Borneo Bulletin articles from March 2011

Borneo Bulletin archives from March 2011

Closer Brunei-Ukraine ties.
March 31, 2011... His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam lauded the close bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and Ukraine, as both countries share a common desire to encourage understanding amongst all countries and peoples. ...

MIPR conducts survey to boost Brunei's global competitiveness.
March 31, 2011... The private business sector in Brunei has been considered one of the most important sectors that could help realise the country's goals of economic diversification. The Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei...

Woman caught travelling using someone else's passport.
March 31, 2011... A Malaysian woman was found attempting to use another woman's passport during a routine check conducted by Brunei Immigration Officers at the Kuala Lurah Immigration Control Post earlier this month. The woman, known as Erdina binti Awang...

Belait committee meets on royal birthday events.
March 31, 2011... This year, events held in conjunction with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 65th Birthday celebrations will take place in the religious months of Syaaban and Ramadhan. In view of this, the National Executive...

Presentation skills workshop garners favourable response.
March 31, 2011... It is a known fact that most of us have glossophobia - also known as the fear of public speaking. Although it is a common trait for everyone, there are various treatments that can be applied to overcome such fear. This was shared during a...

Move to abolish duties on bicycles & accessories welcome news for shops.
March 31, 2011... "This morning, a friend called to say congratulations and, when I asked why, he told me to read today's (yesterday's) news headline," said Mr Ming Hwa, an avid, passionate cyclist and Manager of Triple Star, the Bicycle Department, as well as an...

Scouts in Jerudong Beach cleaning campaign.
March 31, 2011... Some 25 Venture Scout Teams from the 1016 Universiti Brunei Darussalam and 1069 Sultan Saiful Rijal College together with the National Venture Scouts Council organised a cleaning campaign yesterday at Jerudong Beach. Among the pro-gramme's...

TAP counters closed from today.
March 31, 2011... All Employees Trust Fund (TAP) counters will be closed today due to the Financial Closing Year 2010-2011, according to a press statement. Counters at TAP Headquarters, the Ministry of Finance Building, will resume normal operations tomorrow,...

Enriching nation's cultural heritage.
March 31, 2011... "The Sultanate's cultural heritage indeed must always be relevant and functional even in today's era that we call the era of globalisation. Cultural heritage in terms of art, history, customs, social practices, rituals, celebration events,...

Training teachers to promote oral health for students with special needs.
March 31, 2011... In realising the educational agenda for the special needs in the Sultanate, the Ministry of Education's Special Education Unit (SEU) in collaboration with the National Dental Centre (NDC) has initiated a professional training aimed at equipping...

Raid on business premises, stalls.
March 31, 2011... Fifteen enforcement officers from various departments yesterday conducted 'Operasi Sepadu' coordinated by the Enforcement Section of Tutong District Department, Labour Department and Royal Brunei Police Force upon business premises and stalls...

Visa-free travel between Brunei, Ukraine.
March 31, 2011... His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych yesterday welcomed the Exchange of Notes on the Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirements for Holders of Ordinary Passports. They acknowledged...

SMARTER Race ends on high note.
March 31, 2011... The SMARTER race event organised by Universiti Brunei Darussalam's (UBD) UBDfm radio station was a success as 25 teams vied for the top 10 spots in the competition. The top three winners won exclusive prizes generously sponsored by various...

Dr Chris prepares students for oratory competition with workshop.
March 31, 2011... Twenty-six students from 13 private secondary schools in the country who will be competing in the upcoming 4th Private School's English Language Oratory Competition on April 24 yesterday attended an oratory workshop held at Yayasan Sultan Haji...

Goldiana Cafe offers delectable Thai dishes.
March 31, 2011... The Goldiana Cafe at the Orchid Garden Hotel is once again hosting a promotion from March 28 to April 9 serving themed dishes from the 'Land of Smiles' at B$22.80 per adult and B$12.80 per child. Among the dishes served at the Thailand Food...

Consultative Councils go on trip to Pontianak.
March 31, 2011... A group of 40 members of Consultative Council from Kampong Salambigar, Kampong Sungai Hanching and Kampong Manggis conducted a trip to Pontianak in Kalimantan, Indonesia from March 18-24. The delegates were led by village heads, Hj Nor...

Introcorp extends Akira Warehouse Sale.
March 31, 2011... The Akira Warehouse Sale managed by Intracorp that has been going on since March 26 has successfully attracted a huge crowd to their store at Simpang 15, Jalan Gadong. Due to the overwhelming response, Intracorp Sdn Bhd is extending the...

Huge turnout at PanaCom annual quarter sale.
March 31, 2011... In conjunction with the annual quarter sale, PanaCom Sdn Bhd is organising a Philips Samsung Warehouse sale at their warehouse at Lot 21805 EDR 25317, Jalan Padang in Bandar Seri Begawan from March 29 until April 3. With prices slashed up to 80...

Brunei, S'pore police training cooperation.
March 31, 2011... The 19th BRUSING exercise between the Royal Brunei Police Force and the Gurkha Contingent, Singapore Police Force (SPF) concluded yesterday with a friendly football and tug-of-war matches at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium, Police Headquarters,...

S'pore Police Commissioner calls on Brunei Deputy Minister.
March 31, 2011... CP NG JooHee, the Commissioner of the Singapore Police Force made a courtesy call on Dato Paduka Haji Wahab bin Juned, the Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office on Tuesday. Amongst the matters discussed were the long term working...

Kendo demonstration at Giant Tasik Rimba.
March 31, 2011... A big crowd was seen at Giant Hypermarket in Tasik Rimba to witness a Kendo Exhibition and Training Demonstration held in conjunction with the Giant's Third Anniversary Celebration Expo. It will be held every Sunday from 3-4pm and aims to...

MIB lecture at UNISSA.
March 31, 2011... A total of 65 Year One Scholars from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) participated in a special MIB lecture organised by the Knowledge and Language Centre that took place at the university's Jubli Hall, yesterday. The lecture,...

Man killed in Seria accident.
March 31, 2011... A man was killed in an accident at a four-way junction along the Seria highway yesterday afternoon. At press time, the police investigating officer was unable to confirm the identity of the deceased. The accident reportedly occurred at...

Mini carnival at Times Square.
March 31, 2011... Times Square Shopping Centre recently held a three-day mini carnival at its premises from March 25 to 27 to the delight of its customers and visitors. A variety of engaging and interesting activities were organised by the staff of Times Square...

Island fun for STPRI Adventure Club.
March 31, 2011... During the first term school holiday, some 55 students and 25 teachers from STPRI Adventure Club went on a three-day Kota Kinabalu trip from March 19-21. According to a press release, the group went to Pulau Manukan on March 20 and took part in...

SOASC visits Government Printing Department.
March 31, 2011... To understand the print media and printing operations, 25 Sultan Omar 'Ali Saiffuddien College students visited the Government Printing Department at the Old Airport. The students heard a briefing by the Acting Deputy Director of the Printing...

Visit to Tutong Aquatic Centre.
March 31, 2011... A delegation of special needs children from Inclusive School Model of Keriam Tutong I Primary School, SENA teachers, relief teachers, parents and guardians made a visit to Tutong Aquatic Centre yesterday. The Aquatic Centre was chosen for its...

Charity work at Pusat Ehsan.
March 31, 2011... Twenty one students in a twinning programme between STPRI and Singapore's Tanjong Katong Girls School visited Pusat Ehsan yesterday to take part in charity work. The centre's administration head, Hj Abd Hamid Maaruf, gave a welcome address...

Crown Prince attends religious seminar.
March 31, 2011... His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, yesterday consented to attend the afternoon session of the second day of the International Seminar on "Aqidah Ahli Sunnah Wal...

Ukrainian President visits Royal Regalia.
March 31, 2011... The President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, and his delegation yesterday spent some time at the Royal Regalia Building in the capital, where they viewed, among other things, the royal chariot, gold and silver ceremonial armory, the traditional...

His Majesty welcomes Ukraine President.
March 31, 2011... His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday morning granted an audience to the President of the Republic of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych and conferred the state decorations, "The Most Esteemed Family Order Laila Utama...

Chung Hwa teachers strengthen teaching techniques in M'sia.
March 31, 2011... In a bid to enhance and strengthen the teaching experiences of Malay teachers of Chung Hwa Middle School BSB, seven teachers from the Malay Language Department led by Principal Madam Kho Guik Lan visited some schools in Malaysia. During the...

Birthday celebration for 12 special needs students of Tutong.
March 31, 2011... Twelve students from the Special Needs Centre, Community Development Department, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in Tutong celebrated their birthday in an event held for those born in the month of January, February and March. This is an...

'Earth Hour' in Brunei cuts power usage by 28,000kWh.
March 31, 2011... The symbolic 60-minute 'Earth Hour' global campaign last Saturday (March 26) cut power consumption (electrical power usage) in Brunei Darussalam by as much as 28,000kWh, Hj Jamain Hj Julaihi, the Director of the Department of Electrical Services...

HSBC bonds with Premier customers in cross-stitch demo.
March 31, 2011... HSBC Premier held a basic cross-stitch demonstration for its Premier customers and their children yesterday at HSBC Premier Centre, Bandar Branch. About 20 HSBC Premier customers and their children were hands-on with the cross-stitch activity...

UBD's inter-faculty basketball tournament begins.
March 31, 2011... Universiti Brunei Darussalam's (UBD) Inter-faculty Tournament started on Monday with the first match played by teams from FOS and IHS versus FASS. FOS and IHS beat FASS. Three games were held Tuesday where in the female category, Sheau...

Brunei census in 2011: Population over 400,000?
March 31, 2011... Brunei's next national Population and Housing Census will be conducted this year, the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE) announced yesterday. The department announced the Population and Housing Census 2011 (BPP 2011)...

Australian companies keen on Brunei Halal brand.
March 31, 2011... Brunei officials and private sector representatives really mean business in Australia. This is obvious with the overwhelming response from Australian companies on business opportunities in the Sultanate, especially in tapping the Brunei Halal...

Ukrainian looks to Brunei for mutual benefits.
March 31, 2011... The setting up of a branch of a Ukrainian research institution here in Brunei to conduct work on fighting floods as well as cooperation in the fields of education and defence were some of the proposals suggested by Ukraine President Dato Laila...

President speaks of disaster, support.
March 31, 2011... Ukraine, which was affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, has stepped forward in offering its assistance to Japan to overcome the nuclear plant crisis at the Fukushima Prefecture. Ukraine President Dato Laila Utama Viktor Yanukovych...

2 suspects named in fake credit card case.
March 31, 2011... Two Malaysian men named as suspects of a counterfeit credit card fraud have been produced in court to face charges. The case was mentioned again yesterday, where a warrant of arrest was issued for Mohd Aza Izuan bin Ibrahim, 27, who had...

Sultan warns deviationists.
March 30, 2011... His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday underscored the importance of protecting the country and society from the deviationist and disruptive elements against the understandings of Aqidah (faith), which the...

Upcoming sale of local products from Kota Batu.
March 30, 2011... Traditional cakes, handicrafts, batik textiles and eco-tourism packages are just some of the many local products that will be available on April 2 at No 8, Spg 530 of Kg Sungai Besar, Jalan Kota Batu, in a sale to be held under the 'One Product...

State Mufti delivers paperwork on unity.
March 30, 2011... The first day of the International Seminar on 'Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama'ah Faith' at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas saw Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti...

FBBA elects new committee members for 2011-2013.
March 30, 2011... Mr Pierre Imhof will continue to lead the French-Bruneian Business Association (FBBA) as the president for another two years after the Baiduri Bank General Manager was re-elected in the association's Annual General Meeting yesterday. Present...

Govt departments work together to build new home for senior citizen.
March 30, 2011... Awang Yussof bin Othman, a senior citizen, his wife and their three children will soon have a place to call home by the end of April this year, thanks to the generosity of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam through...

Sacred Trust exhibition helps promote Islamic tourism in Brunei.
March 30, 2011... Exact replicas of the 15 artefacts from the Sacred Trust Exhibition from the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey are currently on display at the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Exhibition Gallery at Darul-Ifta Building, Jalan Babu Raja. ...

Mariners to be alert on sunken fishing vessel.
March 30, 2011... An 18-metre wooden fishing vessel named "HASDAA" bearing Licence Number BA0447 was reported to have sunk at the location between Beacons No 3 and No 5 at Muara Channel on March 17. According to the Marine Department, the location of the...

36 MoHA officers, staff attend briefing on healthy food and drinks.
March 30, 2011... Thirty-six officers and staff from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and the departments under it yesterday attended a briefing on the guidelines of healthy foods and beverage preparation at work place. The event was held at the ministry's...

Illegal masseuse caught naked with a client.
March 30, 2011... Acting on a public tip off, several officers from the immigration enforcement unit apprehended a female freelance body massager naked in bed with a suspected male client. The immigration officers were on a raid targeting an Indonesian woman...

Croc is watching you!
March 30, 2011... A young crocodile is seen sunbathing at the riverbank of Sungai Tutong (just behind a house in Kg Sengkarai). Onsome occasions,bigger crocodiles can be seen swimming near the riverbank. It is hoped that all fishermen at Sungai Tutong would be...

International Exhibition of Consumer Goods opens.
March 30, 2011... The International Exhibition of Consumer Goods opened to the public yesterday at the Airport Mall showcasing a range of authentic Middle-Eastern and Asian furniture and fittings. People slowly trickled into the mall after Brunei-Muara...

President of Ukraine arrives.
March 30, 2011... The President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, arrived in Brunei yesterday for a three-day State Visit. The Ukrainian president was greeted on arrival by Minister of Health, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin...

Temburong District staff, officers warm-up in aerobics workshop.
March 30, 2011... Sixty personnel comprising officers and staff from government departments in the Temburong District yesterday participated in an aerobics workshop that took place at the Belalong main hall of the Temburong Community Complex. The main...

HSBC announces winners of week 7 & 8 lucky draws.
March 30, 2011... HSBC announced a total of 30 lucky winners selected from between the first and sixth week of its credit card promotion. For the seventh and eighth weekly draws, the 10 lucky winners who made credit card purchases during the period of February...

BES holds Khatam al-Quran ceremony.
March 30, 2011... Members of the Bruneian Edinburgh Society (BES), along with the Bruneian students from Aberdeen and Dundee celebrated their first Khatam al-Quran recently. The event began with the arrival of the guest of honour, Brunei Students Union's Director...

Currency Outlook workshop for HSBC customers.
March 30, 2011... HSBC Brunei Global Markets Team hosted two sessions of Currency Outlook workshops for their Corporate and Premier customers in the capital and Kuala Belait recently. According to a press release, Salyahrinah Yahya, the Treasurer of Global...

Akira warehouse sale a big hit.
March 30, 2011... Intracorp (B) Sdn Bdn, the sole distributor of Akira products at Simpang 15, Jalan Gadong once again organised an Akira Warehouse sale from 9am to 9pm daily, in conjunction with the annual quarter sale. Customers will enjoy big savings on...

Officers learn intricacies of defence procurement.
March 30, 2011... A Defence Procurement Seminar, jointly facilitated by the Centre of Science and Technology Research and Development (CSTRAD), MinDef and Drew and Napier LLC, Singapore was held March 28 and 29 at the Ministry of Defence in Bolkiah Garrison. ...

Dinner for seminar participants.
March 30, 2011... Participants of the Aqidah Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama'ah International Seminar were treated to a welcoming dinner last night at the Member's Grill and Lounge, The Empire Hotel and Country Club. Minister of Religious Affairs, Pengiran Dato Seri...

Exchanging academic experiences between S'pore and Brunei.
March 30, 2011... Eight students from the Tanjong Katong Girls' School (TKGS) in Singapore participating in the twinning programme with the Raja Isteri Girls' High School (STPRI) are making the best of their stay in Brunei by sharing their experiences in the...

Delightful western promotion at Charcoal BBQ and Grill.
March 30, 2011... Chocolate Mousse Walnut Tart, Mango Yoghurt Cheese Cake, Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch, Chocolate Almond Peach and Vanilla Chocolate Bavarian are among the delightful desserts served at Charcoal BBQ and Grill Restaurant under a promotion which will...

Two cousins uphold 'berlulut' tradition before circumcision.
March 30, 2011... Traditional body scrubbing or 'berlulut' is one of the many traditional customs always practised before 'berinai' (the colouring of the fingers and toes) and many others including in a pre- circumcision ceremony. However, this practice is...

Oldest ever to climb Mt Everest in Brunei.
March 30, 2011... The Guinness World Record holder as the oldest Mount Everest climber, is currently in Brunei Darussalam as the Ambassador of Visit Nepal Year 2011 to promote Nepal tourism in Brunei Darussalam. Mr Min Bahadur Sherchan broke the world record...

SMSUA Science Club visits Turtle Management & Conservation Centre.
March 30, 2011... During the school holidays, 40 students and 12 teachers from Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab Secondary School (SMSUA) Science Club visited the Turtle Management and Conservation Centre, Fisheries Department at Serasa, Muara. The visit was aimed at...

OGH comes in first in volunteer category of Fire & Rescue skills and endurance contest.
March 30, 2011... Orchid Garden Hotel (OGH), for the third time, participated in the Fire and Rescue Skills and Endurance Competition (volunteer category) conducted by the Fire and Rescue Department. The event was held in conjunction with the department's 51st...

Kingston helps create awareness on SMARTER with PITAH mag.
March 30, 2011... Kingston Creamery and Beverages Sdn Bhd yesterday handed over 1,500 copies of the 8th edition of the PITAH Magazine. PITAH is the official newsletter of SMARTER, which is given for free to different members of the society, government agencies...

JomCantik organises basic make-up course.
March 30, 2011... Twenty-five students received their certificates of completion for the basic facial, make-up and professional make-up course conducted by JomCantik recently. The course aimed to provide basic beauty training for women. The course also...

State-of-the-art technology for air-conditioning repair & service.
March 30, 2011... KOOLTEC is the first high-technology air-conditioning machine that can remove the compressor oil from the entire air-conditioning system without having to remove any components through this unique computerised process. It also has...

In dire need of attention.
March 30, 2011... The road leading to the Pasar Baru Pekan Muara is in dire need of attention and the public is seeking the help of relevant authorities to fix the road for their convenience.

Royalty at international religious seminar.
March 30, 2011... His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to officiate the opening ceremony of the International Seminar on "The Teachings of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama'ah Faith" held in conjunction with the 25th Silver...

Empire awards winners of MMM for March.
March 30, 2011... The Empire Hotel and Country Club continued the Members Monthly Medal (MMM) for the month of March on March 27, at the Empire Country Club. The event was participated by about 44 of the Country Club's members, a press release stated. The...

YSHHBSS to adopt e-Learning.
March 30, 2011... Teachers from Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Secondary School (YSHHBSS) recently attended a seminar on e-Learning conducted by Microsoft. This was a follow up to the school's officers/teachers visit to Singapore. There, they were able to...

Winners of Deejay's lucky draw receive prizes.
March 30, 2011... The winner of Deejay's Come, Shop and Win Anniversary Lucky Draw for February is Hj Masri bin Hj Kambar, who won the grand prize - a HTC Desire Z for the Sony Vaio N5010 he bought on Feb 10, a press release stated. For the consolation prizes,...

Import ban on Japanese food.
March 30, 2011... In light of the findings of radioactive contamination in food from Japan, including processed food, agricultural products, as well as fresh seafood, the Ministry of Health with the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources has put a temporary...

Tour Beijing with Darussalam Holdings.
March 30, 2011... A group of 18 family members took the opportunity to take up a special holiday package organised by Darussalam Holdings led by a tour consultant. The group went on a six-day Beijing Muslim Tour, which saw the group visiting famous places such as...

An accident waiting to happen?
March 30, 2011... At first glance, it may look like the picture is showing a car entering while another one is exiting. However, as the saying goes, "looks can be deceiving". The car on the left is not attempting to exit but is actually parked right in the lane...

No import duties on computer and bicycle accessories.
March 30, 2011... The Ministry of Finance has stated that the removal of import duties on computer accessories is to encourage citizens and residents in the Sultanate to enhance their creativity and innovation, especially students in schools or technical...

RBA service to Melbourne takes off, to fly four times weekly.
March 30, 2011... Brunei Tourism's "Window on Brunei" initiative would benefit from the four-times weekly services to Melbourne, the CEO of Brunei Tourism, Sheikh Jamaluddin told the Bulletin last night just prior to the inaugural Royal Brunei Airlines' (RBA) new...

Alleged love affair in Dr Susan Lim's case.
March 30, 2011... SINGAPORE - SingHealth Group chief executive Prof Tan Ser Kiat, who had chaired a Singapore Medical Council (SMC) disciplinary panel investigating Dr Susan Lim for overcharging, has refuted Dr Lim's allegations that he had "personal and...

'Imperfections in education have resulted in loss of identities as Muslims'.
March 30, 2011... The lack of religious knowledge in Muslim countries has been attributed to modernisation that brings with it a form of Western education that has subsequently minimised the importance of learning from Islamic teachings. Sya'rie Chief Judge,...

Minister of Religious Affairs presents paper on Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama'ah.
March 30, 2011... In the afternoon session of the first day of the international seminar on 'Members of the Sunnah Wal Jama'ah Faith', Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad bin Pg Hj Abd Rahman, the Minister Of Religious Affairs, presented his working paper on "The...

Voting to elect LegCo members.
March 28, 2011... Following the dissolution of the Legislative Council on March 15, 2011, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to the submission of names of eligible candidates who will represent their respective districts...

Jati Transport hosts luncheon for F1 race.
March 28, 2011... Brunei's very own Mercedes-Benz automobile distributor, Jati Transport Sdn Bhd yesterday hosted a luncheon for Mercedes-Benz owners at their showroom in Gadong for the first Formula One (F1) race in Melbourne, Australia. Customers along with...