Work hard, seize opportunities, says minister

National

September 22, 2024

The minister in a group photo with the students. PHOTO: CURIOUS MIND

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar stressed the importance of working hard, taking the initiative and seizing opportunities during the Future Leaders Academy (FLY) programme at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) on Friday. Some 150 students attended the event where the minister shared insights into his leadership experience.

He recounted his time as an intern in Scotland, working long hours under demanding doctors, which he believes shaped his character as well as built his problem-solving skills and resilience.

During a question-and answer-session, he emphasised the need for youth to develop critical thinking skills, while advising them to be intentional in sifting through their own wealth of knowledge, “Don’t just cast a wide net; find what is useful and true.”

He also discussed his leadership role during the COVID-19 pandemic and shone light on the vital support system as well as the dedication of medical personnel and volunteers.

The minister attributed open communication as the most important factor in the whole-of nation approach against the virus.

He added, “The strategy was on quickly addressing fake news through daily televised press conferences and maintaining transparency with a clear and consistent guidance as the key to success.”

The minister also outlined the Ministry of Health’s role in achieving Brunei’s Vision 2035 goal of having a high-quality healthcare.

He also noted the Incident Reporting System, allows healthcare personnel to share feedback directly, helping improve the processes and foster ownership within the system. – Lyna Mohamad

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar delivers a speech. PHOTO: CURIOUS MIND

The minister and programme curator Shaun Hoon during the Future Leaders Academy programme at Universiti Brunei Darussalam. PHOTO: CURIOUS MIND

The minister receives a gift from Universiti Brunei Darussalam Vice Chancellor Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle. PHOTO: CURIOUS MIND

‘Over 11,000 registered with mental health services, more expected in coming years’

National

September 22, 2024

Over 11,000 people are currently registered with mental health services, and the number is expected to rise. There will likely be a growing need for mental health and psychosocial support in the coming years, said Director-General of Medical and Health Services at the Ministry of Health Pengiran Dr Haji Mohd Khalifah bin Pengiran Haji Ismail in a speech at the Canvas of Calm forum yesterday.

He added, “This calls for the need for better investments and innovations, including art therapy in mental health treatment programmes. Art therapy is gaining popularity worldwide as it offers a recovery-focused, person-centred approach that addresses emotional, spiritual and social needs. It can complement traditional mental healthcare, such as counselling and medication, and enhance cognitive function and self-confidence.”

Themed ‘Harnessing Art for Healing and Well-Being’, the forum was organised by SynARTgy Company and supported by the Health Promotion Centre.

The forum’s main objectives included exploring art as a tool for self-regulation and emotional expression, and providing a safe space for processing emotions.

As Pengiran Dr Haji Mohd Khalifah noted in his speech, mental health has become a major public health issue. Caring for the well-being is more important than ever, with nearly one billion people worldwide living with a mental disorder. These disorders can range from minor anxiety to severe behavioural issues.

Key speaker Dr Amanda Woodford, a registered creative arts therapist from New Zealand, shared her experience in art therapy, community well-being and education in her presentation ‘Making, Sharing, and Mending’.

Second speaker Nur Nadiah Suhailli, a Bruneian art therapist spoke about pioneering art therapy in the Sultanate.

The forum also featured a fireside chat, where panellists shared their personal stories on the empowering role of art.

ABOVE & BELOW: The attendees; and Creative arts therapist from New Zealand Dr Amanda Woodford at the Canvas of Calm forum yesterday. PHOTO: SYNARTGY

Brunei, Cambodia continued collaboration welcomed

National

September 22, 2024

Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan Ra’es Associate Professor Dr Abdul Nasir bin Abdul Haji Rani and Cambodian Minister of Religious Affairs Dr Chay Borin at the 5th Southeast Asian Arabic Language Conference in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. PHOTO: KUPU SB

Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) Ra’es Associate Professor Dr Abdul Nasir bin Abdul Haji Rani welcomed the continued collaboration between Brunei Darussalam and Cambodia at the 5th Southeast Asian Arabic Language Conference (Mubasat) yesterday.

Cambodian Minister of Religious Affairs Dr Chay Borin inaugurated the conference in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, jointly organised by the Cambodia University of Management and Technology and KUPU SB.

Fourteen presenters from Indonesia, Cambodia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Ukraine and Vietnam presented research papers.

Themed ‘Standards for Teaching Arabic in Southeast Asia: Between Hopes and Aspirations’, the conference’s objectives included providing a platform for discussions related to the teaching and learning of Arabic in the region. – Rokiah Mahmud

Mental health awareness crucial for national progress, says minister

National

September 22, 2024

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

Doa Kesyukuran marks Teacher’s Day

National

September 22, 2024

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

Over 400 youth join Wira Fajar programme

National

September 22, 2024

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

Spiritual growth through tadabbur

National

September 22, 2024

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

Panaga School students on top at spelling bee contest

National

September 22, 2024

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 LIM

From wrappers to bags

National

September 22, 2024

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 LIM

Walkathon unites school community for charity and healthy living

National

September 22, 2024

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

Borneo Bulletin OnlineThe Independent Newspaper in Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Sarawak

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