Borneo Bulletin articles from January 2010

Borneo Bulletin archives from January 2010

Police must ensure results.
January 31, 2010... The Commissioner of Police yesterday urged speedy action and thorough investigation into public complaints, to produce results. Those who make reports have the right to know the outcome of the cases being investigated, he emphasised. Pehin...

Good response to used cars road show.
January 31, 2010... A used car dealership, Ismakom Company Sdn Bhd, held a road-show recently, where they showcased their latest cars currently available. The vehicles ranged from the eight and seven seater Toyota Vellfire, to the sporty Nissan 350Z as well as...

RTB honours popular performers.
January 31, 2010... The RTB Awards 2009 last night brought together some of the most talented local acts that have contributed enormously to the local channels during an event witnessed by thousands of viewers and broadcast live from the International Convention...

Importance of Peatlands highlighted at lecture.
January 31, 2010... A public lecture on 'Tropical Peatlands and their environmental importance' was given by Dr Susan Page from University of Leceister, UK, at Universiti Brunei Darussalam. Among those who attended the talk were the British High Comissioner to...

Seven bands to vie for Amplified honours today.
January 31, 2010... The semi-finals for Amplified (battle of the bands) for the RTB Media Carnival 2010 continued yesterday with nine more bands vying for a place in the finals, which will be held today. The Amplified (battle of the bands) pulled in a sizeable...

SMARTER tours Kg Ayer.
January 31, 2010... A community adaptation programme organised by the Brunei Autism Centre for Adults under SMARTER Brunei went in full swing yesterday. Forty teachers, teens and adults under SMARTER Brunei set out to see Kampong Ayer and visited the Kampong...

Kuga Ride & Drive heads to Sabah.
January 31, 2010... The group of nine Ford Kuga Ride and Drive left yesterday morning for the six-hours drive to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah for a test drive of the latest edition of the Ford Kuga from the Premier Automobiles showroom. They included local media...

Car Boot Sale Part 3 at SOAS.
January 31, 2010... Car Boot Sale Part 3 will be held today, Sunday, at Maktab SOAS Teacher's parking lot in the capital from 7am to 5pm due to popular demand and feedback, organizers said. More than 40 lots have been sold. There will be second hand and brand...

Primary schools told to focus on key Performance Indicators.
January 31, 2010... Over recent times, increasing attention has been given to the development of Performance Indicators (PI) for schools. However, much of this work is characterised by the assumption that PIs will somehow 'speak for themselves' and little effort...

Workshop helps participants refine daily prayers.
January 31, 2010... A total of 140 participants recently completed a three-day workshop on refining the daily prayers organised by the Islamic Education and Culture, Takmir Setia Ali Mosque, Pekan Muara. Participants attended briefings by Dr Hj Ismuhadi bin Haji...

School presents badges to new prefects, class monitors.
January 31, 2010... Tutong Kem Primary School recently held a presentation ceremony to hand over badges to its new prefects, class monitors and assistant class monitors. The school's headmaster, Cikgu Omar Ali bin Haji Tahir, presented the badges to the selected...

Warm welcome for 'Polar Girl' Era.
January 31, 2010... A warm welcome with flowers was accorded to Brunei's 'Polar Girl' yesterday as she returned to her motherland after the gruelling trek on ice to the South Pole. "I'm ecstatic to be back! Alhamdullilah," said Dk Najibah Eradah binti Pengiran...

Minister harvests paddy at Labi trial plantation.
January 31, 2010... Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar, yesterday morning marked the success of the first phase of a pilot paddy plantation project of rice...

New Al-Islah Centre in Kg Kupang set for full operations soon.
January 31, 2010... Another milestone for the nation's only drug rehabilitation centre, Al-Islah, was marked yesterday as the Public Works Department (PWD) handed over the keys of the newly completed centre in Kampong Kupang to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)....

Sunday morning at Kianggeh Market.
January 31, 2010... For many Bruneians, the 'Tamu' or dry market has been the main place for them to look for local products, where various types of local foods, fruits and other items can be obtained. From Muara to Kuala Belait, there are now a number of...

Research studies will benefit Brunei.
January 31, 2010... Hundreds of eager students planning to further their studies thronged the Canadian Education Symposium yesterday at the Rizqun International Hotel to learn more about courses offered by numerous universities. According to Peter Chen, Trade...

Scrap metal 'entrepreneurs' netted.
January 31, 2010... Three "independent entrepreneurs" suspected of running an illegal business by gathering scrap metals from houses around Kg Pandan in Kuala Belait and selling them to a recycling company in the capital were netted during a raid on Thursday. ...

Social Welfare Council encourages more NGOs to get involved.
January 31, 2010... The Social Welfare Council (MKM), which was officially established on December 2, 2009, hopes that more Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and private individuals would sign up to become members under the MKM banner to safeguard the social...

Further your studies.
January 31, 2010... The Ministry of Education yesterday announced that the first round of the Higher Education Centralised Admission System (HECAS) online application for the August 2010 intake to local higher education institutions - UBD, Universiti Islam Sultan...

Brunei & Grenada establish diplomatic ties.
January 31, 2010... The Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Government of Grenada have decided to establish diplomatic relations with effect from January 29, 2010. The signing of the Joint Communique took place...

Religious Affairs presents scholarships to students.
January 31, 2010... An award presentation ceremony was held recently at the Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong, for recipients of overseas scholarships by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The chief guest at the function was the Permanent Secretary at the...

Health Minister inspects vaccination centre.
January 31, 2010... The Minister of Health, Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, paid a visit to the vaccination centre at the Indoor Stadium yesterday. The purpose of his visit was to closer inspect the operation of...

Property boom on the cards.
January 30, 2010... Brunei could again see another building boom soon as banks may loosen their purse strings and make property loans easier to get in the wake of the current credit card squeeze. Brunei last saw its property bubble burst 10 years ago when the...

Akademi Fantasia's Stacy dines with fans, impressed with Brunei.
January 30, 2010... Twenty-five lucky fans that won a contest had an intimate dinner with Stacy, the winner of popular Malaysia show, Academy Fantasia 6 in 2008. During the dinner, several fans got to play some games with Stacy. Stacy is also the ambassador for...

Heavy vehicles blamed for poor road conditions in commercial areas.
January 30, 2010... In response to numerous complaints from the public regarding poor road conditions and maintenance in certain areas of the country, especially commercial areas, the Weekend has spoken to relevant authorities to obtain their point of view. ...

Anti-corruption talk for students, staff of Cosmopolitan College.
January 30, 2010... A talk on corruption was recently conducted for students and staff of Cosmopolitan College. The talk was delivered by Hj Abdullah Abd Rahman, the Assistant Senior Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), a press release stated. The...

Shiji Poplar helps preserve environment.
January 30, 2010... An article in last week's issue of the Borneo Bulletin has mentioned how the Brunei government is striving to preserve the rainforest to save the environment. It is sufficient to say that 76 per cent of Brunei is still covered in pristine...

Cooking class draws encouraging response.
January 30, 2010... More than 30 participants attended a cooking class yesterday at Amigos Cafe of the Royal Brunei Recreation Club. Chef Evelyn Ting Huey Ying presented two recipes namely the Wok Fried Cereal Chicken and Wok Fried Prawn with Butter and Egg...

Tudong Saji Food Complex gets scrubdown down.
January 30, 2010... Municipal officers from Kuala Belait/Seria yesterday traded their day-off to spruce up the surrounding of the Tudong Saji Food Complex as part of their 'big push' towards maintaining the cleanliness of municipality areas in the district. ...

'Business For A Day' beckons.
January 30, 2010... Students of Sekolah Perdagangan will step into the world of business come February 3, as they get involved in 'Business For A Day,' a project lined-up for its Business and Finance Year I pupils. This project is part of an assessment by the...

ISB 'The King and I' at the Empire.
January 30, 2010... For love of the arts, International School Brunei (ISB) yesterday raised the curtains to the first of its three performances of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'The King and I' at the Empire Theatre. Involving a broad spectrum of participation from...

UBD students showcase artwork at Giant.
January 30, 2010... Ever since the 60's, local artwork in exhibitions in Brunei have taken the form of realistic concepts such as portraits, landscapes, still-life as well as paintings of landmarks such as Kampong Ayer and Mosques in the country. Despite the good...

Chrysler owners treated to movie.
January 30, 2010... GHK Motors Sdn Bhd, being the franchise holder of the Chrysler range of vehicles, recently treated Chrysler owners to a special screening of the movie "Spy Next Door" at the Mall Cineplex - a movie featuring the latest model of the Chrysler...

Imams call to spend wisely and avoid debt.
January 30, 2010... Amid the buzz of debt ridden Bruneians facing the new government- imposed credit card directive to curb their excessive debts, religious authorities yesterday highlighted the need for people to live in moderation and to spend wisely. Looking...

Police personnel attend religious talk.
January 30, 2010... Tutong police district recently organised a religious talk to mark the new-year Hijrah, 1431. Present as the chief guest was the Tutong police district OCPD, Supt Hj Mohd Hassan B Pehin Penyurat Hj Ahmad. 70 personnel from the Lamunin and Tutong...

Filipino community to get H1N1 vaccination shots.
January 30, 2010... In support of the Brunei Ministry of Health's efforts to prevent the spread of the Infuenza A (H1N1) virus, the Philippine Embassy is urging members of the Filipino community in Brunei to get their Influenza A (H1N1) vaccination shots. ...

JIS pupils help earthquake victims in Haiti.
January 30, 2010... Jerudong International School pupils have raised more than $5000 dollars for the relief effort in Haiti. The pupils decided to donate the funds to Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors without Borders (Canada) whose staff were the first medical...

ISB fundraiser for Haiti.
January 30, 2010... Under the organisation of the Secondary Student Council all members of the ISB Community held a 'wear red' fundraiser for the victims of the Haiti earthquake last week. Assisted by donations from the school's eco-council and the PTA the...

NLPS holds briefing for parents, teachers.
January 30, 2010... A briefing for parents and branch teachers for kindergarten 1, 2 and 3 of Tanjong Bunut and Kiulap was held at the Nusa Laila Puteri School in Jangsak yesterday morning. Ustaz Achmad Muchlison led the mass recitation of surah al-fatihah. ...

Recycling Buddies raise proceeds for Haiti quake fund.
January 30, 2010... The Recycling Buddies met again yesterday for their regular recycling activity that also marked the curtain-raiser for their line-up of programmes this year and showed some positive signs with an increasing number of turn-ups by its interested...

Cooking competition finals at Giant Hypermart.
January 30, 2010... A cooking competition was held at Giant Hypermart in Kg Rimba, and after 15 weeks since October 2009, only nine people for its final round were chosen, but only five turned up yesterday afternoon. The contest was very tough. Each of the...

Executive Committee elections of Filipino Association in Brunei.
January 30, 2010... Registration for membership and the filing of certificates of candidacy for the Executive Committee elections of the 28-year-old Filipino Association in Brunei continue tomorrow at the premises of St Georges in the capital, said outgoing FAB...

James Hon Study in UK Exhibition.
January 30, 2010... Prospective students with interests in medicine and allied health professions are urged to attend the James Hon Study in UK Exhibition to be held at The Rizqun International Hotel next Tuesday, Feb 2, 2010. The fourth instalment of James Hon's...

BMW 5 Series Sedan: Modern design and dynamic performance.
January 30, 2010... The new BMW 5 Series Sedan marks the epitome of modern design and driving pleasure in the world of premium midsize sedans. The sixth generation of BMW's executive express accurately reflects the standards upheld by the world's most successful...

Princess attends SCB ceremony.
January 30, 2010... Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna at the unveiling of Standard Chartered Bank's renewed Priority Banking at the Grand Hall of the Empire Hotel and Country Club accompanied by Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul...

Battle of the Bands rocks the crowd.
January 30, 2010... Amplified - Battle of the Bands was a crowd puller during the RTB Media Carnival (RTBMC) 2010. The semi-finals for the first group were carried out yesterday. Competing bands performed an optional song and a song of their own creation. The...

Search is on for female Red Bull Driver.
January 30, 2010... The search for the female Red Bull Driver in Brunei gives an opportunity to more women with the drive and potential to enter the motorsport scene. Two female drivers from Brunei will get a chance of a lifetime to be part of Red Bull Racing...

Local entrepreneurs talk on agriculture at RTB carnival.
January 30, 2010... In conjunction with the RTB media carnival, local entrepreneurs were invited to give talks on the field of agriculture including bio- organic agriculture, which uses effective microorganism technology. Elaborated by Bioprop Sdn Bhd, the...

Panel discussion on India-Brunei ICT cooperation.
January 30, 2010... A panel discussion was held yesterday at the Orchid Garden Hotel based on the "India-Brunei Information Communication technology Scope and Potential for Cooperation". A number of topics were discussed during the programme inlcuding "Overview...

Preschool phonetic briefing for parents.
January 30, 2010... About 150 parents and teachers attended a preschool phonetic briefing for Zone-1, organised by JASPER Brunei IV, Preschool Academic Body that was held in Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab Secondary School's hall, Lumapas. Present as the guest of...

HSBC presents prizes for three lucky winners.
January 30, 2010... Three lucky HSBC Credit Card holders brought home a grand prize of 500,000 Royal Skies miles during a prize presentation ceremony that took place at HSBC's main branch in the capital On hand to present the prizes was Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Head...

ITB gears up for E4BT Conference.
January 30, 2010... Institut Teknologi Brunei's second English for Business and Technology (E4BT) Conference will be held next week on February 3 and 4, 2010. It is open to members of the public free of charge. Those interested in attending the conference are...

HSBC goes hybrid with new company cars.
January 30, 2010... HSBC presented their senior managers with a new fleet of company cars yesterday in the form of the recently launched hybrid car, the Toyota Prius. The cars were handed over to the bank's senior managers through Jasra Car Rental Sdn Bhd in a...

Canada beckons Brunei students.
January 30, 2010... Would you like to study where that guy who made "Avatar" went to school? Now that Canada has gotten into the act in Brunei, you really stand a chance. The Canadian Education Symposium will be held here today. And Mr Wendell J Sanford, the...

New dept store opens in Tutong.
January 30, 2010... A new branch under the Milimewah Department Store group opened its doors yesterday in Tutong Town, attracting curious entrepreneurs and customers alike to a business establishment seen to add more convenience to shoppers in the Tutong District....

100,000 for a noble wish.
January 30, 2010... $ A fat cheque of 100,000 dollars was awarded to a lucky winner yesterday as a part of Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam's (BIBD) Third Quarterly Wish Awards. Held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in conjunction with the 5th...

Bruneians better off with new credit card rules.
January 30, 2010... This week, Brunei was abuzz with activity with the Asean Tourism Forum. I am certain international visitors were impressed with Brunei's beauty and uniqueness just as I was when I first arrived in Brunei. As I've often said in previous...

Toastmaster's journey of transformation.
January 30, 2010... When she first joined the Otters Toastmaster in 2008, Nureiza Tajudin, or Eiza, did not even like talking to people she did not know. The private sector employee has since become a very different person from the introverted character who came...

Promoting Brunei tourism.
January 30, 2010... The Asean Tourism Forum hosted by Brunei Darussalam had just ended recently. Actually, Brunei benefited a lot from this forum, which enabled it to improve and gain more knowledge in promoting its own tourism. As the tourism in Brunei is still...

NBT unveils fourth generation Prado.
January 30, 2010... Toyota dealer - NBT - unveiled to the public the much-anticipated 4th generation all-new 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado yesterday morning at its Gadong Toyota Showroom. Witnessed by a crowd of some 300 excited 4WD enthusiasts who were invited...

Personal Challenge for Youth and Sports staff.
January 30, 2010... The Department of Youth and Sports held a four-day Personal Challenge Course for its staff starting from January 25, 2010. The opening ceremony was launched by the Special Administration Officer of the Youth and Sports Department, Pg Mohd...

New Legacy promises fun drive & more space.
January 30, 2010... The completely redesigned 2010 Subaru Legacy sedan is fun to drive and offers a roomier interior. The car was officially displayed to the public yesterday at the new showroom of the Subaru dealer, Lau Motors. Amongst its features is a Boxer...

Expo to improve business climate.
January 30, 2010... The Trade Expo 2010 kicked off on Thursday at the Atrium Hall of The Mall, Gadong, featuring a wide range of household items and gadgets. Organised by the Airtimes Media Advertising Management, the expo will run until February 1. According...

Students called to attend 'Study in UK'.
January 30, 2010... Consultants of James Hon Marketing and Management are inviting students to attend its 18th anniversary February 2 at their "Study in UK" event at The Rizqun Hotel. To commemorate the event, and to usher in the company's fourth "Study in UK"...

What it should have been.
January 30, 2010... With reference to the article "Feedback Sought on Tutong Master Plan" dated 21 January, it should have read "Tutong District Plan" and the department that conducted the seminar should have been the Town and Country Planning Department and not as...

UBD eyes cooperation with Thai institute.
January 30, 2010... A delegation from Universiti Brunei Darussalam yesterday afternoon made an initial contact with the National Institute of Development Administration of Thailand (NIDA) on forging academic and research cooperation. NIDA which was established...

Canadian Education Fair to highlight diversity of universities.
January 30, 2010... The High Commissioner of Canada to Brunei, Wendell Sandford, yesterday spoke about the Canadian Education Fair, which will be launched today at the Rizqun International Hotel. He hoped that the fair will attract students to broaden their...

Consumer Fair on track to draw 60,000 visitors.
January 30, 2010... About 29,325 people have visited the 5th Consumer Fair at the International Convention Centre (ICC) so far, as of 7.40pm yesterday. This is according to a Sunlit Advertising representative, who also said that over 6,000 tickets, both for...

Royalty launches SCB's Priority Banking.
January 30, 2010... Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna officially unveiled Standard Chartered Bank's (SCB) new and improved Priority Banking, yesterday, at the Grand Hall of Empire Hotel and Country Club. Last week, SCB's Premium Banking General Manager,...

Pakistan-trained RBAF officers reunite at alumni dinner.
January 30, 2010... The High Commission of Pakistan, last night held its 2nd alumni gathering for officers of Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) who attended defence courses in Pakistan. The alumni gathering was held at the Chancery of the High Commission of...

Online portal boost for SMEs.
January 29, 2010... Brunei's first online marketing portal for local businesses, www.padian.com, is hoped to complement efforts and initiatives of government agencies and organisations towards a common goal of promoting made-in-Brunei products for Brunei and...

Belait stall operators briefed on lawful business practices.
January 29, 2010... Operating a business without a licence is an offence under Chapter (7) of the Municipal Act Paragraph 57, and violators are liable to a fine of not more than B$30,000. This was raised by the Head of Law Enforcement Unit and Assistant...

Online marketing portal to promote local products.
January 29, 2010... In the 2008 - 2009 Networked Readiness Index (NRI), Brunei Darussalam was ranked at number 63, while Singapore and Malaysia were ranked in the 4th and 28th positions respectively. The NRI is an index that measures the propensity for...

Ceremony to honour retirees.
January 29, 2010... Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Hj Ahmad bin Haji Jumat yesterday presented certificates of appreciation and souvenirs to retired officers and personnel of the ministry and...

Minister calls on retirees to continue contributing.
January 29, 2010... Retirement does not mean the end of everything but it is actually a new opportunity in a different environment to continue providing contributions and services for an individual and family members. This should be understood and applied...

SCB Hua Ho MasterCard in time for festive season.
January 29, 2010... Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) is bringing back the ever-popular Hua Ho MasterCard sale exclusively for its Hua Ho MasterCard members - and just in time for the upcoming festive season as well! From Friday to Sunday, between Jan 29 to Feb 7...

Career Dialogue at Empire Hotel on Feb 2.
January 29, 2010... The current National Development Plan puts a strong focus on human resources development. It is generally recognised that for Brunei to diversify its economy, it is critical that the local manpower skills match the needs of the country's...

Civic-minded undergrads on good footing.
January 29, 2010... Thirty-three Brunei undergraduates studying in Australia and New Zealand have come off a four-day Civic Course reinforced in moral values and focus to finish their oversea sojourn promptly and hopefully with flying colours. The 33 received...

Bistari donates $3,000 to humanitarian fund.
January 29, 2010... The Indonesia Earthquake and the Philippines Typhoon Humanitarian Fund yesterday received a B$3,000 donation from Bistari in an event attended by its members, as well as members of the Women's Council and invited guests. The Deputy President...

Red Bull search for Brunei teammate.
January 29, 2010... In conjunction with the promotion of the Red Bull Rookies Driver Search in Brunei, the organisers have arranged the 'Longest Breath' contest at their booth at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the International Convention Centre (ICC) during the...

Royal b'day events to end July 31.
January 29, 2010... The Brunei-Muara District Officer, Dato Paduka Hj Md Yussof, yesterday called for the usual one-month celebratory period marking His Majesty's 64th birthday this July to be cut short to July 31 as the holy month of Ramadhan falls 11 days later...

Student awards and Hijrah celebration at Lumapas Religious School.
January 29, 2010... Lumapas Religious School, Brunei Area IV held a two-in-one event yesterday - the celebration of New Year 1431 Hijrah and the presentation of best student awards and certificates to 51 primary five students of religious primary schools who passed...

Flag-hoisting ceremony marks India's Republic Day.
January 29, 2010... Indians residing in the Belait District celebrated India's 60th Republic Day recently at the Indian Association's premises in Seria. On January 26, 1950, India adopted its new constitution and became a republic. The Indian Association of...

IC3 course for Comms staff.
January 29, 2010... SEAMEO VOCTECH International House organised an IC3 course for officers and staff of Ministry of Communications, which began Jan 25 until Feb 16, held at SEAMEO VOCTECH computer labs. Around 29 officers and staff from different departments...