Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh delivers a speech at the Knowledge Convention 2024 yesterday. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
Raising awareness on mental health is crucial in helping a nation progress, said Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh in her welcoming remarks at the Premier Lecture of the Knowledge Convention 2024 at the International Convention Centre in Berakas yesterday.
“Awareness and care for mental well-being are essential to help individuals lead a balanced life, no matter the challenges they face. By mastering knowledge, especially spiritual wisdom, we can strengthen the mind, shielding it from negative influences and reducing the risk of mental illness,” said the minister.
She added, “Proper care of mental well-being is fundamental in building mental strength and shaping individual personalities. It fosters harmony in society, enhances decision-making based on informed choices and leads to a more productive workforce.” – Azlan Othman
Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh delivers a speech at the Knowledge Convention 2024 yesterday. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman and Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh during the Doa Kesyukuran at Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque yesterday. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) and the Ministry of Education (MoE) held a Doa Kesyukuran ceremony in conjunction with the 34th Teacher’s Day celebration at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital yesterday.
The theme for this year’s Teacher’s Day Celebration is ‘Quality Teachers – Drivers for Educational Transformation’.
The event began with a congregational Sunnat Hajat prayer for safety of the nation as well as ward off diseases, a mass Asar prayer, and the reading of Ratib Al-Attas and Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam. Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman and Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh were present.
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan, Permanent Secretary at the MoRA Haji Mohammad Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the MoE Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad, Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the MoE Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin and other senior officers were also in attendance. – Azlan Othman
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman and Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh during the Doa Kesyukuran at Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque yesterday. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLIPHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad during the ‘Wira Fajar’ programme at Az-Zakireen Mosque. PHOTO: MCYS
Over 400 attendees attended the ‘Wira Fajar’ programme at Az-Zakireen Mosque, RPN Kampong Meragang on Friday.
The programme, in conjunction with the 19th National Youth Day celebration, was organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) with the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA).
The programme aimed to encourage youth to regularly perform congregational prayers and to engage in meaningful activities, particularly those focused on religious observance.
The programme began with a mass Subuh prayer, followed by a Subuh tazkirah (dawn sermon) titled ‘Belia Siaga Masa Depan’, or ‘Youth Ready for the Future’ by Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan’s acting registrar Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ajak.
The event also featured a recitation of Surah Al-Kahfi and concluded with Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam, followed by a Dhuha prayer.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad attended the programme along with Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan, Permanent Secretary (Youth) at the MCYS Haji Zakaria bin Haji Serudin, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the MoRA Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim and senior officers at the ministries. – Fadley Faisal
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad during the ‘Wira Fajar’ programme at Az-Zakireen Mosque. PHOTO: MCYSThe programme in session. PHOTO: MCYS
The Dakwah Programme Through Tadabbur Al-Quran and Al-Hadith programme in session at a mosque. PHOTO: KUPU SB
A programme, dubbed ‘Dakwah Programme through Tadabbur Al-Quran and Al-Hadith’ and themed ‘Preserving the Mind Based on the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh)’, was held at mosques nationwide.
The programme, in conjunction with Maulidur Rasul for 1446 Hijrah, was jointly organised by the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) through the Faculty of Usuluddin and the Mosque Affairs Department of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA).
In the Brunei-Muara District, the programme was held at Kampong Bunut Mosque, Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Kampong Katimahar, the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Mosque in Kampong Tamoi and Kampong Serdang Mosque.
In the Temburong District, it was held at Kampong Batu Apoi Mosque, Kampung Sibut Prayer Hall and the RPN Kampong Rataie Mosque.
The programme aimed to enhance the understanding of Islamic practices, including learning and comprehending the contents of Al-Quran and hadith.
The programme has been an annual activity of the Faculty of Usuluddin at KUPU SB, in collaboration with the Mosque Affairs Department since 2019. – Rokiah Mahmud
The Dakwah Programme Through Tadabbur Al-Quran and Al-Hadith programme in session at a mosque. PHOTO: KUPU SB
ABOVE & BELOW: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd Adeleye Falade with Ryan Sim; and with participants of the spelling bee competition. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
Ryan Sim from Panaga School emerged as this year’s spelling bee champion following an intense showdown in the finals against Shaurya Mahaldar also from Panaga School who was placed second.
Meanwhile, Abdul Raziq Zikri bin Johari from St Margaret’s School and Sofiyyah Ammara Suhail from St James’ School tied for third place.
A total of 54 students from ages six to nine from schools across the nation competed in the Panaga Club Spelling Bee Competition at the multipurpose hall of the Panaga Club recently.
The Nigerian community in Panaga Club organised the competition.
Among the participating schools were Panaga School, Chung Ching Middle School Seria, St Margaret’s School Kuala Belait, St James’ School Kuala Belait, Jerudong International School (JIS) and International School Brunei (ISB) from Brunei-Muara District. The participants were tasked to master over 650 challenging words over the course of the competition sourced from the International Spelling Bee word list.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd Adeleye Falade, accompanied by Panaga School Principal Brian Platts, witnessed the competition and presented awards to the winners.
Participants received certificates and gifts for participation, while the top three spellers received medal and cash prizes.
The Nigerian community stated that the competition kicked start their annual celebration of the 64th Nigerian Independence anniversary. – Daniel Lim
The participants of the spelling bee competition in a group photo. PHOTO: DANIEL LIMABOVE & BELOW: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd Adeleye Falade with Ryan Sim; and with participants of the spelling bee competition. PHOTO: DANIEL LIMPHOTO: DANIEL LIM
Over 20 participants comprising housewives and senior citizens participated in the Santai creativity workshop at the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) Kampong Pandan Library yesterday.
The workshop, organised by the DBP, focused on turning wrappers from instant drink packs into colourful and woven baskets and bags.
The library committee’s Hayati binti Abdullah led the workshop and shared tips and tricks on how to neatly fold the wrappers into the basic structures to form the backbone of larger projects such as baskets and handbags.
“Weaving a basket from used wrappers not only helps to engage our creative minds and eager hands but also helps promote reusing items in creative ways,” Hayati said.
The library also hopes to hold similar workshops in the future, as well as activities today and tomorrow, in conjunction with the Teacher’s Day celebration. – Daniel Lim
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show participants during the Santai creativity workshop at the Language and Literature Bureau Kampong Pandan Library yesterday. PHOTO: DANIEL LIMPHOTO: DANIEL LIMPHOTO: DANIEL LIMPHOTO: DANIEL LIM
ABOVE & BELOW: Representatives from Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam; and IMPIAN Project Brunei receiving mock cheques during the ‘Stride as One’ charity walkathon at the Jerudong Park Colonnade. PHOTO: SMSS
Seri Mulia Sarjana School (SMSS) presented mock cheques of BND7,635.95 to the Board of Governors of Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam and the founder of the IMPIAN Project Brunei during the ‘Stride as One’ charity walkathon at the Jerudong Park Colonnade yesterday.
The walkathon, organised by SMSS, was not just a race, but a two-fold platform that fulfilled the school’s high-5 value in focus this year, which is global responsibility, through extending a helping hand to needy communities in the Sultanate.
It saw 3,000 participants comprising students, parents and teaching and non-teaching staff.
The charity walkathon commenced with a Doa and a warm-up zumba session.
Director of the Co-Curriculum Education Department at the Ministry of Education Julaihi bin Mohamad/Mohamat, the guest of honour, flagged off the participants for both the normal and kiddie route.
The walkathon marked an extension of the initiative rolled out by Gleneagles JPMC as a renewed commitment in promoting a healthy lifestyle among the school community.
SMSS was awarded Champion School (Primary) in 2023 Growing, Learning, Optimising Towards Better Well-Being in Schools Programme, or GLOW Project.
For the past 32 years, SMSS has focused on promoting empathy and social responsibility, as seen in past events such as the ‘Aerothon’ Fitness Fiesta in 2015, ‘Heroes on Wheels’ in 2017, and ‘ECO RUN’ in 2019. These efforts reflect the school’s dedication to worthy causes, and commitment to building a compassionate and globally responsible ‘Sarjana’ community. – Lyna Mohamad
ABOVE & BELOW: Representatives from Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam; and IMPIAN Project Brunei receiving mock cheques during the ‘Stride as One’ charity walkathon at the Jerudong Park Colonnade. PHOTO: SMSSPHOTO: SMSSABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Director of the Co-Curriculum Education Department at the Ministry of Education Julaihi bin Mohamad/Mohamat during the warm-up session. PHOTO: SMSSPHOTO: SMSS
University lecturers and students from Singapore and attendees during a visit to Kolej International Graduate Studies. PHOTO: KIGS
Information Technology graduates should stay current with emerging technologies to enhance their employability in the cybersecurity job market, said Managing Director of Wissen International Singapore Breyvan Tan.
He said this in a speech during a visit to Kolej International Graduate Studies (KIGS) on Thursday, which included university lecturers and students from Singapore as part of their learning experience during the Brunei Cybersecurity Conference 2024.
Tan discussed the latest certifications aligned with industry trends, highlighting the newest version of the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) programme, which now incorporates artificial intelligence into its curriculum.
He also announced future plans to provide cybersecurity scholarship certification programmes for Bruneian students.
The delegation included lecturers and students from Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore Institute of Technology, ITE College Central, Brunei Cyber Security Association (BCSA) and the Association of Information Security Professionals (AISP).
University lecturers and students from Singapore and attendees during a visit to Kolej International Graduate Studies. PHOTO: KIGS
Meanwhile, KIGS Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Haji Mahrub bin Haji Murni said the visit not only marked a memorable milestone but also symbolised the spirit of support and collaboration. “Together, we can make significant strides toward a more connected and secure digital future.”
To date, there have been many key developments, with around 23 programmes running and about 205 students enrolled in certificate, foundation, diploma and degree courses.
“Since 2022, the college has been an EC-Council Academia Partner, making it one of the first institutions in the Sultanate to establish the partnership, enabling it to conduct key cybersecurity training programmes, notably the CEH certification,” the CEO added.
He also said, “Our students have been actively engaged in cybersecurity initiatives, including CTF Brunei, which we have participated in for the past five years. We have achieved our highest rank of third place in this competition, showcasing our students’ skills and dedication in the field of ethical hacking.”
He noted that the event also offers an opportunity to explore the programmes offered at KIGS, many of which are closely aligned with industry needs, ensuring that the graduates are well-prepared to thrive in their chosen fields.
Throughout the visit, the delegates engaged in faculty project tours, participated in web challenges and networked with students of the college. – Lyna Mohamad
Students view an educational booth on the dangers of excessive sugar consumption during a roadshow at Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College. PHOTO: SWEET SMART
SWEET Smart members Md Al Amin bin Haji Shufian, Md Haziq Fakhry bin Mohammad Bahtiar and Ye Htet Oo delivered an educational talk on the dangers of excessive sugar consumption at Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College on Thursday.
The team, comprising six third-year medical students from the Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), covered topics such as daily sugar limits, identifying hidden sugars in nutrition labels, and the long-term health consequences of overconsumption of sugar.
The roadshow, aimed at promoting healthy sugar consumption habits, was part of their community project under ‘Special Study Module 3’.
It featured an educational booth showcasing various activities and informative posters highlighting the effects of excessive sugar intake on health.
The initiative sought to raise awareness on the risks associated with high sugar consumption and encouraged healthier lifestyle choices among adolescents.
The session concluded with an interactive quiz, engaging the students in a fun and educational manner.
Senior mistress of student welfare Ani Suryani Haji Bahe, and assistant senior master of student welfare Abdul Mahadir bin Haji Abdul Hamid were also present during the talk. – Fadley Faisal
Students view an educational booth on the dangers of excessive sugar consumption during a roadshow at Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College. PHOTO: SWEET SMARTABOVE & BELOW: A SWEET Smart member delivers an educational talk; and an overview of the roadshow. PHOTO: SWEET SMARTPHOTO: SWEET SMART
Bandar Seri Begawan Indian Association (BSBIA) President N Murugesan in a group photo with winners of a game. PHOTO: FADLEY FAISAL
Over 200 Indian community members attended the Bandar Seri Begawan Indian Association’s (BSBIA) family day yesterday evening, featuring the celebration of Onam, one of the most significant festivals in Southern India, symbolising abundance, harmony and prosperity.
The event began with a speech from the association’s Assistant General Secretary Sowmiya, followed by a felicitation from President N Murugesan.
The organising committee also lined up several games for children, while the rest of the gathering was entertained by soulful Malayalam songs.
The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks, delivered by secretary M Bharathidasan.
The event’s highlight was the traditional Onam Sadya, a vegetarian feast served on banana leaves. This year’s family day and Onam celebration reflected the culture of the Indian community in the Sultanate, reinforcing the bonds of togetherness and shared heritage. – Fadley Faisal
Bandar Seri Begawan Indian Association (BSBIA) President N Murugesan in a group photo with winners of a game. PHOTO: FADLEY FAISALABOVE & BELOW: Attendees having the traditional Onam Sadya; and the BSBIA president with the winner of
a children’s game. PHOTO: FADLEY FAISAL PHOTO: FADLEY FAISALABOVE & BELOW: A performance in session; and attendees during a tug-of-war contest. PHOTO: FADLEY FAISALPHOTO: FADLEY FAISAL
