Simon Leong @ Brunei Darussalam

Pre-CNY Visit to Seria Old Folks Home

2016-01-24T21:00:00.000+08:00

This afternoon, PWM members and their families (a total of 27 of us), led by PWM President, Mr. James Lee and CNY Organizing Chairman, Mr. Jimmy Chung, set out for Seria to visit the Old Folks Home after assembling at Traders Inn at 3.00pm. This initiative is part of our social obligations and responsibilities towards the less fortunate in Brunei Darussalam. We left Traders Inn at around 3.15pm in a chartered mini bus and due to the leisurely drive (which was a good thing; better safe than sorry), we reached our destination at 4.40pm. Besides hampers and ang pows which was distributed to the residents, several members also sang Chinese New Year songs to entertain the residents (courtesy of Mr. President who brought along a karaoke box). We left the Home at 6.45pm after dinner with the residents and reached Traders Inn at 8.30pm. Plans are already in place to make this an annual event in our PWM calendar. What a meaningful Sunday!

Handling Over of Donation

2015-12-11T14:13:00.000+08:00

This morning a handling over (of donation) ceremony was conducted at the Malaysian High Commission (MHC) in Bandar Seri Begawan. Witnessing the handover was the Acting Malaysian High Commissioner, Che Haznah Md Hashim. Proceeds from the Muhibbah Colour Charity Run 2015 (held on 29 November 2015) amounting to B$6,500.00 was handed over to Datin Paduka Hjh Intan, President of Majlis Kesejahteraan Masyarakat (MKM) by the Organizing Chairman of Muhibbah Colour Charity Run 2015, Mr. Raja Segaran. Other members of PWM, MKM and officials from MHC were also present to witness the handover of the mock cheque. Well done, Mr. Raja!

Muhibbah Colour Charity Run 2015

2015-11-29T15:00:00.000+08:00

Organizing Chairman, Raja Segaran (R)

This morning, Persatuan Warganegara Malaysia (PWM) kicked off the Muhibbah Colour Charity Run (MCCR) after months of preparation. More than 800 runners participated in the three catergories; 3km (Fun Run), 5km (Open) and 5km (Veteran). Proceeds from this event will be donated to Majlis Kesejahteraan Masyarakat (MKM) in assisting them in their effort to combat social welfare issues in Brunei Darussalam. We had lots of fun and well done to the Organizing Chairman, Mr. Raja Segaran, volunteers, sponsors and the various Government agencies (Ministry of Home Affairs, Bandaran, Royal Brunei Police Force & Ministry of Health) for their tireless efforts and contributions without which this event would not be possible. For more photos, click here.

Justice League Run Brunei

2015-09-27T15:49:00.002+08:00

I had stopped participating in running events since 9th June 2013 after injuring my knee at Pusat Ehsan's 12 km run but this morning I took part in the 5 km "Justice League Run Brunei" after an absence of more than 2 years! If I had not checked their Facebook profile, I'd have thought that the venue was at the Indoor Stadium where I paid and collected my race kit but it was actually at the Jerudong Park Garden. There were two categories, the 3 km and the 5 km runs which were both fun runs. The 5 km run was supposed to flag off at 6.30am but was delayed to almost 7.00am due to a delay in the warm up session. There were 5 superheros' T-shirts to choose from and I chose the "Batman" T-shirt which came with a mask. The other superheros are Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash and Green Lantern. Luckily, the haze situation was not that bad this morning, otherwise the runners would have a hard time breathing!

PWM 17th Annual General Meeting

2015-09-20T16:02:00.000+08:00

Collection counter

Registration counter

This morning, Persatuan Warganegara Malaysia (PWM) held its 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Putera Banquet Hall attended by the current Excos and PWM members. Prior to the meeting proper, the President of PWM, Mr. James Lee presented souvenirs to the outgoing Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency, Datuk Hj Ag Sahak bin Hj Ag Salleh who is also the Patron of PWM. As this was not an election year, there was no change in the Executive Committee and the meeting was smoothly held in line with PWM's Constitution.

PWM Blood Donation Drive 2015

2015-07-12T15:57:00.000+08:00

Thank you to Kingston Beverages for supporting our cause

Our first donor!

Mr President having his check-up

Cik Haznah, Deputy High Commissioner showing her support

Update: Borneo Bulletin on 12 July 2015

Every year, during the month of Ramadhan, Persatuan Warganegara Malaysia (PWM) never fails to organize a blood donation drive to replendish the blood bank at RIPAS Hospital as blood supply will be critical during the Puasa month. This year, PWM Blood Donation Drive was held at the the showroom of United Motors Sdn Bhd (Proton Dealer in Brunei) at Jalan Gadong on 11th July 2015 from 10.00am to 2.00pm. Thank you to the sponsors, Kingston Beverages & Creamery Sdn Bhd for sponsoring Horlicks Chocolate and Mountain Dew beverages, Brunei Yellow Pages for sponsoring recycle bags and mini directories and not forgetting United Motors Sdn Bhd for the use of their premises. Thank you to all donors and sponsors!

Visit to Seria Old Folks Home

2015-06-17T17:00:00.000+08:00

R-L: Zati, SL, Anna & Nestor

Signing the donation book

The donated items

This morning, three of my colleagues, Zati, Chloe, Nestor and myself went to Hua Ho Kiulap to do some shopping for items which we planned to sent to the Seria Old Folks Home (SOFH) right after the shopping. In fact, I received a whatsapp message yesterday from Ms. Anna Chua, a volunteer at the Home, requesting for Lipton tea bags, Clorox, eggs, tomato sauce and canned food. We reached the SOFH at around 11.30am after enquiring with several people on the way as this was our first trip to the home! We finally found the home after Chloe spotted a wheelchair in one of the houses! To my surprise, the place is clean and neat. Anyone wishing to donate to the home can whatsapp Anna at +673 8878610. I know for a fact, I'll be back!

A Little Gift for the Less Fortunate

2015-03-24T18:00:00.000+08:00

Unpacking at the store

Pumping air into the tires

Loading up

Arrived at Pusat Ehsan @ 9.30am

Unloading at Pusat Ehsan

Dato Alimin Wahab receiving the wheelchairs on behalf of Pusat Ehsan

Updated: 25-3-2015

We have been planning this for awhile but did not manage to hand over the 15 wheelchairs as I was away during Chinese New Year and other parties involved were away at one point or another. Finally, an appointment was made to deliver the wheelchairs to Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al Hajjah Maryam at 10.00am this morning. We reached the store at 9.00am where volunteers from Orientex Concrete Sdn Bhd (who also provided the transportation) were already unpacking, pumping air into the tires of the wheelchairs and loading them onto two 4x4 pick-ups to be delivered to the centre. A simple hand-over ceremony was conducted at 10.00 am for the media and we were good to go. Mission accomplished!

Farewell Party for Marissa & Siti

2015-03-13T12:34:00.002+08:00

For remembrance (with Marissa)

For remembrance (with Siti)

Game time!

Tokens of appreciation for Marissa & Siti

Presentation of "angpows"

During our fifteen and a half years in business, we had witnessed one retirement; Sudan (Housekeeping staff) who retired in December 2012 after 13 years with us. Later this month, two other long serving colleagues will be resigning (not retiring); Marissa (Front Office Supervisor) who has been with us for 15 years and Siti (Housekeeping staff) who has been with us for 8 years. Last night, in recognition of their services and contributions, a farewell party was hosted in our Coffee Lounge for the both of them. Several fun games were organized for the rest of our colleagues and tokens of appreciations were given to Marissa & Siti. As this is a farewell party, no doubt lot's of picture takings were going on among our colleagues with the two guests of honour! Lastly, we would like to wish both of them happiness, good health and prosperity!

PWM Lunar New Year Gala Dinner 2015

2015-03-08T11:15:00.000+08:00

Welcoming the Guest of Honour

Colleagues from Traders Inn with "Chai Sen Yeh"

Speech by OC, Mr. Raymond Ting

Speech by Guest of Honour

Student awards in progress

Speech by student representative

Lucky draw in progress

Brunei singer, Wu Pei Pei

Organizing Committee

After months of preparation, Persatuan Warganegara Malaysia's (PWM) Chinese New Year (CNY) Committee headed by Organizing Chairman, Mr. Raymond Ting, successfully hosted the PWM Lunar New Year Gala Dinner 2015 on 7th March 2015 at the Hua Ho Manggis Mall. More than 500 supporters of PWM and 280 students attended this event. The highlight of this annual event is the presentation of Academic Excellence Awards to deserving Malaysian students in Brunei Darussalam and this year we have 280 students (from Year 1 to Year 13) who were eligible for the awards. Other programmes included cultural dance performances from students of Chung Hwa Middle School and songs by renowned local singer, Wu Pei Pei. As for the lucky draw, 3 grand prizes and 42 "angpows" with cash ranging from $50 to $188 were given away to the lucky winners. To all our supporters; "Gong Xi Fa Cai" and we hope you've enjoyed the event as much as we have and see you again next year!

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang

2015-02-22T19:00:00.000+08:00

It was a very hot day!

My daughter, Felicia

A beautiful sight but the smell of the horse dung is awful!

Trying to place the coin upright

That's my coin in the centre

The Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is a Lanna-style Buddhist temple situated in the province of Lampang, about 100km south-east of Chiang Mai. Wat Phra That Lampang Luang's literal translation is Temple (Wat) of Buddha Relic (Phra That) of Lampang (Lampang Luang is the old name of Lampang). We stopped at this temple on the way back to Sankhaburi to offer our prayers and to get more blessings!

Night Bazaar @ Chiang Mai

2015-02-21T21:00:00.000+08:00

My godson, Jacky

A young street performer

Street artist at work

That's my foot!

We arrived at this particular Night Bazaar at around 4.00pm this afternoon when all the vendors were just starting to set up their stalls. This is not an ideal time to visit as the weather was hot and humid and I thought all these while that the weather in Chiang Mai would be cool! However when night falls, the Night Bazaar suddenly came to life as more and more tourists started coming and the streets became very crowded. You can loiter here for hours as the place is huge and we even had a 30 minutes foot massage on the foot path for THB90-00 to relieve our tired legs. We left the Night Bazaar at around 9.30pm after dinner at a Thai restaurant located along the street.

Visit to a Strawberry Farm @ Chiang Mai

2015-02-21T15:49:00.000+08:00

You can try the samples first before buying

No strawberries to pick!

Strawberry field

The stalls at the bottom of the hill where the strawberries were sold

In Chiang Mai, wherever you wish to go will take you ages as most of the tourist attractions are far apart! This particular strawberry farm up in the mountains in Mae Rim District is no different as it took us almost an hour to reach there. You are allowed to take photos but will be charged if you pick the strawberries at the farm. Anyway, there's not much strawberries on the plants itself but there's a lot of big, ripe strawberries at the stalls at the bottom of the hill; wondered where those strawberries came from!

Royal Sankampaeng Hot Springs

2015-02-21T14:44:00.000+08:00

The public foot bath

My godson, Jacky, peeling away at the quail egg

Here you can hang the eggs (in a straw basket) onto the hooks on the edge of the pond to cook the eggs

This sign indicates how long you should cook your eggs

Today, we visited the Royal Sankampaeng Hot Springs in Chiang Mai. Getting there wasn't much of a problem as we hired a commuter van from Sankhaburi complete with a driver for three days. The van costs us THB2,000 per day excluding fuel. The entrance fee to the hot springs is THB100 per person and we also bought some quail eggs to be boiled later at the hot springs. There were numerous souvenir shops and Thai massage centres in the vicinity of the hot springs itself. We only soaked our feet in the public foot bath which was free! But I can certainly attest to the benefits of this hot springs as the mosquito bite on my foot felt much better after the foot bath!

Humanitarian Aid to Limbang Flood Victims

2015-01-29T16:43:00.000+08:00

Mr. James Lee, PWM President

Volunteers from HEART

TYT with volunteers from the various associations

TYT greeted by YB Paulus Palu Ngumbang at Kuala Lurah

Press conference at District Office, Limbang

TYT with YB Dato Sri Dr. James Dawos Mamit

Symbolic handover of donations

Hosted lunch at Musbee Cafe

Yesterday morning, Pusat Belia dan Sukan (the organizers), Persatuan Warganegara Malaysia (PWM), Persatuan Kereta Tahan Lasak Brunei (PKTLB) and Humanitarian Emergency Aid Response Team (HEART), gathered at Pusat Belia (Youth Centre) to prepare for the despatch of humanitarian aid, consisting mostly of foodstuff and bottled water, to Limbang via a convoy of fifteen 4x4 vehicles from PKTLB. His Excellency, Datuk Hj Ag Sahak bin Hj Ag Salleh (TYT), the Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam and Mr. James Lee, the President of PWM also accompanied the convoy. We were welcomed by YB Paulus Palu Ngumbang, a State Assembly member from Batu Danau at Kuala Lurah and proceeded to Limbang where a press conference and briefing was conducted at the District Office. The Deputy Minister of Resources and Environment, YB Dato Sri Dr. James Dawos Mamit also flew in from Kuching to attend the press conference and gave us an insight into the flood situation in Limbang. After the press conference, we were also invited to lunch at a nearby cafe. If I had known that there's going to be a press conference and hosted lunch, I would not have gone in my shorts!

PWM Flood Relief Fund

2015-01-24T11:04:00.000+08:00

Foodstuff for flood victims in Limbang

With many states in West Malaysia experiencing its worst ever floods in recent years which resulted in loss of homes and properties for hundreds of thousands of fellow Malaysians and also by the command of His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam to set up the Malaysia Flood Disaster Humanitarian Fund (MFDHF), Persatuan Warganegara Malaysia (PWM) initiated a donation drive on 13th January 2015 and in less than a week managed to receive pledges of more than B$12,500-00! This morning, PWM excos led by Mr. James Lee (PWM President) and Datuk Hj Ag Sahak Hj Ag Salleh (Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam) presented a cheque of B$10,500-00 to Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah, the Minister of Culture, Youth & Sports, who received the cheque on behalf of MFDHF. Another B$2,000-00 was used to purchase foodstuff and mineral water for the flood victims of Limbang which was also hit by floods recently.

1950 Bond Street Cafe (峰粥)

2015-01-03T14:28:00.000+08:00

The husband & wife team from Hong Kong, owners of the cafe

The first floor

Steamed 7 Star Garoupa

Kampong Chicken

Black Pepper Crabs

Tiger Prawns

Don't try googling for this cafe, you'll never find it; in fact, it's not even open yet! The owner is James' niece, Ada & her husband, and last night they entertained us at their cafe which will be opening soon (waiting for the approval of the business licence from Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu). Ah Fong (Ada's husband) has a passion for cooking and that night, he showed off his culinary skills, whipping up excellent dishes for us to enjoy. The cafe is located along Gaya Street, occupying one and a half shop lots. The ground floor of one shop lot is occupied by Ada's local partner who is a travel agent. In case you're wondering why they named their cafe "1950 Bond Street Cafe"; it's because Gaya Street used to be known as Bond Street and this street was rebuilt in 1950! We are looking forward to the cafe's opening and we'll definitely come back for more great food!

Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu

2015-01-02T13:56:00.000+08:00

There's even a sea view (a fair distance away) from my room!

James Luk and I stayed at the Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu for two nights from 1st January 2015. The room is clean with all the basic amenities and most importantly there's free wi-fi! It's located along Jalan Padang where a few other similar class hotels are situated. Right across the hotel is the bus terminal and it's also within walking distance to Gaya Street and most of the major shopping centres. The room is a bit small though but I'm not complaining as James paid for the room!

Early Christmas Gathering

2014-12-21T19:27:00.000+08:00

"Dine in the Dark" experience

Sardine with Sicilian Sauce

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Grilled Salmon

Lamb Shank

Chocolate Almond Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream

Orange Zest Caramel Pannacotta

This year, our Christmas Gathering with the PWM fraternity was held on 20th December 2014 at a cosy restaurant in Kiulap, in a private room complete with X'mas decor. The starter was "Sardine with Sicilian Sauce", followed by "Cream of Mushroom Soup". The main course was either the "Lamb Shank" or "Grilled Salmon" and the majority of us opted for the "Grilled Salmon". The dessert was either the "Chocolate Almond Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream" or "Orange Zest Caramel Pannacotta". Sammy, the organizer also arranged a "Dine in the Dark" experience but we didn't get to eat in the dark as we waited too long for the starter and everyone were hungry! There were also restaurant vouchers for the "best dressed" male and female guests and several guests also got restaurant vouchers which were placed under the table by the restaurant staff beforehand. The last item on the programme was the exchange of gifts as Christmas is the season for giving! Everyone of us (there were 17 of us) enjoyed this fantastic evening in the company of awesome friends!

Renaissance Hotel Kota Bharu

2014-12-10T15:01:00.000+08:00

They don't serve liquor here

We had dinner here (Kow Lun Restaurant in Chinatown)

Renaissance Hotel Kota Bharu is one of the better hotels (or best) in Kota Bharu and I stayed there on a whirlwind trip on 10 December 2014. The staff here are very friendly and helpful. I hardly had any time to do any sightseeing or shopping though there is a shopping mall (Kota Seri Mutiara Complex) next to the hotel! I booked through hotelclub.com and the rate was B$145.88 nett per night. Liquor is not served in this hotel.
That night, we had to go to Chinatown (just a row of shophouses) for dinner and some beer. Ironically, Thai music was played here instead of Chinese music and I can feel the Thai influence here due to its proximity to Thailand (Sergei Golok, a Thai border town is 40 minutes away by car).

MKM Charity Dinner

2014-11-22T11:41:00.000+08:00

Mr & Mrs Raja

Mr & Mrs Low

Selvi, Raja & Tiong

Introduction of Datin Hajah Intan's cookbook "Flavours & Colours"

The main courses

Kris, Raymond & Selvi

Sago Gula Melaka (dessert)

Last night, we (PWM President, Mr. James Lee and several Excos) attended a charity dinner organized by Majlis Kesejahteraan Masyarakat (MKM) at the Indera Samudra Grand Hall, The Empire Hotel & Country Club. At least a thousand people attended with the Minister at the Ministry of Industry & Primary Resources, Pehin Haji Yahya as the Guest of Honour (GOH). The evening started with a speech from the Chairwoman of MKM, Datin Hajah Intan, followed by a speech from the GOH. A short video clip depicting the activities of MKM was shown followed by dances and songs from local artistes. Great job!

Ho Chi Minh City (12-15 November 2014)

2014-11-16T16:42:00.000+08:00

The streets around A&EM Hotel

Supper on the 1st night (can't remember the name of this restaurant which is near A&EM Hotel)

Moon Hue Restaurant (near A&EM Hotel)

Traditional Broken Rice Restaurant (near A&EM Hotel)

Cuc Gach Quan (home style) Restaurant; we took a taxi to get there

This is the first time I visited Vietnam and this trip was planned last April before Royal Brunei Airlines (BI) resumes its direct flight to Ho Chi Minh City (HCM)! James and I flew to Singapore by BI (12 November) and then to HCM on Jetstar. Another friend, Mr. Chong joined us on 13 November and returned to Brunei on 16 November via BI's direct flight. However, my return sector (15 November) on Jetstar was delayed for 1 hour and 10 minutes giving us less time to catch the connecting flight back to Brunei. Just before landing at Changi Airport, we moved to the first row so that we can exit the plane first. It was such a rush but I managed to do a little shopping before boarding the plane back to Brunei. I was the last passenger to board and they even announced my name over the PA system. I'm so glad I made it!
Currency exchange: It's advisable to bring Singapore Dollars to Vietnam as it commands a better rate than Brunei Dollars. The exchange rate in Vietnam is SGD1 = VND16,500+ which is better than the rate offered at Changi Airport (SGD1 = VND14,500+).

River Cruise @ Ho Chi Minh City

2014-11-14T23:30:00.000+08:00

La Perle de L'Orient

The set menu

Other available cruises

Night scene taken from the boat

One of the highlights of our recent trip to Ho Chi Minh City was the River Cruise. This was arranged by the hotel receptionist (Ms. Jessica) at A&EM Hotel. The cost of this River Cruise including a set dinner and return transfers to the river banks of the Saigon River was VND588,000-00 (B$36-00). There were several other boats berthed at the pier and we were booked on the "La Perle de L'Orient" which I believe meant "Pearl of the Orient" in French. Ironically, the other boats were not as busy as the boat we're on and reservations in advance is recommended. The boat departed at 7.45pm and returned to the pier at 9.15pm by which time we had finished our dinner and a couple of beers!

Mekong Delta Tour

2014-11-14T22:00:00.000+08:00

My Tho

Chong, enjoying the boat ride

At the bee farm

Mr. Chong - photo session with a python

Coconut candy factory

Jetty where we took a row boat to a restaurant for lunch

On the row boat

Jerry, our Austrian friend with Mr. Chong

We paid extra for this Elephant Fish

The simple set lunch

Toilet break en-route to My Tho

This morning we (James, Chong & I) joined the full day Mekong Delta Tour where we were to travel up the Mekong River by boat to visit several places along the river. The tour was priced at VND410,000-00 (B$25-00) per person. The tour van picked us up at the hotel at 7.45am and 9 other tourists from other hotels and then proceeded to My Tho, a town one and a half hours' drive away. From My Tho, we took a motorized boat to a bee farm to sample the honey tea and of course to buy some honey and royal jelly. From the bee farm we walked through the fruit orchard to a makeshift shelter where they manufacture coconut candy (more of a cottage industry). At a small jetty, we took a small rowing boat to another jetty where we took a horse drawn carriage (maximum capacity of 4 passengers) to a restaurant 15 minutes' away. Don't sit at the front of the carriage as the smell of the horse dung is awful! After lunch, we were transferred by motor boat back to the bee farm where the bigger boat was waiting to transport us back to My Tho (where the van is waiting) at around 2.00pm. From here it's another one and a half hours' drive back to HCM. We reached our hotel at around 4.00pm and went straight for a shower as we will be joining a river cruise cum dinner later at 7.00pm.

Viet Water 2014

2014-11-13T20:00:00.000+08:00

My name was spelt wrongly

This morning, James and I visited the Viet Water 2014 Exhibition (12-14 November 2014) held at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Centre. This exhibition is intended for exhibitors from various countries to showcase plumbing related products; particularly pipes, filtration systems, sanitation, sewerage treatment systems, waste water treatment and purification, etc. The next exhibition (Water Philippines 2015 Expo) will be held in the Philippines from 25-27 March 2015. James is in the plumbing industry while I'm not and I was there just to accompany him!