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College Student Killed In Accident
By Liza Mohd
Bandar Seri Begawan - Another young life was lost on Brunei's roads when a 21-year-old engineering college student was killed when his motorcycle, allegedly driven at high speed, slammed into the back of a pickup truck on Km19, Seria-Lumut bypass yesterday at 7.30am.
The mishap comes in the wake of two deaths Sunday when two cars collided at Km30, Kg Sg Bakong Lumut, which killed a 16-year-old boy and 56-yearold woman.
This brings the death toll to 11 in the Belait District this year.
In the bizarre crash yesterday, witnesses told the police that the deceased was speeding and believed to be overtaking the pickup truck when he crashed into the left rear end of the truck.
The young rider, on his way from Lumut to Kuala Belait, was thrown off the motorcycle and fell beneath the truck.
He lay lifeless on the road as police quickly arrived at the scene.
The Bruneian student, who was on attachment with a government department, was rushed to Suri Seri Begawan Hospital where he was pronounced dead around 8.20am.
The truck driver was not injured in the mishap. The police are investigating the cause of the crash. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Audience To Intending Haj Pilgrims
By Yusrin Junaidi & AzrolAzmi
Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang DiPertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and HRH Pg Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar granted separate audiences to more than a 1,000 intending haj pilgrims at the Istana Nurul Iman yesterday.
While waiting to greet the royalty, the male and female pilgrims were glued to the TV as a religious talk on the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca was aired. The pilgrims also performed a Zuhur prayer before the audience.
Also present at the audience were HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah and Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah.
His Majesty and other members of the royal family were welcomed on arrival by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Awang Hj Mohd Zain bin Hj Serudin, Deputy Minister at the Ministry Religious Affairs and other senior government officers.
His Majesty received 647 male pilgrims, while in another part of the Istana Her Majesty received 760 female pilgrims.
After the audience the male pilgrims were presented with "Kumia" in the form of "Ihram", while the female pilgrims received praying robes or "Telekong".
Hj Norisham bin Hj Mohd Zamzam from Islamic Dakwah Centre, who will also be the Humairah guide during the pilgrimage, said, "This is not my first haj pilgrimage. I'm glad that this year I'm guiding 16 pilgrims and most of them are from Kampong Sukang and Malilas, and we will flying off on December 5 on board the seventh flight."
Awang Haslan Hj Dullah, Field Officer at the Tutong District Office, said, "This is my first time performing the haj with my wife. I have performed Umrah in 1993 and 2001. Since then, my wife and I have been preparing to perform the haj. I would like to thank His Majesty for consenting to present the grant (Tambang Kurnia) to government servants who have been in service for 15 years and I hope in the future I can bring all my family members."
Hj Anwar bin Hj Angas, who has been with the Radio Television Brunei for 16 years, told the Bulletin that this is his second time performing the haj, the first time was back in 1991. He thanked His Majesty for the grant.
Officers and personnel from various ministries including the Ministry of Health as well as the Royal Brunei Airlines personnel (six of them including an engineer) will be flying off today to the holy city of Mecca to make preparations for the arrival of the first batch of Brunei pilgrims on November 25 and subsequent batches. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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iCentre Welcomes First Intake Of ICT Entrepreneurs
By Sonia K
Bandar Seri Begawan - The Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) yesterday admitted the first batch of promising local ICT companies into the iCentre.
At a ceremony held at the iCentre, two things were celebrated; firstly, the signing between the BEDB and Skali of the first technology collaboration. Under this agreement, Skali will be based at the iCentre and will make available its technology lab, which will give local SMEs in the iCentre free access to Skali's open source technology platform.
Also under the agreement, Skali will provide programmes to help nurture and develop the entrepreneurs to their full potential.
Skali is a leading Malaysian e-business solutions provider co-founded by Tengku Farith Rithauddeen, who is also the Group CEO.
At the same time, the iCentre also welcomed its first intake. Representatives from nine local companies were received yesterday, namely, from West Egrets Technologies and Services, Mimit Melody Solutions, John Harith Computer, Alif Technologies Sdn Bhd, Leading-Edge Technologies, Brukiosk Communication (Ranoadidas), TT Mobile Solutions, Cyberunai eServices and eSuria Mentari Systems Sdn Bhd.
These nine companies are founded by young Bruneians, with visions and ideas.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of Communications, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Haji AfangAbu Bakar bin Hj Apong, as well as government officials and local SMEs.
The Acting Chairman of the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) Dato Paduka Timothy Ong, in a speech said that the Ministry of Communications has consistently reminded us that when we speak of e-government and the millions of dollars in budget to enhance the ICT capabilities of His Majesty's Government, we must also think of communicating opportunities for our local companies, entrepreneurs and building our local capabilities.
Also in his speech, he said, "We hope that through this centre, we will help them (the entrepreneurs) to develop to maximum potential and go beyond the shores of Brunei."
The iCentre, is the first technology incubator in Brunei. "This iCentre is about making dreams come true, it is about helping local entrepreneurs to put ideas with courage, vision, to think big and grow big," said the Acting Chairman of BEDB.
Elaborating further on the iCentre, he said, "The iCentre is for small companies, but it is not for them to stay as small companies. It is for them to realise their ideas, develop to their full potential to become bigger and eventually, hopefully to become world-class companies that can go beyond Brunei and offer their services to the world."
During the event, the Group CEO and Co-Founder of Skali Tengku Farith Rithauddeen gave a brief inspirational talk, which was followed by a presentation of certificates to the nine participating entrepreneurs by the guest of honour, the Minister of Communications.
In his motivational talk, Tengku Farith spoke of how Skali had grown to where it is now. He also said, "We are strong advocators of open source technology. To us open source means that nobody has the right to own certain technology because it belongs to everyone."
He noted that for every organisation, whether big or small, IT is still very difficult to implement. Necessary people are needed and some might have to invest a lot of money in IT infrastructure and software.
Every time Skali does a project, they firstly ensure that it makes sense and secondly, they can be the best at it, so that they can create value to the community it serves. "Thirdly, it will make money and for us profit is not about the dollars and cents but it's about social capitalism. With that profit, we invest in the things we serve and we employ more people," he added.
He later spoke about entrepreneurship and how entrepreneurship is about leadership.. Together with leadership comes sacrifices; sacrifice for change.
"However, what entrepreneurship is, is not just about success but also about changes. It is also not about, what you failed or how you failed, but what you do after you've failed," he said.
The iCentre has facilities on site for up to 16 local SMEs and is managed by KR Consulting, a subsidiary company of the National University of Singapore. Located in Anggerek Desa near the airport, the iCentre is part of BEDB's initiative to develop and promote local SMEs. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Pelangi Awards Postponed
By James Kon
Bandar Seri Begawan - Pelangi Awards 06'-07' has been postponed to December 29, and will be held at JPCC Amphitheatre, Jerudong.
This was announced by Pelangi FM in a press release.
揢nforeseen circumstances |
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off topic....
ni-aji!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
so glad to see you back..
apa abar kita?
sihat kita kah? |
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More Bruneians Opting For American Universities
By Azaraimy HH
Bandar Seri Begawan - The number of international students, who are furthering their studies in the US, has seen a strong growth this academic year, according to the US Embassy here.
According to the Open Doors 2007 statistics released recently, the number of international students in the US has increased three per cent from the previous academic year With 582,984 international students in the US for academic year 2006-2007. The survey was conducted by the Institute of Intl' Education.
Brunei is beginning to see the change as reflected in the increasing number of Bruneian students going to the US for their undergraduate and graduate education, said Mr Justin Friedman, Charge d'Affaires at the US Embassy.
There is certainly a growing interest among Bruneian students. The Open Doors statistics showed that in the academic year 2006-2007, there were 21 Bruneian students enrolled in US institutions and combined with the current academic year which began in Aug 2007, there are about 36-40 Bruneians currently studying in the US.
This is coupled with a growing interest among US institutions. This year's outreach visits included a variety of institutions |
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Brunei抯 Retirement Age To Be Raised To 60 Soon?
By Yazdi Yahya
Bandar Seri Begawan - If the study by various government agencies determining if the retirement age should be extended is in the positive, then the retirement age for civil servants in Brunei could be pushed to 60 years in the near future.
The issue of raising the retirement age has been raised in last year's Legislative Council meeting, especially in view of the fact that life expectancy in the sultanate is now at 74 years.
A member of the council spoke on the matter suggesting that studies should be made to examine the impact of increasing the retirement age from 55 years to 60 years, a move which sections of the local workforce would welcome warmly for several reasons.
There has been a growing concern towards the issue of the retirement age in Brunei that the mandatory retirement age of 55 years was too early.
The shift of age structures in developed countries has had a profound effect on their political, economic and social conditions.
An ageing population, resulting from better health care and better living conditions has led researchers to examine the effects of the aged - especially in terms of social security.
The extended tenure would ensure these experienced employees continue to contribute to the nation's development. Currently, a significant part of the workforce is under the Employers Trust Fund (Tabung Amanah Pekerja), similar to the Central Provident Fund in Singapore and the Employees Provident Fund in Malaysia.
A former prominent figure from the public service department, who declined to be named, agreed that by increasing the retirement age, in some cases where the experience is needed, would provide them with more time to mentor the younger generation.
He added, "Thirty years ago, if someone were 55, they would be considered old but now, with higher life expectancy rates, the potential contribution would still be considered high, especially .as I feel that people nowadays are still active at 55."
He also highlighted that the extra years would give civil servants, under the TAP scheme, the chance to earn more money as there have been cases where retirees under the TAP scheme do not have enough at the end of the day. With extra money, it would also reduce government spending on social security schemes.
The implication of such a move would help provide better social security, especially for retirees. The extra earnings would be useful, once retired, especially to support their medical needs because older people who would need more healthcare. But questions may be raised on whether the people will want to continue working after 55.
Whether the retirement age is increased or it be made compulsory can affect the productivity of workers. Factors such as tiredness and lack of motivation should be considered before introducing such a change. Moreover, as a significant part of the local workforce is employed by the government, extending the retirement age would increase government expenditure.
If Brunei's retirement age were to increase to 60, the government would need to commit more funds (five years worth) for employee benefits.
Countries such as Singapore, with a retirement age of 62 and Philippines, at 65, have a higher retirement age than Brunei.
So why is Brunei not headed in this direction. Firstly, Malaysians and Singaporeans are mostly employed in the public sector and extending the retirement age does not affect government spending as much. In Brunei, the move would increase spending significantly.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times |
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Brunei抯 Retirement Age To Be Raised To 60 Soon?
By Yazdi Yahya
Bandar Seri Begawan - If the study by various government agencies determining if the retirement age should be extended is in the positive, then the retirement age for civil servants in Brunei could be pushed to 60 years in the near future.
The issue of raising the retirement age has been raised in last year's Legislative Council meeting, especially in view of the fact that life expectancy in the sultanate is now at 74 years.
A member of the council spoke on the matter suggesting that studies should be made to examine the impact of increasing the retirement age from 55 years to 60 years, a move which sections of the local workforce would welcome warmly for several reasons.
There has been a growing concern towards the issue of the retirement age in Brunei that the mandatory retirement age of 55 years was too early.
The shift of age structures in developed countries has had a profound effect on their political, economic and social conditions.
An ageing population, resulting from better health care and better living conditions has led researchers to examine the effects of the aged - especially in terms of social security.
The extended tenure would ensure these experienced employees continue to contribute to the nation's development. Currently, a significant part of the workforce is under the Employers Trust Fund (Tabung Amanah Pekerja), similar to the Central Provident Fund in Singapore and the Employees Provident Fund in Malaysia.
A former prominent figure from the public service department, who declined to be named, agreed that by increasing the retirement age, in some cases where the experience is needed, would provide them with more time to mentor the younger generation.
He added, "Thirty years ago, if someone were 55, they would be considered old but now, with higher life expectancy rates, the potential contribution would still be considered high, especially .as I feel that people nowadays are still active at 55."
He also highlighted that the extra years would give civil servants, under the TAP scheme, the chance to earn more money as there have been cases where retirees under the TAP scheme do not have enough at the end of the day. With extra money, it would also reduce government spending on social security schemes.
The implication of such a move would help provide better social security, especially for retirees. The extra earnings would be useful, once retired, especially to support their medical needs because older people who would need more healthcare. But questions may be raised on whether the people will want to continue working after 55.
Whether the retirement age is increased or it be made compulsory can affect the productivity of workers. Factors such as tiredness and lack of motivation should be considered before introducing such a change. Moreover, as a significant part of the local workforce is employed by the government, extending the retirement age would increase government expenditure.
If Brunei's retirement age were to increase to 60, the government would need to commit more funds (five years worth) for employee benefits.
Countries such as Singapore, with a retirement age of 62 and Philippines, at 65, have a higher retirement age than Brunei.
So why is Brunei not headed in this direction. Firstly, Malaysians and Singaporeans are mostly employed in the public sector and extending the retirement age does not affect government spending as much. In Brunei, the move would increase spending significantly.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times |
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Brunei抯 Retirement Age To Be Raised To 60 Soon?
By Yazdi Yahya
Bandar Seri Begawan - If the study by various government agencies determining if the retirement age should be extended is in the positive, then the retirement age for civil servants in Brunei could be pushed to 60 years in the near future.
The issue of raising the retirement age has been raised in last year's Legislative Council meeting, especially in view of the fact that life expectancy in the sultanate is now at 74 years.
A member of the council spoke on the matter suggesting that studies should be made to examine the impact of increasing the retirement age from 55 years to 60 years, a move which sections of the local workforce would welcome warmly for several reasons.
There has been a growing concern towards the issue of the retirement age in Brunei that the mandatory retirement age of 55 years was too early.
The shift of age structures in developed countries has had a profound effect on their political, economic and social conditions.
An ageing population, resulting from better health care and better living conditions has led researchers to examine the effects of the aged - especially in terms of social security.
The extended tenure would ensure these experienced employees continue to contribute to the nation's development. Currently, a significant part of the workforce is under the Employers Trust Fund (Tabung Amanah Pekerja), similar to the Central Provident Fund in Singapore and the Employees Provident Fund in Malaysia.
A former prominent figure from the public service department, who declined to be named, agreed that by increasing the retirement age, in some cases where the experience is needed, would provide them with more time to mentor the younger generation.
He added, "Thirty years ago, if someone were 55, they would be considered old but now, with higher life expectancy rates, the potential contribution would still be considered high, especially .as I feel that people nowadays are still active at 55."
He also highlighted that the extra years would give civil servants, under the TAP scheme, the chance to earn more money as there have been cases where retirees under the TAP scheme do not have enough at the end of the day. With extra money, it would also reduce government spending on social security schemes.
The implication of such a move would help provide better social security, especially for retirees. The extra earnings would be useful, once retired, especially to support their medical needs because older people who would need more healthcare. But questions may be raised on whether the people will want to continue working after 55.
Whether the retirement age is increased or it be made compulsory can affect the productivity of workers. Factors such as tiredness and lack of motivation should be considered before introducing such a change. Moreover, as a significant part of the local workforce is employed by the government, extending the retirement age would increase government expenditure.
If Brunei's retirement age were to increase to 60, the government would need to commit more funds (five years worth) for employee benefits.
Countries such as Singapore, with a retirement age of 62 and Philippines, at 65, have a higher retirement age than Brunei.
So why is Brunei not headed in this direction. Firstly, Malaysians and Singaporeans are mostly employed in the public sector and extending the retirement age does not affect government spending as much. In Brunei, the move would increase spending significantly.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times |
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No UK-Made Cadbury Chocolates For Brunei
By Azlan Othman
Bandar Seri Begawan - Following the recall of Cadbury chocolates from the United Kingdom highlighted in the local media recently, the Ministry of Health said in a statement yesterday that the Cadbury chocolates sold in Brunei come from Australia and Malaysia, and not from the UK or Europe.
However, the Ministry will continue to monitor the situation as a precautionary measure to ensure that no such products are sold in the country.
The public can call the Quality Control and Food Safety Division of the Environmental Health Services of the Department of Health Services in Jln Delima Dua at 2331100-5/6/8/9/10 or fax, 2331107 for further inquiries. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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1 In 3 Youth Overweight
By Za'im Zaini
Bandar Seri Begawan - A greater number of children in Brunei are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes that was non-existent two decades ago, which the Minister of Health has called "a worrying trend".
Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman was the guest of honour at the launching of clinical practice guidelines for Diabetes Mellitus and World Diabetes Day 2007 yesterday at RIPAS Hospital. The minister gave some startling facts and figures:
- Nearly one in three of Brunei's youth is overweight or obese
- Twelve per cent of the population in Brunei suffer from diabetes equivalent to 45,000
- Nearly 50 per cent of patients who undergo dialysis are diabetics
- The cost of haemodialysis per patient per year is around B$20,000
- The cost of peritoneal dialysis per patient per year is around B$37,000
- Forty-four limb amputations performed from Nov 2006 to Oct 2007
The minister now sees a pressing need for a national plan on diabetes. "Brunei Darussalam needs a national diabetes plan that includes immediate action to address the serious diabetes epidemic in our country. Only by acting now, will all of our children grow into healthy, productive citizens contributing fully to our country and its future.
"Only by acting now, can we prevent Brunei's healthcare system from being overwhelmed," he said.
He called diabetes a stealth ailment as it takes hold secretly and it is the leading cause of blindness, renal failure, kidney diseases and foot amputations in the world. It is also a major factor in the development of cardiovascular and heart diseases and a major cause behind nerve diseases.
"Records show diabetes is on the increase among adults and adolescents in Brunei Darussalam. It has become the second most commonest cause of inpatient admissions in the last three years and has remained the third most commonest cause of death since 2001.
"Other grim statistics show that nearly 50 per cent of patients who undergo dialysis are diabetic. This figure has steadily risen over the past few years. Regrettably, the cost of dialysis is expensive.
"Since 2003, most of our cardiac procedures are done locally at Gleneagles JPMC. Figures show 1,674 procedures were performed and out of that 750 were diabetics; 56 per cent underwent coronary bypass and 40 per cent angioplasty procedures.
"In RIPAS Hospital itself, 44 limb amputations were performed for diabetic patients from November 2006 to October," the minister said.
Diabetes in childhood increases the risk of life threatening complications at an early age.
"We are already seeing adults in their early 20s in Brunei Darussalam with complications from diabetes," said the minister adding, being overweight and physically inactive are two of the major risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes.
With early diagnosis, aggressive treatment, supportive education and lifestyle changes, diabetes as well as its costly complications can be delayed and even prevented.
However, it is not always easy to convince someone with diabetes that years from now he/she may lose a leg, become blind or suffer kidney failure. This and much more is the heart-breaking story of diabetes mellitus, Pehin Suyoi said.
"More diabetes educators, dieticians and podiatrists should be readily available in communities and health care settings to ensure that meaningful education is possible.
"Education is the key. Lifestyle changes are fundamental. Exercise is just as important as the food we eat. Communities must focus on healthy lifestyle programmes. Losing just five to 10 per cent of weight can make a difference to an individual's risk of developing diabetes.
"Parents, teachers and other community leaders must join in the awareness campaign. More public information should be provided about the disease; how to identify and manage it. The public needs to keep themselves informed about diabetes and its dangers and find out whether they are sufferers.
"Managing diabetes is an important priority for the Ministry of Health. In the face of this rising trend in diabetes, it is imperative that our healthcare providers are well prepared and equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude to cope with this epidemic," said the minister. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Driver Suffers Attack, Crashes & Dies
By Mohammad Abdullah
Bandar Seri Begawan - In a heart-wrenching accident Tuesday night, a man in his 50s reportedly suffered a heart attack while driving which resulted in his car crashing into a shop in Sengkurong.
Police and medical emergency personnel were rushed to the scene but the driver was pronounced dead due to heart failure.
The lone passenger, believed to be the wife of the deceased, was unhurt but was in shock, as was the shop assistant who was inside the shop at the time.
The driver apparently slammed on the accelerator causing the car to lose control. The accident occurred around eight in the evening.
Witnesses said that they saw the car accelerating suddenly, hit two cars, a lamppost, jumped a divider, narrowly missed passers-by before crashing into the shop.
"We were standing in front of the shop when it happened. The car suddenly accelerated and crashed into a parked car before jumping over a divider.
"It crashed into another parked car and headed straight for us. We jumped out of the way sensing that the car was not going to stop. It rammed into a shop behind us," said an eyewitness.
It was only later that they found out that the man had suffered a heart attack and had his foot on the accelerator.
The shop assistant who was in the shop when the car came crashing in said that she was alone at the shop at the time, and considered herself fortunate that she was at the other end of the shop when the incident happened. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Crown Prince Launches Book
By James Kon
Bandar Seri Begawan - His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office yesterday consented to officiate the launch of "The Report: Brunei Darussalam 2007", a book that provides comprehensive overviews and analysis of Brunei's political and macroeconomic environment.
Upon arrival at The Empire Hotel and Country Club, where the ceremony took place, His Royal Highness was welcomed by Pengiran Dato Paduka Ismail bin Pengiran Haji Mohamed, Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office, Mr Michael Benson-Colpi, Oxford Business Group chairman as well as officials from the Prime's Minister Office and Oxford Business Group.
Pengiran Dato Paduka Ismail in his welcoming remarks said, "The Prime Minister's Office has forged a partnership with the Oxford Business Group (OBG) of London for the publication of The Report: Brunei Darussalam 2007, which is targeted at potential foreign investors.
"The publication is another example of Brunei Darussalam's continuous effort in providing reliable information about the country. This particular exercise is not only targeted for the local market, but more importantly is aimed at the region and the world at large.
"It is a very significant programme to support the nation's continuous efforts and drive for economic diversification and attracting more investors as well as tourists to this country of peace and prosperity," he said.
The Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office also said, "The Report will also offer a platform to expand Brunei Darussalam's Global network community in economic growth and development. It will also provide a golden opportunity for the local business to extend their network to the rest of the world."
Meanwhile Mr Michael Benson-Colpi, the Oxford Business Group chairman, in his welcoming address said, "The book's most important role is to alert people to opportunity by providing accessible economic, political and business intelligence. OBG also offers a vital in-depth understanding of the country and societies behind it."
He said that an arrangement has also been made for the engine room of Brunei's development outreach to the world - the planners, researchers, policy drafters and academics - to have access online to all Oxford Business Group's series of country reports to facilitate their understanding of countries elsewhere, to see more clearly the Bruneian competitive advantage, and to help them exploit even more adroitly in the months and years to come.
After the launching ceremony, His Royal Highness received a pesembah from Mr Michael Benson-Colpi.
Mr Andrews Jeffreys, Senior Consultant of Oxford Business Group, also delivered a brief presentation on the conclusion from the analysis of the book.
A total of 67,000 copies of The Report: Brunei Darussalam 2007 will be distributed worldwide while 15,000 copies will be circulated within the country. The Report will be published annually, rewritten completely each year to keep pace with the development of Brunei Darussalam.
Brunei Darussalam is the fifth country in the region to be selected for the coverage of the prestigious Oxford Business Group's economic publications. The Report: Brunei Darussalam 2007 is priced at GBP105 and can be purchased online at www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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BSP, Shell EP Pledge $7.5 Million To UBD
By Zasika Musdi
Bandar Seri Begawan - Universiti Brunei Darussalam yesterday marked another milestone in its 22-year history with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and sponsorship agreement with Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP) and Shell Exploration and Production (EP) International Limited to strengthen the university's engineering capability, and support the drive to further develop the technological capabilities of the oil and gas sector in the Sultanate.
Under the MoU and sponsorship agreement, BSP and Shell EP International pledge to contribute a total of $7.5 million to UBD over the next five years. UBD will receive a total of $1.5 million from both of the companies each year, and the money will used to develop the university's Department of Engineering Science and Faculty of Science.
With this contribution from BSP and Shell EP International, the Department of Engineering Science will be able to strengthen its existing programmes and introduce other undergraduate and postgraduate courses in engineering, such as Petroleum and Mechanical Engineering.
Signing on behalf of BSP was its Managing Director, Dr Grahaeme Henderson, and on behalf of Shell EP International was its Executive Vice President for Asia Pacific, Greg Hill. Meanwhile, UBD was represented by Dr Hj Junaidi bin Hj Abdul Rahman, the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Administration and Student Affairs.
Greg expressed his appreciation to the Brunei government and partners for their cooperation and support, which have enabled BSP and Shell EP International to co-create and apply a wide range of technologies.
According to him, BSP is the "smartest" operating company in the world, as it has more smart wells than any other company across the globe.
Dr Hj Junaidi bin Hj Abd Rahman thanked BSP and Shell EP International for responding to the recent call made by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam during the 196 Convocation in September this year, in which His Majesty urged government organisations and the private sector to "contribute morally and financially" towards the development of UBD.
The Assistant Vice Chancellor hoped that BSP and Shell EP International will continue to be UBD's partners so that it would be able to introduce more engineering programmes and establish a separate Faculty of Engineering at the university.
"With this significant sponsorship, the Faculty of Science will be able to expand its engineering programmes," he said, adding that this would allow the faculty to take on a new persona to reflect its increasing role in the field of engineering science.
BSP has supported the Department of Petroleum Geoscience under the Faculty of Science from 1995 to 2006.
The sponsorship agreement is the latest in a series of collaborations signed between UBD and international institutions, as well as government and private agencies in the country.
Such collaborations have contributed to the development of both undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes at the university.
On hand to witness the signing ceremony were: Hj Zainal Abidin bin Hj Mohd Ali, the Deputy Managing Director of BSP; Dr Zohrah hte Hj Sulaiman, the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, UBD; and, Dr Lim Min Teong, the Manager of Technology, Performance and Planning Asia Pacific, Shell EP International.
Present as the guest of honour was Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad bin Pg Hj Abd Rahman, the Deputy Minister of Education. Also present were senior officials from the Office of the Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office, Petroleum Unit, Ministry of Education and UBD. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Playing Russian Roulette With FoodPosted on November 10th, 2007 by Ignatius Stephen Bandar Seri Begawan - He looked up from his sickbed. The women were weeping and the men looked grave. The children were silent for once.
He knew he was about to die. A gradual darkness descended over him. Soon it will be over. He tried to struggle. But he was too feeble. It was no use.
Not too long now, he knew, a white shroud will cover him. That would be the end. But wait there was still some life left in him. He closed his eyes at that point. Strangely he could now see in a flash the chain of events as they rapidly passed his mind抯 eye.
He saw the mountains of midnight murtabaks and roti canai and other killer foods dripping in fat he ate at the curry shops every day. Of course, the high salt spicy dishes that went with it had added to his rapid journey to the grave.
His main exercise was walking up the stairs to watch TV where he slouched and sipped fizzy drinks and chain smoked and ordered pizza by phone. Late in the night he made his curry rounds with friends. Life was good.
But he was getting excessively overweight. Never did he pay any attention to his doctor who said, 揈at fruits and green vegetables. Exercise. |
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Outstanding Teachers Awarded
By Lyna Mohamad
Bandar Seri Begawan - The Ministry of Education yesterday held an appreciation ceremony for 24 teachers who were honoured the Special Mention Awards, in conjunction with the 17th Teacher's Day celebrations, at Songket Ballroom, Rizqun International Hotel.
On hand to officiate the ceremony was Minister of Education Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib. The minister, in his speech, noted that to be honoured the prestigious award was not an easy task; teachers must be committed and possess the ability to overcome a series of challenges.
"Your determination, sincerity and dedication have produced students with outstanding results not just at national level but at international level as well," he said.
He also said the results highlighted the importance of teachers' role in assisting the students in excelling academically.
"It is my sincere hope that your colleagues will not only look up to you as role models, but will take active steps in attaining similar achievements, if not more," he said.
The minister urged that the award be used as a benchmark with which all teachers can measure their own contributions towards the cause of education.
He said the awards were the Ministry of Education's effort in raising the standards of education in the country, and through this initiative, teachers and other educators are acknowledged and honoured for their role in helping the students obtain excellent results in public examinations.
"I am confident that you will continue to strive for a teaching standard that is of very high quality," he said. "Let us all walk with you on this journey together, to explore, acquire and employ best practices in the field of education, so our younger generations and our beloved nation are assured an excellent future."
Meanwhile, yesterday's ceremony began with a recital of Al-Fatihah, followed by a welcoming speech by Acting Director General of Education and Director of Examinations Dk Hjh Mastoli Pengiran Seri Indera Pengiran Haji Ismail.
Later, the minister presented the awards to the teachers, before a speech was delivered by Dk Hjh Rashidah Haji Mohd Jair of Sayyidina Ali Secondary School on behalf of the award recipients. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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MoE Customers Day At New Office Block
By Azaraimy HH
Bandar Seri Begawan - The Ministry of Education yesterday held its Customers Day, which was officiated by Minister of Education Pehin Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Abdul Rahman bin Hj Mohamed Taib.
It was held at the newly completed office block of the Ministry of Education.
The event aimed to ensure 'stakeholders' regarding the capability and variety implemented by the ministry, provide two-way communication platform for open interaction and to inform the public on the process of service delivery.
Additionally, an expo was held to serve as an avenue for the ministry to expose its 21st century education and strategic planning.
The MOE Customers Day was this year themed 慍ustomers Orientated Generates Quality Services. |
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Circumcision Session
By Aemy Azlena
Bandar Seri Begawan - The Ministry of Health announced that the circumcision session for children during the 4th term school holidays will be from Nov 29 to Dec 27.
Parents and guardians can contact the officers at the Circumcision Unit (Unit Berkhatan) at the RIPAS (Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha) hospital or call 224 2424 ext 342.
Registration is from Nov 19 until Dec 8. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Category: Negeri & Negara
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Post time 14-11-2007 07:12 PM
