Year 6 students of Lambak Kanan Religious School recently held a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony, marking the completion of the recitation of 30 Juzuk of Al-Quran.
Around 19 students took part in the religious ceremony.
Research division head of development and planning at the Islamic Education Department Hajah Salmah binti Haji Ahmad presented certificates to the students.
The event’s objectives were to encourage students to read Al-Quran correctly and encourage the incorporation of Al-Quran reading into the daily life. – Azlan Othman
Students during the Khatam Al-Quran ceremony. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
The Belait District Foochow Association celebrated the annual Xiao Qin (Filial Piety) festival on the night of June 29 at their premises on Jalan Bunga Simpur and Jalan Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait.
Members from the association and guests from the Fuzhou Shiyyi Association in Brunei Darussalam attended the celebration and paid respect to seniors and ancestors.
The celebration’s chairperson Sandy Lau highlighted how the elderly and the ancestors form family’s foundation.
“Whether it be joy or sadness, you (the elderly and ancestors) will always accompany us with a firm grip and warm embrace. It is you who taught us how to walk and talk in being a person, but most importantly, you taught us how to love and be loved.” – Daniel Lim
Normah binti Haji Mataram yesterday received a brand new Toyota Vios, sponsored by NBT Brunei Sdn Bhd, when she was named the grand prize winner of the 29th Consumer Fair’s last day lucky draw at the International Convention Centre in Berakas.
On hand to present a mock key to the car was NBT Brunei Sales Manager Emily Chua.
The lucky winner told the Bulletin, “I feel blessed. I would like to thank NBT Brunei for sponsoring the car as well as D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd for hosting the fair annually, which has become among the most anticipated events among the public.”
Meanwhile, Suhara binti Haji Japar received a Gintell Spider-Man massage chair as the runner-up, and Tinah binti Budin took home a new Cuckoo Xcel water purifier as the third place winner.
Consolation prizes were also handed to the remaining 27 finalists of the draw. – James Kon
Normah binti Haji Mataram poses with the grand prize. PHOTO: YUSRIN JUNAIDIABOVE & BELOW: Finalists drawing their prizes; and lucky winners in a group photo. PHOTO: YUSRIN JUNAIDIPHOTO: YUSRIN JUNAIDI
Local fitness enthusiasts did the country proud after securing a spot on the podium at the highly prestigious Hyrox Singapore held at Singapore’s National Stadium.
The quartet of Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Abdul Mu’min, Hazel Abu Bakar, Maria Grace Koh and Kevin Lau bagged second place in the mixed relay category after clocking a time of 1:07:17.
The all-Singaporean team comprising Ashleigh Ng, June Lim, Leon Chen and Kangwei Wang clinched top place with a winning time of 1:06.10.
Trailing in third place was the team of China’s Zoey Zuo, Singapore’s Nicholas Chua and Nicole Ng, and Malaysia’s Brandon Khoo with a time of 1:12:48.
The all-Bruneian line-up becomes the second team to cement a place on the podium after the quartet of Raimi Azmansham, Apis Kipli, Abdul Malik Azmansham and Shahassanal Izzat finished third in the men’s relay category at the same event last year.
Several other Bruneians also participated in various categories including open and men’s doubles categories.
The renowned and franchised event gathered the fittest competitors both in the region and the globe in a show of mental, physical strength and endurance.
Widely popular in the United States, Hyrox has since reached the Asia Pacific with Singapore being the first ASEAN member country to host the emerging sport.
Normally held indoors, Hyrox encompasses eight functional workout stations preceded by a one-kilometre distance run.
The next leg of the 2024/2025 Hyrox Asia Pacific season will take place in Sydney on July 27. – Fadhil Yunus
Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Abdul Mu’min and team members on the podium. PHOTO: FADHIL YUNUS
A recent inspection found a number of labour offences committed by employers, according to the Labour Department.
An inspection at a hardware store in Gadong found an employer failing to provide written service contract, annual leave and first aid equipment at the activity premises.
Meanwhile, in an operation conducted in Kampong Pandan, Belait District found an employer violating the conditions of the foreign worker’s licence where they had a labourer working as a salesperson.
The Labour Department reminded employers to always monitor employee welfare affairs in accordance with the requirements of the Employment Order, 2009 such as providing written service contracts to be signed by employees and employers and ensuring that employees are given a copy of the contract, giving annual leave, and provide first aid equipment at the activity premises.
For more information, the public can contact the Labour Department at 2381848 (during working hours) or 7298989 (outside working hours). – Azlan Othman
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Labour Department personnel during the operations. PHOTO: LABOUR DEPARTMENTPHOTO: LABOUR DEPARTMENTPHOTO: LABOUR DEPARTMENTPHOTO: LABOUR DEPARTMENT
Standard Chartered Bank is offering the lowest and flexible interest rates from now until September 30.
Customers applying for a personal loan can enjoy savings with as low as five per cent effective interest rate with a 100-per-cent processing fee waiver. The offer requires an approved loan amount of at least BND50,000 with a minimum tenor of three years, applicable to all types of personal loans, including reloans and balance transfers from other financial institutions.
Customers applying for a new credit card along with their personal loan applications will be eligible for a perpetual annual fee waiver for credit card upon approval.
Head of Retail Products and Digital Aisah Razali said, “Our promotional personal loan offer has the lowest interest rates and are the most flexible in the market currently, making it extremely affordable for our clients who are looking for cheaper financing options to help with their immediate cashflow needs. In addition to fast and easy application, we aim to provide our clients with value added solutions to achieve their financial goals.”
Inexperience and lack of exposure on the international stage as well as preparation and training not meeting the ASEAN level have been cited as the main challenges behind the national under-16 football team’s showing during the ASEAN Under-16 Boys Championship in Surakarta, Indonesia.
This was said by Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (FABD) President Haji Feisal bin Haji Eusoff Patail in a press statement following the team’s return home on Saturday, adding that fitness concerns and mental toughness also affected the team’s winless performance.
The president highlighted that the team is still in the process of gaining international experience. He said that adding specialised training and exposure to high-level competition could prove crucial.
Despite undergoing a rigorous training regime, the president said that it may not be sufficient on what is required at the ASEAN level, while also admitting that almost all players lacked critical aspects across the 7S pillars – identified as strength, speed, stamina, skill, sharpness, smartness and signal/ shout.
With players not at their optimal physical condition, Haji Feisal also called for better support systems to ensure the players’ well-being and rapid recovery.
He said that immediate steps to enhance their training programmes will be taken to better prepare the athletes in future tournaments.
“Moving forward, FABD is committed to a thorough review of our youth development programmes. We are investing in resources to provide our young athletes with the best possible environment to grow, including expert coaching, advanced training facilities, and comprehensive support systems,” said the president.
In the aftermath of the tournament, a post-mortem will also be conducted.
“We are confident that with the right strategies and unwavering support, our under-16 team will come back stronger and better prepared for future challenges.”
FABD Deputy President Haji Mahrub bin Haji Murni greeted the arrival of the youth team at the Brunei International Airport. – Fadhil Yunus
Football Association of Brunei Darussalam Deputy President Haji Mahrub bin Haji Murni with the national under-16 team and officials at the Brunei International Airport. PHOTO: FABD
The Information Department held an outreach programme at Kampong Bukit Beruang and RPN Kampong Bukit Beruang (Asal) in the Tutong District recently.
Information Department officers and representatives from several agencies shared details on TID Rollover and smart meters (USMS) as well as matters on cybersecurity, cyberbulling and online scams. – Azlan Othman
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the outreach programme in session. PHOTO: INFOFOTOPHOTO: INFOFOTO
The first Daiso Japan store in the country officially opened its door for business at Rimba Point yesterday.
Present to officiate the opening of the Japanese retail chain was Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam Toru Maeda, President of Daiso Japan Seiji Yano, Rimba Point Sdn Bhd Director SAC (Rtd) Azahari bin Haji Besar with Director of Akebono Sdn Bhd Shirly Chan as well as Managing Director of Akebono Lien Kon Sien.
The new Daiso Japan store offers some 10,000 items ranging from household goods, kitchenware, stationery, beauty products and Sanrio products.
President of Daiso Japan in his welcoming remarks shared, “We are grateful that we can open our first store in Brunei at Rimba Point.”
He added, “We were instantly attracted by the beautiful country and rich culture here in Brunei. We are very proud to be able to open our store in this country.”
Daiso Japan celebrated its 50 years anniversary in 2022 and currently has more than 5,000 stores in over 26 countries offering more than 76,000 of items. – James Kon
Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam Toru Maeda, President of Daiso Japan Seiji Yano, Rimba Point Sdn Bhd Director SAC (Rtd) Azahari bin Haji Besar, Director of Akebono Sdn Bhd Shirly Chan and Managing Director of Akebono Lien Kon Sien during the ribbon cutting ceremony. PHOTO: JAMES KON
Bonds between brothers have always been something interesting to the observing eye. Unlike the typically emotionally expressive and communicative nature of sisterly connections, brotherly bonds often thrive on unspoken understanding and camaraderie, making them a special and intriguing aspect of familial relationships.
Take, for example, the Shamhary brothers – 26-year-old Nazif, 21-year-old Faris and 19-year-old Roshan.
At Khalifa MMA gym, these brothers have found a second home under the guidance of its head coach Eazy Anuar, where their dedication to Brazilian jiujitsu (BJJ) has become a central focus alongside their personal and professional lives.
The Bulletin connected with the brothers via social media to delve into their journey and experiences in the sport following Nazif’s most recent participation at the ADCC Malaysia Open 2024.
THE BEGINNING
In 2020, after finishing his business degree in Malaysia during COVID restrictions, Nazif returned to Brunei in search of a new challenge.
Inspired by movies like Rocky and Warrior, he sought something more engaging than his usual routine.
After some thought, Nazif persuaded his brother Faris to join him in kickboxing classes, drawn by their current gym’s reputation.
“We were hooked after the first session and signed up for a month,” Nazif reflected.
However, they soon realised that kickboxing alone wouldn’t suffice for self-defence against larger opponents. Transitioning to BJJ proved transformative, as Nazif found the techniques and leverage eye-opening.
Within six months, they competed in Brunei’s inaugural jiujitsu tournament, Roll Up 2021, where Faris claimed silver and Nazif secured gold.
Witnessing their success, youngest brother Roshan was inspired to join them, solidifying their bond both on and off the mat as they continued to train and compete together.
PHOTO: ENVATOThe Shamhary brothers – Faris, Roshan and Nazif. PHOTO: THE SHAMHARY BROTHERSABOVE & BELOW: Roshan wins a local Brazilian jiujitsu competition; and Nazif in action at the recent ADCC Malaysia Open 2024. PHOTO: THE SHAMHARY BROTHERSPHOTO: THE SHAMHARY BROTHERS
EMBRACING DISCIPLINE
Now blue belts, the Shamhary brothers have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to refining their skills in the sport, preparing to face formidable opponents in higher belt divisions.
“We have to give 101 per cent to compete against these skilled fighters,” Nazif said.
Beyond their regular training and the occasional visits to The Refinery in Kuala Belait during public holidays, the brothers make it a point to visit different gyms while travelling, like their recent sessions at Hikari MMA in Kuala Lumpur, where they aim to broaden their jiujitsu knowledge and build connections within the community.
Although their years practicing Brazilian jiujitsu haven’t been many, Nazif shared how it has taught him perseverance.
“Starting out, I struggled, but sticking with it has helped me grow tremendously,” he said, further stressing on the importance of learning from setbacks and embracing failures as opportunities for personal development.
Middle-brother Faris also noted the same for himself, adding that, “In training, you often face defeats before achieving success. This mindset has taught me not to be disheartened by life’s challenges”.
Meanwhile, Roshan emphasised patience and gratitude, noting that each small achievement during training contributes to their ongoing progress.
When asked about their training discipline, Nazif explained that it comes naturally in Brazilian jiujitsu, finding it enjoyable and unpredictable, which makes maintaining discipline effortless.
“Each session brings new challenges, victories, and losses, keeping us constantly engaged,” adding that he finds deep satisfaction in mastering techniques through dedicated practice. Discipline, he explained, is crucial for honing fundamental skills and overcoming training plateaus.
“There was a time when jiujitsu felt mundane, and I felt stuck on a plateau,” Nazif admitted. “But I realised training isn’t just about winning; it’s about embracing the learning process and tackling challenges head-on.”
He likened their journey to solving an elaborate puzzle, where exploring new techniques adds excitement and depth to their practice, fostering continuous growth and improvement.
A BALANCING ACT?
As jiujitsu has seamlessly integrated into the life of these brothers, Nazif, who works as a sales executive by day, shared his belief that it’s not just a sport, but also a personal journey.
“Training in the evenings after work has become routine, and through it, I’ve formed deep friendships. When we’re not gearing up for competitions, we make sure to balance training with personal time – meeting friends, spending time with family – it’s about finding that equilibrium.”
Faris, in his final year at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science, acknowledged the sacrifices involved, noting, “Studies always take priority for me, but there are clear sacrifices in my social life, particularly during intense competition training periods.
“Turning down outings with friends isn’t easy, but the rewards of winning medals and tracking our progress make it worthwhile.”
Reflecting on their mental preparation, Faris mentioned that they often pour whatever anxieties and doubts they have into training, pushing themselves harder and boosting their confidence.
“On competition day, it’s about trusting our preparation and having faith. Whether we win or lose, it’s a continuous journey of striving to be our best,” added the 21-year-old.
Roshan, balancing training with his studies at Laksamana College Brunei, where he pursues a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Accounting, explained that his mornings are dedicated to schoolwork.
This schedule frees up his evenings for jiujitsu training and physical conditioning, crucial for improving his grappling skills.
“Sometimes, school deadlines take precedence, impacting my training schedule,” explained Roshan, “but winning medals and standing on the podium is a great honour, showcasing the pride of competitors who dedicate themselves to rigorous training”.
Roshan personally prepares for competitions by maintaining a balanced mix of calmness and nervousness. He finds that a slight nervous edge motivates him to perform at his peak, while consciously cultivating a calm mindset helps him think clearly.
He reminds himself that the outcome of the competition isn’t as crucial as demonstrating his best abilities in the sport.
GLOBAL ROLLS
In aspects of the sport’s community, Faris stressed how teammates are vital not only for practice but also for personal growth within the sport.
“Even though BJJ is an individual sport in competitions, community is everything. Without our teammates, we wouldn’t be able to train, let alone improve,” he reflected. He also highlighted the role of supportive teammates in honing skills and fostering mutual progress.
Regarding social dynamics, the 21-year-old shared the belief that BJJ, like many sports, is a unifying force that brings together people with shared passions.
“BJJ provides a common ground to meet new people who share our dedication,” he said.
During his studies in Kuala Lumpur, he integrated into the local BJJ community at Marcos Escobar BJJ, forming lasting friendships.
“Even during an internship in Japan, where I didn’t speak fluent Japanese, BJJ acted as a universal language that helped me connect with locals,” he added.
Moreover, Faris values the challenges and growth opportunities from training in different gyms, noting how sparring with unfamiliar opponents tests skills and understanding of diverse BJJ styles.
He encourages newcomers to embrace discomfort, citing his own journey of briefly stepping away from BJJ before rediscovering his passion through persistence and personal growth.
“The small victories become incredibly rewarding,” he concluded, reflecting on his love for Jiujitsu. – Izah Azahari
