|     Danial Norjidi     |

THE Youth Business Talk (YBT) 2018 at Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) concluded with a closing ceremony yesterday.

YBT is an entrepreneurship programme jointly organised by the Entrepreneurship Unit of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) with UTB. It is the first hosted at UTB.

UTB Acting Vice Chancellor Dr Hajah Noor Maya binti Haji Md Salleh was the guest of honour at the closing event.

In his speech, Head of Youth Entrepreneurship Programme at the Youth Centre Pengiran Kamal Ghadafi bin Pengiran Haji Suhaimi thanked all those involved in the YBT programme.

The ceremony also saw the presentation of certificates and tokens of appreciation to the speakers and participants of the programme.

The two-day programme focussed on positive mindset, identity, leadership, marketing and branding, which included 100 participants from UTB, including students from the UTB School of Business, School of Computing and Informatics, Faculty of Engineering, School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics and School of Design.

Yesterday, the participants were involved in breakout sessions where they were divided into groups to discuss topics on marketing, branding and communication skills.

Each of the group sessions were conducted by youth who have succeeded in business.

Prior to the closing ceremony in the afternoon, a plenary session was held featuring a panel comprising DH-AW Sdn Bhd Director Dato Paduka Haji Hamdillah bin Haji Abdul Wahab, Progresif Cellular Chief Marketing Officer Devin Edwards, Geotrax Chief Executive Officer Md Reduan bin Yusof and Md Ammirul Hakeem bin Rahimeey, a final year UTB student studying Computer Network and Security, who also has a business called MixBros.

The plenary session, moderated by Pengiran Kamal Ghadafi, discussed, ‘Challenges Facing Youth in Entrepreneurship and Life: Setting Your Ambitions After University.’

|     Izah Azahari     |

A GET-TOGETHER and discussion session for the Tutong District Neighbourhood Watch was held at the Operations Room of the Tutong District Police Headquarters on Wednesday.

Officer-in-Charge of the Tutong District Police Superintendent Suhairi bin Haji Sukri chaired the discussion.

Police officers and low-ranking personnel of the Tutong District Police accompanied Superintendent Suhairi.

Legislative Council members Penghulu of Mukim Telisai Yang Berhormat Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit and Penghulu of Mukim Tanjong Maya Yang Berhormat Haji Abdul Wahab bin Apong, Neighbourhood Watch advisors comprising mukim penghulus and representatives of government institution officers from the Tutong District Office, Department of Electrical Services, Head of the Tutong Narcotics Control Bureau and the Tutong Public Works Department were also present.

The discussion touched on statistics from the last three months on crime and traffic reports received by the Tutong and Lamunin police stations. New efficient strategies to enhance cooperation among residents to eradicate and prevent crimes in villages in the Tutong District were also discussed.

|     Azlan Othman     |

BRUNEI Darussalam is working towards positioning itself as a Halal industry hub in the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and ASEAN regions, said Deputy Permanent Secretary (Management, Cooperatives and Industry) at the Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab.

The Sultanate is currently focussing on the advancement of its Halal food and beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, she noted in her welcoming remarks at the Halal Business Investment seminar, held as part of the ongoing Brunei Halal Showcase (BruHAS) 2018 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas yesterday.

“The global Halal market is lucrative. Key to this is a fast-growing world Muslim population which is projected to reach 2.2 billion in 2030, creating a market valued at USD2.3 trillion.

“The realisation of Halal growth objective requires not only an understanding of Halal certification and other related processes, but also knowledge about viable export markets and suitable market access strategies. The premise is not just to link Brunei Darussalam with the Asia Pacific market and beyond, but also to do it in a sustainable manner,” she added.

Hajah Tutiaty noted that as the frontline agency to promote the Halal industry, the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEBD) has a clear focus on its initiatives to develop export-oriented industries through comprehensive research, analysis and formulation of strategic plans.

“BEDB also facilitates foreign investment, working closely with investors and assisting them by providing necessary information on developmental requirements as well as laws and regulations of the country.

“With respect to the local Halal ecosystem, the Halal Food Control Division of the Ministry of Religious Affairs has all relevant information pertaining to the Halal certification process – a key factor in understanding and leveraging on the Halal and Syariah-compliant credentials of Brunei Darussalam,” she noted.

“When such elements are harmonised, the end result can be observed in the likes of Ghanim International Corporation Sdn Bhd,” she added, inviting part-icipants to listen to the Ghanim success story in developing, marketing and promoting their ‘bruneihalalfood’ products in international markets.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of BEDB Loo Yau Soon in his presentation highlighted that investors from abroad are attracted to invest in the Sultanate, thanks to its clean and green environment, low tax regime, political stability and dedicated investment areas available for foreign direct investment (FDI).

“A Taiwan company has invested in Brunei to produce and export sashimi blue shrimp due to the availability of clean water in the country which is a wonderful place for foreign companies to invest. Singapore has set up vertical fish farming in the Sultanate while companies from China have invested in sea water fish farming,” he added.

Loo Yau Soon also highlighted the big potential of Islamic tourism in the Sultanate.

|     James Kon     |

THE Singapore High Commission in Brunei Darussalam yesterday evening hosted a reception in conjunction with Singapore’s 53rd National Day celebration at the Indera Samudra Grand Hall, The Empire Hotel & Country Club.

Singaporeans residing in the Sultanate attended the reception and watched the live streaming of the Singapore National Day Parade 2018 at The Float at Marina Bay in Singapore.

Singapore High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Lim Hong Huai in his speech reminded Singaporeans residing in Brunei to be “good guests”.

The Singapore High Commissioner said, “Singapore and Brunei have a very special relationship. Singapore’s President Halimah Yacob visited Brunei earlier this year. It was her first overseas visit. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was in Brunei last year to attend the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.”

He added, “We have strong bilateral relationships in many areas so I hope that Singaporeans staying in Brunei can play a big role in further strengthening the relationship of both countries by being a good guests here.”

Secondly, he urged Singaporeans to stay together as a community. He said, “There are around 400 to 500 people here. I hope all of you stay in touch with each other and the Singapore High Commission.”

He hoped that Singaporeans would join the Singapore Association in Brunei Darussalam to get invited to upcoming activities like the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Singapore Food Festival where a chef from a well-known restaurant in Singapore will be in Brunei this year.

The Singapore High Commissioner also cut the Singapore National Day 2018 cake with Singaporeans.

|     Hakim Hayat & Noorhamizan Haji Mohd Mosbi     |

CROCODILES are perceived as hostile and deadly creatures ready to snap anything on its path with their powerful jaws.

But, for the residents of the Temburong District who are quite familiar with the sight of crocodiles, especially in the banks of the Temburong River, one wild crocodile recently became a hit, appearing on the river bank in Pekan Bangar every evening, waiting to be fed by visitors.

Though the story might seem unbelievable for some in this country where the reptile is largely feared, the seemingly friendly and tame crocodile has won the hearts of many domestic visitors and even international tourists visiting Temburong who would come to the river bank to feed it with different types of food, particularly fresh meat.

Residents said that at almost the same time every evening, the friendly reptile, whose size is said to be in the medium range, will appear at the river bank, while visitors, especially tourists making their way back to the capital on speedboats, will try to catch a glimpse of it and feed it from the river pier.

Although the Temburong River is known to be home to many crocodiles, residents said that only this particular crocodile appears on the river bank almost every day while the rest are rarely seen, especially the bigger ones. According to a Temburong resident, with the influx of visitors coming to lay eyes on the crocodile, the area has become another point of attraction for the district often dubbed as the Green Jewel of Brunei for its untouched wild forests.

However, those who would like to catch sight of the crocodile are warned to do so only at the pier of the river bank and avoid going close to it.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

BY THE command of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, several new appointments of senior government positions, including Attorney General (AG) and Deputy Minister of Development, were announced yesterday evening.

His Majesty has consented to the appointment of the High Court Judge of the Supreme Court Dato Paduka Haji Hairol Arni bin Haji Abdul Majid as the new Attorney General.

Prior to this appointment, Dato Paduka Haji Hairol Arni served as a High Court Judge since 2008 and as a Legal Counsel at the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) in 1988 before taking up different positions in the Subordinate and Supreme Court.

Dato Paduka Haji Hairol Arni replaces Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Hayati binti Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Salleh, who served as Attorney General since 2009. She was the first Brunei Malay woman to be called to the English Bar. In 2001, she became the first woman in Brunei to be appointed as a High Court Judge of the Supreme Court and in 2009 she became the first woman to be appointed as Attorney General, a post which was elevated to a ministerial rank on May 29, 2010.

An additional deputy ministerial post was also announced, with Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Development Haji Marzuke bin Haji Mohsin appointed as Deputy Minister of Development.

His Majesty has also consented to the appointment of several new permanent secretaries and deputy permanent secretaries in several ministries.

The Ministry of Defence (MinDef) saw the appointment of several new senior officials. Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) Brigadier General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Shahril Anwar bin Haji Ma’awiah has been appointed as Permanent Secretary at the MinDef; Senior Administrative Officer at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MoCYS) Haji Amiruddin bin Haji Mohammad Hassan has been appointed as Deputy Permanent Secretary at the MinDef and Special Duties Officer at the Ministry of Development Haji Zakaria bin Haji Serudin has been appointed as Deputy Permanent Secretary at the MinDef.

In the Ministry of Development, its Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak has been promoted to Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Development; Director-General of Public Works Haji Amer Hishamuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Amar Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Zakaria has been appointed as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Development; Acting Deputy Director-General of Public Works Hajah Norhayati binti Haji Mohammad Yaakob has been appointed as Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Development; and Head of Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry (ABCi) Hajah Siti Aidah binti Haji Mohammad has also been appointed as Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Development.

In the Ministry of Education (MoE), Deputy Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) Dr Haji Azman bin Haji Ahmad has been promoted as Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the MoE; Dean of the Faculty of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education (SHBIE), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin has been appointed as Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the MoE, and Director and Chief Executive Officer of Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) Dr Chin Wei Keh has been appointed as Deputy Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the MoE.

Meanwhile, Zuraini binti Haji Sharbawi who was the Head of Legal Adviser at the AGC will replace Haji Mohd Yusree bin Haji Junaidi as the new Solicitor General with a status equivalent to Deputy Permanent Secretary.

The appointments of the Attorney General and Deputy Minister as well as the senior government officials are effective today.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

THE Seri Begawan Archery Club (SBAC) recently held a display of bow equipment and archery skills to mark the launching of a new hall at the Youth Centre in the capital.

The guest of honour was Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin.

Various types of bow equipment such as the Compound Bow, the Recurve, the Barebow and the Traditional Bow were exhibited.

The minister was briefed on the history and objectives of the SBAC by its founder Haji Razali bin Hashim.

As an advocate for the sport of archery in Brunei Darurssalam, especially in the category of Modern Archery, Haji Razali said those keen on becoming involved should abide by the club’s safety guidelines and rules.

Over the last two years, the SBAC has been invited to compete in Istanbul, while also winning various competitions in Singapore, West Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.

The club’s main objective is to produce local youths who can compete at national and international levels.

Those interested may contact the Seri Begawan Archery Registration Section at 7145368, or via the Seri Begawan Archery page on Facebook.

|     Fizah HAB     |

YOUTH play an important role in implementing Brunei Vision 2035 and in 15 years from now, they would be the ones leading the country, said Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin.

Delivering a speech during the closing ceremony of the first Brunei Young Leaders Convention (BYLC) 2018 at The Centrepoint Hotel in Gadong yesterday, he urged the nation’s youth to ask themselves what they can do for this country and what roles they can play in help developing Brunei into a better country, in line with the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy.

“Ask not what the country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,” he said.

Highlighting BYLC, the minister said, “The first such convention held in Brunei Darussalam, an initiative organised by Al-Huffaz Management and Generasi Bekarih led by a member of the Legislative Council Yang Berhormat Iswandy bin Ahmad, aims to provide a platform for young leaders to understand and support Brunei Vision 2035.”

The conference was held for three days from August 7-9 and saw the attendance of 200 youth from various fields and backgrounds.

The event highlighted ‘Believe, Empower, Lead, Inspire and Act’ or simply BELIA as its motto which underscored the need for mindset change among youth for them to understand these five aspects so that they will able to understand and constructively support Brunei Vision 2035.

The convention gathered experienced youth leaders aged 18 to 40 who have contributed to the development of the country through various fields such as entrepreneurship, education and sustainable development and offered them as opportunity to present accurate and updated information on Brunei Vision 2035.

During the event, participants had the chance to build networks and be involved in brainstorming sessions on future projects with forum members acting as their mentors.

Legislative Council members Yang Berhormat Nik Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii and Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari and Managing Director of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Dato Paduka Eddie bin Dato Paduka Haji Sunny were also present.

Three forums were hosted – Dynamic and Sustainable Economy, Project Implementation and Project Funding.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

WINNERS of Countrypatch’s 10th Anniversary Grand Lucky Draw received prizes during a ceremony at the Countrypatch Café in Kampong Kiulap yesterday.

Grand prize winner Adline binti Pengiran Haji Taib won a return air ticket to Seoul, South Korea followed by Wong Guan Loong who won a return air ticket to Bangkok, Thailand and Latiffah binti Mohammad Husney a three-month breakfast voucher at Countrypatch Café.

Country Patch Café owner Elyn Pang presented the prizes.

The three winners participated in games before selecting envelopes that contained their prizes.

Manager of Country Patch Café Aung Zaw Win also presented consolation prizes to 20 patrons.

The Countrypatch Café 10th Anniversary Grand Lucky was held from May 8 – July 31.

|     Danial Norjidi     |

A CLOSING ceremony was held to mark the conclusion of the Customised Training Programme on Knowledge Management yesterday at the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO) Regional Centre for Vocational and Technical Education and Training (Voctech).

A total of 23 participants were involved in the three-day training programme, which featured Andrew Cheah, an invited trainer and management consultant as facilitator.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa, before continuing with a speech by Centre Director of SEAMEO Voctech Dr Haji Zamri bin Haji Sabli.

Dr Haji Zamri congratulated the participants on their completion of the training programme.

“I am sure that through this training programme, all the participants are able to be equipped with a higher proficiency and understanding of the importance and role of knowledge management in your everyday work,” he said.

“I am confident that through this training programme all of you will be able to make valuable contributions in enhancing the organisation’s competitiveness at your own respective institutions.

“Nowadays, it is much easier for us to access knowledge and the latest news. Not only by books – we can update and widen our knowledge through modern technology and multimedia,” he said.

He added that more importantly, in globalisation and the integrated environment, capturing and understanding knowledge clearly and quickly is very important, and can help the managers to manage the knowledge in the organisation to support important decision making. The centre director also underlined the importance of knowledge, and highlighted that a strong and clear knowledge system can help an organisation both minimise unnecessary faults and attain better performance.

Following the speech, the proceedings saw certificates presented by Dr Haji Zamri to the participants and facilitator, before the event concluded.

|     Danial Norjidi     |

DARUSSALAM Assets Sdn Bhd handed over a cheque donation to Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam yesterday as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.

According to a press release, for a second year running, Darussalam Assets will be maintaining full financial support for two special needs students throughout their programmes in Pusat Ehsan for a year.

Pusat Ehsan introduced its ‘Special Needs Student Adoption Scheme’ in 2017, where sponsors are able to fully cover the expenses of special needs students’ expenses for a period of one year. The press release states that Darussalam Assets’ engagement with the scheme reflects its CSR initiative to focus on building and strengthening ties with communities. The cheque presentation took place at Darussalam Assets.

Present during the handover of the donation were Deputy Permanent Secretary (Investment) at the Ministry of Finance, and Acting CEO of Darussalam Assets Sdn Bhd Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abdul Hamid, Administration Manager of Darussalam Assets Haji Mohamad Noor Amali bin Haji Mirhassan, Senior Finance and Accounting Manager of Darussalam Assets Sdn Bhd Laila Hussainmiya, Executive Trustee of Pusat Ehsan Pengiran Datin Hajah Noraini binti Pengiran Dipa Negara Laila Diraja Pengiran Haji Abdul Momin, Policy and Planning Trustee of Pusat Ehsan Haji Ahmad bin Haji Abdul Rahman as well as Darussalam Assets’ and Pusat Ehsan’s staff members.

“Corporate social res-ponsibility is not only an integral component in our organisation, but it is also highly valuable in fostering Darussalam Assets’ corporate culture,” said Darussalam Assets’ Acting Chief Executive Officer. “We engaged with Pusat Ehsan last year, through their ‘Special Needs Student Adoption Scheme’, which has resulted in meaningful progress in the students’ lives and it was only vital to continue this sponsorship this year.”

“Darussalam Assets app-reciates this remarkable opportunity to be playing a contributory role to Pusat Ehsan’s activities,” he added.

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of Pusat Ehsan, Haji Ahmad said, “With Darussalam Assets’ participation last year, we were able to offer financial assistance to two of our special needs students with the expenses.

“This year, we are pleased to receive their support to continue this sponsorship for another year. The sponsorship covers not only the daily financial expenses, but it also invests into the long-term physical and educational development of these students. I am thankful for Darussalam Assets’ continued support, and hope that many other organisations will follow suit.”

Darussalam Assets Sdn Bhd is a holding company of government-linked companies (GLCs). Its mandate is to own and actively manage GLCs under its purview by commercial principles to increase their performance and value, and to ensure that they are managed in accordance with good corporate governance and international best practices. Since its incorporation, it has assumed direct ownership and/or management control of GLCs engaged in aviation, tele-communications, agribusiness, catering, logistics, and leisure and tourism industries.

Pusat Ehsan is a non-governmental, non-profit charity organisation committed to provide quality education, vocational training and rehabilitation programme for children and adults with special needs.

|     Izah Azahari     |

THE Coffee Bean Brunei marked its 17th anniversary at its Supa Save Mata-Mata branch yesterday with guests and corporate partners, as well as a handing over of donations to selected charities.

Present as the guest of honour was Managing Director of The Coffee Bean Brunei Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Abdul Mun’im bin Pengiran Anak Haji Tahiruddin.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat, followed by a presentation of a cheque to three charity organisations, Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei; Centre for Children with Special Needs (KACA); and Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam. A cake-cutting ceremony was also held to commemorate the anniversary.

Chief Executive Officer of SMARTER Brunei Malai Haji Abdullah bin Haji Malai Othman, Managing Director of KACA Haji Abdul Halim bin Haji Othman, and Secretary and Finance Officer of the Management Committee of Pusat Ehsan Pauline Chew received the donations on behalf of their organisations.

The donation was a collection made by the public through The Coffee Bean’s The Caring Cup Foundation.

Guests were also treated to a sneak peek of the franchise’s new cakes and participated in games and quizzes to win The Coffee Bean freebies.

Senior Marketing Manager Ida Patera shared that online competitions will be held throughout August, and participants can win a variety of prizes, such as discount and cash vouchers, as well as merchandise items.

Guests at the event also received a limited edition of The Coffee Bean Brunei 17th anniversary pin button.

Guests can flash their pin button during a visit at any The Coffee Bean branch and be entitled to a 17 per cent discount on beverages with a minimum of two beverages from today to August 17.

|     Aziz Idris     |

QAF Auto, the sole importer and distributor of BMW and MINI vehicles in Brunei, launched the ‘BMW and MINI Driving Experience’ yesterday after over a decade of hiatus, offering customers and potential prospects a unique opportunity to improve their driving abilities under the supervision of BMW driving instructors.

The opening ceremony, held at the BMW showroom, was officiated by German Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Peter Hermann Wolff and Acting Director of Land Transport Pengiran Mohammad Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud at the BMW Showroom, followed by the track experience at the Jerudong Park car park.

A total of 200 participants registered for the three-day event to have a first-hand experience of a wide range of BMW and MINI models.

Participants would be under the guidance of Wong Kah Keen, a Certified Advance, Intensive and Mottorad Instructor by the BMW Driving Experience and International Instructors Academy.

Each participant will learn the basics of driving, from adjusting their seating to the proper position while driving to participating in exercises to understand proper steering methods, emergency braking, and avoidance.

Participants will also have an opportunity to take part in a slalom competition and hot laps with the instructors.

“It will be an exciting few days for the participants and everyone involved in bringing the BMW and MINI driving experience to Brunei,” said General Manager of QAF Auto Sivakumar Krishnan.

“Our passion is providing our customers with unforgettable moments and experiences guaranteed to give goosebumps, and allowing them to experience the performance of our cars in the habitat that they were developed for. We look forward to hosting this event in Brunei again.”

|     Azlan Othman & Danial Norjidi     |

THE Maritime and Ports Authority of Brunei Darussalam has issued a press release reminding sailors and users of the Brunei River about the installation works for small buoys of garbage barriers in the Brunei River.

The implementation began yesterday until today in a number of areas near Mukim Saba.

Members of the public, especially boat drivers, are advised to be cautious and alert when travelling through the affected areas.

Observers lauded the move especially at time when the nation is spearheading a mammoth task to keep the nation free from litter that also pollutes the river.

The Brunei River will come alive tomorrow as the Brunei Darussalam Regatta race will be held in conjunction with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 72nd birthday celebration.

|     James Kon     |

MOTORSPORT enthusiast Vance Lee Khin Pek will be flying the Brunei flag as the country’s lone participant in the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) 2018, from August 12-18, in Thailand and Cambodia.

Driving under the Amsoil Brunei Darussalam Rally Team, Lee will be partnered with Li Pak Sau from China.

In a test of driving and maneuvering skills, Lee will need to drive through mountainous areas, the jungle, paddy fields and river-crossings without doing any major damage to the environment.

Covering more than 2,000km, the race will begin in Pattaya, Thailand, and conclude in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

A national flag handover ceremony was held yesterday morning at the Brunei International Airport, which was attended by the Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Motohiko Kato; the Cambodian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Ouk Chandara; Rooge Thammongkol, the Charge d’Affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy in Brunei Darussalam; and the Acting Director of Youth and Sports, Haji Zafri bin Haji Mohamed.

The national flag of Brunei Darussalam was presented to Lee by President of the Brunei Four Wheel Drive Association Haji Ibrahim bin Haji Damit.

In an interview, Vance said, “I feel proud and honoured to represent Brunei Darussalam for the first time, in this year’s AXCR. The event is organised by Sun Chlorello of Japan, and my car will be installed in Thailand with the required safety specifications.”

He added, “Besides the competition, I hope to learn and make more friends during the event. I would like the other participants at the Asia Cross Country Rally 2018 to know that Brunei can also compete. ‘Brunei Boleh!’”

Rally drivers from the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea, Japan and Cambodia are also expected to compete in the AXCR 2018.

Vance recently won the Jamboree category of the Rainforest Challenge (RFC), held at Pahang in April this year. He also won the Trophy category in the same competition, held in Kelantan in July.

Vance has already attended several 4WD events, out of love for the sport. He currently owns 15 vehicles, especially designed for 4WD rallies.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

ANNUALLY, some 400 stroke cases occur in the country, and it is important for people to get help fast if they experience symptoms of stroke such as face drooping, arm weakness or speech difficulty because time is of the essence in treating stroke.

This was stated by Director of the Brunei Neuroscience Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre (BNSRC) and Consultant Neurologist Dr Dayangku Siti Nur’Ashikin binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Tengah.

Speaking with the Weekend Bulletin yesterday on the sidelines of a press conference to announce Brunei’s first successful mechanical thrombectomy (clot removal) for stroke on a young patient at the Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre, Dr Dayangku Nur’Ashikin said stroke is largely treatable, but urged patients to go to hospital emergency, or call 911, as soon as possible to get help.

“Even if not fatal, strokes can devastate a patient’s life as well as the lives of his/her family members. Think about what happens if someone who is aged 45 or 50 hit by a stroke. We have a lot of youngsters in Brunei falling victims to stroke; the patient who underwent the first mechanical thrombectomy is just 33 years old. Can you imagine what happens if they do not survive the stroke? They can be a husband, a father and the breadwinner of the family and what would be the family’s plight if they cannot go back to work, cannot play with their young children? In the case of other diseases, they can still walk out of the hospital and carry on with life, but disability as a result of strokes can drastically change one’s life. Thus, the more you can do to prevent this type of disease from taking hold, the better,” she said.

“Conservatively speaking, I think we have about 400 stroke cases in a year. BNSRC treats about 200-300 patients a year and some are treated at the government hospitals due to other (medical) reasons, for example if a patient has stomach disease or any other such illness, we have to keep them in the main hospital and that is why the collaboration between the Ministry of Health and BNSRC is so important, because strokes isn’t just about the brain, but it also related to diabetes and so on,” she added.

Touching on the mechanical thrombectomy procedure, she said, “It is safe, and conservatively, it can help in at least about 10 per cent of the cases. What we are going to do is to build up on our capabilities to perform this treatment.”

She pointed out that the main causes of strokes in Brunei are high-blood pressure, diabetes, high-cholesterol and smoking. “By reducing high-blood pressure and diabetes rates as well as encouraging people to stop smoking, we can reduce strokes,” she said, adding that “it all comes down by practising a healthy life-style, eating in moderation and exercising more, etc.”

Earlier in the press conference, she informed that in conjunction with the World Stroke Day on October 29, BNSRC will be launching a major campaign in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to raise awareness on stroke.

“We will mark this occasion on November 18, and there will be a series of events to promote stroke awareness. We want to make sure people having a stroke come to hospital early, so that we can give them the best treatment. And we want to ensure that everyone in the country is aware of the danger of strokes and the fact that prevention is better than cure. This is in line with the government’s efforts to control and prevent non-communicable diseases, and we are making all these initiatives in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other governmental and non-governmental organisations,” she added.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

BRUNEI made history on July 13 when the first successful mechanical thrombectomy (clot removal) for stroke was performed in the country.

The complicated medical procedure was carried out on Hii Hin Chung, 33, in a collaborative effort between the Brunei Neuroscience Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre (BNSRC) and the Radiology Department of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital, Ministry of Health.

With this, the life-saving medical option would be available for stroke patients in the country.

Hii Hin Chung was present at a press conference to announce the success of the surgery yesterday at the Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC), and could be seen recovering quite well. Present during the press conference to share the outcome of the operation and explain about stroke problems were Executive Director of PJSC Dr Mazrul Adimin bin Haji Awang Besar; Director of BNSRC and Consultant Neurologist Dr Dayangku Siti Nur’Ashikin binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Tengah; and Consultant Radiologist at RIPAS Hospital Dr Sankarakumar Sambandamurthy.

According to PJSC, Hii, a car parts salesman, was found with left-side weakness at 2.30pm on July 13 by work colleagues.

He was brought to the RIPAS Hospital by ambulance and was subsequently transferred to BNSRC where scans confirmed a stroke on the right side of his brain.

Clot-busting treatment (thrombolysis) was given initially with good effect, however, there was concern as his brain scan showed a blockage to blood flow.

The patient was escorted to RIPAS Hospital by Neurology Medical Officer at BNSRC Dr Chan Guan Choon who reported that Hii’s speech was slurred and his left arm and leg were both weak.

At the RIPAS Hospital, Hii underwent angiography carried out by Dr Sankarakumar, assisted by Consultant Radiologist and Head of the Department of Radiology Dr Lim Kian Chai. They identified a long clot which they were able to extract using a special suction device.

Hii was then transferred back to BNSRC where he was monitored initially at the Neuro-Intensive Care Unit before being moved to the Neurology Ward for further treatment and rehabilitation. Hii made a good recovery and on discharge he was able to manipulate objects with his left hand well and was able to walk independently. He continues to have outpatient rehabilitation and will be followed up in the Neurology Clinic.

Dr Dayangku Siti Nur’Ashikin added, “This is a great example of successful stroke treatment through early action, skilled workforce and good cooperation between healthcare institutions in Brunei Darussalam …We are extremely grateful to the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for supporting such endeavours that directly benefit patients needing treatment for stroke.”

BNSRC and the Ministry of Health continue to work closely together in efforts to combat stroke and later this year plan to launch a campaign targetted at stroke prevention as well as treating stroke early, she added.

In the press conference, the Director of BNSRC shared, “Stroke occurs as a result of lack of blood flow to an area of the brain either due to a blockage from a clot (ischemic stroke) or through bleeding into the brain (haemorrhagic stroke).

The main risk factors for stroke are high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, smoking and family history.

“Stroke (or cerebrovascular diseases) has been recorded as the fourth leading cause of death in Brunei Darussalam (after cancer, heart disease and diabetes mellitus) from 2012-2016, according to national health statistics published by the Ministry of Health. In 2016, stroke accounted for 7.5 per cent of all deaths in the country.

“However, perhaps of even greater significance is the impact caused by disability as a result of the stroke. This could include weakness of limbs, loss or impairment of speech. The resultant disability is evident in the burden of care as well as loss of employment/income, either through having the stroke or being the stroke-carer.

“The impact of stroke, not just on the individual but also the community, should be taken very seriously …While we always advocate for stroke prevention, once a stroke has happened, I urge patients to attend hospital emergency department as soon as possible because the faster we are able to treat a stroke, the more likely our treatment will be effective … Treatment decisions do depend on stroke type but thrombectomy offers an exciting, new option for stroke treatment that can significantly reduce not just death but also disability,” she said.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

BANK Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) yesterday strengthened its commitment to provide better support and convenience to Brunei’s economy and its corporate institutions with the launch of its Asian Desk.

The BIBD Asian Desk also serves as a one-stop centre to serve foreign direct investment (FDI) companies and its employees, the bank said in a press statement. “For the benefit and convenience of BIBD’s corporate customers, especially FDI companies, the BIBD Asian Desk is managed by relationship managers fluent in multiple languages, along with the ability to transact in additional currencies.

While serving the business needs of its customers, the Asian Desk also facilitates to the personal financial and banking needs of their employees with a whole range of convenient products and solutions. This additional support is provided by interconnectivity onto BIBD’s award-winning services across its retail and subsidiary businesses across the bank while leveraging on Brunei’s largest network of banking branches and ATMs, and state-of-the-art Contact Centre,” the statement added.

Head of Corporate Banking Division Koh Swam Sing said, “As we are witnessing the increasing number of international insti-tutions cementing their presence in Brunei, the establishment of our Asian Desk aligns us closer with the Brunei Government’s strategies to encourage more FDIs into the country, especially in economic clusters beyond the oil and gas industry.”

At the same time, the Asian Desk provides a platform for local Bruneian institutions, especially SMEs, to engage these international institutions for potential business opportunities and ventures, thus developing greater competitive strength.

“BIBD strongly believes that its Asian Desk creates a win-win solution that would not only facilitate the inflow and long-term commitment of FDIs but also the growth of Bruneian institutions, ultimately contributing towards a dynamic and sustainable Bruneian economy.”

The statement added, “This is in line with BIBD’s mission to become the first choice institution by understanding and designing better-fit solutions to our customers.”

BIBD’s standing as Brunei’s largest bank in terms of asset and deposit base, its best retail bank, strongest bank, best digital bank with the best mobile banking application, while maintaining its A-rating, the highest rating for a Bruneian bank from S&P Global, provides credence that BIBD can truly support the aspirations and goals of the customers it serves.

Present to officiate the event was BIBD Managing Director Mubashar Khokhar as well as BIBD senior management and officials.

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) – A total of 440 people, including two dozen riot police, received medical treatment after an anti-government protest turned violent. Romanian authorities said yesterday.

The Bucharest-Ilfov Emergency Service said that, of those, 65 people including nine riot police were taken to the hospital. There are no immediate reports of life-threatening injuries.

Some people sustained head and other injuries, while others were overcome by tear gas, the service said.

The anti-government protest in Bucharest on Friday drew tens of thousands Romanians from abroad and local residents who demanded the government resign over moves to change laws that critics say would make it harder to prosecute corruption.

It turned violent late on Friday after riot police fired tear gas and water cannons to quell protesters. Some individuals lobbed rocks, bottles and smoke bombs at riot police.

There were accusations that football hooligans had infiltrated the largely peaceful protest and deliberately committed acts of violence.

President Klaus Iohannis, a critic of the left-wing government, condemned “the brutal intervention of riot police”.

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

HASIMAH binti Haji Ali Aziz could hardly believe her luck after picking the winning letter to the grand prize of shopping vouchers worth BND2,000 during the ‘Shop and Win’ prize presentation ceremony held at the First Emporium & Supermarket, Seri Complex, Jalan Tutong yesterday.

‘Shop and Win’ is a contest hosted by Baiduri Bank in collaboration with First Emporium & Supermarket (Branch).

Despite her excitement at winning the grand prize, Hasimah still managed to come up with a few words for the Sunday Bulletin when pressed for comments. “I wasn’t expecting to win the grand prize, but yet at the same time I was feeling quite confident about my chances of landing the big one,” she said.

During the contest period from May 14 to July 14, participants received one chance to enter the ‘Shop and Win’ draw and win shopping vouchers for every BND50 they spent and paid using a Baiduri Bank credit or debit card at First Emporium & Supermarket (Branch) in Seri Complex.

In total, 30 customers were shortlisted for the final draw. The first/grand prize was a stash of shopping vouchers worth BND2,000, the second prize was vouchers worth BND1,000, while the third prize was vouchers worth BND500.

Consolation prizes worth BND100 each were also presented to the remaining 24 shortlisted winners.

Presenting the prizes on behalf of Baiduri Bank was Manager of the Merchant Acquiring Unit Davern Lim and Manager of the Card Development Section Pengiran Hajah Rodziana binti Pengiran Haji Muhidi.

Prizes were also presented to contest winners on behalf of First Emporium & Supermarket (Branch) by General Manager of First Emporium & Supermarket (Branch) Yong Chee Seng and Chairman of First Emporium Group Lim Koh Phai.