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62% rise in cases of mental health illness
Nurkhayrul Salam
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Friday, November 30, 2007
OVER the past four years, there has been a remarkable increase of 62 per cent in patients in Brunei Darussalam diagnosed with mental illnesses.
Statistics released by the Psychiatry Department of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital (Ripas) have shown that the number of outpatients diagnosed with mental illnesses last year have risen alarmingly to 6,335 cases as against 3,889 in 2002.
It is also noteworthy that the Psychiatry Department for children and teenager have recorded 350 cases of young people suffering from mental illnesses such as depression, emotional and behavioural problems since its establishment in 2005.
This statistics were disclosed by Minister of Health Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Suyoi in his keynote address on the occasion of the World's Mental Day yesterday at the Goldstone Ballroom, Centrepoint, Gadong.
This fact, paired with the reality of mental disorders in most countries around the world with one out of four person diagnosed with mental illness, according to the world health organisation, makes understanding of mental health a pressing need, he said.
In pointing out this year's World Mental Day theme, "Mental Health in a Changing World: The Impact of Culture and Diversity", the minister stressed on the critical role that cultural awareness plays in checking maladies.
"The migration phenomena, either cross country or movement from rural to urban areas have increasingly resulted in mental stress caused by the inability to cope with the new environment and the absence of close friends and family."
Religion, the role of social institutions and support from family and the community are also key components in perpetuating mental health, he added.
Emphasising on the importance of treating mental illnesses, the Minister said the Brunei government has allocated a budget of $1.1 million just to acquire Olanzapine, a medicine for mental illnesses.
Mental ill-health is not just a challenge to the health sector, but it imposes a significant expenditure on society and has a bearing on social life, he said.
"Furthermore, is the implication it poses for the affected persons and their families because of stigma and ridicule thrown by society," he said.
The World Health Organisation has suggested a public health approach in handling problems of mental illness through involvement of all concerned," he said.
"In light of this, the Ministry of Health has taken steps to broaden the role of primary care doctors by organising workshops and training to help identify status of mental illnesses in early stages."
"Sufficient human resource development and the proper skills are paramount for all level mental health professionals including mental health nurses, pychologist, counsellors, therapists and social workers."
The Minister also underscored the importance of giving quality treatment for all mental illness patient in Brunei, regardless of the differences in socio-cultural factors.
The Brunei Times
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MinDef gears up for Joint Operations Centre: DESO
Fully integrated: Military officers from Brunei and UK during the 'Joint Command and Doctrine at the Operational Level' Seminar at the Empire Hotel & Country Club yesterday. The latest update of the white paper, launched during the Brunei International Defence Exhibition earlier this year, states that the operations conducted within the new security agenda will be multi-agency, multi-national or both, with the capability to apply the appropriate measures to any given contingency. Picture: Rudolf Portillo
Hadi DP Mahmud
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Friday, November 30, 2007
OPERATIONAL coordination within Brunei's military forces is set for further improvement as it aims to heighten the Royal Brunei Armed Forces' networking capabilities in the next three to five years.
UK defence experts yesterday presented members of the armed forces, the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Brunei Police Force with advice on joint operations command and the dogma that goes hand-in-hand with it, during a seminar held at the Empire Hotel & Country Club.
As stated in the 2007 Ministry of Defence's White Paper, effective networking of assets is seen as an important element of modern military operations.
The white paper aims to increase the RBAF's capabilities through the procurement of patrol vessels, expansion of the current air surveillance envelope for land and maritime areas and mechanisation for some components of the army while placing emphasis on cooperation within the region for security purposes and contributing to humanitarian and relief operations.
"Core to all that, is the ability to deploy the right forces in the right places at the right time. For that you need a proper joint way of working. The headquarters, which is in the process of being formed, will enable that joint way of working," Richard Moore, Director of Network Enabled Capability Solutions of British defence technology company QinetiQ, told The Brunei Times yesterday.
Moore was among the four experts led by Tony Pawson, the UK's Head of Defence Export Services Organisation (DESO), who spoke during the 'Joint Command and Doctrine at the Operational Level' forum.
The latest update of the white paper, launched during the Brunei International Defence Exhibition earlier this year, states that the operations conducted within the new security agenda will be multi-agency, multi-national or both.
The Joint Operations Centre, as a single integrated command and control centre for the armed forces, is one of the key initiatives to plan and direct future deployments.
It will also act as a focal point for operational coordination with other security forces.
"They (Joint Force Headquarters) are much more efficient," said Moore.
"It means the single services don't have to provide their own staff. You can join the staff together so you need less people. You can train together, you can do work on the procedures together so that when you have to go and do operations, you're immediately familiar with the territory |
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Haizul wins 400m gold
Well done: Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (R) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Mohammad Haji Daud (front) with winners of the 400m event, including Brunei's gold medallist Mohammad Haizul Rani Matusin (C). Picture: Infofoto
Jason Thomas
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Friday, November 30, 2007
MOHAMMAD HAIZUL RANI MATUSIN won Brunei's second gold medal at the 2007 Borneo Games in Kuching on Wednesday, clocking a time of 51.1 seconds to win the 400m race at the Perpaduan Petrajaya Stadium.
As of yesterday's afternoon, Brunei had two gold, six silver and three bronze medals in the second edition of the biennial meet.
Kalimantan Barat's Juhan Syah Amat Edi finished second in the 400m with a time of 51.3s and Terengganu's Muhammad Idris Zakaria won bronze with a time of 52.0s.
Muhammad Haidir Fadzillah Moorismadi won Brunei's first gold medal on Tuesday after he bowled a total of 1,250 pinfalls over six games to win the men's single ten-pin bowling event.
Meanwhile, just 0.1s separated Mohammad Faisal Ahad from the men's 200m title, as the Bruneian finished with a time of 22.1s compared with Terengganu's Nazmizan Muhd who ran 22.0s.
Shahifil Bahrin Zainal gave Brunei a 2-3 finish in the event after he finished with a time of 22.3s.
The men's 100m hurdles event was another closely contested affair, with just 0.4s separating Brunei's Chester Johnny Tan from Terengganu's Muhd Muslim Sidek.
Tan clocked a time of 16.0s to win silver while Muhd Muslim won gold with a time of 15.6s.
However, the athletic team's manager Bakri Bintang should find some consolation in the fact that Brunei won bronze in the same event through Ashrin Mohamod who finished with a time of 17.5s.
Mohammad Faisal, Shahifil Bahrin, Arrifin Hanapi and Muhammad Hazia Awg Hurun also produced another silver medal for Brunei in the men's 4x100m relay.
On Wednesday, Mohd Syahmi Fakhurullah Mohd Issrah won silver in the men's 1,500m race with a time of 4:34.6.
Compatriot Sefli Ahar also provided the sultanate with another second-place finish, this time in the 5,000m race, which he ran in 17:05.7.
The women's hammer throw event also produced another silver medal for Brunei, with Michelle Charlene Basir throwing 21.57m.
Meanwhile, in the women's doubles ten-pin bowling event, Dk Nurhazrimah Pg Hassanan and her sister Dk Nur Qistina Pg Hassanan won the bronze medal.
Some 137 Brunei athletes are competing in the five-day tournament which ends tomorrow.
The Brunei Times
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Bravo... congrats Haizul.. |
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Global economy has space for Brunei as niche player
Small matters: Dato Timothy Ong, acting chairman of the Brunei Economic Development Board, at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, during the National Business Conference yesterday at The Empire Hotel & Country Club. Pictures: Rudolf Portillo
Sobrina Rosli
BRUNEI-MUARA
Friday, November 30, 2007
BRUNEI can begin work on joining the league of small countries that have made it big in the global economy by looking at how they success-fully benchmarked themselves against the best in the world.
This was among key points speakers and participants discussed at yesterday's National Business Conference organised by AsiaInc.
"We use the rankings to work on our strengths and opportunities, our processes as well as to develop the right human resources," Dr Linda Low, senior fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS), said in reference to how Singapore benefits from global rankings prepared by organisations like the World Bank.
"If it can be done there (in Dubai), there is no reason it cannot be done here (in Brunei)," said Rasha Al Saleh, managing director of the Young Arab Leaders Forum.
In her presentation at the conference themed "Can Small Be Beautiful?", Rasha related how Dubai, which had no oil a century ago, maximised its capacity and turned itself into a successful port with low taxes that have attracted investors and residents over the years.
"There are a lot of challenges, there are questions of difficulty, but look at the context in the Arab world, where it is all about the small steps and using the available resources, like Dubai, it's small but (it) thinks very big," she said.
Dato Timothy Ong, acting chairman of the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), shared this view, saying that small countries can succeed and that each small step toward it can have an impact on the environment and that each small country can develop its human resources while achieving this.
"There is a lot we can learn from successful small countries so there is a lot of discussions on countries like Singapore, Dubai as well as other states like Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Qatar, and other countries like Monaco and New Zealand," Dato Ong told The Brunei Times yesterday.
"It comes down to three things, there has to be the desire to be successful, where you must think big. If you think small you will be small. The second thing is we must have a high degree of self-awareness, we must know what our strengths and weaknesses are. Thirdly we must get our heads together. If we want to support the SMEs development, then we must create a friendly business environment, we must learn from these other countries," he said.
Low, who now serves as head of strategy and planning for the government of Dubai, said it is essential for Brunei to "mind the gaps" in efforts to strengthen its economy.
Brunei needs to make decisions in terms of how much to go for its identified target markets, how to position itself while taking into account its social and cultural influences, she added.
All successful small countries know the business processes, but it is about "knowing and applying the business processes".
"Brunei's industrial policy is still too passive, Brunei needs to do more, diversification is still the word for many oil-rich countries like Brunei," Low said.
For Brunei's non-oil sector, she said the sultanate needs to determine its realistic capabilities by developing its niche areas rather than "becoming all things for all people".
Meanwhile, Dato Ong said it is important that criticisms are absorbed without being defensive.
"When we talk about weaknesses we cannot be defensive, and we cannot look at criticisms as implying a lack of respect, just because the comments are critical it does not mean people don't respect you, we are a country with great potential and opportunities but there is a lot of areas for improvement," he said.
The Brunei Times |
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Expert lauds Brunei's flourishing e-Government infrastructure
High-tech governance: Executive Director of Commonwealth e-Governance, Thomas B Riley believes that there are three key factors which will lead to successful implementation of e-government. Picture: Zamri Zainal
Yazdi Yahya
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Friday, November 30, 2007
GOOD strategy, sufficient finance and qualified personnel are the three key factors considered to be noteworthy to the successful implementation of e-government, a renowned speaker in the field stressed yesterday.
Executive Director of the Commonwealth Centre for eGovernance Thomas B Riley explained to The Brunei Times the importance of firstly developing a strategy and policy approach.
"The government needs to know what they want to achieve through e-government and policies that complement the implementation of e-government," he said.
Once this is achieved, the government needs to support these strategies and policies with sufficient finances, he added.
Although the cost of building a proper infrastructure is high, Riley noted that the government must be committed in finishing what they had set out to do. By this, the government must know what type of technology they need and therefore is imperative they carry out a complete assessment, he said.
Riley, one of the main speakers on the recently concluded two-day Second Annual e-Government Congress with the theme "From Government Online to Service Transformation", stressed the need for qualified personnel to match the technology.
"Finally, the government needs to ensure that there is sufficient qualified personnel that will maintain the systems and networks that are involved in e-government. In this case, training and re-training is important and that is why I see this congress as a positive thing, where they take part and interact with others and its important that they share what they have learned to others in their office." Riley also lauded the current development of e-government in the sultanate which he attributed to the support extended by the government.
He said that each country has its own pace in adopting egovernment.
"I see a lot of good movement so far and the infrastructure, which has been set up can support e-commerce, which is also very important," Riley said.
"Anywhere in the world, there is no set way of doing something and the pace of change is dependent on what the country wants to achieve. Implementing e-government has never been easy and as in other countries, in introducing something new, Brunei Darussalam faces similar problems."
Riley gave Canada as an example, where e-government "has been put in place for around 12 years, but its still not finished. It is still ongoing because it is constantly building, the internet is still changing and more and more people are beginning to go online, and from there the government needs to constantly develop more programmes suitable for each user."
Riley highlighted that egovernment would bring various benefits to citizens and users.
When asked about the biggest benefit of e-government, Riley pointed out it will speed up the delivery of government services. "The increased speed of service delivery from the public sector will help citizens in attaining the services they require from the government."
However, the biggest challenge is getting these services online, according to Riley. "Governments need to asses what services they should put online and those services must be those that users will use. Even in developed countries, at least a third of their population do not make use of all the services and that is a significant amount when we really think about it."
The Brunei Times |
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Race to promote awareness on forest preservation
Let the race begins: Participants of the Bukit Shahbandar Challenge starting the race. Picture: HM Zailaney
Nasroul Hizam
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Monday, December 3, 2007
THE Bukit Shahbandar Challenge kicked off yesterday with almost 200 runners taking part in the competitive run through the Bukit Shahbandar Forest Reserve.
It may be considered unlucky for some but number 13, Wong Siew Ming, was the first person to cross the finish line yesterday.
In the C category for men over 50-years old, Wong bested 33 other runners in a 3.7km route in 25 minutes and 43 seconds. He took home a medal and $300 cash prize.
Noorsurainah Hj Tengah, 25, was in the D category which was open to women between 15 and 34-years old and ran the challenge for the first time. "Thanks to my friends, I've fallen in love with outdoor activities," she said.
Having recently started actively trekking, running and hiking, she felt that her performance at Bukit Shahbandar unsatisfactory, timing the 3.7km course at over 50 minutes. But she still managed to rank 6th in her category.
The only regret she had, she said, was that the organisers did not provide water at the several checkpoints along the route. "People are in a competition," she exclaimed. "We can't be expected to carry bottles of water while we run."
Held for the fourth consecutive year, the challenge was organised by the Forestry Department and sponsored by the Brunei Sawmill Association as part of the World Forestry Day celebrations which falls on every March 21. The competition was aimed at promoting the forest reserve as a suitable area for jogging and other outdoor activities while creating awareness of the importance of preserving the forest .
The challenge was divided into six categories, which included a special one for national team runners. Amateurs joining in that A category ran a course of about 7km. The race was started by the Director of the Forestry Department at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, Hj Saidin Salleh. while the department's acting deputy director presented medals and prizes to the winners.
The Brunei Times |
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'Be single-minded to succeed'
Rush to meet: His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam meets Bruneian students in the United Kingdom and Ireland at a gathering in London on Sunday. Picture: Infofoto
Izam Said Ya'akub
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
HM urges Bruneian students in UK, Ireland to help turn sultanate into nation of intellectuals
HIS MAJESTY Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam called on students in the United Kingdom and Ireland to succeed by being single-minded in their academic pursuits and help Brunei become a generation of intellectuals and so turn the sultanate into a great and prosperous nation.
"Students' objective at this point in their lives is one and only one. Success in their studies," said the monarch.
His Majesty also stressed the need for students to realise the importance of the future, to be grateful and not take lightly that Brunei is a country blessed with peace, harmony and prosperity.
His Majesty, who was speaking to Bruneian students in UK and Ireland at the Intercontinental Hotel in London, stressed that students are not abroad to earn a living, but to gain knowledge.
"They (students) should not be involved in any post removed from their studies, or any sort of work, but should devote their time and energy towards their education," added His Majesty.
The full devotion towards studying is the right attitude to adopt, said Brunei's monarch, however it is one that only comes about when students grasp importance of the future, and hence it is one which students themselves must prepare themselves for.
"A great intellect and maturity will bring one to the threshold of success," said the Sultan adding that it is not something which can be attained without sacrifice, and that success can only be attained through hard work.
The students also heard His Majesty placing great emphasis on the need to to preserve Brunei's characteristics of tranquility and prosperity, which have become a hallmark of the nation's identity.
His Majesty said that the two aspects are special gifts bestowed on Brunei and all should be grateful for it.
His Majesty also reminded the students that they should not take things for granted by living extravagantly, but rather be mindful of the fortunate circumstances they find themselves in.
The royal reception held saw students from all the corners of the UK and Ireland converge in London to greet His Majesty.
Of the 1,315 students in the UK, 1,020 are on government scholarships, while the remainder of them are Brunei Shell Petroleum, Brunei Shell Tanker scholars and private students.
His Majesty was joined at the reception by Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar and other members of the Royal family and was received by the Brunei High Commissioner in London, Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Maidin and The President of the Brunei Students Union, Awangku Shahyzul Kahiruddien Pbin Pengiran Abdul Rahman and members of the Diplomatic corps and the committee members of the students union.
The Brunei Times |
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S Korea FTA seen to boost Brunei exports
Sobrina Rosli
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
CARS manufactured in South Korea will be cheaper to import and retail in Brunei once the Southeast Asian bloc's free trade agreement with Korea goes into effect.
This is among a package of benefits that Bruneians stand to gain from the signing of the Asean-Korea trade deal, said Hong-Seok Koo, counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.
Brunei is expected to complete by January the legal enactment procedures of the trading goods agreement as well as that for trade in services, which form part of the bigger trade deal between Asean and Korea.
Koo said the trade deal will open more doors for economic relations between Korea and Brunei.
For Korean car imports, including vehicles manufactured by Hyundai, tariffs will be reduced over three years, Koo said in an interview with The Brunei Times.
"For the automobile industry we project a gradual decrease (in import duties on vehicles) from 20 per cent to zero in the next three years, lowering costs of Korean automobiles in Brunei," he said.
"Currently the Brunei government is promoting its local goods aiming at becoming a (more active) exporting country," Koo said, adding that Korea is also looking at the benefits of purchasing products from Brunei which enjoys clean and safe production processes.
Korea, moreover, has noted the boom in healthcare products and technology arising from Bruneians' greater awareness of such health concerns, he added.
Counsellor Koo elaborated that the FTA will benefit consumers, producers and importers from the two countries.
Korea has a controlled system for agriculture products and is opening up this type of market to Asean countries, including Brunei.
He highlighted that Brunei may face tough competition alongside other countries such as the US and Chile, which are among top exporters to Korea.
Brunei, however, has a "surplus advantage" to the current economic relations of the two countries. The bulk of the sultanate's exports is oil and gas, and Korea is its second-largest buyer, with shipments of about 700,000 tonnes every year.
Other Brunei export products to Korea include steel, aluminium and fisheries goods.
"To sustain robust trade relations through the FTA, Brunei is also keen to venture into the areas of communication, construction and aviation," the counsellor said.
The deal will construct more forms of cooperation projects through government negotiations, he said, adding there are plans to form a Brunei-Korea ICT cooperation committee.
The Brunei Times |
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Garment sector needs life savers
Sobrina Rosli
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
KEEPING Brunei's garment exports at the highest quality standards required by foreign buyers may not be enough for local garment firms to see the industry survive in the next 10 years, according to a manager at one of the few remaining garment producers.
Fabian Foo, administrative manager of garment exporter Mam Jaya, said he feared that Brunei's garment industry may be obsolete in the next 10 years because "even with the highest quality it's the overall costs that count" in the export market.
Since last year, Mam Jaya has been losing orders from big designers, such as DKNY and Tommy Hilfiger, Foo told The Brunei Times yesterday.
He attributed the decline in the country's garment exports over the years to cheap labour costs in competing countries like China, Vietnam and Cambodia, which enjoy free labour quotas.
"It has affected the industry here mainly in terms of the prices we offer because the garment buyers now can have a range of prices from companies in various countries," said Foo, whose company ships about 100,000 pieces of garments to the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan and Korea.
"(Despite this), we have to maintain the quality standards of our products. Though buying from countries like China is cheaper there are still doubts over its quality," he added.
"Three to four years ago, there were 10 to 15 garment factories in Brunei, but since (the slowdown beginning in) 2006 ... there are only around four left, garment investors are leaving Brunei," said Foo.
Most garment factories here were operated through partnerships between local businessmen and companies based in Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia.
Garment exports fell 47.8 per cent from $398.3 million in 2003 to $207.7 million last year, based on government data.
Among reasons for the decline in garment exports are the changes in international trade treaties.
These developments include the expiration of the Multi-fiber Agreement in December 2004 that substantially reduced Brunei Darussalam's garment exports.
The Brunei Times |
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Having Fun at Futsal Tournament
Outnumbered: Beribi Bahagia抯 Edi Ruslan Abd Samad (in red) is surrounded by Fun FC players in their 2007 Brunei Futsal Open Tournament match at the Multipurpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah Sports Complex in Berakas last night. Picture: Saifulizam |
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S'pore minister meets local counterpart
Friendly discussion: (R) Pehin Dato Hj Abdullah, Minister of Development with his Singaporean counterpart, Mah Bow Tan, during a briefing session at the Ministry of Development, yesterday. Picture: HM Zailaney
Asnawi Yakib
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
THE Singapore National Development Minister began his three-day working visit yesterday with talks with his Bruneian counterpart on possible collaboration in urban development, town planning, primary production and greening efforts.
The Singaporean minister, Mah Bow Tan, who arrived with his delegation yesterday morning, made a courtesy call to the Minister of Development, Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdullah Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar at his office at Old Airport in Berakas.
Also present during the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, Technical and Professional at the Ministry of Development, Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Said Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Setia Dato Paduka Hj Hashim and several head of departments.
During the courtesy call the Singaporean delegation were presented a briefing on the environment, parks and recreation followed by a presentation by Hong Kok Seng, Commissioner of Town and Country Planning on on urban planning.
Earlier the Singapore minister was received in audience by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the deputy sultan at Istana Nurul Iman.
Today the Singapore minister and delegation will continue their itinerary with a working visit to the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources where he is expected to be briefed by the ministry's officials on the Heart of Borneo project and Tropical Biodiversity Centre. The delegation will also visit the Agricultural Department's laboratory and Close House System (Poultry Farm) in Birau, Tutong.
Tomorrow Mah will be in Temburong to visit Belalong National Park before returning home.
The Brunei Times |
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Bridex 2009: Brunei to invite 700 foreign and domestic participants
Waleed PD Mahdini
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Friday, December 7, 2007
SOME 700 participants, both foreign and domestic, will be invited by the Ministry of Defence to attend and participate in the sultanate's upcoming Brunei Darussalam International Defence Exhibition (Bridex) come 2009.
"The first Bridex attracted just over 100 participants from 14 countries but as we will be tapping into World Aerospace's network of contacts and experience, we are aiming for a much higher number than that for our second defence exhibition," revealed the acing Chairman of the Bridex committee, Dato Paduka Hj Mustappa Hj Sirat, who is also the permanent secretary at the Prime Minister's Office.
Speaking to The Brunei Times during the five-day Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) over the week, following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between His Majesty's Government and the Malaysian event organisers, Dato Hj Mustappa explained that "World Aerospace sent out 700 invitations to defence industries, out of which 300 came. For Bridex 2009, we will be inviting 700 participants too."
The first Bridex was hailed as a resounding success because it successfully attracted over 500 international visitors during its first attempt. Furthermore, it also raked in between $3 million to $5 million for the support industry.
"The economic spin-off from Bridex is huge," commented the permanent secretary. "From airlines, hotels, transportation, tourism and other support industries ... The real value is drawing in the exhibitors to participate in Bridex 2009."
It may seem, however, that Bridex has some of its work cut out for it. The Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources is now embarking on a nationwide campaign to generate and increase the level of local awareness and potential of Brunei's tourism industry, namely through the "Kenali Negara Kitani" programme. "Everyone should also help to prepare the country for Bridex 2009," emphasised Dato Hj Mustappa further. Other than Bridex 2009, the sultanate is also gearing up to host a number of other big world events towards the end of the decade |
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Record increase in Aids cases in Brunei
Incomplete figures: The statistics are just the tip of the iceberg, says Pehin Dato Hj Hazair. Picture: Helmyshah
Shareen Han
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Friday, December 7, 2007
With 19 dead and 37 infected, Acting Minister of Health urges need for greater efforts
BRUNEI has recorded the highest number of HIV/Aids cases this year, with warnings that things could go worse if measures are not taken to combat the global epidemic.
The Acting Minister of Health yesterday said that two people were killed and seven have been infected with HIV/Aids in Brunei, the largest number recorded in one year, since the Ministry of Health started monitoring the number of cases in 1988.
To date, a total of 19 locals have been killed due to Aids, while another 37 have been infected with the disease, said Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila DirajaDato Paduka Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah during the observance of the World Aids Day at the International Convention Centre.
With 76 per cent of those infected aged between 20-49, he said the majority of the infections were due to unhealthy sexual relationships, with sexually-transmitted diseases also increasing every year.
These sexually-transmitted diseases carry high risks of getting infected with HIV, including gonorrhea, whereby 327 cases have been recorded last year, compared to 210 the previous year.
Moreover, there has also been an increase in chlamydia, another common sexually-transmitted disease, with 285 and 137 cases in 2005 and 2004 respectively, he said.
"The statistics that are being provided are just the tip of the iceberg, because they do not include statistics of patients who are getting treatment in private clinics," he added.
Pehin Dato Hj Hazair was also concerned over the growing number of teenage pregnancies in the country, with records showing that the youngest mother who had given birth to a child was just 14 years of age.
"We must take action before the rate of HIV/Aids infections continue to increase in Brunei and before it results in a situation where the related diseases become chronic maladies," he said.
The Acting Minister of Health warned against complacency over the achievements and in the measures that were taken to tackle Aids infections in Brunei.
"This attitude of complacency among the people will result in negligence and therefore efforts should continue in eradicating the disease," he said.
He stressed that relevant agencies must continue to make "big and ambitious" efforts to combat the deadly disease in the society.
"All parties in Brunei, whether in the government health, education, spirituality, communities, media and information, and individuals, must work in tandem to promote greater awareness and make firm commitments to fight against the disease from further spreading in Brunei," he said.
The Ministry of Health has taken steps to battle Aids, including conducting health educational activities and national awareness campaigns to ensure that blood supplies are always safe, continue monitoring the infection trends and prepare anti-viral medicines and counselling services for victims, he said.
The Brunei Times |
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Malay as UN language? Still a long way to go
Anna Abu Bakar
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Saturday, December 15, 2007
MALAY language has a long way to go before it becomes one of the official languages of the United Nations (UN), according to some Bruneians.
The Brunei Times conducted a few interviews in the capital yesterday to gain an insight as to what the local Bruneians think of the aim to have the Malay language as an official language of the United Nations.
Noor, 26, who is currently working in the private sector, said it is not impossible for the Malay language to become an official language of the UN.
However, she also believed that it will take a long time for it to be realised, for a number of reasons.
"One reason is that we need to make sure what kind of Malay language needs to be officiated; Indonesian Malay or Malaysian Malay as they are two different kinds of Malay. In addition to that, it needs to be agreed upon by all of the Malay speaking countries," she said.
To achieve this, sufficient support from all Malay speakers is vital, she added.
"It would be momentous," said Halimah Hj Kamis, 48, but added "perhaps we are not ready yet to achieve that."
She remarked that the Malay Language and culture and the Malay people are still at a tender age, even though they have all existed for centuries already.
"The Malay people and culture are still at a stage where they are considered to be developing," she added.
But she did not deny that it is a possible aim, and if everyone worked together to achieve it, anything is possible.
"The Malay language firstly needs to find a common ground in order prevent any problems that may arise later, such as the adoption of a Malay language that is not agreed upon," Halimah said.
A 20-year-old who wished to be known only as Iskandar said that although he uses more English language in his daily life, he views the Malay language as a potential official language in the UN.
"A large number of people in the world today speak the Malay language, so why should it not be a possibility?" he asked.
He did not deny the fact that today's youth tend to set aside their Malay culture in favour of a more Western culture.
"However, what is undeniable is that although they adopt a more Western culture, the Malay culture is still embedded within their identity," he said.
He added: "When they (the youths) go outside and travel to other parts of the world, they are more aware of the local Malay culture and adopt it a lot more."
Iskandar pointed out, "Malay is a part of who we are and for it to spread and become an official language of the UN, will undoubtedly become a very historic and prestigious moment that should be celebrated by all Malay speakers around the world."
Dr Mataim Bakar, director of the Language and Literature Bureau recently stated that Malay is currently the fourth most widely spoken language around the world, with 250 million speakers. The top four most widely spoken languages in the world are Mandarin Chinese, English, Hindustani and Spanish.The Brunei Times |
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Economic growth profits common man: Poll
Wani Abdul Gapar
BRUNEI-MUARA
Saturday, December 15, 2007
BRUNEIANS have contrasting opinions about whether they benefit from the country's economic strength, but many agree that national income translates to better welfare for everyone.
The Asian Development Bank recently released a study that puts Brunei Darussalam in the top five economies in developing Asia Pacific in terms of real per capita income, or a country's national income divided by its population. The Brunei Times conducted an informal poll on the study's findings.
A high gross domestic product, which measures an economy's output, does not necessarily reflect the actual lives of the people, said Cheng Yeou Chung, a health consultant in Brunei-Muara district.
"If you look at GDP, it's just an economic indicator," an officer at a major local organisation concurred. "The GDP is a reflection of output of an economy. It doesn't correlate to personal wealth.
"(But) if you consider in general terms, people shouldn't be thinking that way because at the end of the day, it benefits the people. Why? If government revenue is high there's more for welfare," he said, adding that this added welfare comes in the form of subsidies. "Whether people like it or not, we still benefit from this GDP," he added.
This is certainly so for a housewife in Lumut as the extra income means "medical care is free, we don't have income tax and it benefits the people more."
Madeeha Hj Abdul Samad told The Brunei Times that a high GDP is "a good thing since it's a small country". The Belait resident said even if this does not mean that the average Bruneian is very wealthy, it is undeniable that Bruneians' welfare is very much looked after.
Emphasising that other countries are not as fortunate to be able to afford heavy subsidies, Madeeha said: "For example, you can't afford to get sick in other countries but medical is free and so is education (here)."
Meanwhile, another private sector employee, who declined to be named, said the high figures are good for the country's social and economic stability.
"In general, I don't think we have poor people in Brunei. Poor in the sense that there's not enough to eat. I think it reflects our standard of living as each family has an average of about three or four cars.
"A high GDP benefits the people via government programmes like subsidies on oil, health care, education and staple foods like rice."
The Brunei Times |
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SCB goes eco with paper
Team effort: The staff and officers of Standard Chartered bank outside its premises in the capital. Picture: Saifulizam
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Saturday, December 15, 2007
EMPLOYEES of Standard Chartered Bank carried out a paper recycling drive at its main branch in the capital yesterday as part of its environmental initiative.
SCB Chief Executive Officer Siew Chuen said the conservation of the environment was the responsibility of everyone, and people should make it their continuous pursuit to protect the planet.
"We now need to drive the scope of awareness to the next level from our staff, to our friends and family, as well as our valued customers."
The message from the bank's intitiative was cleary seen with the piles of papers and documents offered for recycling.
Last week, efforts to raise awareness in environmental conservation led to SCB greening the walkway of their main branch, where bank staff contributed plants to develop a "green park" on the premises.
With environmental issues faced globally and locally, Siew Chuen highlighted the need to embrace every opportunity to conserve the environment.
"The key is to start at the grassroots level with our own staff," she said, adding that the bank's initiative also received encouraging response from members of the public.
The inititative is linked to with the Greatest Race on Earth marathon series, and in this initiative Standard Chartered Bank group has partnered with with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to pledged US$1 million to the top three countries that gather the most pledges per capita. From this, the funds will be allocated environmental conservations projects of the winning country.
In the Brunei context, this is one of the SCB's initiatives to also support the sultanate's Heart of Borneo environmental project.
The bank encourages staff, friends and relatives, customers and members of the public to make their personal environmental pledges by logging on to www.thegreatestrace.com or going to the bank's Internet kiosks at any of its branches, which include those in Bandar, Gadong and Kuala Belait .
The Brunei Times |
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Life of gas reserves can be extended, says BSP
Hadi DP Mahmud
BELAIT
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Extraction of oil from old reservoirs is made possible by oil giant's cutting-edge technology
DESPITE experts' estimates that Brunei's oil and gas reserves will run out in less than 10 years, chief oil and gas production company Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) remains optimistic on prolonging the life of the sultanate's hydrocarbon reserves.
"We know where most of the oil is. It's in the places where we are already producing it," BSP managing director Dr Grahaeme Henderson told journalists in a briefing on Tuesday.
Throughout its 100-year history, oil giant Shell has developed cutting-edge technology which makes it possible to extract oil from reservoirs that have already been worked on before.
Some of the methods known in the industry include secondary, tertiary and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR).
In primary recovery |
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Brunei-S'pore army engineers complete exercise
Job well done: Colonel Teo Jing Siong (third from L), Chief Engineer Officer of Singapore Armed Forces, inspecting the guard of honour during the closing ceremony of 'Rintis Bersama V', a joint exercise between the Royal Brunei Land Forces and combat engineers of the Singapore Armed Forces. Picture: Courtesy of Ministry of Defence
Shareen Han
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Saturday, December 15, 2007
MORE THAN 90 members of Royal Brunei Land Force's combat engineering squadron conducted a week-long military exercise with 56 members of Singapore Armed Forces' 30th Battalion of combat engineers to further strengthen the close military ties of both countries.
The joint exercise included jungle training, construction projects and a bomb destruction symposium, as part of the activities to promote mutual interaction and understanding, specifically in the field of combat engineering.
Code-named 'Rintis Bersama V', the exercise drew to a close at the Combat Engineering Squadron in Penanjong Garrison, Tutong yesterday.
This is the fifth time that the exercise has been conducted between the two countries.
Colonel Teo Jing Siong of Singapore Armed Forces' chief engineer officer was present at the closing ceremony, along with Lieutenant Colonel Hj Zainal Ariffin Dato Paduka Hj Ahmad, acting deputy commanding officer of the Royal Brunei Land Forces.
Another military exercise, 'Bold Castle', was first conducted in 1989 involving the Combat Engineer Squadron of the Royal Brunei Land Forces and the Singapore Armed Forces Combat Engineers.
Joint-military training between Brunei and Singapore has begun ever since 1979 when both navies conducted the first in a series of annual naval exercises (code-named Pelican), and in 1983 the two countries initiated annual infantry manoeuvres (code-named Termite) involving selected battalions from both armies. Singapore also maintains a jungle warfare training centre, called Camp Lakiun, in Temburong.
The Brunei Times |
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Ship programme enriching experience, say participants
Youth envoys: The sultanate's participants of last year's Southeast Asia Youth Programme receiving a pep-talk from the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports before their departure to Japan. Picture: BT File photo
Anna Abu Bakar
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Saturday, December 15, 2007
THE participants of the ship for Southeast Asia Youth Programme (SSEAYP) Brunei have returned enriched with insights into other Asian cultures.
Natasha Halim, the assistant youth leader for the participants of Brunei Darussalam, who had the opportunity to go on the ship for a period of 52 days alongside 28 other Bruneians, described the experience as overwhelming, as well a lifetime opportunity to know about other Asian cultures. The 2007 SSYEAP participants arrived home three nights ago, after almost two months of journey from Japan to 10 of the Asean countries.
Natasha shared her experience of the journey and expressed her gratitude to have been a part of this team.
"We began with Japan, where we participated in the Youth Leader Summit. We were divided into several groups and were required to participate in various activities like discussion groups on cultural standings, the environment and such," she said.
The discussions allowed the 10 Asean countries to share all kinds of information, be it in the form of culture or tradition with each other as well as the Japanese participants.
"Most of the activities were centred around team building where everyone was given the opportunity to know one another and form some kind of friendship and exchange culture," She added: "The highlight of the journey was one particular cultural event where participants performed for an hour telling others about their country's origin and culture. We did in the medium of dance," she said enthusiastically.
Natasha said that although it may not sound as fun on paper, it was actually interesting as all 11 countries got involved in the performance and that in turn took a lot of time on the ship.
"At the end of the day, the programme allowed us to gain a (deeper) understanding of our own culture, as on board the ship, you gain new experiences and meet new people and you just can't help but share your culture," she said.
Natasha reminisced the last night prior to returning home when almost everyone didn't wanted to go to sleep for fear of not spending enough time with the other participants.
She added that a sense of loss was felt at the end of the journey.
"Ultimately, a sense of sadness was inevitable but at the same time it was overwhelming and with the intention to keep in touch is always a problem but we all feel blessed for being given the opportunity," she said.
Another Bruneian participant, Dk Noorakramen Khairin Pg Alimin, 22, who works in the government sector said that the two-month trip was worth it, even though she suffered from sea sickness.
One benefit "was the opportunity to know about other cultures," she said.
She suggested that there has always been a misconception of some sort about the other Asean countries but with this trip, the stereotypes drifted away as we gained a better understanding through an exchange of culture on board the ship.
Understanding of one another's culture was another benefit, she said.
"I find it difficult to describe my experience as one needs to experience it in order to have a better understanding of what the programme is all about," she said.
However, at the end of the day, she said that the participants all became one big family and a fusion of cultures was achieved.
Mohamad Mahadzir Iskandar Zakaria, 24, one of representatives of traditional culture during the programme for Brunei gained a lot from the programme.
Apart from the cultural exchange between the Asean countries besides Japan, he said: "We also made new friends and at the same time learned some new languages.
"The discussions and other activities that were conducted were a great opportunity for everyone to contribute something and in some way it also allowed us the opportunity to promote our own country to other people less aware of Bruneian culture," he said.
The activities included kite-making, folding of the dastar, which is a traditional and ceremonial headdress for men as well as the traditional aduk-aduk dance, he added.
The programme is based on the respective joint statement issued in 1974 between Japan and six Asean countries, but by 1999, had extended to all 10 Asean countries with more than 8,500 Asean and Japanese participants.
The Brunei Times |
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A week of inspiration and aspirations in Singapore
By: Fei Phoon
Monday, December 17, 2007
Tiah Lih En, 17
SYC 2007 participant, Brunei
I'm in the science stream now, but I feel like going into the arts stream, because I really love cooking.
I would like to get a scholarship from the government, but I hear they don't offer scholarships in these areas - it's mostly engineering, medicine or teaching.
Because I'm doing biology and chemistry, I'm probably going to take up pharmaceutical studies.
The most valuable thing I learned at the SYC was teamwork - learning how to work with and for other people. We had some pre-SYC activities in Brunei including rock-climbing at Tasek Lama Recreational Park.
When we later went on the SYC outward-bound trip to Pulau Ubin, we had to learn to climb with someone else. Each person was connected to a partner by a length of rope which wasn't very long. I learned to adjust to other people's pace.
We played a series of games in teams, to earn points which served as currency to "buy" materials to build a catapult at the end. Different people are good at different things, so we had to cooperate, share ideas and support each other to build something successful together.
I've changed quite a bit since the start of the SYC. I'm the quiet, shy and scaredy type, but now I speak up more, when I used to say little and keep most things to myself. It feels very natural now. This is probably because we were put into situations where we had to interact.
I also learned a lot about other cultures and countries. On the buses we taught each other about our languages and talked about food. There was so much to discuss! I think the SYC provided a really good environment for us to interact with each other. Our visit to the science centre showed that the Singapore really invests in things to get their youths interested in science.
I feel that what I learned at the camp will help me in anything I do in future. Now that I understand the advantages of the camp, I want to bring these ideas home and help other youths, by motivating them to learn the same things I did. |
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Category: Negeri & Negara
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