Bruneian on the established Asian Tour would accelerate the growth of the game in his country.

“If one of us can do well or have a top-10 in an Asian Tour event or play well in the Brunei Open, it will open the eyes of many. Seruji Setia was the first player to make the cut and I hope for this coming event, one of the professionals will make the cut,” he said.

Golf wasn’t his first love as Faiz represented his country in football during his youth. But the youngster eventually got bitten by the golf bug and has no regrets turning professional despite the initial lack of success.

“In Brunei, they think that once you turn professional, you are as good as Tiger Woods,” said Faiz.

“But turning professional is a way of making a living. It was a big decision for me to make as I had to sacrifice a lot. I didn’t go to university as I chose golf over my studies. Right now, some private companies and my dad are supporting my career. My dad has asked me to give it a go and you never know what will happen. Golf is a game of one week. You play well in one week, you can make it,” said Faiz.

He is certainly hoping that his week comes at the Brunei Open

Almost a thousand spectators, comprising of the 417 Grand Draw finalists with their families and friends, VVIP and specially invited guests, and representatives of the sponsors for the event eagerly gathered together to witness the final conclusion of the highly anticipated ‘2010 Hyundai FIFA World Cup Grand Draw’ on 3^rd July 2010 at the Grand Hall of The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong, Brunei.

Gracing this momentous event were YTM PAP Hajah Amal Umi Khalthum Al-Islam, the Guest of Honour and Chairman of Setia Motors Sdn Bhd Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris, and their family members. Also present were the Setia Motors Sdn Bhd management and staff.

Jaiman Bin Kapal from Tutong was proclaimed the lucky Grand Prize Winner when he managed to start the engine of the brand new Hyundai “i20”!

“I really did not expect to win. Actually, I am just among the audience waiting for the grand prize winner to be drawn. We qualified because we bought 2 units of black Hyundai Tucson last January, my birthday month, one for me and one for my wife Maslena, so we have two (2) entry tickets for the Grand Draw. Now, we have our third brand new car, all in just one year! And the best thing was…our Grand Prize Hyundai “i20” red car is a very wonderful complement to our black Tucson!”, says the 36-year old winner Jaiman.

Fifteen (15) other Hyundai buyers brought home special prizes ranging from cash prizes, petrol vouchers, shopping vouchers, B-Mobile Handsets and Top-Up Cards. Another one lucky winner bagged the ‘Mystery Cash Prize’ which was drawn after the Grand Prize Hyundai “i20” mock key was awarded to Jaiman Bin Kapal.

This Hyundai Grand Draw Promotion is generously sponsored by B-Mobile Communications Sdn Bhd, Insurans Islam TAIB, Modasys Technology, Sin Hup Huat Company and BIBD AT-Tamwil Berhad.

According to Setia Motors’ Mr Bernard Foo, this grand draw promotion is conducted in conjunction with Hyundai’s sponsorship to the FIFA World Cup 2010 event. All loyal Setia Motors customers who purchased any Hyundai car model from 1^st January 2010 till 15^th June 2010 were entitled to join the draw.

“We summoned all our grand draw participants and their family/friend to dine with us at the Grand Hall of the Empire Hotel, the venue for the grand draw and our Setia Motors Sdn Bhd Annual Dinner. This is the first time that we had conducted such a grand event. Prior to this is the official launch of the new 2010 Hyundai Sonata “i45” wherein we invited special guests, media, and our customers to have cocktail drinks with us at our newly renovated showroom in Beribi. Hyundai cars have gained much popularity in the last 5 years, and has become amongst the top 3 best-selling car brands in Brunei over these years, so I strongly believe that we owe our success to our loyal customers apart from the hard work of our team.”

The management and staff of Setia Motors Sdn Bhd and the major sponsors would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the public for their staunch support and everybody who has contributed in one way or another, to make this event a tremendous success!

Congratulations to all the winners!

Tower Bridge

Lunch at Jom Makan

Brake Pad

Oh Marilyn, bet you never had THAT done to yr behind

E is not equal to MC squared

No Woman No Cry – Bob Hj Mahali

Sealife

London Eye

After a full day, a nice meal at Noodle Oodle

iCentre, the first ICT incubator in Brunei Darussalam, again brings you the THiNK BIG Business Plan Competition for 2010/11. iCentre aims to motivate and educate local entrepreneurs to turn their ideas in the ?eld of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) into viable business or involves developing a product or service that use ICT as the enabler for a business in an innovative way.

For 2010/11, iCentre has three partners for the Competition; Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), Microsoft (B) Corporation and Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD). The THiNK BIG Business Plan Competition still has the biggest prize money of its kind in Brunei Darussalam.

The College and University Students category has been expanded with the introduction of a second and third prize as well as a chance to ?y to the Microsoft Imagine Cup Finals. The Imagine Cup brings new challenges into the College and University Students category to broaden the scope of the business plan competition. Open to students around the world, the Imagine Cup is a serious challenge that draws serious talent, and the competition is intense.

iCentre hopes to inspire and to create more opportunities for the local entrepreneurs to develop their business ideas through enhancing their creativity, as well as providing a platform to identify, nurture, develop and showcase their entrepreneurial talents.

All shortlisted business plan participants will go through three intense Bootcamp workshops conducted by highly quali?ed practitioners. Participants are also encouraged to attend the THiNK BIG Technology Forum in October to assist them in ?nalising their best business plan for the ?nal judging.

The Business Plan Contestant Kit is available on the icentre website at www.icentre.biz

I must say, I’m quite surprised with the rankings as some of the restaurants I thought would be ranked higher ended up at the bottom half. The two RBC chinese restaurants were at the top of the table and this should come as no surprise to many as RBC has been around a long time and the RBC branding is pretty strong in Brunei as a symbol of quality and dependability. Emperor’s Court and Dynasty are staples among Bruneians when it comes to halal chinese dining. Emperor’s Court is becoming a popular Sunday Dimsum destination for Bruneians, as fellow foodie Hunnie discovered.

Third placed i-Lotus is a relative newcomer to the scene but has managed to attain quite a strong following among Bruneian diners. Their sungkai buffet and midnight sahur buffets are among the most heavily booked during Ramadhan which is coming up shortly.

In fourth place, Ligong is synonymous with Chinese fine-dining in opulent surroundings of the Empire Hotel & Country Club. Their all you can eat Wednesday night buffet is a definite hit and a thoroughly enjoyable feast. Sundays at Ligong are also pretty crowded with families enjoying the Sunday brunch buffet.

Placed in the middle of the field is Seri Kemayan, which overlooks the bowling alley so you can watch the bowlers in action while you eat The last time I was there, I really enjoyed their Crystal Duck. Its not on the menu, so you have to ask for it (I think ordering in advance is encouraged). I’ve never seen duck served this way before. I think the (cooked) duck meat was combined with prawn meat and fried in a batter. The end result is a crispy, tasty treat which when eaten, one can’t help but to try and differentiate the flavor of the duck meat and the prawn meat… delightfully confusing!

Teo Poi Hoon takes sixth place in this ranking. This family-owned establishment is a favourite among Bruneians for a family style chinese meal in a quaint kopitiam setting. In seventh place is Shikai (or Four Seas Hut), another newcomer which for me, is THE go-to place for some superb duck-rice. Even Thanis aka Chef-for-hire extraordinaire agrees with me on this one!

Off to the train station now to catch a train to London. The rest of this post later. Stay-tuned!

Cambridge PhD candidate Ihsan Nazurah Zulkipli

Tell me a bit about yourself

All about myself. Hmmmm, let’s see. Well, I’m the eldest of 6 and the only one (so far) to do sciencey stuff. I did my undergraduate degree at the University of Bristol, a BSc in Biochemistry with Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. By the end of the course, I realised that biochem wasn’t really my thing so I took a MSc in Human Molecular Genetics at Imperial College and loved it, so here I am doing a PhD in Genetics.

There aren’t any specific people who have inspired me but if I was pushed, I would have to say my parents. I heart them very much. They’ve always let us do (more or less) what we wanted and always helped us be our best (and not in the pushy way). They’re big believers of fresh air and so my siblings and I had great childhoods, playing in the rain and pretending to be explorers or pirates or whatnot.

What drives/motivates you?

My undying passion for science is all I need to motivate me! Well… no, I kid. This is a bit of a tough question actually. Depends on what you mean by "motivate." If you mean my day-to-day work/life in the lab, well… I do have to admit that it can get difficult sometimes. Not everything you try will work but when you do find out something exciting, that can motivate you to do more.

So I suppose that would be my main source of motivation – finding out something new. It doesn’t have to be anything world-breaking or something like that, but just something that is not known before. The idea that you’re the person who discovered that, it’s just… an amazing feeling. Being in the forefront of scientific knowledge is just exciting and I love that.

Are you as passionate about cooking as you are about science?

To be honest with you, I am a science geek – always have been, always will be and am not ashamed to proclaim it to the world. Cooking, on the other hand, is a bit of a new thing.

Up until 5 years ago, I ate fried chicken almost exclusively, haha. Everyone relished forcing me into the kitchen because… I had no idea what to do there and they found it amusing to watch, I suppose. That changed when I came to the UK for university, because I obviously had to start cooking for myself. Of course, I could have stuck with sandwiches and Maggi and whatnot, but my mum makes a lot of tasty food like cucur ayam and chicken pie and I was not about to go through a whole year without having them.

So I forced myself to learn how to cook. So, you see, its not really the cooking part that I really like, but the food part. And the eating. And now, I like taking delicious looking pictures of food because everytime I see them, I feel happy, haha. So yeah… it’s not cooking that I’m "passionate" about as you put it, but delicious scrumptious food. But, just to put it all in perspective, the first meal I ever cooked here was one of those ready-made pizzas. And I burnt it.

What course are you doing now?

Right now, I’m doing a PhD in Genetics. That’s a bit of a misnomer, actually, because I do a little of everything – a lot of cell and molecular biology with a smattering of biochemistry and just a pinch of bioinformatics. That makes it really interesting, because I get to experience a lot of cool techniques, which is awesome. Specifically, I’m studying the role of a particular protein which is thought to be involved in cell division.

Ihsan during the recent Bruneian Postgrad Symposium
in London giving a talk about her research on cancer

How has your answer to that age old question "what do you want to be when you grow up?" influenced your decisions so far from an acedemic perspective?

Ah. "What do you want to be when you grow up?" When I was 8 or so, I was struggling with a composition we had to do on that. See, my parents had always given us an excess of science books (for kids, of course… like the Horrible Science series, loved those!) and I really really really wanted to be a mad scientist. Yes, that’s right. A mad scientist. My siblings and I even made up a story book about a mad scientist who kidnapped a girl to transform her into the Frankenstein monster, or something like that. (complete with photos – I played the scientist of course).

Also, I’ve already heard of the mystical Nobel Prize by then and I really wanted one. I didn’t know what it was, but I wanted it anyway. But at that time, there wasn’t much of research going on in Brunei and I kinda knew that, so I grudgingly put "To be a doctor" as my answer to that question. And throughout high school, I worked towards that but due to… a few technical difficulties, shall we say, I wasn’t able to pursue it further.

At this point, I thought that it didn’t matter what the state of research was in Brunei, I am going to be a scientist, though perhaps not a mad one, haha. So that’s when I took up my undergrad studies – I’ve always liked biology and dabbled a little in chemistry so I thought biochemistry would be the answer. Then, I realised that actually, chemistry confuses me so I switched my focus over to molecular biology and genetics, which I found absolutely fascinating.

Did you know that genetics played a role in a lot of the siginificant events in science in the 21st century so far? The Human Genome Project was one such event, but there are many others. Perhaps its a leftover from my doctor-wannabe days but I wanted to look at the genetics of fairly common diseases and see what was going on there. I’ve focused on cancer because its fascinating. How does a normal human cell rebel against the body’s controls and start dividing uncontrollably?

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

In 10 years time, I will, insya’Allah, be an established scientist. What I am really keen on doing is getting involved in communicating science to the public. It’s been mentioned somewhere that the number of students (in Brunei, at least) opting to take science at a higher level is decreasing every year, which is sad I feel.

I’d someday like to be doing something that reaches out to children and draws them into the fasinating world that is science. Here, in Cambridge, we have an annual Science Festival where actual working scientists take part and show off their research to the public. Because a lot of children are involved though, you have to make it simple and exciting. Explosions are always a hit. Perhaps, someday, Brunei can have it’s own Science Festival.

How do you see yourself contributing to our country’s development?

Well, UBD has apparently started setting up research centres so I am really really hoping to be a part of that. I think it’s an exciting time to be involved in the scientific "scene" in Brunei. Everything is just starting up so you get to be a part of it from the very beginning and not only watch it grow, but also help it grow. What can be better than that? =)

Salmon sashimi – 4 thick slices for £3.00

Unagi Kabayaki – £10.00 for the set meal

2 goals to Germany!

Langisss

When a new day begins, dare to smile gratefully.
When there is darkness, dare to be the first to shine a light.
When there is injustice, dare to be the first to condemn it.
When something seems difficult, dare to do it anyway.
When life seems to beat you down, dare to fight back.
When there seems to be no hope, dare to find some.
When you’re feeling tired, dare to keep going.
When times are tough, dare to be tougher.
When love hurts you, dare to love again.
When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.
When another is lost, dare to help them find the way.
When a friend falls, dare to be the first to extend a hand.
When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile.
When you feel great, dare to help someone else feel great too.
When the day has ended, dare to feel as you’ve done your best.
Dare to be the best you can -
At all times, Dare to be!

Copyright © 2000 Steve Maraboli – New York

While officiating the Art & Design Exhibition at the Meragang Sixth Form Centre, Education Minister Pehin Dato Hj Abd Rahman said the new education system (SPN21), art was a subject that the ministry encouraged students to take. "Doing art doesn’t mean you’re going to be an artist. You could do art and develop some other skills. For example, if you’re good in drawing and Mathematics, you could become an architect."

"This is the sort of thing we want to develop among our youths. Art is something that is not only creative but involves a lot of hard work, thinking and dreaming."

The minister said that he wanted to develop the talent of the local artists and see them aspire to be on the same stage as their international counterparts.

He added that the ministry was looking into the issue of the shortage of art teachers in the country. "It’s not something which is easy to tackle because (the teachers) themselves have to have dedication and passion for the subject, but we are developing local skills."

Pehin Dato Hj Abdul Rahman also remarked on the introduction of a Fine Arts degree programme at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), stating that it provides an alternative option for students to study art in the country.

After reading the above story a few days ago, I was reminded of an interview I did with a Bruneian postgrad student, Armacester Arsad, who is in the UK doing her MA in Fine Art. Here’s what she had to say:

Arma during the interview

Tell me a bit about your educational background.

I was a student of Maktab Sains doing Science stream with Art as an extra subject, Ck Hjh Masna who is still teaching in Maktab Sains was my guiding force in the art subject for the whole of my 7 years in that college,she taught me well enough for me to proceed further in art. Went on to do a degree course under Government Scholarship, graduated with a BA(Hons) Fine Art from the University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom and now currently under in-service training doing MA Fine Arts at the Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton.

Why did you choose UK, specifically Winchester?

Why I have chosen UK as my place of study? I’m very familiar with the UK already, MA is just a year, i don’t want to waste time being at a place where i would have to spend alot of my time adjusting to the culture and surrounding

why winchester? i like the course content and structure of the course..i believed that it would make full use of my potential if not improve it even more..plus,it’s just an hour away from london thus the main art galleries are within reach..once i’m in WSA,i know i have made the best decision,i’m having a wonderful studying experience here..all of my tutors and staffs are amazing..my classes are all beneficial towards my betterment as an artist and also as an art teacher..

before this,i have been teaching art A-level for 6 years and also practice my art on the side,exhibiting works in the uk,malaysia and brunei..

How is the art scene in UK?

art scene in uk? what can i say? uk is one of the main art centres in the world..the art scene is extremely diverse and thriving..it’s amazing..art exhibitions are seemingly endless..if one would think they could just see all the exhibitions in one weekend,think again haha

What do you think of the artistic talent in Brunei?

artistic talent in brunei is blossoming..i personally am proud of the G5 group,i love working with them and i’m planning to collaborate with them in the near future..same goes to the already well-established artists of brunei..brunei’s art scene comprises of 2 groups i believe,the already well-established ones (such as the likes of hj padzil, zakaria omar, pg roslan,pg kamarul,marsidi omar,hj dayang..that is just to name a few) and the new G5 artists..my ‘sifu’s/mentors are zakaria omar and pg roslan..they’re the ones who exposed me to the brunei art scene..i’m looking forward to do more exhibitions with them soon..

Art has always been "non-mainstream" subject in Brunei and not given much priority by both MOE and many parents do not see Art as a "career" subject. What are your thoughts on this?

i think MOE is starting to alter that mindset abit..during my time it was just the 3 of us who went abroad but now i know the number of students being sent to uk to do art has increased..plus with SPN21,art stands tall with the rest of the subjects being taught in schools..it is well-thought through in terms of structure and content..in terms of career,i believe there are job opportunities..art teachers are still in need and that is a fact..but apart from the education side,there are other opportunities too..one can be designers, one can do videos, animation and contribute to the betterment of our rtb, one can design fabrics/textiles..and the list just goes on..i guess people just need to be educated more on how massive the art area is, and that art is not simply just drawing and painting a beautiful picture..

POSITION:

Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Long term, team players needed, for challenging, permanent work in an often chaotic environment.
• Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.
• Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed.
• Extensive courier duties also required..

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The rest of your life:

• Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5.
• Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
• Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
• Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers.
• Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
• Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
• Must be a willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next.
• Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
• Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst..
• Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.
• Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION:

• None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

• None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION:

• Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses.
• A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent.
• When you die, you give them whatever is left.
• The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and only wish you could do more.

BENEFITS:

• While no health or dental insurance , no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

Chillaxin

Lovin the feel of this pic

POCHO POCHO!

The sound system

Abhar threatening the shrub

BIBD will be featuring, back by popular demand, its repackaged Home Financing promotion. This competitive home financing package is targeted for those who dream of owning a brand new home or a second home.

The BIBD Home Financing package comes with a competitive financing rate which includes benefits such as start-up savings on legal fee, valuation fee and Mortgage Redemption Takaful Assurance (MRTA).

Also available at the BIBD’s booth during the Expo is BIBD’s Credit Card Care Programme. With only less than a month left until the programme offer ends, public who are still searching to achieve their financial comfort can visit BIBD’s booth for more information or to apply.

This credit card consolidation facility will systematically reduce the customer’s existing credit card debt to zero over a pre-agreed term. This means that through this programme, customers will be able to settle their various outstanding credit card obligations through 1 Solution.

On top of this, qualifying customers of this facility who assign their salary with BIBD are eligible for a BIBD credit card with a credit limit based on the guidelines issued by the Financial Institution Division at the Ministry of Finance.

During the expo, public can also visit BIBD’s booth to participate in the latest joint-promotion with Multitrons Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Sony products in the country, on the BIBD Cards Deals exclusively for its Cardholders.

BIBD Cardholders can stand to win fabulous prizes by simply charging their purchases with their BIBD Mastercard in the country or overseas and also via their ATM/Debit Card at participating local merchants.

All the cardholder has to do is attach their receipt of purchase with a completed BIBD Cards Deals Entry Form and drop it into allocated “BIBD Cards Deals” boxes available BIBD Branches, Sony Authorised dealers and selected merchants.

Entry forms can be obtained from all BIBD branches, Sony Authorised dealers and selected merchants. However, in the event that entry forms are not given, customers can collect their entry forms from any BIBD branch by just showing their receipt of purchase to our tellers.

From June 3 -6, customers can collect or submit their entry forms from BIBD’s booth at BB1-3/ BB7-9 in ICC.

A grand prize of Sony 40” Bravia LCD TV together with more than 150 prizes comprising of Sony products and World Cup 2010 merchandises are up for grabs.

HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday announced the reshuffle and new appointments within the Council of Cabinet Ministers, including Brunei’s first female deputy minister since the Sultanate introduced the Cabinet style system of government in 1984.

As the royal address was broadcast through state television and radio for the nation to hear, His Majesty announced that he will retain the posts of Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Minister of Finance.

Meanwhile, the Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah will also remain Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office.

His Majesty’s brother, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah also retains the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Hj Abu Bakar Hj Apong was moved from his post as Communications Minister to Minister of Education.

Former Home Affairs Minister Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Adanan Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Mohd Yusof has been named as the new Minister of Health.

On the other hand, the former Health Minister Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman has been appointed as the new Minister of Development.

The former Development Minister, Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdullah Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar, is now the Minister of Communications.

Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar, Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Hj Abd Rahman Hj Ibrahim and Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng will remain as Industry and Primary Resources Minister, Second Minister of Finance and Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade respectively.

His Majesty also announced the promotion of several deputy ministers.

Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Paduka Hj Mohammad Yasmin Hj Umar was promoted from being the Deputy Minister of Defence to Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Deputy Minister of Education Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Pg Hj Abdul Rahman has assumed the post of Minister of Religious Affairs.

The post of Minister of Home Affairs is now seated by Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Badaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman, former deputy minister of Religious Affairs.

Deputy Minister of Health Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah is now Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The new Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office is Dato Paduka Hj Abd Wahab Juned, who previously was the chairman of the Public Service Commission.

Dato Paduka Hj Mustappa Hj Sirat has been promoted from his post as the First Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence to Deputy Minister of Defence.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance Hj Bahrin Abdullah is now the Deputy Minister of Finance.

The former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Dato Seri Setia Hj Yusoff Hj Ismail has become the Deputy Minister of Education.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance Dato Paduka Hj Ali Apong has been appointed as Deputy Minister of Development.

Former Deputy Permanent Secretary Pg Hj Bahrom Pg Hj Bahar now assumes the post of Deputy Minister of Development.

Former Royal Brunei Armed Forces Commander and recently Brunei’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Halbi Hj Md Yusof is now the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs.

Datin Hjh Adina Othman, the former Director of Community Development Department, becomes the first woman deputy minister, assuming her new post at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

His Majesty said that these appointments were effective as of yesterday and the officials would serve their new posts for a period of five years.

The monarch also announced that the posts of State Mufti and Attorney General, also as of yesterday, are now considered ministerial ranks.

Former Minister of Energy Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Hj Mohammad Hj Daud, former Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerja Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Hj Mohd Zain Hj Serudin, former Minister of Education Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdul Rahman Dato Setia Hj Mohamed Taib and former Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Ahmad Hj Jumat were not re-appointed. His Majesty thanked them for their service and contributions.

The Brunei Times

This annual sporting event is hosted by Loughborough Students’ Union Brunei Society (commonly known as LufBru) and held in Brunei Darussalam over the summer holidays. The tournament is open to Bruneians currently studying in the United Kingdom and any non-UK students who participate in the games would be considered imports which are limited to a certain number. Over a period of three days, the students will participate in three sports which are futsal, netball and badminton

The Lufbru Summer Games aim to foster close relationships between students as well as to develop the spirit of sportsmanship.

Last year’s Summer Games was organised by the previous committee in Brunei on August 14 – 16 2009 and the Guest of Honour present to officiate the event was the British High Commissioner to Brunei, Mr. Rob Fenn.

LufBru was established back in 2007 and has since then held the Summer Games. Over the years, the success of this event has escalated even more and it is no surprise that it has been awarded as the “Most Outstanding Event” for 3 years running by Loughborough Students’ Union. Throughout these years the Summer Games have been carried out successfully with much appreciation going out to the sponsors British Council, Brunei Liquefied Natural Gas Sdn Bhd, Brunei Shell Petroleum, Sunlit Advertising, The Empire Hotel & Country Club to name a few. As the event will be returning this coming summer, the current LufBru committee is seeking for more potential sponsors to make this event a success such as its predecessors.

That’s right !This highly anticipated event will be back for the summer of 2010.  So to everyone, be on the alert for the announcement.

For more info please contact lufbru@gmail.com

From May 26 until August 1, 2010, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) in a joint-promotion with Multitrons Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Sony products in the country, is holding a BIBD Cards Deals exclusively for its cardholders.

BIBD cardholders can stand to win fabulous prizes by simply charging their purchases with their BIBD Mastercard in the country or overseas and also via their ATM/Debit Card at participating local merchants.

All the cardholder has to do is attach their receipt of purchase with a completed BIBD Cards Deals Entry Form and drop it into allocated “BIBD Cards Deals” boxes at any of our BIBD Branches, Sony Authorised dealers and selected merchants.

Entry forms can be obtained from all BIBD branches, Sony Authorised dealers and selected merchants. However, in the event that entry forms are not given, customers can collect their entry forms from any BIBD branch by just showing their receipt of purchase to our tellers.

A grand prize of Sony 40” Bravia LCD TV together with more than 150 prizes comprising of Sony products and World Cup 2010 merchandises will be up for grabs.

Meanwhile, a Sony roadshow is currently being held at BIBD’s Kiulap branch at Setia Kenangan for everyone to check out the prizes that will be given away. The roadshow will run until May 28 from 9am to 6pm.

For more information please contact BIBD Call Centre at 2238181.

Terms & Conditions:   

• Promotion is valid from 26th May until 1st August 2010.
• This Promotion is valid for BIBD Mastercard and ATM/Debit Card users. No minimum amount set for this promotion.
• VALID FOR ALL PURCHASES MADE AT ANY MERCHANTS THAT ACCEPT BIBD MASTERCARD AND ATM/DEBIT CARD.
• Receipt of purchase MUST be attached with entry form.
• 1 receipt received is entitled to 1 entry form only.
• The winners of each draw shall be notified by the Bank by any medium the Bank deems proper.
• The Bank reserves the right to vary, amend and/or withdraw any of the terms and conditions pertaining to the promotion without prior notice. All decisions made by the Bank are deemed to be final and conclusive.
• Drop your completed entry forms attached with receipt of purchase into the allocated deposit boxes at any of our BIBD branches.

What are the prizes?

The Prizes are as follows:

• Grand Prize – 1 unit of SONY 40” BRAVIA LCD TV (KLV-40BX400)
• 2 nd Prize – 1 unit of SONY Micro Compo Mini Hi-Fi (NAS-E35)
• 3 rd Prize -   1 unit of SONY ALPHA (DSLR-A230L)
• 4 th Prize – 1 unit of SONY 32” BRAVIA LCD TV (KLV-32BX300)
• 5 th Prize – 1 unit of SONY Cyber-shot (DSC-TX5)
• 6 th Prize – 1 unit of SONY Handycam (DCR-DVD650E)
• 7 th Prize – 1 unit of SONY 26” BRAVIA LCD TV (KLV-26BX300)
• 8 th Prize – 1 unit of SONY Handycam (DCR-SX43E)
• 9 th Prize – 1 unit of SONY Cyber-shot (DSC-T90)
• 10 th Prize – 1 unit of SONY Home Theatre System (DAV-DZ290K)
• 11 th Prize – 1 unit of SONY 22” BRAVIA LCD TV (KLV-22BX300)
• 12 th Prize – 1 unit of SONY Home Theatre System (DAV-TZ210)
• 13 th Prize – 1 unit of SONY BLOGGIE (MHS-PM5K)
• 14 th Prize – 1 unit of SONY Cyber-shot (DSC-W230E)
• 15 th Prize – 1 unit of SONY Car Head Unit (MEX-BT2600)
• 16 th Prize – 1 unit of SONY Car Head Unit (CDX-GT670US)
• 17 th Prize – 1 unit of SONY Car Audio Unit (CDX-GT551)
• 18 th Prize – 1 unit of SONY Cyber-shot (DSC-S930)
• 19 th -25 th Prize – 1 unit of SONY DVD Player (DVP-NS628)
• 26 th – 45 th Prize – 1 unit of Football Jersey
• 46 th – 50 th Prize – 1 unit of SONY MP3 WALKMAN (NWZ-B143F)
• 51 st – 80 th Prize – 1 unit of World Cup T-Shirt
• 81 st – 100 th Prize – 1 unit of World Cup Flag

Consolation Prizes + BIBD Corporate Gifts

• 101 st – 120 th – 1 unit of World Cup Mug
• 121 st – 140 th – 1 unit of World Cup Key-chain
• 141 st – 160 th – 1 unit of World Cup Key-chain

Merchants below are the ones that has Entry Forms and Drop Boxes:

• Sony Authorised Dealers (as attached)
• Rizqun Coffee house (The Mall Gadong)
• Au Lait Cafe (Kiulap)
• Coffeezone (Gadong, Gadong Properties, Kiulap)
• Giant (Rimba)
• Bebeland (Kiulap)
• Mothercare(Kiulap)
• Mexx Diamond (Athirah)
• PC World (Kiulap)

What if the merchant does NOT give any Entry Forms?

Customer must keep receipt of purchase (using BIBD Mastercard & ATM/Debit Card) from ANY MERCHANTS and ANY AMOUNTS, and collect the Entry Forms from BIBD Branches and deposit the Entry Form attached with receipt of purchase to the allocated deposit boxes.

Energy Division at the Prime Minister’s Office is organising a campaign called eSaving SOS.The campaign is part of the many activities lined up for Brunei Darussalam’s Energy Day in an aim to increase public’s awareness on the importance of conserving energy.

The term SOS refers to (S)witch (O)ff & (S)et with the objective of bringing together individuals and organisations in Brunei Darussalam to pledge to save energy during Energy Day. The campaign would also be an exercise to show how much of a difference the people of Brunei Darussalam can make by taking these three simple action steps to save energy;

1. Switch off unnecessary lighting
2. Switch off water heating when not in use
3. Set your air-conditioner temperature to 24 degrees Celsius or at least 1 degree Celsius higher than usual

Energy Division invite the public and organization to personally pledge their support ONLINE at www.esavingday.com starting from MONDAY, 17th MAY 2010. For more information please log on to the website.

Electricity readings for the eSaving SOS campaign will take place from 9am to 9pm on the 24th of May 2010. Hourly electricity readings will be updated on the homepage. These readings will be shown through a graphical representation and digital ticker. The readings will be benchmarked with the average electricity consumption readings taken on 10th May 2010 and 17th May 2010.

Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) as part of their active community involvement and contribution to educational events, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, is contributing amongst others, a cheque of $13,000 to bring in three prominent keynote speakers from the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Singapore at the forthcoming 15^th Annual International Conference on Education (ICE). The event is hosted by the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education (SHBIE).

Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD)’s Chief Fiancial Officer Noraini Sulaiman presented the cheque. On hand to receive the contribution was Dr Hjh Asmah binti Hj Morni of SHBIE. Also present were the sponsorship subcommittee members of the conference organising committee and staff members of the BIBD.

This gathering will bring together local and international academicians, educators, teachers, and professionals with wide-ranging educational backgrounds and specializations. The event will be held on 24 to 27 May, 2010 at the Chancellor Hall, Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

This year’s 15^th International Conference on Education carries the theme, “Challenging Models, Challenging Minds: Initiating Effective Educational Reform and Development”. The aim is to discuss and debate, informed by a set of international perspectives, the ongoing challenges facing temporary educators, with particular focus on the challenges of providing effective schools and schooling.

ICE 2010 will also focus on the challenges and opportunities that are being faced by educators, be they teachers, administrators, or teacher trainees, as well as school students facing a bewildering array of reforms and requirements. The conference acknowledges the important role of educational institutions in facilitating change and challenges. The conference will provide a forum for comparing the rhetoric of educational reform with the reality of effective implementation.

A number of subthemes have been identified to give paper presenters the opportunities to share their expertise and research findings and enable the public and overseas participants to attend to keep abreast with the current school management and leadership issues, educational reforms and teaching and learning development. The subthemes include: teacher preparation; effective schools and schooling; education of children with special needs; counseling issues; early childhood education and care; 21^st century challenges in educational management; educational leadership models; equitable educational assessment; sharing of effective practices in teaching and learning as well as informing educational reforms in Brunei Darussalam and beyond.

Parallel sessions comprising presentations of academic research papers, small-group workshops, and poster presentations will be available throughout the conference.

Participation is still open to the public. For further details of the conference, the website to be visited will be: www.ubd.edu.bn/conference/webice10/home.htm (e-mail: secretariatice10.shbie@ubd.edu.bn)

Cooltones present Hyundai Radio Quiz winners with $1000 worth of vouchers

Cool-tones held a prize presentation ceremony on Friday 14^th May 2010 at Hyundai Setia Motors.sdn.bhd for the winners of Pelangi Radio Quiz in conjunction with Cooltones Hyundai SMS Quiz. Prizes are presents by Staff of Hyundai Setia Motors.Sdn.Bhd (Mohd Fadhillah Awg Sulaiman),(Jacky Yee, Operation Manager) and staff from BIBD At-Tamwil (Rolland Ti, Marketing & Public Relations Manager). This week daily winners won themselves worth of $1000.00 of vouchers by Sin Hup Huat. The winners were Sumetey Abd Karim, Norashikin Mutadza, Maslinaya Pusing, Dk Siti Jamaliana Pg Jamaludin & Surayah Banu Syed Hussain.

One lucky winner, Abdullah Nawi drawn from this week’s daily winners lists won worth of $1000.00 of vouchers and $100.00 to ‘My Real Savings Account’ sponsored by Sin Hup Huat & BIBD At-Tamwil.

In conjunction with their SMS QUIZ, Radio quiz is just one of the many contests of Cooltones and 3g.com.bn for the Hyundai SMS Quiz Promo. Main attraction is the SMS quiz itself that promises the grand prize winner return ticket trip to Korea. Other top exclusive prizes that includes Apple iPhone 3GS, 17’Sports Rims, World Cup Jersey and more. To play the quiz, just text HWC START and send it to 38833. Meanwhile, two lucky cooltones subscriber also get a chance to win a Burberry Bag or World Cup Jersey just by simply subscribing to Cool-tones.net. service. The contest is open to B-Mobile subscribers.

If you happen to be looking for accommodation in KB, this newly refurbished 5b/3bth home is now available for rent. Located 5 minutes from KB town, its perfect for the family! Click here for more pics or call 8757130 for more details.

Uber chic retro style house

Spacious car park area

REAL wooden floors

Big kitchen

Air-cond provided

Did I mention SPACIOUS?

Free mangoes included

Quite neighbourhood

Nice porch

Cool-tones held a prize presentation ceremony on Friday 5^th May 2010 at Hyundai Setia Motors.sdn.bhd for the winners of Pelangi Radio Quiz in conjunction with Cooltones Hyundai SMS Quiz. Prizes are presented by Staff of Hyundai Setia Motors Sdn Bhd (Mohd Fadhillah Awg Sulaiman) “Senior Marketing Executive” and witnessed by (Hj Abd Hamid bin Hj Yahya) “Commercial Senior Manager” . This week daily winners won themselves worth of $1000.00  of vouchers by Sin Hup Huat. The winners were Md Nuraiman, Mah Fadzillah Mahmud, Noraini Wahidah Hj Mohiddin, Mazlan Hj Morney, Abd Rahman Abd Halim.

One lucky  winner, Hj Supian Hj Amin drawn from this week’s daily winners lists won worth of $1000.00 of vouchers  and $100.00  to ‘My Real Savings Account’ sponsored by Sin Hup Huat & BIBD At-Tamwil.

In conjunction with their SMS QUIZ, Radio quiz is just one of the many contests of Cooltones and 3g.com.bn for the Hyundai SMS Quiz Promo. Main attraction is the SMS quiz itself that promises the grand prize winner return ticket trip to Korea. Other top exclusive prizes that includes Apple iPhone 3GS, 17’Sports Rims, World Cup Jersey and more. To play the quiz, just text HWC START and send it to 38833. Meanwhile, two lucky cooltones subscriber also get a chance to win a Burberry Bag or World Cup Jersey just by simply subscribing to Cool-tones.net. service. The contest is open to B-Mobile subscribers.

Latest Promo – Subscribe to Cool-Tones Unlimited now and stand a chance to win an iPad & you will also entitled a ticket to attend Cool-Tones 3rd Anniversary in September by subscribing to Cool-Tones Unlimited (limited seats only). For more info go to www.3g.com.bn or wap.3g.com.bn.

For more info and contests terms and conditions just visit cooltones and 3g.com.bn official website at www.3g.com.bn.

Just a big shout out to all my twitter buddies! Hi tweeps!!!

Last weekend, around 50 members of the BruneiForever forum (BFF) gathered for a picnic at Serasa beach to celebrate the BFF’s 3rd anniversary. It was an awesome outing with fun and games, and food, of course, provided by Tindulang Catering Services. All pics courtesy of BFF.

Anniversary cake sponsored by Inderaloka Biru

Potong kek

 LisaDragon, admin extraordinaire!

Group hug!

Da employ-is of SBC Packers (mostly below-job). SBC all the time na pare!

Signing the anniversary banner

BFF models in action. Left: Stupidlogic, Right: Bruneian

Makannnn

A few weeks ago, BruKent Soceity organised the BruKent Race, which is the 3rd event that they have organised after its establishment in February. BruKent Race is a competition that more or less like Amazing Race or Treasure Hunt which contain clues, riddles and tasks for the competitor to solve. The event was took place at University of Kent and participated by 7 teams including Malaysian teams. All pics provided by Khairunnisa Ash’ari.

Today I thought I’d shed a bit of light on what exactly am I researching at the moment for my dissertation. But first things first, what exactly IS a dissertation? A dissertation or thesis is a document submitted in support of candidature for a degree or professional qualification presenting the author’s research and findings. For the course I’m doing, the dissertation is an 18 to 20 thousand word body of work on a topic of interest to me (related to new media of course).

I selected the topic of “e-government” primarily because of my involvement (directly or otherwise) in the e-government space both from a solution provider and a client perspective. However, my involvement has always been focused on the “what” and “how” of e-government. With this research exercise, I wanted to get a clearer and deeper understanding of the “why”. Below are some highlights of my dissertation proposal, which was submitted and approved last semester. This proposal forms the basis of all the work done on the dissertation; a blueprint so to speak.

Proposed Dissertation Title:

Why e-government? The rationale for national e-government programs in some ASEAN member countries.

Outline of Proposed Dissertation.

ASEAN is made up of 10 member countries which have diverse historical, cultural, and ideological backgrounds from the semi-authoritarian to the democracies, to the absolute monarchies. As such, the level of readiness, rationale, and implementation of e-government in these member countries is just as diverse.

To date, there have been very few studies done on e-government in ASEAN, of particular note being my buddy James Yong’s “E-Government in Asia”, Ian Holliday’s work “Building e-government in East and Southeast Asia: Regional rhetoric and national (in)action” and Rivera et al, “E-government in the ASEAN Context: A Conceptual Framework”. Because of this, there has been a call for more studies on e-government specifically in the ASEAN context.

I am approaching this topic from a socio-political perspective, looking at the motivation for ASEAN nation states to adopt and implement e-government initiatives. Also looking at whether e-government can help to strengthen the authoritarian state and augment central authority. There is also this notion of e-government helping to eliminate corruption and other questionable practices by increasing transparency and bolstering accountability.

Why do some e-government initiatives focus on service provision, while others emphasize participation? To what degree do the various national e-government policies in ASEAN converge in terms of formulation of aims, and implementation. Most of these questions will be answered within the framework of the Information Society with particular reference to technological determinism in Castell’s works and that of others such as Daniel Bell, Alvin Toeffler, and Frank Webster.

What is it you hope to find out?  (Hypothesis)

With this study I hope to look at e-government policies and implementation in ASEAN and how, given the challenges posed by information society to dominant organizational categories such as class, state, and nation, result in differences in approach to e-government by the different ASEAN member countries and identify the factors which contribute to these differences within the theoretical framework of the information society.

How are you going to do it?  (Methodology)

Primary sources:

By looking at government policies pertaining to the implementation of e-government and how they were formulated, i.e. context and objective.

Qualitative methods i.e. interviews with policymakers, key implementers and academe. Here I aim to speak to the key players such as government CIO’s, IT committee members, IT managers, and think-tank experts from respective member countries such as ISEAS, ISIS, and SIIA.

Secondary sources:

Journals like Technovation, New Media & Society, Media Asia, World Future Review, and e-Gov, and official publications from world and regional bodies like OECD, UN, and ASEAN

Note: In the spirit of new media, I am open to any and all comments and inputs on the above. I’d love to hear your thoughts about e-government in Brunei or any other ASEAN member country either as a comment to this post, or please feel free to drop me a line at reedz@anakbrunei.org

In the Brunei Foodies Go Pink! Project held on Sunday, Thanis Lim emerged as the champion with his winning dessert, Chocolate Lava, beating 30 other dishes that entered the contest.

Over 30 recipes were submitted and extra points were also given for the desserts made from healthy ingredients. The top 20 were decided upon votes and received gifts ranging from cash prizes to recipe cookbooks.

The event was organised by a group of Brunei bloggers called `Brunei Foodies’ in association with Brunei Breast Cancer Support Group where the submitted recipes will be compiled into a recipe book to be sold at a later date and the proceeds will be donated to charity.

In an interview with one of the committee members of Brunei Foodies, he said the aim of the event is to give back to society by encouraging voluntary work to support a local cause. "This is one great way of bringing bloggers to do voluntary work within the community to support our local causes. It is part of our social responsibility as citizens of the country to help one another."

He spoke further of the initiatives made by Brunei Foodies where the event was the second charity voluntary project carried out by them. The first was organised last year where they successfully raised over $10,000, three times beyond their target, for the Brunei Special Olympics team to help train their athletes for the Paralympics in Greece.

Maurina Hamid, another member of the committee, said, "There are negativities surrounding cancer in general, how it is often perceived as a bad thing, thus, from this kind of event, it can help inject some positive mentality about breast cancer patients. It can be a real eye-opener for people."

Meanwhile, the President of Breast Cancer Support Group, Masjuwita Haji Abdul Hamid, expressed her appreciation for the support from the Brunei Foodies, “On behalf of the support group, I’m very grateful that the Brunei Foodies came forward without us asking them to fund the awareness activity for leaflets and such.”

Masjuwita encouraged breast cancer patients who need help not to hide themselves away from the public and instead come forward to share their experiences and hardships with the other survivors. She also urged the public regardless of their gender to seek treatment or go for regular check-ups as early detection can save lives.

The Breast Cancer Support Group aims to help women who are suffering from breast cancer. It consists of breast cancer survivors, volunteers and medical professionals. It was established on September 16, 2001 and was officially registered on October 14, 2004.

This is perhaps the most asked question that I get next to “Where are you studying Reedz?” So I decided to answer the question with today’s post. I am also planning to post some of the more interesting stuff that I find in my readings for my dissertation. So for those of you who are interested in ICT (specifically e-government) from a socio-political persepctive, do stay tuned But first things first, what exactly am I studying here kan? Well, read on…

The MA New Media and Society course is a one-year full time taught course. It aims to provide students with a critical knowledge of the historical development and key paradigm shifts in the study of media, culture and communication and with a comprehensive grounding in the theories and research necessary for studying, analysing, and understanding media and communication processes in both national and global contexts. The course provides extensive training in communication research, methodology and theory.

NEW MEDIA CONCEPTS AND THEORIES

This module offers a broad but in-depth introduction to theories of the new media. It covers approaches to understanding technology and its role in society. It explores theories such as the network society, information society and post-industrial capitalism. It compares new to mature media, and discusses concepts such as media convergence and multi-platform media. Finally, it considers the changes in everyday life introduced by the new media, and examines employment and work in the network society, as well as the role of new technologies in shaping selves and identities. Throughout the module, students will be exposed to important and critical works, and will be encouraged to think critically about the opportunities, potential and dangers of the new media.

RESEARCH METHODS AND MANAGEMENT

This module introduces students to the key research methods and approaches used in the study of media and communication processes. It reviews the development of methods, examines their application to the study of media and communication, and sets out the context and background to various research and theoretical traditions. Students get an opportunity to apply selected research methods in practice, and are introduced to the use of computers in social science data analysis.

GRADUATE SEMINAR: IDENTITIES AND BOUNDARIES

The graduate seminar and the assignment for it are focused on practical web research skills. The interactive sessions are designed to enable tutors and students to exchange perspectives on these skills and reflect on boundaries and identities in the context of globalization in the information age. The module explores multiple perspectives, which take account, for example, of questions of place, culture and gender, and the ways in which identities and boundaries are integral to critical understanding of globalization and communications. It includes discussion of how we think about the authoritative nature of different kinds of online information, and problems of reliability and validity confronted when undertaking web research, and ways of thinking about and tackling them.

NEW MEDIA CULTURES

This module adopts an applied approach to the new media. The module will look at changes in the practices of journalism through blogs and citizen journalism. It will cover the new and important changes in the construction of gendered and political identities in online media. In addition, the module looks as the changing patterns of production and consumption through reference to the online market, while also exploring the changing experiences of the “internet natives”, children and young people. It further looks at the way in which creative output has changed in an “age of digital reproduction”. At the same time, the new media have brought on new divisions and separations and along with them new antagonisms, which will also be explored in this module.

RESEARCH METHODS AND MANAGEMENT II

This module provides students with the ability to evaluate research findings, and shows in practical terms the potential and problems of different research methods. Questions of research policy, funding, organisation, design and management are discussed. A continuation of the Semester 1 module, the module involves further examination of research in practice.

TECHNOLOGY, CULTURE AND POWER: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

The Internet has prompted fresh thinking about the social implications of technological change. What kind of communications revolution does it herald and what are the conceptual tools we need to understand it? These are central questions addressed by the module, which examines how the interaction of technological and cultural processes helps to explain power in the global system. It explores the new realm of virtual politics and the complexities of cultural exchange in the contemporary media and services era. Assessments are linked to a broader discussion of processes of globalization and the role of technology within them.

THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

This module examines the nature of the digital economy, its virtual characteristics, and the ways in which these reshape the communications economy as a whole. Its context is a consideration of the role of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in social transformation. It includes an examination of the Internet environment and the major players within it, including corporations, governments and key civil society actors such as NGOs. Conglomeration developments in the commercial world concentrating on multi-media capacity are discussed. The module investigates the distinctions and linkages between profit-oriented and non-profit-oriented endeavours and the new political economy of the digital age. Focus is placed on different approaches to empowerment within the digital economy and questions of autonomy, creativity and connection in relation to the use of ICTs.

30 recipes and counting. This is for the upcoming Go Pink! event this Sunday and yes, all of you are welcome and do wear Pink to the event. Another good reason to come is that those who are taking part n the RA Twitter Competition, you will be automatically given 20 lucky draw points. All you have to do is show up and catch Ranz and intro yourself and he will jot down your names to be eligible for the 20 lucky draw points.

The food event will feature 30 recipes (desserts and cakes) from a mixture of local and international people. Those who are still keen to send their recipes of their desser (with healthy options), do email to pinkdesserts@gmail.com by 11th April 2010. If you wish to attend the foodie event and contribute a recipe, appreciate if they can bring their dish for sampling by those attendees.

After the Foodie Event, the recipes will be compiled and published for sale. A later date will be announced on the release of the book. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that this Foodie Event is to support the Brunei Breast Cancer Support Group. Merchandise will be on sale as well on that day itself such as t-shirts, caps and aprons.

Another good catch for those participating in contributing their recipes and bringing their specialities, you can win 2 return air tickets to KK, cash prizes and other kitchen utensils.

How to participate in the Brunei Foodies Go Pink! Project.

1. Think of one of your favorite desserts.
2. Type down the recipe in your own sexy way and send it to pinkdesserts@gmail.com
3. Bring it to the venue at 3pm on 11th April, 2010. Here your creation will be subjected to intense food tasting (yummy!) and photoshooting.
4. Eat and socialise

When and where is this food tasting session?
Day: Sunny Sunday
Date: 11th April, 2010
Time: 3pm-6pm
Address: Casa Esperanza . No 15, Spg 68, Jln 82, Kg Rimba Gadong, Not far from GIANT
Attire: Pink Casual Chic

This Project is initiated by:
- Senor Pablo – EmmaGoodEgg – Maurina – Kurapak – Sasbrownies – My7thlife – Ranoadidas – BruneiFoodies – Brunei Breast Cancer Support Group

Resolution adopted by the General Assembly
[on the report of the Third Committee (A/62/435)]

62/139. World Autism Awareness Day

The General Assembly,

Recalling the 2005 World Summit Outcome1 and the United Nations Millennium Declaration, s well as the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and summits in the economic, social and related fields,

Recalling also the Convention on the Rights of the Child3 and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 4 according to which children with disabilities should enjoy a full and decent life, in conditions which ensure dignity, promote self-reliance and facilitate the child’s active participation in the community, as well as the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on anequal basis with other children,

Affirming that ensuring and promoting the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons with disabilities is critical to achievinginternationally agreed development goals,

Aware that autism is a lifelong developmental disability that manifests itself during the first three years of life and results from a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, mostly affecting children in many countries irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status, and characterized by impairments in social interaction, problems with verbal and non-verbal communication and restricted, repetitive behaviour, interests and activities,

Deeply concerned by the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent development challenges to long-term healthcare, education, training and intervention programmes undertaken by Governments,non-governmental organizations and the private sector, as well as its tremendous impact on children, their families, communities and societies,

Recalling that early diagnosis and appropriate research and interventions are vital to the growth and development of the individual,

1. Decides to designate 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day, to be observed every year beginning in 2008;
2. Invites all Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to observe World Autism Awareness Day in an appropriate manner, in order to raise public awareness of autism;
3. Encourages Member States to take measures to raise awareness throughout society, including at the family level, regarding children with autism;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to bring the present resolution to the attention of all Member States and United Nations organizations.

76th plenary meeting, 18 December 2007

Telbru turned four yesterday with a customer appreciation day at our HQ in Berakas and the official launching of the Kadai Telbru at our HQ as well. The celebrations were preceded by a religious ceremony which took place the night before. All pics courtesy of Sudiru Abdullah Photography.

Since its ratification in February 2010, BruKent Society has organized one major social event celebrating three of Brunei’s most important holidays, namely Chinese New Year, the National day of Brunei Darussalam and Maulidur Rasul. Not only that, BruKent Society has also competed in the University of Kent’s International Students Showcase and became the proud winner of the ‘Best Cultural Performance Category’.

Committee Positions for 2010 Session:

• President: Rahman Ahmad Ismail, 1st Year (Accounting & Finance and Management Science)
• Vice-President: Hanif Halim, 1st Year (Financial Maths)
• Secretary: Noor Amal Azirah Azlan, UBD (Diploma in Social Sciences)
• Treasurer: Khairunnisa Ash’ari, UBD (Diploma in Social Sciences)
• Public Relations and ICT Officer: Alimin Matyassin, Masters (Computer Science)
• Sports and Activities Officer:  Nur Hafizah Maidin, 2nd Year (Linguistic)
• Religious and Welfare Officer: Nahqim Abdullah, 1st Year (Financial Maths)
• Medway Representative Officer: Adib Hashim, Masters (Sports Science)

BruKent President giving a speech

Activities

Chinese New Year, National Day and Maulidur Rasul Celebration

WHO: about 50 attendees, including non-Bruneians

WHERE: Darwin College, University of Kent

WHEN: 26th February 2010

WHAT: Singing of National Anthem, recital of doa kesyukuran, games and lucky draw, Best Dress Competition, performances

WHY: To celebrate three of Brunei’s important events and at the same time open our culture to all the members of the society and non-members alike. The event allows us to show them the warmth and hospitality of our country, and to display our customs and traditions.

International Student Showcase in the WorldFest 2010

WHO: 12 participating members

WHERE: Gulbenkian Theatre, University of Kent

WHEN: 27th February 2010

WHAT: BruKent Society performed a traditional dance performance choreographed by Ampuan Siti Nur Syamsiah binti Ampuan Dr Hj Brahim, a first year student taking (Mathematics and Statistic). Despite having only three weeks of intense practice, BruKent Society was the proud winner in the ‘Best Cultural Performance’ category.

WHY: The International Students Showcase was held to celebrate the diverse cultures on campus, and BruKent Society saw this as an opportunity to promote the culture and traditions of Brunei by giving the University of Kent a flavor of Brunei’s traditional music and dance. Other societies involved in the competition include Musical Theatre, Capoiera, Salsa, Pole Dancing etc.

A couple of days ago, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Berhad (BIBD) held a Financial Planning talk for the students at Pusat Tingkatan Enam, Meragang.

Around 100 upper-six, A-level students attended the talk presented by Chartered Financial Consultant, Dayang Nurul Jafriah binti Abdullah.

The purpose of the talk was to instill the culture of savings while teaching the students the importance of it. It was also to encourage students to begin saving as early as possible.

According to Nurul Jafriah, “Students are our future leaders and we need to nurture them with understanding the fundamentals of making the right choices from the beginning. As role models, we should be able to share with them our past experiences and allow them to learn from the rights or wrongs we have encountered so far.”

These students, Nurul Jafriah added, have a long journey ahead of them and they can only sail through smoothly if they are equipped with the appropriate maps and elements which will help them prepare for the journey.

She hopes that by providing these young adults with such awareness, they can make better decisions along the way.

An early introduction to financial planning will help students to associate the term “financial planning’ as they develop in life. This will in turn help increase their awareness on the importance of planning for their future, begin saving as soon as possible and spend wisely.

To make the presentation interesting, activities relating to financial planning were carried out. This was to ensure that the presentation is relevant to their level of understanding.

Happy 8th Birthday to Nina the Bartina!
Hope you had an awesome day today! I Love You sweety!

After spending the morning in Nottingham covering the BruNotts Easter Games, I made my way back to Leicester to join some friends for a good old makan-makan geder-geder heheh. Some lovely Bruneian food to help soothe away some of that home-sickness was just what we all needed I think…

Sambal terung

Sambal tahai

Nasi Lemak kali aaaahhhh!

Enjoying the food

Jum and her Mongolian PhD friend

Jum and her Bruneian PhD friend

Adam’s impression of Edward Scissorhands

Lunch was followed by a walkabout to the city. Banarnya kan mengayau gambus pulang tapi nada, so ke city saja meliat Nanny PcPhee
(Pic borrowed from our PhD friend hee hee)

Assalamualaikum and Hello Friends,

Welcome back to Melbourne!

We trust everyone has had a good holiday and are settling in well!

BSSMelb are hosting a "Potluck Picnic in the Park" event to welcome New and Old friends to Melbourne.  We hope in particular to assist new students in getting to know other Bruneians here in Melbourne as well as the ins and outs of the city.  It would be wonderful for students familiar with Melbourne to share their experiences and knowledge with everyone… So dig up your old picnic rug, throw on some warm clothes (just incase the weather turns), enjoy a kick around of football, bouts of carah and a scavenger hunt with us!

BSSMelb will provide everyone with Refreshments, Cutlery, Plates and would greatly appreciate if everyone can come with a bite to share (halal is preferable).

Details of the event are as follows:

Date: Saturday 10th April 2010

Time: 10am – 2pm

Location: Carlton Gardens- Victoria and Rathdowne St Side of the Park

Here’s the map to the location

Don’t forget to jot this in your diary!  We look forward to see you soon and do bring you friends along- The more the merrier!

Best Regards,
BSSMelbourne

Made my way down to Nottingham yesterday to catch the Brunotts Easter Games which was being held at the Uni of Nottingham sports centre. At least 800 Bruneian students turned up for the annual event which included futsal, netball, squash, and badminton tournaments. It was awesome to see so many young Bruneians in one place competing against each other in sporting events. Present as the guest of honour was Cikgu Dullah (whom I’m seeing almost every weekend now heheh) and officials from the Brunei Students Unit.

On the way to Nottingham with fellow Lestarians

Ada orang nda cukup tidurrr

Warwickians in Green

SMARTER has supporters in UK!

Registering for the games

Shiny trophies all in a row

The chamions’ shield

Generous sponsors for the event

Cikgu Dullah and his gang arriving

Look at that crowd

The Red Ayamz

Warming up!

Stay tuned for the rest of this story in Part Two!

Thousands of people in Brunei are currently affected by hearing loss. The many myths and misconceptions that exist may discourage some people from seeking help to improve their lives through better hearing.

Hear Better Services is a newly-established hearing centre in Brunei Darussalam which aims to provide hearing care solutions. Services range from hearing assessment including industrial screening (for occupational health & safety requirements) to the dispensing of hearing aids and rehabilitation from 4 years old to older age. Counselling and advice on hearing loss is also available.

Hear Better Services will be having a roadshow on 27-28 March 2010 during the International Women’s Club Charity Bazaar on the Ground Floor of The Mall, Gadong. 

All members of the public are welcomed and encouraged to visit the Hear Better Services booth to gain useful knowledge about hearing loss and can even have a FREE hearing assessment. 

Hearing Aids have become more practical and sophisticated.  When properly fitted, hearing aids are comfortable to wear for even the most active of people. At the roadshow,  members of the public can also try out an extensive range of hearing aids for children and adults, from the basic to more fashionable and discreet models.

For more information on our services or to make an appointment for a FREE hearing check, please call 2454325.