BAGO, Myanmar (AFP) – Monsoon rains caused a central Myanmar dam to overflow early on Wednesday, inundating about 100 villages and blocking the country’s biggest highway, a government official said. More details in Thursday’s Bulletin.

HONG KONG (AFP) – A University of Hong Kong professor has been arrested on suspicion of killing his wife after police found a body stuffed in a suitcase in his office, the latest grisly murder to transfix the crowded city. More details in Thursday’s Bulletin.

KHARTOUM (AFP) – South Sudan rebel chief Riek Machar agreed to sign a final peace deal with the government to end a brutal civil war after initially refusing to ink it on Tuesday, a Sudanese mediator said. More details in Thursday’s Bulletin.

SANAA (AFP) – Heavy air strikes targetted the international airport in Yemen’s rebel-held capital and an adjacent airbase on Tuesday, residents said, with rebels blaming the coalition fighting on the side of the government. More details in Thursday’s Bulletin.

Geneva (AFP) – The United Nations called on Wednesday for urgent action to prevent Nicaragua from descending further into turmoil after months of violent repression of protests against President Daniel Ortega’s rule. More details in Thursday’s Bulletin.

ATHENS, Greece (AP) – Greek authorities said 875 passengers safely disembarked from a ferry after a fire broke out early Wednesday as it sailed to the island of Crete from the mainland. More details in Thursday’s Bulletin.

BEIJING (AP) – More than a dozen human rights groups have sent a letter to Google urging the company not to offer censored Internet search in China, amid reports it is planning to again provide the service in the giant market. More details in Thursday’s Bulletin.

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, and Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) underscored the importance of close relations between higher learning institutions and the industrial sector in the country. More details in Thursday’s Bulletin.

|     Fizah HAB     |

THE Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of Meragang Sixth Form Centre (PTEM) held its first learning workshop for parents at the centre’s Multi-purpose Hall recently.

Entitled ‘Growth Mindset’, the workshop was facilitated by PTEM Counsellor Nuradina Kasandra binti Haji Haliluddin and one of the school-based Growth Mindset champions Rabiatul Rathiah binti Mohd Yussof, as well as other appointed tutors from the centre and executive committee members of the Parent-Teacher Association.

The workshop aimed to inform and educate parents on the importance of supporting their children through a positive mindset as well as giving the parents an opportunity to form a supportive and much stronger bond with their children, especially in their effort to achieve success in learning.

An election for the Chairman’s post of the PTA was also held.

|     Fizah HAB     |

THE Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) received a visit from the Chancellor of the University of Nizwa, Oman Professor Ahmed bin Khalfan Al-Rawahi yesterday.

He was received by KUPU SB Acting Deputy Ra’es Dr Abang Haji Hadzmin bin Abang Haji Taha.

The visit began with the recitation of Doa and a welcoming speech by the KUPU SB Acting Deputy Ra’es, followed by a speech by the Chancellor of the University of Nizwa, Oman.

The event also saw exchange of tokens of appreciation between the representatives of the two universities.

The visit was held, among others, as a platform for the implementation of strategic collaboration networks that can empower the scientific, strategic fields between the two universities and beyond; identifying the opportunities for cooperation that can be explored by KUPU SB and University of Nizwa, Oman; and introduce KUPU SB to the international arena through the offering of programmes in the field of Islamic knowledge and education and implementation of higher education institution-level co-curriculum.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

AIMED at establishing cooperation between the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of Brunei Darussalam and the Federal Service of the Russian Federation for Narcotics Traffic Control, the first meeting between the two agencies took place at The Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong yesterday.

Representing NCB were Acting Director Haji Jaffari bin Haji Mahadi and Acting Deputy Director Osmawi bin Haji Osman as well as senior NCB officials.

Their Russian counterpart was represented by Deputy Director of the Department on New Challenges and Threats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Alexey Rogov. He was accompanied by three officials from the department.

The meeting was held to establish bilateral cooperation between the two agencies in a joint effort to combat illicit and illegal drug trafficking.

|     Azlan Othman     |

DEPUTY Minister of Development Haji Marzuke bin Haji Mohsin yesterday called for the wide use of Quality Control Circle (KKC) for all departments and divisions under the Ministry of Development (MoD).

Speaking at the 21st Quality Control Circle (KKC) Convention for 2018, the deputy minister said, “Giving heed to the success of the Ministry of Development’s Survey Department allows us to comprehend the culture of KKC in the process of transformation, and a way to enhance its wide usage in the ministry through a proper understanding of its concept and benefits by means of improvement and transformation in the work process in every organisation.”

Also present were the Permanent Secretary (Technical and Professional) at the MoD Haji Amer Hishamuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Amar Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Zakaria and Acting Director of Administration and Finance at the MoD Mohamad Iskandar bin Haji Idris in his capacity as the KKC Deputy Chairman.

The deputy minister said, “It is also intended to give opportunities to staff involved in the implementation process to carry out initiatives in improvement, thus producing a continuing sense of improvement in an organisation that is actively using it. It also trains and provides experience in the presentation of skills for the KKC participants.”

The deputy minister also added that a better understanding of KKC, especially at the upper management level, would encourage its usage.

“What is important and crucial for us to understand is that the objective for the implementation of the KKC programme is not solely for the sake of enlistment, but to have management tools for the improvement or renewal of the work process towards enhanced productivity and the quality of services in an organisation,” he said.

Three groups from the Survey Department triumphed in the KKC competition, with the GST group taking first place with the topic ‘Delay in updating issuance of goods’. In second place was the Muta’aliq group with the topic ‘Increase Usage of Paper’, while the Bakti group came in third with the topic ‘Improper system of housing addresses’. The winners were announced by Civil Service Institute Assistant Training Officer Dayangku Erna Liana binti Pengiran Haji Suhaili, who was the head judge of the KKC of the Ministry of Development for 2016.

The three winning teams will have the opportunity to participate in the KKC at the national level in September.

Prizes were presented to the winners by the deputy minister. He also presented souvenirs to the panel of judges.

|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

A SEA of family members, relatives, and friends warmly welcomed the second batch of Haj pilgrims at the Arrival Hall of the Brunei International Airport when they landed safely in the Sultanate yesterday night.

A total of 254 Haj pilgrims from the second batch onboard RB flight BI4216 landed safely at the airport.

The Haj pilgrims comprised 101 from Darussalam Holdings Sdn Bhd and 150 under Straits Central Agencies (B) Sdn Bhd, as well as three officers from Haj Medical Office.

They were received by Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman and spouse; Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Md Isham bin Haji Jaafar and spouse; and Acting Minister of Finance II Dato Seri Paduka Awang Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman and spouse.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar and spouse; Interim Charge d’Affaires at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Brunei Darussalam Hussain Mohammed Al-Dajani; Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Yussof and spouse; Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Hajah Siti Norishan binti Haji Abdul Ghafor; Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali representing the Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force; Deputy Permanent Secretary (Professional) at the Ministry of Health Dr Haji Zulaidi bin Haji Abdul Latif; Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) at the MoRA Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang and spouse; directors, assistant directors; senior officers from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and directors of Haj management companies.

Upon the Haj pilgrims’ arrival, a Doa Selamat was read by Mosque Affairs Officer at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Abdul Aziz bin Haji Abdullah.

|     Izah Azahari & Rokiah Mahmud     |

A NUMBER of graduates spoke to the Bulletin yesterday, during the 30th Convocation Ceremony at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

Haziratun Nadzirah binti Abdul Azis, a graduate in Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies (Minor in Biology) with a Second Class Lower, expressed her excitement at finally receiving her certificate from 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.

“The past four years was challenging, because of the intense competition between my fellow coursemates, but it was also quite fun, especially when you have a great support network that includes your family and friends,” she said.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Afieq bin Rosle, a First Class graduate in Bachelor of Engineering (Majoring in Information and Communications Systems Engineering) beamed with pride as he recalled his struggle to overcome time management obstacles during his four years at UBD.

“You really need to have good time management, because each semester there’s one big project that you have to do; and you also have to manage your time with other tasks and exams, as well as other coursework,” he said.

The Bulletin also spoke to several PhD graduates at the event, including Dr Alwani Imanah binti Rafieh, who graduated with a PhD in Energy Studies from the Centre for Advanced Materials and Energy Sciences (CAMES).

Dr Alwani Imanah disclosed that she had initially started with a Masters by Research, but at the recommendation of her supervisor, switched to a PhD course, which she completed within two years.

“For each student, we all have different struggles where personally as a PhD student we must have a very high motivation, there were times when I did feel a little bit low and at times I got back up, so at those times when you do feel low you have to have that motivation to actually get back up and do your research,” explained the PhD graduate.

As one of four among the first intake at CAMES, Dr Alwani Imanah has some words of advice for future students. “They need to stay humble, and also to work and communicate well with their supervisors and others around them, as they are not doing all this by themselves.”

Dr Muhammad Nuriskandar bin Muhammad Hasnan, who graduated with a PhD in Art from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, said that the past three years has helped him to build his portfolio and acquire an amount of substantial knowledge as a researcher.

“I believe that the challenges that we had to face are a sort of training ground for all of us; not just PhD candidates, but also for undergraduates,” he said. “I was the first, and hopefully not the last, candidate to take Philosophy in Art; and my advice to the rest is that they should focus more on their motives, because taking a PhD is a commitment which you cannot allow yourself to get distracted from.”

Meanwhile, Dr Mohd Hilmy Baihaqy bin Haji Yussof, who graduated with a PhD in Islamic Civilisation and Contemporary Issues, hoped that his research thesis on the epistemological role of Al-Quran in science education would prove useful for the development of religious and science learning in Brunei schools.

“I would like to thank my family who gave continuous support and motivation, as well as my supervisor, Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Osman Bakar, who gave me encouragement and shared his experiences in the field of Philosophy of Islamic Science,” he said.

Dr Mohd Hilmy Baihaqy currently has plans to broaden his knowledge in Al-Quran and Science, and to collaborate with other scholars in field experiments.

Siti Noraisah Jamilatul-Balqis binti Haji Mohammad Yazid, who graduated with a Masters in Teaching (Primary Education)currently works as an English teacher at Rimba II Primary School. Siti Noraisah said that the year-and-a-half period spent in pursuing her Masters was quite a daunting experience.

However, the exposure and training that she had to undergo made her all more determined to prove herself.

“My journey has been very helpful, especially in preparing me to take on children with special needs and pre-schoolers,” she said. “The teaching practise that I had to go through has been beneficial for my Year 3 pupils.”

Meanwhile, siblings Dayangku Nur Azimah (Master in Teaching) and Dayangku Nur Azirah binti Pengiran Abdul Aziz (Master of Islamic Finance) expressed their gratitude for all the support and encouragement from their family and friends.

“This experience has been an uplifting one for us,” they said.

Muhammad Mu’izz bin Suhili, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, thanked his lecturers for their dedication during his four years of study at UBD. “Without their guidance and support, my studies would have been an uphill struggle,” he said.

Muhammad Najib bin Mohamad, a Bachelor of Science graduate in Mathematics, also thanked his parents for their support.

His advice to those who are still keen on pursuing their educational goals, “It takes determination and planning, as well as full commitment towards your studies.”

|     Azaraimy HH     |

A SPECIAL exhibition, held as part of the 30th Convocation Ceremony of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) yesterday, highlighted the university as a world-class higher learning institution which is capable of producing graduates that are research-oriented and technology-driven as well as the next generation of Brunei’s job-creating entrepreneurs.

The exhibitors – all UBD-born entrepreneurs – were connected by three factors – the ability to generate sustainable income, the ability to show growth and expansion and the ability to provide employment opportunities to locals.

Head of Entrepreneurial Village at Universiti Brunei Darussalam Adna Rahman said, “For this 30th Convocation Ceremony, UBD is proud to present a variety of entrepreneurs from classical businesses to technology and patent-based start-ups. This year’s exhibits focus on sustainable income, growth and expansion strategies with the key objective to provide employment opportunities to fellow graduates, entailing UBD’s vision to produce job creators as opposed to job-seekers.”

One of the UBD-born start-ups in the convocation exhibition was Smart Coating Technologies Sdn Bhd, a graduate-owned business which has effectively commercialised UBD research into an internationally recognised product.

Another exhibitor is Quaezar Engineering and Construction which founded solarbrunei.com, a local company that specialises in installation of solar power at homes and industries.

In an interview, one of its partners, Hamidah binti Haji Ismail, said, “We started our project in 2015 while doing our PhD. We’ve done our MSc in Energy Studies and during the period, we got exposed to people abroad who are in similar industries. First we decided to try to market our product in Brunei. We started very small by selling solar lights to home owners. Now we’re supplying products and doing work for corporations and the government.”

Another exhibitor, Malai Ezzan Enterprise, is run by 23-year-old Malai Ezzan bin Malai Hazrahrin. Malai said his business, which now has 26 local staff, officially began live snack catering five months ago, starting with just cotton candy. The company expanded to popcorn, ice-cream and is planning to start a shawarma and beverage station for special events such as birthdays, weddings and business functions.

“We are a social enterprise and we aim to help local youth to develop the mindset of Generasi Bekarih, and inspire them to make opportunities instead of waiting for opportunities. We share our profits with our staff. In the future, we plan to purchase a van to help those who are willing to work but have transportation problems,” he added.

Another exhibitor is AE Cinema BN, or short form, ae.bn, run by Haji Yusrizam bin Haji Abdul Tahir and Awangku Sulaiman bin Pengiran Haji Aman.

Haji Yusrizam said, “We founded the business in 2012 and we do commercial photography and videography for business, especially small and medium enterprises. We established the company before we were in UBD, but with us being in UBD, we are able to do the business much more properly.” Haji Yusrizam graduated yesterday at the convocation.

Another UBD-born entrepreneur, Raymond Merom, who founded Al-Ra’ed Collection, said, “Established in 2016, Al-Ra’ed Collection makes traditional yet stylistic kurta and jubah, using Brunei’s traditional woven fabric, better known as Kain Songket. Al-Ra’ed now has agents and branches both locally and regionally.”

With the vision of collaborating with and helping out fellow entrepreneurs, Al-Ra’ed Collection aims to expand its market in Southeast Asia by 2020. Raymond too graduated yesterday.

|     Wani Roslan     |

HIS Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) presented graduation certificates to 736 students during the afternoon session of UBD’s 30th Convocation Ceremony yesterday.

His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah was greeted by Minister of Education Dato Paduka Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman and Vice-Chancellor of UBD Datin Dr Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Aziz upon arrival.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by singing of the national anthem. His Royal Highness then proceeded to the podium and officiated the 30th UBD Convocation Ceremony before presenting certificates to the fresh graduates.

The afternoon session saw graduates receive their certificates in Master of Science, Master of Public Policy and Management, Master of Economics, Master of Business Administration, Master of Logistics, Master of Islamic Finance, Master of Management, Master of Engineering, Master of Arts, Master of Health Science, Master of Public Health, Master of Education, Master in Counselling and Master of Teaching.

Also receiving their certificates were graduates in Bachelor of Science, Advanced Diploma in Health Science and Diploma in Education.

Before leaving the ceremony, His Royal Highness spent time to interact with the fresh graduates and their parents.

|     Wani Roslan     |

UNIVERSITI Brunei Darussalam (UBD)’s 30th Convocation Ceremony saw 1,543 graduates from the sixth batch of its distinctive GenNext programme celebrating their success at the Chancellor Hall of the university, yesterday.

Gracing the event was 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 and Chancellor of UBD.

Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Pro-Chancellor of UBD.

His Majesty was greeted by Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman and Vice-Chancellor of UBD Datin Dr Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Aziz upon arrival.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Al-Quran verses, followed by welcoming remarks by the vice-chancellor who highlighted several development initiatives implemented by the university since the previous convocation.

“Focussing on lifelong learning, UBD has expanded flexible programmes to enable the students to further enhance their knowledge and skills without leaving their job. The Centre of Lifelong Learning, which was established last year, offers several lifelong learning programmes,” she said.

She informed that almost 1,700 students are studying in the campus of UBD-FPT Global Centre in Da Nang, Vietnam, and thanked for the awarding of 50 scholarships to the ASEAN Community for five years which saw 35 students receive scholarships and complete their English Language programme from the centre.

The vice-chancellor hoped that the graduates will strive to gain knowledge and adapt themselves in ensuring that they will always be competitive and stay relevant.

The 1,543 students who graduated yesterday comprised 37 PhD graduates, 355 Master’s degree holders, 1,136 Bachelor degree graduates and seven Advanced Diploma and eight Diploma recipients.

Also receiving the graduation certificate was Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Ajeerah Firdausul Bulqiah, the daughter of His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah.

The morning session saw PhD and Bachelor degree holders (Engineering, Arts, Business and Health Science) receiving their certificates while Master’s, Bachelor of Science, Advanced Diploma and Diploma recipients received their graduation certificates in the afternoon session.

Prior to leaving the ceremony, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah toured an exhibition featuring operating businesses and technology and patent-based start-ups UBD entrepreneurs and mingled with the fresh graduates and their parents.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

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, and Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) underscored the importance of close relations between higher learning institutions and the industrial sector in the country.

In a titah delivered during the 30th Convocation Ceremony of UBD yesterday, His Majesty said, “In relation to the rapidly changing job market, we are currently witnessing the fourth industrial revolution where digital technology changes the way we live and work. The response to this revolution certainly needs involvement of all stakeholders in the public sector, private sector and the whole society, including academicians and graduates, for knowledge-based development of the nation.”

On this note, His Majesty stated that it is proper for UBD and other higher learning institutions to focus their efforts on education and research on sophisticated “21st Century skills” and forge close working relations with the industrial sector to share practical knowledge on trends in the industries and the job markets.

“Other than that, the education system also needs to focus on life-long learning,” the monarch said.

In the titah, His Majesty also expressed delight to learn about UBD’s effort in developing study programmes that are flexible in terms of duration, location and learning process.

His Majesty expressed hope that the establishment of sophisticated education and research will effectively contribute towards national development.

His Majesty noted that research is a seed for economic development. “I am made to understand that one of the focusses of UBD is in the field of data analytics which is a positive step towards innovation and economic development.

“In this regard, I am certain that UBD also feels obliged to do research in such fields as cybersecurity which are still filled with many questions,” the monarch added.

In this context, His Majesty lauded the first commercialisation of UBD’s patented technologies this year.

“I understand that the “Smart Coating” technology products, created by several Master’s and PhD students, now have sales agents in Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Thailand and Myanmar. I hope this success will spur many more students to do research works and pursue commercial activities,” His Majesty said.

The monarch congratulated all the successful graduates and hoped that they will continue to strive for greater success with determination towards the development of the nation.

Earlier in the titah, His Majesty congratulated parents for the success of their children.

“This is not the end for the graduates to stop gaining knowledge. They still have vast opportunities to upgrade themselves, in line with the rapidly changing job market,” the monarch said.

His Majesty ended the titah by reminding the graduates not to forget to strongly uphold the national philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) which has been bringing good for all for the last 600 years.

Shanghai (AFP) – Cheating to win is as old as sport itself but two Chinese pigeon racers took it to modern-day extremes when they hid the birds in milk cartons and hopped on a bullet train. It was no surprise then when their homing pigeons scooped the first four places in the race and total prize money of more than one million yuan (USD150,000). More details in Friday’s Borneo Bulletin.

NEW DELHI (AP) – Nearly all of the currency removed from circulation in a surprise 2016 attempt to root out illegal hoards of cash came back into the financial system, India’s reserve bank has announced, indicating the move did little to slow the underground economy. More details in Friday’s Borneo Bulletin.