✰ Brunei Darussalam ~ NEWS & HILITES ✰

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New committee to handle BSB expansion
By Azlan Othman            

Minister of Home Affairs chairs the committee meeting on BSB's                     expansion.

BSB Municipality Planning and Development Committee. - PHOTOS:                     AZLAN OTHMAN

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to the establishment of theBandar Seri Begawan Municipality Planning and Development Committee following the expansion of theBSB municipality from 1,287 hectares (12.87 sq km) to 10,036.24 hectares (100.36 sq km) effective August1, 2007.The committee yesterday held its first meeting which was chaired by Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin OrangKaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Adanan, who is chairman of the committee.
Present at the meeting were Pehin Orang Kaya Dewa Pahlawan Dato Paduka Awg Hj Dani, Deputy Ministerof Home Affairs; Dato Paduka Awg Hj Hamdilah, Deputy Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, andDato Paduka Dr Awg Hj Mat Suny, Deputy Minister of Development who are all joint deputy chairmen of thecommittee. Also present were members of the Legislative Council, permanent secretaries, heads ofdepartment and representatives from the private sector.
The establishment of the committee takes into account that the expansion requires comprehensive andsystematic planning, especially for the long term, as well as cooperation, which also requires views fromvarious ministries, departments and the private sector.
The committee aims to consolidate BSB's development into a centre of administration, commerce andbusiness that is competitive and progressive in line with the uniqueness and historical heritage found in BSB.
The Minister of Home Affairs highlighted the main scope of the work of the committee which includes toencourage the involvement of the private sector in jointly developing and upgrading economic activities andbusinesses to a more competitive level; and to outline plans to make the BSB Municipal Board moreeffective in turning BSB into a city which is at least on par with other cities, regionally and internationally.
The scope of work also covers analysing and providing a master plan and localised plans on developmentthat cover all areas within the new municipality's boundary as well as to identify the guidelines to upgradeBSB's status as a city that is attractive with its own unique "treasures", heritage and specialties.
It will also analyse and review the guidelines to impose a building tax in line with the present and futuredevelopment. The committee's scope of work also covers the appointment of consultants and experts whowill be needed to assist in the municipality's management.
In the meeting, the chairman of the BSB Municipal Board briefed the committee on the new areas underBSB as well as the municipal board's administration and planning in the expansion of BSB.

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Malaysian specialist Lyanne Batik showcases at Rizqun Hotel
By P Marilyn            
              Owner Kamaliah with her exhibits. - PHOTOS: H MEGAFans of batik prints should make their way to The Mall this weekend, as a renowned Malaysian companyspecialising in the materials is offering a wide range of its quality fabrics, handbags and other accessories atreasonable prices.Lyanne Batik Sdn Bhd, a company specialising in contemporary ethnic tribal Malaysian batik, has chosen toexpand its collection to the Brunei market, catering to the needs of not only the Malays but also other races.
Originally established in Puchong, Selangor, the batik specialist has already explored other internationalmarkets and has been exporting its handbags to Australia.
According to Kamaliah the owner, this is the first time that she has hosted an exhibition in Brunei, addingthat the three-day programme's purpose is to test the local market, as she is looking to open up a batik shophere soon.
In an interview with The Weekend, Kamaliah said, "I usually work with Tourism Malaysia to host fashionshows and showcase my products overseas, and this is the first time I am doing it on my own.
"Batik is a big business in Malaysia. I have a group of designers working at my factory in Selangor and, oncea week, we have meetings to discuss the latest concepts that would be used for our batik designs.
"I come up with my own designs, inspired by nature. I would say that most of my designs are contemporaryand some with abstract prints on it."
Apart from materials, her company also offers ready-made blouses and baju kurung for women and HariRaya festivities are just around the corner.
Kamaliah added that she comes from a family of painters and artists. Her late father Ismail Zain was wellknown in Malaysia and his artworks have also penetrated the international art scene.
The not-to-be-missed batik showcase is being held on Level Three of the Rizqun International Hotel inGadong until tomorrow.

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Call to change mentality of consumers at BGS
By Zasika Musdi            

Chairman delivering his speech.
Food products on sale.
Guest of honour hands over certificate of appreciation.	Local hand-woven products. - PHOTOS: YUSRIN

Already in its 13th year, the Brunei Grand Sale (BGS) 2007 has already attracted much interest, although ithas only been one day.A teenage boy told The Weekend: "It's good, I suppose, for the local businesses, but then again, most of thethings sold are quite common, which is why my family and I do our shopping overseas. I guess it is intendedfor foreigners. Offering more variety here would be good."
According to Hj Awang Hj Mat Daud, Deputy Head Director at the Department of Economic Planning andDevelopment (JPKE), Prime Minister's Office, this kind of mentality should be changed.
In his speech during the BGS launching, he said that attractive price slashes by those involved wouldhopefully encourage locals to spend more in their own country.
He also appealed to the businesses to obey the rules and regulations set by JPKE.
He also mentioned that they should maintain the trust of local consumers to ensure their continued support.
If this cannot be fulfilled, action would be taken, such as a cancellation of the business and a blacklisting forits involvement in the future.
However, a number of businesses involved in the BGS are optimistic about their sale prospects.
According to the manager of Mercier, the high cost of goods is mainly due to the small market.
"I have a number of loyal customers who come to my shop to buy things that they can get overseas, butwithout the additional airfare. BGS is good for my business, as it can help me clear out my old stocks beforeI can bring in the new ones," he stated.
"It is also important to understand market patterns and interests, while creating diversity in order to makeyour shop more appealing," he added.
A middle-aged man who visited BGS said, "Just as long as the shops don't cheat us, we'll continue tosupport.
"I've had an experience two years ago where a shop included a prize tag with both the discounted andoriginal price, but I was in that shop a couple of weeks before and the alleged discounted price was exactlythe same as the original! It is incidents like this that makes one not want to buy locally."
Given this, JPKE is encouraging feedback from the public. If such a situation should arise, call the hotline at2230223 during office hours.

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BSP's hornbill nests in Panaga
By Liza Mohd

BSP MD Dr Grahaeme Henderson speaking at the ceremony.

The installation of the artificial nest boxes for the hornbills                     in the BSP residential areas of Panaga Seria.

Belait District Officer with environmentally conscious members                     at the installation of artificial nest boxes ceremony yesterday                     morning. - PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANDREA BLOEM

Four artificial nest boxes were installed in different locations in the BSP residential areas of Panaga Seriayesterday morning, to provide additional nesting sites for around 80 hornbills which have chosen residencein close proximity to residents and oil and gas activities.Fully-funded by BSP, the nest boxes aims to increase the likelihood of the hornbills breeding and hopes forlong term knowledge and understanding about the breeding behaviour and special requirements of thehornbills.
The efforts were carried out by environmentally-conscious members of the Panaga Natural History Society,the Biology Department of University of Brunei Darussalam and Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP).
Speaking at a ceremony yesterday, Dr Grahaeme Henderson, Managing Director of BSP, said the companyhas extended this work to a range of environmental activities to help make a positive difference to a widerBruneian community and which includes the research centre in Temburong National Park, scientific researchstudies at the University of Brunei Darussalam, study on underwater ecosystem at our offshore oilinstallations, and the Princess Rashidah Young Nature Scientist Award or PRYNSA.
BSP is also active participating in the Heart of Borneo trans-national biodiversity initiative, having sponsoredan implementation study and planted trees as part of the Million Trees Project.
He added that the hornbill nest box is a key part of its work and their experts stated that this should be seenas a long-term initiative as the hornbills have to get accustomed to their new homes.
Similar experiments have been carried out in Thailand and Singapore and have proven successful and thusBSP hopes that the Panaga hornbills will respond in the same way as their specie in these countries.
This puts Brunei among the list of few countries in the world to have embarked on this type of experimentwith artificial nesting sites for hornbills, the BSP Managing Director noted.
The hornbills in Panaga belong to the Oriental Pied group and are a significant colony as the hornbillpopulation elsewhere in Borneo is dwindling in the face of various threats.
Based on an initial idea by Dr Joe Charles of UBD's Department of Biology, the experiment with artificialnesting sites is quite rare and one of the few being carried out in the world at the moment. Their natural nestis made in tree cavity, usually about two to 50 metres above the ground.
The installation of hornbill nest ceremony took place at the BSP Managing Director's official residence atForty-Nine Panaga and was attended by Belait District Officer Haji Mohamad bin Haji Abd Rahman.

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First animal shelter registered in Brunei
By P Marilyn            
              One of the animals rescued by the Animal Shelter. - COURTESY ANIMAL               SHELTERFor the first time ever, an animal shelter has officially been registered in Brunei Darussalam.The Animal Shelter was registered as a society at the Registrar of Societies on September 3, 2007. It is runby a group of volunteers, including a team from Kuala Belait, who are working hard to ensure that all animalsin Brunei Darussalam are protected. They also hope to make people in society more responsible pet owners.
However, the Animal Shelter currently does not have a building to house stray animals. It is also unable toremove strays from the streets, as it does not have the funds, resources and manpower yet.
The Animal Shelter aims to prevent animal cruelty, reduce the number of stray cats and dogs in the country,and promote the care of animals.
How does the Animal Shelter go about in accomplishing its objectives? The Animal Shelter will provideinformation, assistance and advice, as well as disseminate knowledge on matters pertaining to the welfare ofanimals.
The shelter will also organise meetings, discussions and seminars concerned with the welfare of animals,and provide and maintain clinics, kennels and offices in order to carry out the objectives of the shelter.
They advocate humane methods of euthanasia and will work with the government, municipalities andrelevant authorities with reference to legislation, public health and all other matters relating directly orindirectly to animal welfare.
Mrs Sharon Brodie, founder of Animal Shelter, told the Bulletin, "What we can do and have already beendoing is to help the animals in dire situations, for example, the seriously injured animals, the very sickanimals and the newly-born abandoned animals."
"We urgently need volunteers to help us in areas like administration, rescue and finding foster homes forabandoned young kittens and puppies."
The shelter is currently trying to raise funds to carry out its role effectively in the gradual improvement of theanimals' welfare and reduce the population of strays
"While we raise funds to eventually build our own Shelter, we are currently in desperate need of a temporaryhalfway home to use as a holding area for the rescued orphaned kittens and puppies waiting to be adopted.We sincerely hope that a very caring and generous resident of Brunei Darussalam will come forward andhelp us," said Mrs Sharon Brodie.
She thanked the Registrar or Societies and all relevant government departments for their support andassistance in helping set up the first animal shelter in Brunei. She also expressed her appreciation to alldonors, sponsors, volunteers and supporters.
Members of the public who may want to assist in this venture are urged to come forward and show theirsupport to the Animal Shelter.
The Animal Shelter will set up a booth this Sunday, September 9, at the launching of Jigsaw PlayschoolParent-Teacher Association from 2pm to 6pm.
Membership forms can be obtained during the event and are open to the public for those who are interestedin lending a helping hand. Members can contribute ideas and make decisions affecting the shelter and theanimals it helps.
More details can be obtained at [email protected] or call Kirsteen Atkinson, Senior Admin Manager,or Sharon Brodie at 2333870 and KB's team leader, Lisa McKimmie, at 8670129.

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BSP awards first US scholarship to Belait student
By Liza Mohd            
              Charlene Bong signing the contract yesterday. - LIZA MOHDHer love for Astro-Physics inspired Charlene Bong Yin Siet to purse a degree in Physics at one of the world'smost prestigious universities, Stanford University in California.The 18-year-old student who has 'A' levels in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics is the first student inBrunei Darussalam to be given the opportunity to study in the United States by Brunei Shell PetroleumCompany Sdn Bhd (BSP).
She received two scholarship offers from BSP and the Ministry of Defence.
Charlene told the Bulletin that she decided to take BSP's offer to study in the US because she was keen towork for the company. She added that she is looking forward to learning from the greatest minds at StanfordUniversity and hopes to contribute to the country's development in future.
The Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Ali (Kuala Belait) student who recently completed a three-monthplacement programme with BSP signed the BSP scholarship contract yesterday afternoon.
Her long list of accomplishments include representing Brunei in the Asian-Pacific Children Convention inFukuoka, Japan in 2000, SEAMEO Maths Olympiad in Penang in 2005, and the International PhysicsOlympiad in Singapore in 2006.
Charlene was first featured in the Borneo Bulletin in 1989 for being the first baby to be conceived in Bruneithrough the IVF treatment. Charlene is one of the earliest IVF (test-tube) babies born in Borneo and her birthin December 1988 at Panaga Hospital was particularly significant at that time.

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SMS way to donate funds for orphans
By Huraizah Ahmad            

Chief guest launching the event while Datin Hjh Adina looks                     on.
Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, DST Group CEO, presenting                     a mock cheque to the chief guest.	General Manager Technical Division B-Mobile Communications                     Sdn Bhd, Dr Lim Beng Wee, presenting a mock cheque to the                     chief guest.

Orphans registered under the Community Development Department of the Ministry of Culture, Youth andSports amounted to 2,006.The department has organised a number of activities in cooperation with various organisations in the countryin order to raise funds for these orphans including the "SMS Brunei Prihatin" project.
This was stated yesterday by the Director of Community Development Department, Datin Hjh Adina bteOthman, at the launching of the 3rd SMS Prihatin at the Orchid Garden Hotel.
The ceremony was attended by the chief guest, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (R) Dato SeriPahlawan Awang Haji Mohammad bin Haji Daud, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.
Also present were senior government officials as well as representatives from the Community DevelopmentDepartment, Radio Television Brunei, DST Group and B-Mobile Communications Sdn Bhd.
According to Datin Hjh Adina, the launching was the third such project organised in cooperation with fouragencies namely Community Development Department, Radio Television Brunei, DST Group and B-MobileCommunications Sdn Bhd.
The first "SMS Brunei Prihatin" project, which was launched in 2005 collected $183, 517 and the followingyear, 2006, it managed to collect $156, 580, she added.
A total of $75,000 has already been handed out to orphans in 2005 while a total of $115,000 was handed outin 2006. This year, at least $140,000 from the project is expected to be handed out.
This time around, the "SMS Brunei Prihatin" project began yesterday and will be held until October 20.
The project will also give the opportunity to members of the public to donate especially during the holymonths of Ramadan and Hari Raya to the orphans in Brunei through SMS or text messaging services forb.mobile and DST customers.
The event also saw the presentation of cheque donation from DSTCom and B-Mobile for the "SMS BruneiPrihatin" project for the Orphans Fund 2007.
Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, DST Group CEO, presented a donation of $20,000 on behalf of DSTGroup to the chief guest while General Manager Technical Division B-Mobile Communications, Dr Lim BengWee, presented a $5,000 donation from B-Mobile.
DSTCom customers including Prima and Easi users as well as b.mobile customers can make theircontribution by typing YATIM (no spacing required) and the amount to be donated $1, 5, 10, 15 or 20. Forexample, YATIM5 (for a $5 donation) and send it to 8885555 for DSTCom and 10101 for b-mobile.

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Price of vegetables rising after ban, heavy rain
By Azlan OthmanThe current rainy season has increased the price of vegetables and outpaced the effects following a banimposed by Brunei on vegetables from Sarawak, due to there allegedly having too much pesticides. A surveyat the Gadong market yesterday indicated that the price of vegetables increased up to three times itsoriginal, following a wet spell in the recent weeks.Hjh Brunei Hj Chuchu, who has been operating her stall since the establishment's early days, said that theprice of three kilos of lettuce is now $7 to $8 instead of $2 to $3.
The same level of increase also applies to other products, like cucumbers, eggplants and red chillies. Thisview was also shared by another Chinese vendor from Belait.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Star newspaper reported yesterday that a ban imposed by Brunei on vegetablesfrom Sarawak has badly affected the income of its farmers and tarnished the image of the state's agriculturesector.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said the state government was "very upset" overthe move and would conduct a thorough investigation to see if it was warranted. "The ban was imposedsupposedly because our vegetables contained too much pesticides. However, as far as I know, Sarawak hasalready drastically reduced the use of pesticides and chemicals in most of our farms," he said whencontacted yesterday.
Dr Chan is also the State Agriculture Modernisation Minister and State Industrial Development Minister.
Brunei imposed a ban three weeks ago on commercially grown vegetables from Malaysia, the bulk of whichcomes from Sarawak, claiming that the vegetables contained a dangerously high amount of pesticides.
Dr Chan added Sarawak was also exporting vegetables to other countries like Japan and Hong Kong. "So itis obvious the quality of our vegetables is in tune with international health standards. It cannot be that ourstandard is so different from Brunei," he stated. It is not the first time that Brunei has taken such an action.Two years ago, a similar ban was also imposed, which lasted many months before it was lifted.

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BSP signs up 22 new scholars
By Liza Mohd            
              Scholars during their signing ceremony. - LIZA MOHDThe lack of graduates with technical background encouraged Brunei Shell Petroleum Co Sdn Bhd (BSP) tooffer studying opportunities specialising in the technical field at top universities in Australia, the UK and USto ensure that the students will receive recognised accreditations from top-notch institutions.In relation to this, a scholarship contract signing ceremony was held yesterday afternoon with 22 hopefulstudents, witnessed by their parents and representatives of BSP.
BSP for the first time is awarding a scholarship to USA for Charlene Bong to undertake a Degree in Physicsat University of Stanford, one of the world's most prestigious.
In his speech, the chief guest yesterday, Hj Zainal Abidin Hj Mohd Ali, BSP's Deputy Managing Director cumDirector of Human Resources and External Affairs, emphasised on attracting and nurturing local talents towork for Brunei Shell.
This would also help support continued developments of the national economy's key oil and gas sector, andis also a major thrust of BSP's Human Resources policy.
Over the years, BSP managed to devise and implement a robust Bruneianisation programme within itsorganisation and today 90 per cent of its employees and 60 per cent of leadership positions are held bylocals, said the chief guest.
He highlighted that potential students are identified and selected after a rigorous screening and assessmentprocess, before they are eventually offered scholarships to pursue their studies abroad.
The majority would enrol for various undergraduate courses in the UK in technical and highly specialiseddisciplines, such as chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, systems and control engineering,geology and geophysics.
The students have also completed a three-month placement programme with the companies. This year, BSPis also sponsoring students for Masters in Petroleum Geology and Corrosion Control Engineering.
In addition, BSP are sending five more serving employees to further their studies in the UK in theirrespective disciplines. Hj Zainal Abidin was also proud to inform that four of its sponsored students havebeen awarded First Class Honours Degrees.
At a recent career exhibition, BSP received close to 250 applications for the scholarship. Hj Zainal addedthat a strong aptitude for the sciences especially is a key prerequisite for many of the positions in BSP.
He therefore urged young people to embrace the sciences in school and eventually pursue courses inscience and technical fields, so that they will be able to seize the numerous employment opportunities thatare constantly opening up in the oil and gas industry, both in the country and elsewhere in the world.
Signing on behalf of BSP yesterday was the guest of honour, as well as Hjh Malai Nuridah Sheikh HjMohamad, Head of the Human Resources Planning and Development. Also present was Acting Director ofthe Petroleum Unit, Prime Minister's Office, Hj Zolkiflee Hj Karim.

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Her Majesty attends Girl Guides' prize giving
By Azaraimy HH

Her Majesty presenting the trophy to a Leaders/Young Leaders                     category winner. - PHOTOS: JASON LEONG

Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, Her Royal                     Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah,                     HRH Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah, HRH Princess                     Hjh Majeedah Nuurul Bulqiah and HRH Princess Hajah Masna with                     yesterday's participants at Royal Berkshire Hall.

Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha consented to attend the Girl Guides Al-Quran ReadingCompetition Prize Presentation ceremony yesterday at Royal Berkshire Hall of the Royal Polo and RidingClub.Also gracing the event and accompanying Her Majesty were Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri PengiranAnak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah ibni Pengiran Salleh Ab Rahaman, HRH Pengiran Anak Puteri HjhRashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah, HRH Pengiran Anak Puteri Hjh Majeedah Nuurul Bulqiah and HRH PengiranAnak Puteri Hjh Masna.
It began with a welcoming speech from Hjh Siti Hafsah Hj Abd Halim, PPPBD's Chief of Commissioner asthe event's chairman.
In her speech, she said that since the association was given a breath for new life in 1983 after it was longstopped, in the 25 years until now they have been able to organise a number of religious activities.
She highlighted that religious activities were organised every year at the association's HQ, such as Maghrib,Isyak and Hajat prayers. Among other things, she added, Bertadarus and Khatam Al-Quran ceremonies arealso held each year during the month of Ramadhan.
In addition, a Bertahlil ceremony for Al-Marhum Sultan Hj Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien andAl-Marhumah Duli Raja Isteri Pg Anak Damit Al-Marhum Pg Bendahara Pg Anak Abd Rahman are also heldannually at the association's HQ.
The event yesterday continued with a Tausyeh performance by the Brownies from Sekolah Rendah YayasanSultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, SR Serasa, SR Hj Mohd Jaafar Maun, SR Sultan Abd Bubin and SR Rimba II.
Among those performing was the granddaughter of Her Majesty, HRH Princess Anak Hariisah WidadulBolkiah. There were also Al-Quran reading performances from the winners of each category, followed by theprize presentation.
For the Leaders/Young Leaders category, Her Majesty presented prizes to its winner Maizatul Nadzeerah HjMd Daud, who received the Piala Penaung Diraja, followed by Ety Khairany Alikhan and Hjh Ismawati HjIsmail as the second and third runners-up.
In the Girl Guides category, HRH Pengiran Anak Puteri Hjh Masna presented the President Trophy to thewinner Dk Fauziah Nadhirah Pg Hj Jofri, followed by Atikah Batubara and Amp Tiara Rasyidah Amp Hussinin second and third places respectively.
For the Brownies category, the winner was Sabrina Eilini Hj Maylin, who received the PPPBD ChiefCommissioner Trophy, followed by the second and third runners-up, Siti Salihah Hj Ali and Nurul Haziqah HjHaslan.
The ceremony ended with a Tausyeh performance from SM Sayyidina Abu Bakar and SM SultanMohammad Jamalul Alam, as well as a doa selamat.

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Almost daily case of runaway worker
By Azlan Othman            
              Mr Herijanto Soeprapto. - AZLAN OTHMANThe wife's suspicion that the amah is having an affair with the husband, arguments with the female employerand her children as well as harassment by the male employer were among the reasons why Indonesianworkers, including amahs, ran away from their employers.Runaway worker cases are reported almost daily to the embassy with 361 such cases recorded last yearalone, the Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei told the Weekend. Mr Herijanto Soeprapto said the majority ofthe workers ran away from their employer due to unpaid or late payment of salaries, mostly to womenworkers. Some claimed that they were not paid their wages for more than three months.
Out of the 361 cases last year, 228 cases have been solved, of which 157 cases involved unpaid wages.The remaining 133 cases (out of 361) were still pending and will hopefully be solved this year.
The Indonesian Ambassador cited several reasons leading to the cases such as incompatibility between theworker and employer. For instance, some employers paid the domestic helpers or "amahs" wages lower thanwhat is expected by the amahs.
The employer would get upset because the amah did not meet his or her expectations, whilst the amah wasupset as her wage did not meet her own expectations, resulting in the amah becoming unmotivated toimprove the quality of her work.
Some amahs also complained of being overworked or working hours longer than agreed in the contract withsome amahs claiming to work from 5am to 11pm.
Asked what sort of assistance is offered by the embassy, he said the embassy provided shelter to 324"victims" last year, of whom 305 have returned to Indonesia after their issues were solved.
The embassy also set up a taskforce to monitor the process of solving the cases. The taskforce contacts theemployers to discuss the problems, especially those involving unpaid wages.

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Inaugural Rovermoot for scouts gets underway
By Amin Hosni            

The guest of honour inspecting the scouts. - PHOTOS: AMIN                     HOSNI

The guest of honour receiving a souvenir from Dato Haji Idris.

The 1st Brunei Darussalam Rovermoot 2007 with the theme "Rovering Towards Excellence" was officiallylaunched at Supa Save in Beribi by the guest of honour Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd)Dato Seri Pahlawan Awang Haji Mohammad bin Haji Daud, Minister of Culture, Youths and Sports.The event began with the inspection of the scouts by the minister, who was also introduced to the heads ofcontingent. This was followed by the national anthem and a performance by the scouts band.
In his speech, the guest of honour said even though this was the first time the Rovermoot is organised in thecountry, Brunei Darussalam National Scouts Association is experienced in organising jamborees. It hasorganised jamborees in the country and its members had attended jamborees in other countries.
A souvenir was also presented to Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri PahlawanAwang Haji Mohammad by Dato Haji Idris bin Haji Abas.
The Rovermoot is held in conjunction with the celebration of 100 years of scouts across the world, which washeld from July 27 till August 9, 2007 at Hyland Park, United Kingdom.
Around 300 Rover scouts are participating in the moots, including from Brunei Darussalam and countries inthe Asia Pacific region such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong.

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Border hoppers caught in a jam

By Liza Mohd
Border hoppers were trapped in a traffic jam at Sungai Tujoh Control border yesterday morning as many people dashed out of the sultanate to take maximum advantage of the 10-day school holiday which began yesterday.

The Sungai Tujoh customs post recorded more than 1,000 vehicles yesterday and was one of the highest track numbers of vehicles heading out to border towns.

From 7 to 11 am yesterday, people had to bear long hours of waiting at Sungai Tujoh as a queue of more than two-kilometres long built up.

A customs official said they recorded an average number of more than 20,000 cars monthly which is about 600 vehicles per day. And yesterday, the number of vehicles surpassed the average daily count.

The number of vehicles exiting Brunei normally elevates during public or school holiday, choosing Miri as a short-term holiday destination or shopping in view of the favourable rate of exchange.

Similar traffic congestion are expected on Sunday and next week, pending the announcement of the Ramadhan moon sighting.

However travellers are warned to exercise extra caution by not leaving valuables inside their cars, keeping an eye on their car in light of the widely reported stolen vehicles by Miri police and also not to flash their valuables and tempt opportunities for pickpockets or robbers.

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Sultan speaks on Heart of Borneo
By Sonia K in Sydney            

His Majesty with US President George W Bush and Singapore                     Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Apec Summit. INFOFOTO	Australian Prime Minister John Howard (L) greets His Majesty                     the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam before                     the start of a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific                     Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit in Sydney, September 7,                     2007. AFP

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalamyesterday reiterated Brunei Darussalam's commitment to the protectionof Brunei Darussalam's environment and to promote the sustainability ofits forests through the Heart of Borneo project where 58 per cent ofBrunei Darussalam landmass has been committed to the initiative.Soon after landing in Sydney, His Majesty yesterday afternoon joined the Asean leaders attending the Apecmeeting for a luncheon with US President George W Bush, held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Sydney.
Among the issues discussed during the luncheon included issues such as regional and bilateral issues withthe United States, international issues as well as Asean-US cooperation.
During the gathering, His Majesty in a titah thanked US President W George Bush for his invitation to theluncheon. His Majesty expressed his appreciation of the efforts made by the United States in enhancing thepeace and security in this region.
The monarch expressed pleasure over the good relations between Brunei Darussalam and the US and thatthe Trade and Investment Framework Agreement has strengthened cooperation in other areas such aseducation, training and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
His Majesty then welcomed US participation in this effort through exchanges in information and technology.
The discussions also touched on regional and international issues such as the North Korean Nuclear Crisis,the Middle East, Iraq and Iran. The Asean leaders expressed hope that the US could play a role towards apeaceful solution to these problems.
His Majesty also thanked President Bush's invitation for His Majesty along with Asean Heads of Governmentto the US.
This year will be the 30th Anniversary of Asean-United States Dialogue Partnership.
Later in the afternoon, His Majesty the Sultan met with Mr John Howard the Prime Minister of Australia. Themeeting was held at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Office.
During the meeting, His Majesty thanked the Australian Prime Minister for the hospitality accorded to HisMajesty and delegation and congratulated the Prime Minister for hosting this year's Apec meeting.
The Monarch and the Prime Minister noted the close relations between Brunei Darussalam and Australiaand that there has been much progress on bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, defence, educationand air services agreement.
His Majesty stated that Australia continues to be one of Brunei's main trading partners and expressedpleasure on the fast development of Brunei Darussalam- Australia trade relations and suggested for the twosides to continue to find ways in maintaining this progress.
On the academic and medical fields, His Majesty expressed his appreciation over Australia's contribution ineducating and training Bruneian students and officials who have pursued their studies in Australia.
His Majesty also expressed hope that the two sides can further expand their cooperation in these areas.
Present at the talks were Brunei's Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office Pehin Orang Kaya SeriUtama Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar; the Second Minister ofForeign Affairs and Trade Pehin Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, the High Commissioner of Brunei toAustralia Haji Md Sahrip bin Othman and the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs andTrade Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi.

holmes

'Frightening stats' on autism

By Zasika Musdi                                 The guest of honour touring the exhibition.                     Malai Hj Abdullah, President of Smarter, delivering his speech.                     - PHOTOS: ZASIKA MUSDI "Since 2004, 315 individuals have so far been diagnosed with autism in Brunei Darussalam, 50 werediagnosed last year, and 50 more up to June. This means that we have 1:150 autistic births, which is similarto USA. "These are frightening statistics", said Malai Hj Abdullah bin Malai Hj Othman, President of Smarter Brunei,during the 5th Brunei National Conference on Autism 2007. "Our present centres could not cope with these numbers and what happens to all the rest who are notregistered with Smarter? What future do they have and what will become of our children in the future?" He spoke of the everyday plight of bringing up a child who is autistic. "Every day activities that we take forgranted like brushing teeth is such a battle. Now imagine every little bit of life skills need to be taught in detailand repeatable. It is time-consuming and draining us mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially aswell." He appealed to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry ofHealth to provide assistance and support so that the development of the children so far does not falter.Financial aid is needed to cater for the educational support and management of the centre. The need for abigger building is also needed to accommodate the growing children, especially those approaching theirteenage years, not to mention other assistance such as continuous service support to lighten the burden offamilies with autistic children, he said. The opening ceremony yesterday was officiated by Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (R) DatoSeri Pahlawan Hj Awg Mohammad bin Hj Daud, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. He said that the negative perceptions concerning Smarter will decrease once its genuine aim and desire ofits establishment is realised. He said that Smarter should be given untarnished appreciation in its efforts tolighten the burden of the families with autistic children, and that relevant authorities should give assistanceand support in realising the objectives of the association. The guest of honour viewed the exhibition, which showcased the psychology of autism, how it affectschildren, books related to autism, and the indoor and outdoor activities organised by Smarter especially forthe children. A paper from Deanne Michaels and Jonathan Yendall on "Paper 7 - Strategies Towards Advocating anAutism Friendly Society" (Support Sytem of US, UK, Canada and Singapore) was presented yesterday. A parental experience presentation was done by Haslimawati bte Suhaili. Other speakers included RoseClark, Debbie Smith, and Carlin Lee.

holmes

MoU on Indonesian workforce

By Azlan Othman                           Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Herijanto Soeprapto. - AZLAN OTHMANIndonesia is hoping Brunei authorities could sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the workforce tofacilitate processes like the sending of the body of deceased workers back to Indonesia, IndonesianAmbassador to Brunei Herijanto Soeprapto said.If the MoU is signed, such issue of sending the body of the deceased could be channeled through theIndonesian workforce authority PJTKI and the recruitment agency or firm in Brunei. The two governmentswould become a facilitator, regulator and protector. He said the transportation of the body of the decease back to Indonesia is handled by the employer, Labour,Immigration, Police and the Embassy. Indonesia has similar arrangements with Malaysia, Hong Kong and South Korea. There are 36,000 Indonesian nationals working in the sultanate, from professionals in government ministries,university lecturers, and doctors, to labourers. Speaking to the Bulletin, the Indonesian ambassador said "there is a difference in perception between legaland illegal (workers) in the eyes of both Brunei and Indonesia laws."

holmes

Driza-Bone coat: An Aussie icon for Apec leaders

By Sonia K                         The 21 Apec Economic Leaders yesterday gathered dressed in the official national outfit for the ApecEconomic Leaders Meeting for 2007, which was a Driza-Bone Riding Coat for the customary group photo. The Driza-Bone Riding Coat is known to be a traditional Australian bush wear and a true Aussie icon. TheDriza-Bone coat is a quintessential attire normally used for mustering sheep and horse riding in theAustralian Outback and mountains. It is a well-known part of Australian culture and heritage and is derivedfrom 'Aussie' slang meaning 'dry as a bone'. The all-weather coat is tailor-made and was specifically designed for the Apec Leaders official photograph.The coat aims to depict Australia's unique culture and environment in a wearable and useable coat. His Majesty was wearing one with a mustard yellow highlight on the collar. The decision for selecting the Driza-Bone for the Apec national outfit was made by Australian Prime MinisterJohn Howard "with counsel and good advice" from his wife Mrs Janette Howard and the Apec 2007Taskforce. The history of the Driza-Bone began over 100 years ago. The waterproof coats were worn by sailors forprotection against the harsh Australian trade winds. These coats were also perfect for people working on thevast Australian continent and have since been adapted into the perfect riding and outback attire. The fan tailwas added for riding comfort and the shoulder straps prevent the coat from flying off in high winds.

holmes

One heart on climate change

From Sonia K in Sydney                         His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in atitah stated the importance of working together in facing thechallenges of climate change. The monarch applauded the initiatives that individual countries have made in encouraging sustainabledevelopment and highlighted the role which forest conservation plays in addressing climate change. His Majesty delivered his titah when he attended the Leader's First Retreat Session with the other ApecLeaders chaired by the Prime Minister of Australia Mr John Howard. The focus of the discussion during thesession was on Climate Change and Energy Security. His Majesty later elaborated on the "Heart of Borneo" initiative, which together with Indonesia and Malaysia,aims to preserve biological diversity in Borneo and ensure the productive use of forest resources. In this regard, His Majesty welcomed participation from member economies in the "Heart of Borneo" initiativeand he further expressed his pleasure to endorse the Declaration on climate change, energy security andclean development. On energy security, the Sultan encouraged the adoption of energy efficient technology and practices andwelcomed the plan to set up a network of research institutes to study energy issues. Yesterday, His Majesty started his day by attending the Dialogue with members of the Apec BusinessAdvisory Council (ABAC) together with other APEC Leaders followed by the Leader's First Retreat Sessionwhich were both held at the Sydney Opera House. His Majesty and the Apec Leaders, during the Dialogue with ABAC held close discussions withrepresentatives of ABAC. Among the issues discussed included climate change, energy security, the WTODoha Development Agenda and human security. After the dialogue, the leaders were invited to a lunchhosted by the Australian premier. After the dialogue, His Majesty and the other leaders gathered for a customary official group photo donned inthe official outfit for the Apec Economic Leaders Meeting for 2007, a Driza-Bone Riding Coat, which is atraditional Australian bush wear. The official photo was taken at the recently world heritage listed Sydney Opera House, Australia's majorperforming arts centre and one of the World's most recognisable buildings. Last evening, His Majesty and the 21 Apec leaders attended a Cultural Performance and the OfficialLeaders' Dinner hosted by Mr Howard at the Banquet Hall of the Sydney Opera House.

chichi

Pics taken during the Majlis Junjung Ziarah with His Majesty...@ Westin Hotel Sydney... 9th September, 2007



Titah

chichi

mingling with his subjects..
ehh handsome ehhhh