|     James Kon     |

FIFTEEN youth leaders from Brunei yesterday left for Singapore to attend the 5th Singapore-Brunei Youth Leaders Exchange Programme (SBYLEP).

The event, themed ‘Enabling Social Good’, will conclude on September 4.

The Brunei delegation is led by Administrative Officer of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Azizul Azri bin Haji Majit.

The delegation was sent off by Permanent Secretary at the MCYS Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil along with other officials of the ministry.

“The delegation will learn the good practices to bring back to Brunei. We will also attend discussions, exchange ideas and knowledge with Singapore counterparts on community development,” said Azizul Azri. “The delegation comprises future leaders from different fields. Members of the delegation are from private and public sectors, non-governmental organisations as well as youth associations.”

The delegation will visit places such as Cozy Bananas, Youth Corps Singapore and Enabling Village. They will participate in Dragon boat and other water sport activities in Kallang Basin as well as a homestay. The programme aims to promote strong bilateral relations among youth from Brunei Darussalam and Singapore and provide participants an opportunity to engage in social activities for the betterment of both nations.

|     Azlan Othman     |

THE National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has established a framework with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) as the operational body through the initiatives stated in the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response signed in 2009, said Deputy Permanent Secretary (Security and Welfare) at the Ministry of Home Affairs Ajman bin Haji Meludin.

He made the statement at the opening of Brunei Familiariation Workshop Regional and International Mechanism on Disaster Management at the CAE Brunei Multi-Purpose Training Centre (MPTC) yesterday.

The workshop was organised by AHA Centre in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

“The workshop was organised to provide participants a platform to discuss, share and exchange information to devise strategies for disaster or incident management,” he added. “Our stakeholders can expand their network and learn the tools and principles of how our regional and international partners managed humanitarian affairs,” Ajman added.

The workshop aims to expose stakeholder agencies involved in national disaster management to regional and international mechanisms, values and procedures as well as to expand their work on disaster management.

The workshop also provides opportunities to introduce disaster management systems in Southeast Asia and internationally, incident management procedures and best practices in the various sectors in disaster management in general.

Director of NDMC Colonel (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Maiddin bin Pengiran Haji Said, Executive Director of AHA Centre Adelina Kamal, Coordinating Officer in Southeast Asia Region for UNOCHA Oliver Lacey-Hall, senior officials of the NDMC and stakeholder agencies from both the government and non-government sectors were also present.

The workshop is delivered by experts from the AHA Centre and UNOCHA.

The NDMC also offers a wide range of courses in disaster management and incidents through the MPTC to the public and government officials since 2017.

|     James Kon     |

IN STRENGTHENING bilateral relationships as well as efforts in combating drug abuse and illegal drug trafficking in the region, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of Brunei Darussalam and Central Narcotics Bureau of the Republic of Singapore met for the 10th bilateral meeting of both agencies at The Rizqun International Hotel yesterday afternoon.

Among those present at the meeting were Acting Director of NCB of Brunei Darussalam Haji Mohd Jaffari bin Haji Mahadi and Director of Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau Ng Ser Song. The bilateral meeting is held annually and hosted alternately between both agencies.

Among the objectives of the annual bilateral meeting were to share current drug trends and situations, best practices and new development on procedures and legislation relating to drug abuse and trafficking, as well as to exchange views and discuss best practices and programme in area of preventive drug education and law enforcement.

Through the meeting, it is hoped the two agencies will further enhance the effectiveness in drug control.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

THE 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 underscored the importance of creating an ecosystem for Brunei’s youth to thrive and achieve their best, while speaking at the 8th Presidential Conference at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas yesterday.

The minister said, “Together, we must take this opportunity to be inclusive and to inspire youth from all walks of life in our society to excel.”

The Presidential Conference is an annual forum organised by the Brunei Students’ Union (BSU) in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The first conference was held in 2010 in London, and this year’s conference is held under the theme ‘Frame of Mind: The Youths of the 21st Century’.

Among the invited guests were Legislative Council members Yang Berhormat Iswandy bin Ahmad and Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari, and the British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Richard Lindsay.

Addressing an audience of local youth, the minister told them, “As the agents of change, the nation is relying on you for its success. However, we must constantly remind ourselves of our Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy. I should reiterate that this is one aspect that must be preserved as we move forward, wherever we may be. MIB is our pride, and we must take pride in sharing it.”

The minister recalled his time as a former High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the United Kingdom, saying, “One of my fondest memories as a High Commissioner was the honour of meeting and getting to know so many students. What a privilege to have learned so much from all these students.

“To all the students here today, you are the biggest stakeholders in our nation’s future. Our nation’s development, and of course, our Brunei Vision 2035, can only be achieved by its citizens, including you, the youth of the 21st Century, who will accomplish it in 17 years.”

While reminding his young audience that they should be proactive, innovative and brave, the minister said, “Many youth of today already possess these qualities. They are working hard and making significant contributions to Brunei’s society.”

He cited a few examples, including Pengiran Haji Ahmad Fadhillah Akhbar bin Pengiran Haji Sallehuddin, the recipient of the prestigious Queen’s Young Leaders Award in June this year; and Pengiran Mohamad Khairi bin Pengiran Haji Metussin, the founder of Mindplus Education, who was among the 34 entrepreneurs chosen to showcase their respective businesses before 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, during the recent 13th National Youth Day celebration.

The minister said, “We also need to be aware of the flip side of the coin. We do hear that many youth – especially our students and recent graduates – face real concerns and challenges, including employment and entrepreneurship. It is imperative that these challenges are mitigated through inclusivity, and the ‘Whole of Government’ and ‘Whole of Nation’ approach. This is where we all need to work together, as our joint responsibility.

He added, “Nonetheless, as an optimistic person, I remain very positive about all our youths and your future. The key words I want to highlight here are ‘brave’ and ‘resilient’. His Majesty, in his National Day celebration titah in February this year, emphasised that youth with an abundance of new ideas are surely fearless in facing any challenges. This means being able to step out of your comfort zone and seeing the bigger picture beyond ourselves.”

With the world increasingly becoming borderless in the economic sense, the minister highlighted the need to embrace the attendant changes, including the shift towards Digital Economy and providing the ecosystem to encourage young entrepreneurs to take on opportunities in the international market.

He also quoted the message of Minister of Energy, Manpower and Industry Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mat Suny bin Haji Mohd Hussein to entrepreneurs during the LiveWIRE Business Awards Start-up Funding Scheme on July 24: “The road ahead will be an exciting one, but it may not be easy. We hope that you are able to maintain your enthusiasm for learning and growth, as you cannot afford to rest on your laurels.”

The minister added, “The nation needs its youth to be resilient; who view failure as an opportunity; who are willing to do the hard work and to continue it. Let me appeal to you that it is our joint responsibility to develop this quality in all youth in this room and beyond. Let us work together as partners, to achieve this important quality.”

Among the conference’s highlights was a speech delivered by BSU President Awangku Mohammad Hisyam Al-Yura bin Pengiran Haji Zainal Abidin to officiate the event.

The event involved a panel discussion with governmental and non-governmental agencies, discussing important issues centred on employability and entrepreneurship for youth.

A forum was also held, with the participation of Brunei society leaders in the United Kingdom and the high council of the BSU to promote better communication and coordination among all students in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

THE Indian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Nagma M Mallick yesterday presented 38 pieces of Islamic calligraphy to Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) in a ceremony.

The donated artworks are enlarged photographic reproductions of original artworks from the Rampur Raza Library in India, which has a repository of over 300 rare works of calligraphy, miniatures and manuscripts.

In her speech, the high commissioner said that the contribution was a “privilege, as the magnificent artworks display a union of creativity, artistic ability and piety – one aspect of the shared cultural heritage between India and Brunei Darussalam.

“We first displayed these artworks at the Exhibition of Islamic Calligraphy, which we hosted at the Malay Technology Museum in November 2017. This is a gift from the government and people of India, for the students of UNISSA to enjoy. It is a gesture of friendship from our government to the Government of Brunei Darussalam.”

Rector of UNISSA Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal, meanwhile said that the university was both honoured and “delighted to have been chosen to host the works”.

“The close relationship between Brunei Darussalam and India has thrived, especially over the recent years. UNISSA has established memorandums of agreement with six higher education institutions in India, five of which were signed in February this year during our visit to India and made possible by the kind hospitality of the Government of India.”

Dr Haji Norarfan then touched on the mutual exchange programmes between the two countries. “Our students have also been granted the learning opportunity to visit India last January and May, when they participated in the ASEAN-India Students’ Exchange Programme,” he said.

“This September, we will welcome the Vice-Chancellor of Hyderabad’s Nalsar University of Law Professor Dr Faizan Mustafa to join us in celebrating the upcoming convocation, and to deliver a special lecture for our students in the Faculty of Syariah and Law.

“UNISSA is also pleased to have hosted our friends from India. Our first student from India successfully graduated last year, with a PhD in Usuluddin; and currently, UNISSA is home to two professors from India – in our Faculty of Syariah and Law, and the Faculty of Arabic Language.”

|     Wani Roslan     |

A FULL dress rehearsal for the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) 30th Convocation Ceremony took place at the university’s Chancellor Hall yesterday.

Present to witness the rehearsal was Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman and UBD Vice-Chancellor Datin Dr Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Aziz.

This year’s convocation will see 1,543 people receiving their PhD, Master’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree and diploma certificates.

Speaking to the Bulletin, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) of UBD Pengiran Dr Mohammad Iskandar bin Pengiran Haji Petra shared that the university has undergone a number of changes to make its teaching more comprehensive.

“Among these changes include emphasising more on the importance of research and learning quality, holding on to the principles of innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship and concern for the environment. All these have contributed to the success of the university in breaking into the rankings of top world universities,” he said.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

A TOTAL of 3,536 participants including officials and coaches from 12 contingents will turn up for the Brunei Darussalam National Games (SKBD) 2018 which will be held from September 1-8.

The fourth edition of the eight-day event will see athletes compete for 937 medals – 281 gold, 281 silver and 375 bronze, Acting Director of Youth and Sports Haji Zafri bin Haji Mohamed said at a press conference organised on the sidelines of the 4th SKBD poster presentation ceremony held at Citra Budaya Hall, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) yesterday.

The ceremony was chaired by Permanent Secretary at the MCYS Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil. Also present at the event was Head of Youth and Sports Officer-cum-Secretariat of SKBD 2018 Mariam binti Ulat.

Haji Zafri said the opening ceremony of the games will be held at 2pm on September 1 at the Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas, while the closing ceremony will be at 2pm on September 8 at the Tutong Sports Complex.

The SKBD 2018 is organised by the government, through the MCYS, in collaboration with Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BDNOC). The first SKBD was held in 2012, followed by the second and third editions in 2014 and 2017, respectively.

SKBD is a national-level competition which aims to develop the level and performance of sportsmen in the country. It is hoped that SKBD will be able to create competent athletes, build a healthy and friendly spirit of competition and enhance the status of sports in the country.

Among others, the purpose of SKBD is to establish close collaborative relationships in building human development as well as establishing a harmonious network through sports in the effort to form a united nation.

SKBD also serves as platform to select qualified athletes to represent the country at regional and international sports events.

The contingents taking part in the SKBD 2018 are: Brunei-Muara District, Belait District, Tutong District, Temburong District, Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council, Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council, Brunei Darussalam Sports Schools Council, higher learning institutions (Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, Brunei Darussalam Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Politeknik Brunei, Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan, Kolej International Graduate Studies, Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Industry, Micronet International College, Laksamana College of Business and Institute of Brunei Technical Education), combination of Brunei telecommunication companies (Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam, Telekom Brunei Berhad, DST Communications Sdn Bhd and Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd), combination of Brunei Shell Joint Venture (BSJV) Companies, Royal Brunei Airlines and Brunei Association of Banks.

Mariam said a total of 31 events will be contested at the games based on rules and regulations approved by the BDNOC in accordance with international rules.

She said some of the games like football, futsal, badminton and volleyball were held earlier due to a large number of entries.

At the press conference, the organisers invited members of the public to watch and support the games.

The venues of the competition include those under the MCYS as well as others agencies such as Bolkiah Garrison, Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (YSHHB)School and i-Bowl Utama Bowling Centre Sdn Bhd.

The venues of the competition are: Badminton – Bolkiah Garrison Multipurpose Hall; cycling – mountain bike: Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, Berakas Forest Reserve Recreational Park, Berakas/Muara-Tutong Highway/ Bukit Shahbandar; road race – Muara-Tutong Highway/Tungku Link; netball – multipurpose hall, Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex (KSNHB); basketball – Brunei Basketball Association Basketball Court in Batu Bersurat; soft ball – Jerudong Sports Complex; football – Track and Field, KSNHB, Tutong Sports Complex, Berakas Sports Complex, Temburong Sports Complex; volleyball – KSNHB multipurpose hall; lawn bowling – KSNHB Lawn Bowling Centre; chess – KSNHB Tennis Centre; dart – Indoor Stadium, KSNHB; futsal – Indoor Stadium, KSNHB; top-spinning (Top-Spinning Arena, KSNHB); golf – Mentiri Golf Course; Hockey – Hockey Stadium, KSNHB; karate-do multipurpose hall, Tutong Sports Complex; kayak – Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB); cue sports – VIP Billiards Hall, KSNHB; fencing – Mumong Sports Complex; boat race – Serasa Water Sports Complex; pencak silat – Youth Centre, BSB; table tennis – Menglait Sports Complex; rugby – Sungai Kebun Sports Complex; sepak takraw – Sungai Kebun Sports Complex; shorinji kempo -Menglait Sports Complex; squash – Squash Centre, KSNHB; taekwondo – YSHHB School multipurpose hall; tug-of-war – Track and Field, KSNHB; 10-pin bowling – i-Bowl Utama Bowling Centre; wushu – Menglait Sports Complex; swimming – National Swimming Pool, KSNHB; and athletics – Track and Field, KSNHB and Tutong Sports Complex.

BRUNEI Salebration, the much-awaited annual sales fair for thousands of Bruneians who wish to make wonderful deals and contribute to nation building by supporting the local economy, will be held from December 1, 2018 until February 13, 2019.

Part of the government’s ongoing efforts to promote Brunei Darussalam as a shopping destination and contribute towards increasing local consumption and to boost business activities, the 75-day-long Brunei Salebration (BSb) 2018 organised by the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE) of the Prime Minister’s Office will be showcasing a wide array of products offering attractive discounts.

The objective of the sales fest is to enhance the country’s economic activities by making prices attractive and encourage members of the public to shop locally.

The participating stores will only have to offer a minimum discount of 20 per cent on at least 50 per cent of the goods displayed in their business premises. However, retailers are encouraged to offer better, creative and attractive deals to help draw shopper traffic to their stores, JPKE said in a statement.

In 2017, the annual Brunei Salebration attracted 457 store branches of 204 businesses, including department and retail stores, house furnishings shops, clothing and footwear shops, health and beauty salons, jewellery shops and many others.

Participating retailers will be offered an added platform to reach out and gain visibility through JPKE’s SmartConsumer mobile application to advertise their offers to generate increased sales. This application can be downloaded free on Apple Store and Google Play Store.

Businesses participating in the BSb 2018 will receive a Participation Notice issued by JPKE that has to be clearly displayed at visible spots in the business premises.

The Notification Form and the conditions for participation can be downloaded from JPKE’s website at www.depd.gov.bn.

It can also be obtained from the counter at the following address: Department of Competition and Consumer Affairs, Department of Economic Planning and Development, Room 2A 3.06, Level 3, West Wing Block 2A, Ong Sum Ping Road, BA1131, Brunei Darussalam.

The completed Notification Form and Price List can be submitted through email at sales@jpke.gov.bn or to the address mentioned above 14 days prior to the commencement of the BSb 2018.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

OVER 50 construction industry professionals from across the nation attended the ‘Facility Management’ talk organised by the Institution of Surveyors, Engineers and Architects (PUJA) Brunei at the Atria Simpur Hall of the Public Works Department yesterday.

The event was meant to – among other objectives – serve as a platform for local construction industry professionals to share their professional knowledge and experiences with one another.

Facilitating the talk yesterday were Chief Executive Officer of Maxwell Cfm International Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) Arivagara Pavithran, Director of Consulting of Maxwell Cfm International Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) Norman Abrahamsen, and BIM Consultant of Maxwell Cfm International Sdn Bhd (Malaysia)Dr John Rogers.

Topics discussed included ISO41001:2018 MSS Facility Management, BIM Digital Design and Project Delivery, Digitalisation of the Build Environment, Transition to Operation Readiness, Mindset Migration from Maintenance Management to Facility Management, and Business Continuity Management within Facility Management.

Delivering his ‘ISO41001:2018 MSS Facility Management (FM)’ talk, Arivagara Pavithran highlighted that the new ISO on facility management provides the required guidelines for any organisation – regardless of its nature of business or size – to understand the requirements for a good FM practice.

He added that with the guidelines, clients and service providers will close the gap between expectation and perception in FM service delivery.

Norman Abrahamsen, in his talk on ‘Transition to Operation Readiness’, explained the important phase prior to handover after construction, where clients face the problem of insufficient knowledge to prepare a facility or asset for operation. He stated that in many cases, post construction issues interrupt the business operation and impact on the profitability of an organisation or its operations.

While delivering his ‘Mindset Migration from Maintenance Management to Facility Management’ talk, Abrahamsen emphasised that the traditional mindset is focussed on the maintenance activity, but not towards the entire ecosystem of activities that influences the work.

Organisations, he said, “often see the upkeeping of a building as a cost but not as a value to their core business”, adding that “a new mindset is required to bring value to a business as well as to create a healthy workplace environment for the people”.

|     Abdul Hakim Yakof     |

MOHAMMAD Hamiz Mirza bin Haji Sudirman from the Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam Secondary School and Nurtajwiida Insyirah binti Haji Isa from Sayyidina Hasan Secondary School were the champions in the male and female category in the finals of the 34th National Tilawah Al-Quran Competition for Secondary Schools and Colleges at the multipurpose hall of Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab Secondary School (SMSUA) yesterday.

The prizes and certificates were presented by Acting Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, in his capacity as the guest of honour.

In the male category, Muhd Syahmi bin Muhd Aref Affendy from Berakas Secondary School was in second place, while in third place was Mohd Helmi Fahziq bin Hoseni from Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Secondary School.

In the female category, Nur Fatin Hidayah binti Morsidi from Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College came in second and Nur Amal Nadhirah binti Mohd Nurazizul in third place.

A total of 22 male and 19 female participants took part in the early stages of the competition while only five male and five female paticipants competed in the finals.

Co-Chairperson of the event and Principal of SMSUA Sinasuria binti Haji Ibrahim expressed her gratitude for hosting the competition this year and hoped that the participants will listen to the words of Allah the Almighty being recited and learn from them. The competition is an annual event organised by the Spiritual Unit of the Co-Curriculum Education Department at the Ministry of Education, to instil the culture of reading Al-Quran among students and encourage them to improve the quality of their recitation.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

THE relationship between Saudi Arabia and Brunei Darussalam was further strengthened following a groundbreaking ceremony for the new premises of the Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Brunei Darussalam and residence of the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Brunei Darussalam at Jalan Kebangsaan yesterday.

Present at the ceremony was Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud.

Charge d’Affaires at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Brunei Darussalam Hussain Mohammed Al-Dajani in his welcoming speech said, “More than 40 years have passed since Saudi-Brunei relations began, specifically in 1987, when the Saudi Ambassador to Manila was a non-resident Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam.

“The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia was opened in Brunei Darussalam in 1995. The embassy started full operations on January 1, 1996. Since then, the relations between the two countries have been progressing steadily for the better and are improving day by day.

“This is thanks to Allah the Almighty and to the prudent leaders of our two brotherly countries, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and 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 said that the presence of the new embassy building, which will be built with modern architectural specifications and designs, will be a great interface to represent Saudi Arabia in Brunei.

“We are laying the foundation stone of the embassy building and the ambassador’s residence in Bandar Seri Begawan. It is a great pleasure for me and my colleagues to witness another level of growth in the relations between both countries, which would enable us to complete our efforts in elevating these relations to higher and wider horizons,” said Al-Dajani.

The Saudi envoy expressed thanks and appreciation on behalf of the Government of Saudi Arabia and his colleagues to the Government of Brunei Darussalam and its officials for their support in the construction of the new embassy.

Also present at yesterday’s event were Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Brunei Darussalam Dr Fahad Mashary Al-Thafiri; Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Brunei Darussalam Sheik Ahmed bin Hashel bin Rashed bin Hashel Al-Maskari; High Commissioner of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to Brunei Darussalam Air Vice Marshal Mahmud Hussain; Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MoFAT) Hajah Siti Norishan binti Haji Abdul Ghafor; Director of the Asia-Africa Department at the MoFAT Norazlianah binti Ibrahim; First Secretaries at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Brunei Darussalam Ali Abdullah A Al Shehry and Nawaf Mazi H Al Bdawi; and Attaché’ at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Brunei Darussalam Mohammed Saad K Al Subaie and Meshal Abdullah A Habshan.

The ceremony concluded with a Doa Selamat recitation by Imam Azame bin Alias.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

KURNIA Dessy Anggraeni binti Haji Mohammad Johari was barely able to contain her joy upon graduating from the Kolej International Graduate Studies (KIGS) with first-class honours in her Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Accounting programme, in addition to winning a Best Student Award and the Pengiran Setia Jaya (PSJ) Excellence Award.

“I feel very honoured and blessed, because I hadn’t expected to get these awards,” she told the Bulletin on the sidelines of the KIGS convocation ceremony at the Tarindak D’Seni Restaurant.

Kurnia, who will soon be embarking on an internship at an accounting firm in Melbourne, credits KIGS for developing her workplace skills and employability credentials.

“The main keys to excellent academic score are self-determination, self-discipline, good time-management and focus,” she said.

Meanwhile, Munirah binti Haji Murni, who graduated with first-class honours in the Bachelor of Business Administration programme, expressed her delight on winning this year’s Tan Sri Dato Sri Paduka Dr Lim Kok Wing Excellence Award.

“I think the award was given for my participation and commitment in one of the Lim Kok Wing modules – the Global Classroom in London – where I received a Certificate of Excellence during the course,” she said.

The other graduate with first-class honours in the Bachelor of Business Administration programme, Nurliyana Amalina Rabiatulafiqah binti Abdul, disclosed that she was initially an engineering student, but had decided to take up the course as a challenge.

“The core module is not only related to administration, but to various business-related modules such as accounting, marketing, operations, and human resources,” she said, adding that her three years at KIGS was the busiest but also the best time of her life.

“At first, my goal was to get a pass to scrape through, but surprisingly, my result for my first semester was better than expected. Naturally, that inspired me to become better and motivated me to strive for the best,” she said.

Fellow first-class honours graduate, Rafidah binti Haji Omar, also described her three years at the college as “a splendid experience”, while appreciating the opportunity to learn business-related modules.

“It helped me build a foundation of professionalism and ethical behaviour, which will be useful when undertaking any business or future endeavours,” she said. “The broad range of modules within my course has enabled me to gain insights into different areas and exposed me to various aspects of business dynamics through case studies and interview opportunities.”

Fatin Nadzirah binti Haji Muhammad Lutfi also expressed her pleasure at having completed three years study at the college as a part-time student and gaining a degree in business studies.

“My interest in business studies began when I took a diploma course and really loved it,” she said. “It motivated me to pursue my studies further and focus on Marketing.”

She admitted that being a part-time student was challenging, but said that the support from her parents and husband kept her going.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

A CONVOCATION ceremony was held for 205 students of Kolej International Graduate Studies (KIGS) yesterday at the Tarindak D’Seni Restaurant.

Guest of honour, Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar presented the certificates to graduating students.

Also in attendance was Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Jefriah.

The ceremony began with a recitation of selected verses from Al-Quran, followed by a welcoming speech by CEO of KIGS in his capacity as the chairman of the main organising committee for the KIGS Convocation 2018 Dr Haji Azaharaini bin Haji Mohd Jamil.

Dr Haji Azaharaini said that apart from the college’s collaboration with Lim Kok Wing University of Creative Technology and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), the college is also in the process of negotiating with international institutions to diversify its programmes for the development of skilled human resources according to situational and market demands.

He explained that the programmes and courses will be directed towards industry development and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) needs, to meet the increasing demand for careers in communication, multimedia, advertising, design and broadcasting.

“The college’s short and long-term strategic planning is currently being organised to add more programmes at various levels to provide opportunity and direction, not only for students with ‘O’ and ‘A’ Levels, but also those with Skills Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas,” he said.

“The outlined programmes are also designed to meet the needs of industry development and technology by stressing on the use of Higher Order Thinking and Creative Skills, which are in line with this year’s convocation theme ‘Embracing Creativity, Innovation and Capacity Building’.”

He also disclosed that several new approaches in teaching and learning have been utilised for the development of creativity and innovation among students.

“This should encourage the young generation to be more motivated, confident and proficient, while encouraging their potential for creative and innovative thinking,” he said.

Dr Haji Azaharaini added that KIGS is actively supporting art programmes to open up new job and business opportunities within the creative industry.

“This October, we will see the presence of lecturers with backgrounds in Islamic Studies, along with the inclusion of Islamic Studies and Islamic Civilisation History as subjects, which is in line with the titah 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, where the monarch emphasised on Islamic History as a compulsory subject at schools and learning institutions under the Ministry of Education and private agencies,” he said.

Out of the 205 students, 102 were degree graduates; 85 were recipients of the HND and BDTVEC and the Lim Kok Wing University of Creative Technology Programme; and 18 were graduates of the Certificates for UMS Programme.

Six graduates received the First Class Award while two graduates in BDTVEC programme, four in the Degree programme at the Lim Kok Wing University of Creative Technology and two in the UMS Programme receive Best Student Award.

Nurul Amal Hafiza Yasmina Athirah binti Mutassir, the daughter of Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Jefriah, received the Best Student award for Diploma in Animation & Multimedia Design.

The ceremony also witnessed the presentation of the Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Paduka Dr Lim Kok Wing Excellence Award and the Pengiran Setia Jaya (PSJ) Excellence Award to two students, in acknowledgement of their accomplishments in both academic and co-curriculum activities.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

THE current job market compels education institutions to act as specialist centres plugging the skills gap in industry and satisfying its demands, through the production of skilful, knowledgeable and positive-minded human resource.

Collaborations with industry need to be increased and more opportunities for training, particularly in critical fields, also need to be opened up if Brunei is to realise a highly skilled workforce.

These sentiments were made by Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar in his speech at the Kolej International Graduate Studies (KIGS) Convocation Ceremony 2018 yesterday.

The minister added that to meet the ever-rising need for skilled workers by the local job market, strategic planning, notably through education transformation, needs to be carried out.

One way to do this, the minister says, is by increasing on-the-job attachment arrangements for students by collaborating more extensively with industry.

“By focussing on the quality of upgrading of graduates through the implementation of collaboration programmes with higher education institutions in the country, region and international arena, we can provide a pathway for graduates to achieve international-standard qualifications and skills, and enhance their chances in landing jobs of their choosing in their respective industries,” he said.

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suhaimi noted that as part of its efforts to produce a model that is able to meet the human resource market demand and the nation’s aspiration, KIGS offers programmes that are relevant to industry needs by teaching skills which conform to industry needs, particularly in the creative industry.

“Education in the creative arts such as design and visual arts will be able to produce culture-minded individuals who are able to practise the arts and explore their creative, innovative and inventive souls as well as stretch their aesthetic talents.

“The college delivers this education in accordance with the nation’s Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy and stressing on the students’ development based on country’s needs,” he said.

“As an institution that has a good creative and arts faculty, KIGS is able to produce productive, industry-ready graduates.

“The college’s collaborative ties with industry, both local and abroad, help achieve this goal as well.

“Creativity and innovation play important roles in a country’s success in the modern era, and to develop these qualities in our people, a strong education system is needed.”

The minister noted that the steps taken by the college to add creative and innovative elements in its curriculum to satisfy industry needs coincides with the development of the country’s National Education System for the 21st Century (SPN21), which is one of the key thrusts of Brunei Vision 2035.

He made special mention of one of the ‘Global Campus’ modules offered by the college, where participating students are exposed to the ins and outs of the business and trade world on both the regional and international arena.

International exposure, the minister said, “is highly beneficial in imbuing within the students vital entrepreneurship skills”, and “produce students instilled with global thinking and competitiveness”.

“Because of this, it is important for our education institutions to constantly go into collaborations with their counterpart institutions abroad…these efforts will be beneficial in terms of enhancing the institution’s research capabilities and in technology transfer,” he said.

The minister also reminded the graduates to focus fully on the next step of their education and take full advantage of the learning opportunity while it still exists to gain knowledge and hone their talents as best possible, before they finally make it out into the working world.

“In facing this ever-changing and increasingly competitive global job market, there is a whole lot of new knowledge and skills that you all must acquire. Once you embark on your careers, you need to put forth your best professional efforts, as in this competitive world, only the best will succeed,” he said.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

MINISTER of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman and spouse safely returned home yesterday after performing their Haj pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah.

Welcoming the minister on arrival at the Brunei International Airport were Acting Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar and spouse and Charge d’Affaires at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Brunei Darussalam Hussain Mohammed Al-Dajani.

Also present were Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Mohd Yussof and wife and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) at the MoRA Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang.

A Doa Selamat was recited by Assistant Religious Officer at the Department of Haj Affairs at the MoRA Pengiran Haji Reduan bin Pengiran Haji Badaruddin to bless the safe arrival.

The minister and spouse performed the Haj pilgrimage this year on the invitation as the guest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Government.

The minister expressed gratitude in being able to perform the pilgrimage this year and extended appreciation for the invitation and warm hospitality by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabian government throughout their pilgrimage.

He also expressed appreciation for the efforts by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia government for Haj affairs annually.

The good relations between the Government of Brunei Darussalam and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as the systematic management has enabled the smooth and efficient handling of Haj pilgrims, particularly Haj pilgrims from Brunei.

|     James Kon     |

THE Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) made 772 drug arrests and investigated 479 cases in 2017 under the Misuse of Drugs Act, Chapter 27.

This shows a 20.4 per cent increase in the number of arrests compared to 2016 when 641 persons were arrested. Statistics also show that 53 per cent of the total arrests were new. Drug users arrested constitute about 0.17 per cent of the total population.

The statistics on Brunei Darussalam’s drug situation was published in the ‘ASEAN Drug Monitoring Report 2017’ launched by Minister of Defence II and Chairman of the National Security Committee of Brunei Darussalam Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof at the opening ceremony of the 39th Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD) yesterday.

The third publication produced by ASEAN Narcotics Cooperation Center (ASEAN-NARCO) the report is a comprehensive annual overview of the drug situation in ASEAN in 2017 as well as initiatives taken in the demand and supply reduction strategy by the ASEAN member states.

According to the report, of the total of 772 arrests last year, 642 were males and 130 females. Majority of the arrested was locals of which 63 per cent were unemployed while 35 per cent employed and 1.4 per cent students. The age group of 30-39 made up the largest group.

Methylamphetamine, or syabu, remained to be the most commonly abused drug in 2017 with 714 out of the 772 were arrested for consumption and possession of syabu. Cannabis remained the second most abused drug with a total of 35 arrests.

NCB conducted 353 nationwide land operations and 93 marine operations in 2017 including joint operation with other enforcement agencies.

Drug demand reduction strategy comprising preventive drug education, treatment and rehabilitation as well as other care efforts continue to be the key focus of NCB’s strategy to prevent drug abuse, the report said.

In 2017, NCB reached 23,536 students through school-based activities, 2,169 workers through workplace-based activities and 5,589 citizens through community-based activities.

|     James Kon     |

SENIOR officials from ASEAN member states gathered in Brunei Darussalam yesterday to share information and best practices in the area of illicit drugs at the 39th Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD).

Held at The Rizqun International Hotel, the opening ceremony was officiated by Minister of Defence II and Chairman of the National Security Committee of Brunei Darussalam Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof as the guest of honour.

Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam, Deputy Secretary-General of the ASEAN Political Security Community Dr Hoang Anh Tuan, members of the Diplomatic Corps in Brunei Darussalam and delegates of ASOD attended the ceremony.

The meeting was chaired by Acting Director of Narcotics Control Bureau Haji Mohd Jaffari bin Haji Mahadi.

During the event, senior officials from ASEAN will conduct the first internal review on the ASEAN Work on Securing Communities against Illicit Drugs 2016-2025.

In addition to the 39th Meeting of ASOD, other meetings with dialogue partners are also taking place, namely, the 5th ASOD-China Coordination Meeting, 7th ASOD-Republic of Korea Coordination Meeting, 13th Senior Officials meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) plus 3 Working Group Meeting on Narcotics and 2nd ASOD-Russia Coordination Meeting.

The opening ceremony yesterday saw the launch of the third publication produced by ASEAN Narcotics Cooperation Center (ASEAN NARCO) titled ASEAN Drug Monitoring Report 2017. The publication represents a comprehensive annual overview of the drug situation of ASEAN in 2017 as well as initiatives taken in the demand and supply reduction strategy by the ASEAN member states. The 39th Meeting of ASOD which began on Monday will conclude tomorrow.

The meeting is held annually and chaired by ASEAN member states in alphabetical order.

|     James Kon     |

MINISTER of Defence II and Chairman of the National Security Committee of Brunei Darussalam Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof yesterday underscored Brunei Darussalam’s leading role in the fight against drug abuse.

In his remarks at the opening ceremony of the 39th Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD) held at The Rizqun International Hotel yesterday, he said, “Brunei Darussalam is most blessed under the wise leadership 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 which bestows upon us continued guidance and steers the policy formulation on drug control.

In his many titahs, His Majesty has emphasised the theme Generasi Berwawasan (Generation with a Vision) and reminded the continuing and future generation of Brunei Darussalam to equip themselves to face future challenges towards realising the Brunei Vision 2035, the minister noted, adding that the monarch has also stressed on the importance of instilling awareness of drug abuse and to adopt a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach to overcome the challenges of drugs.

“In upholding His Majesty’s titah, emphasis on family support in the treatment and rehabilitation programme is crucial in one’s journey to recovery from drug abuse; more public private partnership (PPP) with strategic partners has also been engaged in enhancing the effectiveness of our treatment and rehabilitation programmes as well as our preventive drug education outreach programmes,” the minister said.

“Annually on the first Sunday in May, Brunei Darussalam celebrates the National Family Day. This year, the 7th National Family Day was celebrated with a theme that focusses around the issue of drug abuse and ways to address its implications that threaten the stability and wellbeing of families and the society. The main event was graced by His Majesty, in which the monarch and members of the royal family joined the public in mass cycling activities around the capital. This activity was not only aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle but also a clear reflection of our highest political will in tackling the drug problem in our beloved country,” he noted.

Acknowledging the challenges in the fight against drugs in the region, the minister said drug problem is not a regional issue but a global one. “The world drug problem remains a common and shared responsibility for all of us. It continues to pose a serious threat to health, safety and security and undermines the wellbeing of our community as well as the economic, environmental and social development of our countries.

“Our region continues to be a hub for drug syndicates that capitalises on the rapidly increasing market demand for methamphetamine (syabu), and this might be a key driver for intra-regional and inter-regional methamphetamine trafficking. The retail prices of crystalline methamphetamine in the region are high and this makes it a lucrative illicit business opportunity for international drug syndicates. This is made even more challenging by the ever-changing modus operandi of crafty drug syndicates as they adapt to our enforcement strategies.

“In the same vein, the emergence and proliferation of new psychoactive substances (NPS) continue to be of concern. We need each other’s experiences and information sharing in curbing the ever-evolving nature of NPS. Our laws will also have to be able to adapt to allow more effective enforcement and provide greater levels of deterrence,” the minister explained.

Highlighting the challenges posed by technology, he said, “While we aspire to have better regional and extra-regional connectivity, we are also confronted with the challenges that technology present. The Dark Net and digital currencies such as Bitcoin have taken advantage of the inter-connectivity and online anonymity for their illicit business purposes. To this end, we need to step up our efforts in response to these ever-evolving challenges.”

The minister commended ASOD for playing an important role in ensuring that works undertaken by the ASEAN member states are in line with the regional goal of a ‘Drug-Free ASEAN’. “The ASOD platform serves many purposes for us in developing drug control strategies and work plans, establish and strengthen network, enhance cooperation – not just among us but also with dialogue partners as well as in sharing information, intelligence, evidence-based best practices and standards.

“I take this opportunity to commend the good work of the ASOD and its five working groups as well as the dialogue partners. ASOD’s achievements are apparent through the establishment of several platforms to coordinate and intensify joint operations to tackle drug trafficking, such as the ASEAN Airport Interdiction Task Force, the ASEAN Seaport Interdiction Task Force and the ASEAN Narcotics Cooperation Center, that have successfully launched three annual reports under the purview of the ASEAN Drug Monitoring Network. The good works set out by Thailand in the publication of the ASEAN Drug Monitoring Report 2017 deserve recognition,” he said.

On this note, the Minister of Defence II said he looks forward to hearing the progress of the ASEAN Cooperation Plan to Tackle Illicit Drug Production and Trafficking in the Golden Triangle 2017-2019 which was developed last year, aimed at interdicting drug trafficking from the Golden Triangle into the ASEAN region and beyond.

He also noted that ASOD is currently drafting an ASEAN Statement for adoption during the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters in October this year. “The adopted ASEAN Statement that reiterates ASEAN’s aspirations and zero-tolerance stance against drugs will be read out at the 62nd High-Level Segment of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna in 2019.

“Despite the shift in drug policy seen in other parts of the world that advocate for decriminalisation or legalising drug consumption, we should continue to stand united in our ground to relay the message that there is no one-size-fits-all approach in addressing the drug issue, as each country has its own diverse drug situation and challenges.

“We believe in respecting the sovereign rights of each state to decide and implement policies based on the political, economic, social and cultural contexts as well as norms of society that best cater to our domestic drug situation,” the minister said.

BERLIN (AFP) – Barcelona striker Paco Alcacer said he is relishing playing in front of Borussia’s Dortmund “magical” iconic south stand after agreeing to a loan deal with the Bundesliga side on Tuesday. More details in Thursday’s Bulletin.

PARIT BUNTAR (Bernama) – A storm damaged the roofs of about 30 houses in five villages in the Kuala Kurau area on Wednesday. More details in Thursday’s Bulletin.