Amorim predicts Man Utd pain as he faces huge task

Sports

November 26, 2024

Manchester United’s Amad Diallo and Ipswich Town’s Leif Davis compete for the ball. PHOTO: AP

IPSWICH (AFP) – Ruben Amorim did not pull any punches after a disappointing start to his career in the Manchester United dugout on Sunday, admitting the troubled club will “suffer for a long time”.

If that is not what frustrated fans want to hear, the evidence from the underwhelming 1-1 draw at lowly Ipswich was stark.

The visitors got off to a dream start when Marcus Rashford scored from close-range in the second minute after a fine run from makeshift wing-back Amad Diallo.

But United quickly went off the boil, looking ponderous in attack and uncertain at the back, with Omari Hutchinson giving third-bottom Ipswich a deserved equaliser at the end of the first half.

Neither team could find a winner after the break.

“We are going to suffer for a long period, and we will try to win games,” Amorim told his post-match press conference.

“This will take time, but I know we have to win games. We could have won, we could have lost if it were not for (goalkeeper Andre) Onana.

“We have to understand that and think and be pragmatic that these guys had two days to train and to change so much.”

United, languishing in 12th place in the Premier League, are already 15 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after 12 games and six points adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal.

Amorim arrived in Manchester earlier this month to much fanfare after replacing the sacked Erik ten Hag.

He is touted as one of the most exciting young coaches in Europe after winning two Portuguese titles with Sporting Lisbon.

Amorim is the club’s sixth permanent managerial appointment since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 after leading to United to a 20th English title.

And at 39, he is the youngest United boss since Wilf McGuinness followed Matt Busby in 1969.

But, for all the hype around Amorim, United’s flat performance in blustery conditions at Portman Road showed the scale of the task he has to take them back into the Premier League’s elite.

In mitigation, Amorim had just days to work with his full squad after the international break.

And he pleaded for patience as he gets down to business.

“It’s hard to expect anything now,” he said. “It’s not a surprise, but you have to see it in-game.

“So that’s why I was a little bit anxious, because you cannot understand what will happen in the game. I felt that. I felt that they were trying, they were thinking too much during the game, and that is normal.”

United next face Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt at home in the Europa League on Thursday – which will be his first match at Old Trafford.

Tour guides train at Tasek Lama Recreational Park

National

November 26, 2024

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the training session at Tasek Lama Recreational Park. PHOTO: TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Some 39 licensed tour guides participated in training sessions organised by the Tourism Development Department in collaboration with the Forestry Department under the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism from November 18 to 21.

The training was based in Tasek Lama Recreational Park, popular especially among bird watchers and nature lovers. The park, one of the oldest recognised parks, features artificial lakes and waterfalls. The training session is one of the initiatives for tour guides to gain knowledge and increase skills in providing quality tour services to visitors.

The session focused on tree species, flora and fauna, wildlife and landmarks along the park’s route.

According to participant Mohammad Ajrul bin Haji Mail, “The training is a positive experience that greatly impacts us as tour guides.

“It covered plant names, both local and scientific, and their uses in medicine and food.“ – James Kon

Central bank donates IT assets to enhance learning

National

November 26, 2024

Brunei Darussalam Central Bank Assistant Managing Director of Corporate Development Hajah Sufinah binti Haji Sahat during the handover ceremony. PHOTO: BDCB

The Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) donated repurposed information technology assets, consisting of 13 servers and 13 network devices to Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) Jefri Bolkiah Campus.

The handover ceremony, as part of the corporate social responsibility, saw BDCB Assistant Managing Director of Corporate Development Hajah Sufinah binti Haji Sahat alongside senior officials at the event.

The upcycled assets remain in excellent condition and are fully functional, with the capability of supporting virtual machine resources. The central bank aims to enhance learning opportunities for the students and focuses on sustainability of the items.

Students learn about children’s rights, sustainability

National

November 26, 2024

Some 60 students across nine schools participated in the ‘Empowering Children to Participate: Children’s Rights and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)’ workshop organised by the Community Development Department (JAPEM) in conjunction with World Children’s Day 2024 yesterday.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad attended the workshop in the morning session, while Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Momin attended the afternoon session. The participating schools included Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College, Ma’had Islam Brunei, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Girls Arabic Religious Secondary School, Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Primary School, Sultan Sharif Ali Secondary School, Sayyidina Ali Secondary School, Sayyidina Hasan Secondary School, Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam Secondary School and Sayyidina Husain Secondary School in Jerudong.

The workshop aimed to educate participants on children’s rights and the SDGs, inspire empathy and foster advocacy and action, to encourage collaboration and creativity to address community challenges and to celebrate successes in driving meaningful change.

JAPEM Acting Director Dayangku Siti Saihalina binti Pengiran Haji Mohd Daud said, “World Children’s Day is celebrated globally on November 20, and Brunei is no exception. Brunei has ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) to promote unity and awareness of children’s rights and well-being.”

She added, “Alhamdulillah, this is the 18th celebration in Brunei. This year’s theme ‘For Every Child, Every Right’ emphasises inclusivity, ensuring all children, including those with disabilities, have access to protection, love, education and a safe environment for a brighter future.”

The opening ceremony featured performances – an Adai-adai performance by RPN Kampong Bukit Beruang II Primary School students and a Generasi Berwawasan choir by students from Datu Ratna Haji Muhammad Jaafar Primary School.

Muhammad Adi Safwan bin Haji Dullah from Wawasan Brunei Secretariat Office discussed Brunei Vision 2035 and how the 17 SDGs guide the nation toward a sustainable, inclusive future.

Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (Children’s Affair) Dato Paduka Dr Haji Omar bin Haji Khalid highlighted how the CRC principles align with and support the goals of sustainable development, ensuring the protection and empowering of children as essential to achieving the SDGs. – James Kon

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad during the workshop’s morning session. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI & JAMES KON

ABOVE & BELOW: Legislative Council Member Yang Berhormat Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Momin during the afternoon session; and photos show performances during the event. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI & JAMES KON

A total of 60 students from Year 9 and 10 across nine schools participated in the workshop ‘Empowering Children to Participate: Children’s Rights and Sustainable Development Goals’ as part of the World Children’s Day 2024 celebration. Photo shows a traditional performance during the workshop. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI

ABOVE & BELOW: The students during the choir performance; and students during the workshop’s afternoon session. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI & JAMES KON

Young learners educated on online safety, cyberbullying

National

November 26, 2024

Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Primary School Deputy Principal Hajah Noraniza binti Abdul Rahman in a group photo with the winners of the colouring and poster-making contest. PHOTO: YSSHB PRIMARY SCHOOL

Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Primary School hosted a Cybersecurity Awareness Talk and an award ceremony for the winners of its colouring and poster-making contests.

The activities were part of the school’s ongoing ‘Anti-Bullying, No to Violence, and Anti-Cyberbullying’ campaign to raise awareness about cyberbullying.

Some 300 students attended the talk ‘Online Game: Be a Game Hero!’ by Siti Khadijah binti Haji Ismail from Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team (BruCert), where it focused on educating young learners about online safety.

The talk focused on key topics such as protecting personal information on social media, recognising risks in online gaming and handling cyberbullying effectively. It also highlighted the importance of emotional well-being and mental health, empowering students to navigate the digital world responsibly and confidently.

The students engaged in competitions aligned with the campaign’s themes to reinforce the lessons.

The awarding ceremony celebrated winners of the colouring and poster-making contests, recognising their creativity in promoting anti-violence and anti-bullying messages.

The school’s deputy principal Hajah Noraniza binti Abdul Rahman presented prizes to the competition winners and a token of appreciation to the guest speaker. – James Kon

Students during the talk; and a student asks a question. PHOTO: YSSHB PRIMARY SCHOOL

Forum underscores support for mosque development

National

November 26, 2024

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the exclusive forum on the funds for the construction of mosques in the country in progress; Acting Director of Mosque Affairs Haji Amir Hisham bin Haji Masri; and the attendees during the event. PHOTO: MOSQUE AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

An exclusive forum on the funds for the construction of mosques in the country took place at Sultan Sharif Ali Mosque in Mukim Sengkurong yesterday.

Organised by the Sultan Sharif Ali Mosque Takmir Committee and Brunei-Muara District Mosque Affairs in collaboration with the fund secretariat, the forum aimed to raise awareness among congregants to contribute to mosque construction in the Sultanate.

The forum also aimed to encourage congregants to invest in their afterlife through contributions and provided information on how to donate apart from the allocated fund.

It also aimed to motivate them to continue to contribute to religion through donations as one of the dissemination platforms and strengthening of religious Syiar. Information on financial regulation for the allocating and opening of fund, cash calculation, depositing money to the bank and sending of report to the fund’s secretariat was also highlighted in the forum.

Mosque Affairs Officer Haji Abdul Malik bin Haji Jumat chaired the forum. The panellists comprised Acting Assistant Director of Mosque Affairs Haji Asminan bin Haji Chuchu and Mosque Affairs Officer Pengiran Ahmad Faris Ramadhani bin Pengiran Haji Sellahuddin.

Acting Director of Mosque Affairs at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Haji Amir Hisham bin Haji Masri was the guest of honour. – Lyna Mohamad

Muslimah group hosts first Khatam Al-Quran ceremony

National

November 26, 2024

Members of the Kampong Putat Mosque Muslimah Group during the Khatam Al-Quran Ceremony. PHOTO: KAMPONG PUTAT MOSQUE MUSLIMAH GROUP

Twenty-four members of the Kampong Putat Mosque Muslimah Group participated in the first Khatam Al-Quran ceremony for the group’s Guidance Class at the mosque on Sunday.

Pengiran Datin Hajah Masrelawati @ Khadijah binti Pengiran Md Said, the guest of honour, led the mass recitation of Sayyidul Istighfar.

Dr Seri Ramizah binti Matussin led the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by the participants reciting Surah Ad-Dhuha to Surah An-Nas. Muslimah of Al-Muhtadee Billah Mosque in Kampong Sungai Kebun led the recitation of Takhtim and Hajah Kasmah binti Haji Hashim led the recitation of Doa Khatam.

The guest of honour presented Khatam certificates to the participants. The ceremony concluded with Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam recited by Dr Seri Ramizah.

Hajah Kasmah noted how it was the first Khatam Al-Quran ceremony for the group, marking a milestone since the class began on January 18, 2017, with 19 members. The class now has 26 members.

The ceremony aimed to nurture a love for Al-Quran, encourage daily recitation, and celebrate participants’ completion of Al-Quran, while inspiring them to continue their journey with recitations. – Lyna Mohamad

Cultivating Al-Quran literacy among students

National

November 26, 2024

The Islamic Studies Department (JPI) celebrated the conclusion of the Skim Tilawah Al-Quran Remaja (STAR) for the 2023-2024 academic session with a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony at the surau of Pengiran Anak Puteri Masna Religious School on Sunday.

The ceremony, marking the completion of studies for 52 second-year students, commenced with the mass recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, led by JPI Acting Director Hajah Mariana binti Haji Jamil, the guest of honour.

This was followed by recitations of selected surahs by the Khatam participants. Muhammad Nurhidayatullah Al-Mu’min bin Rosnan led the recitation of Doa Khatam.

The guest of honour presented Khatam certificates and awards to outstanding students. STAR instructor Muhammad Nur Asymawi bin Asli recited Doa Selamat.

Launched in 1997, the STAR programme is designed to nurture students with exceptional Al-Quran reading skills, preparing them to become the next generation of qari and qariah for the nation.

It aligns with the national aspiration to cultivate an Al-Quran-literate society and embed recitation as a daily practice and cultural norm. – Fadley Faisal

ABOVE & BELOW: Islamic Studies Department Acting Director Hajah Mariana binti Haji Jamil presents certificates to the students; and the participants of the Khatam Al-Quran ceremony. PHOTO: JPI

Converts strengthen faith through haj, umrah training

National

November 26, 2024

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the Tarbiyah Programme with Muallaf on ‘Fiqh Ibadah Haji dan Umrah’ in session. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD

Some 45 converts from the four districts attended a Tarbiyah Programme with Muallaf on ‘Fiqh Ibadah Haji dan Umrah’ at the Islamic Da’wah Centre’s (PDI) Darul Huda building in Kampong Pulaie yesterday.

Organised by the PDI through the Muallaf Development Division (Tarbiyah Muallaf), the programme served as a revision aside from providing exposure on the real situation in the holy city and guideline to haj and umrah pilgrimage to participants.

It was conducted in theory and practical formats to upgrade understanding and appreciation related to prayers and fardhu ‘ain to ensure the religious faith is done right and completely. Pengiran Haji Redhuan bin Pengiran Badaruddin delivered the morning session while the practicals were conducted by guiding teachers from the Tarbiyah Muallaf Division. – Lyna Mohamad

School celebrates graduation milestones

National

November 26, 2024

Kindergarten students performing during St John’s School graduation ceremony. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM & ST JOHN’S SCHOOL

St John’s School recently held graduation ceremonies to honour the achievements of its Kindergarten, Year 6 and Year 11 students.

The Kindergarten and Year 6 graduation took place on Thursday, while the Year 11 students celebrated their milestone in a similar ceremony on Saturday.

Chairman of the school’s board of governors Lee Yin Fah, the guest of honour, congratulated the graduates, reflecting on their 13-year journey at the school.

“We have witnessed your growth from Kindergarten to Year 11. Over the years, you have faced and overcome many challenges, including the global pandemic,” he said. He encouraged the graduates to cherish their time at the school, adding, “As you continue your higher education, remember that St John’s School will always welcome you back as proud alumni.”

The ceremony included the presentation of graduation certificates and student performances.

Graduates Nur ‘Asrinaz binti Muhd ‘Asri and Anna Althafunnisa binti Feisal delivered speeches in English and Malay, reminiscing about their experiences at the school.

The event concluded with a grand finale as the graduates took the stage to perform Darah Muda and Count on Me, celebrating their time at St John’s School. – Daniel Lim

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

Social Media

Category

Site Links