The Lions Club of Belait yesterday hosted its annual Lions International Peace Poster Drawing Contest at Chung Hua Middle School, Kuala Belait.
The event saw 26 students across Belait District draw their interpretations of peace in line with this year’s theme ‘Peace Without Limits’. – Daniel Lim
When it comes to mental health, Islam has emphasised for centuries: a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. In fact, taking care of both is seen as essential in Islam.
But what makes the Islamic approach unique? It’s holistic, integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, all tied together through practices that have been passed down for over a millennia.
During a special assembly celebrating Maulidur Rasul, Head of Mental Health Strategy at the Health Promotion Centre, Clinical Psychologist Nor Syahmun binti Haji Matassan – offered insights on how the Sunnah, can guide us in preserving our mental health.
1. SOLAT (Prayer)
More than just a religious obligation, solat – when performed with intention – becomes a therapeutic pause that can clear the mind, she explained.
This simple, five-minute act of devotion can be incredibly grounding. In fact, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself turned to prayer in times of hardship.
2. FASTING: STRENGTHENING YOUR WILLPOWER (AND YOUR PATIENCE)
While fasting, especially during Ramadhan, is widely recognised for its physical benefits, it also serves as a powerful mental workout.
Nor Syahmun shared that fasting fosters patience, emotional control, and willpower.
“It’s about more than just abstaining from food and drink; it’s a practice in managing your emotions, particularly anger,” she explained.
From a mental health perspective, fasting can alleviate stress and feelings of guilt, leading to a clearer and more focused mind.
The sense of accomplishment that comes from completing a day of fasting can be incredibly empowering, providing an opportunity to reset both your body and mind.
3. AL-QURAN: YOUR PERSONAL MENTAL HEALTH GUIDE
For immediate mental health benefits, Nor Syahmun said engaging with Al-Quran, “reciting or listening to its verses has a calming effect on the mind, as supported by numerous studies”.
While Al-Quran is often viewed as a spiritual guide, it also serves as a valuable mental health resource. Immersing yourself in its teachings can help shift your focus away from worldly concerns, providing a mental break and moments of reflection.
4. ZIKIR AND DOA: YOUR DAILY DOSE OF CALM
“Remembering Allah the Almighty during both good times and bad helps keep you grounded,” Nor Syahmun said.
Whether you’re silently recite phrases like Subhanallah or offering a personal prayer, zikir and doa serve as anchors for the mind.
When life presents challenges, these acts can provide a sense of comfort, helping to lighten your mental load just a bit.
5. EXERCISE: NATURE’S ANTIDEPRESSANT
While everyone knows that exercise is beneficial for the body, Nor Syahmun highlighted its equally powerful effects on mental health.
“Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) encouraged an active lifestyle, and science supports this – exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones,” she noted.
Even a brisk walk or light stretching can boost your mood, reduce stress, and help keep your mind clear.
Nor Syahmun referred to exercise as “the cheapest antidepressant”, and the best part? You can start anytime, anywhere.
6. MINDFULNESS AND MURAQABAH: BEING PRESENT WITH PURPOSE
In today’s world, “mindfulness” has become a buzzword, but Islam had its own version long before it gained popularity.
Muraqabah, the awareness of Allah the Almighty’s constant presence, is a practice that helps you stay grounded in the moment.
“Muraqabah brings you into a state of calm focus, allowing you to be more in tune with your thoughts and emotions,” explained Nor Syahmun.
It’s about recognising that Allah the Almighty sees and knows everything, providing you with the clarity and peace needed to face life’s challenges with inner calm.
7. CLEANLINESS: MORE THAN JUST HYGIENE
Nor Syahmun reminded the audience that Islam’s emphasis on cleanliness goes beyond mere physical hygiene.
Cleanliness is also a mental and spiritual practice. The ritual of wudhu (ablution) before solat is not solely about purifying the body; it serves as a way to clear the mind as well.
A clean space can lead to a clearer, more organised mind, making it easier to tackle tasks ahead. Whether it’s decluttering your room or refreshing yourself before prayer, maintaining cleanliness in all forms has a positive impact on mental well-being.
8. HELPING OTHERS: THE ULTIMATE MOOD BOOSTER
“Acts of kindness lift our spirits and provide us with a sense of purpose,” she noted.
Whether through volunteering or simply lending a hand to a friend in need, these actions foster a sense of fulfilment that can alleviate anxiety and stress.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) emphasised generosity and helping those in need. It’s not just beneficial for the soul – it’s good for the mind, too. “Islam, alongside the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) , places great importance on mental well-being and self-care.
“Therefore, as his followers, we must remain steadfast in fulfilling our responsibilities, particularly as women, in maintaining our health across all aspects – both physical and mental,” concluded Nor Syahmun. – Rokiah Mahmud
A total of BND12,000 was raised from the sold-out Taiwan Long Tan Philharmonic Orchestra charity performance in the Sultanate.
The funds were handed over to the Special Education Association (FITRAH) during the performance’s interval at Jerudong International School Arts Centre on Saturday.
Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Vanessa Shih handed over the donation to FITRAH President Hajah Norjum binti Haji Yusop and Assistant President Dr Hajah Norbayah binti Shahminan. Admin member of FITRAH, Noor Rashidah binti Haji Ariffin and President of the Taiwan Business Association in Brunei Darussalam (TBABD) Wu Chay Chin were also in attendance.
The donation aimed to support children with special educational needs.
Nearly 750 guests from various sectors in the country attended the orchestra.
In her remarks, Shih said, “We truly believe that music has a magical power to bridge cultural divides. It serves as an international language that brings people closer together and fosters mutual understanding.” – James Kon
Mental health has rapidly become a pressing concern across the globe, and Brunei Darussalam is no exception. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that nearly one billion people worldwide, including children and youth, are battling mental health disorders.
In Brunei, the demand for mental health services has surged dramatically, with 13,246 individuals seeking psychiatric, psychological, and community support between 2023 and 2024 – marking a 17 per cent increase from previous years.
This sharp rise in cases of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions reflects the mounting pressures faced by society today.
Recent figures from the Ministry of Health (MoH) show that 11,000 people are receiving mental health care, with new cases emerging at an alarming rate – 118 adults and 127 children diagnosed annually.
The workplace, in particular, has become a significant battleground for mental well-being, with increasing job stress, burnout, and bullying contributing to the growing crisis.
This, combined with societal challenges, has led to a worrying uptick in anxiety and depression, further underscored by a rise in suicide cases. The urgency for comprehensive mental health support systems has never been clearer.
A SPOTLIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH
Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Sultanate has taken steps to tackle this escalating issue.
The recent Knowledge Convention 2024 shone a spotlight on mental health, focusing on the importance of awareness, prevention, and treatment.
This significant event provided a platform for discussing strategies to support mental well-being across various sectors, emphasising the need for community engagement and stronger support networks. By fostering greater public understanding and improving mental health resources, the nation aims to pave the way for more effective solutions to this growing problem.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that mental health is a cornerstone of one’s overall well-being, extending far beyond physical health.
Just as a healthy body influences how we live, a healthy mind shapes how we think, manage emotions, and respond to life’s challenges.
Those with strong mental health are better equipped to handle stress, appreciate life’s nuances, and navigate daily responsibilities with balance and positivity.
In contrast, when mental health falters, individuals often find themselves struggling with prolonged anxiety, depression, and emotional strain, making it difficult to manage life’s hurdles.
Mental illness encompasses a wide spectrum of disorders, each marked by disturbances in thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
These conditions often arise from life’s adversities, where individuals may find themselves overwhelmed and unable to cope. Without proper intervention and treatment, these challenges can spiral, significantly impacting one’s quality of life.
It is through comprehensive support, early intervention, and open conversations about mental health that society can address this growing crisis and promote healthier, more resilient communities.
At the Knowledge Convention Forum 2024, Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, passionately underscored the crucial role of public involvement in mental health initiatives.
The minister stressed that collaboration between government and non-government agencies is key to promoting mental health awareness through targeted campaigns.
These efforts have already made significant strides in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues in Brunei, helping to shift public perceptions.
By encouraging active participation, the nation is slowly dismantling the barriers that once silenced open discussions on mental well-being.
Good mental health doesn’t just happen by chance; it requires understanding the root causes of symptoms, seeking early intervention, and accessing the right treatments.
Brunei has made it a priority to provide platforms for public education and support, creating a culture where people feel empowered to address mental health concerns before they worsen.
With a strong focus on prevention, the country highlights the importance of community involvement, ensuring that individuals are not only aware of the resources available to them but also feel supported in their journey towards better mental health.
Through these efforts, the Sultanate is paving the way for a future where mental well-being is prioritised and protected.
BREAKING THE SILENCE
During a recent talk at the Special Women’s Assembly, held in conjunction with the Maulidur Rasul celebration, Clinical Psychologist and Head of Mental Health Strategy at the Health Promotion Centre, MoH, Nor Syahmun binti Haji Matassan, shed light on the evolving landscape of mental health in Brunei.
While she acknowledged the worrying rise in the number of individuals seeking treatment for mental health issues, she also highlighted a promising shift – more people are now open to seeking help, treatment, and support.
This positive change reflects a growing awareness and acceptance of mental health within the community, a step forward in breaking the silence surrounding mental well-being.
Nor Syahmun also drew attention to the deep connection between mental health and the objectives of Maqasid Syariah, emphasising that mental well-being is essential for emotional regulation, balanced behaviour, and a peaceful mind-set.
A healthy mind equips individuals with the resilience needed to face life’s challenges with a sense of calm, happiness, and tranquillity.
She explained that mental health operates on a spectrum, where one’s mental state fluctuates based on biological, psychological, and social factors. Much like physical health, mental health is dynamic, with its own highs and lows. Neglecting mental health challenges can lead to their escalation into more severe disorders.
Nor Syahmun stressed the importance of vigilance in maintaining mental well-being – not just for oneself, but for family and the wider community.
By actively working together to nurture mental health, individuals can improve their ability to manage stress and lead more fulfilling lives.
Mental well-being is also crucial to fulfilling religious obligations. Poor mental health can hinder a person’s ability to engage fully in worship and spiritual practices, while good mental health fosters deeper focus and devotion.
This makes nurturing mental health a vital component of both daily life and spiritual practice in Brunei, highlighting its importance not only for personal well-being but also for religious fulfilment. – Rokiah Mahmud
Some 20 female bowlers participated in GoStrike’s bowling clinic at GoStrike Bowling Centre, Seria on Friday and Saturday where they learnt from professional bowling athlete Putty Insavilla Armein of Indonesia.
Putty won gold in the 2006 Asian Tenpin Bowling Championship, Gold in the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Art Games, Bronze in the 2022 SEA Games in Vietnam, among other achievements.
Participant learnt an array of skills and knowledge from bowling theory, skills and tips while during the second half of the session they were given on-lane lessons for more physical bowling instructions.
The Bowling Clinic is one of the activities under GoStrike Bowling Month’s campaign throughout this month in conjunction with GoStrike’s first anniversary.
The bowling clinic aimed to develop bowlers’ skills and knowledge on and off the lane so they could achieve their bowling developmental goals while producing capable female bowling athlete in Brunei Darussalam.
AP – Wearing an oversized bucket hat, silver chains and a black Miu Miu shirt, 82-year-old Park Jeom-sun gesticulates, her voice rising and falling with staccato lines about growing chili peppers, cucumbers and eggplants.
Park, nicknamed Suni, was flanked by seven longtime friends who repeated her moves and her lines. Together, they’re Suni and the Seven Princesses, South Korea ‘s latest octogenarian sensation. With an average age of 85, they’re probably the oldest rap group in the country.
Born at a time when women were often marginalised in education, Park and her friends were among a group of older adults learning how to read and write the Korean alphabet, hangeul, at a community centre in their farming village in South Korea’s rural southeast.
They were having so much fun that they started dabbling with poetry. They began writing and performing rap in summer last year.
Suni and the Seven Princesses enjoy nationwide fame, appearing in commercials and going viral on social media. South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo sent them a congratulatory message last month on their first anniversary, praising their passion for learning.
At a road near their community center in Chilgok on Thursday, Park and her friends were rehearsing for a performance Friday evening in the capital, Seoul, where they were invited to open an event celebrating hangeul heritage.
“Picking chili peppers at the pepper field, picking cucumbers at the cucumber field, picking eggplants at the eggplant field, picking zucchini at the zucchini field!” the group rapped along with Park. “We’re back home now and it feels so good!”
Park said the group usually practices two or three times a week, more if they’re preparing for a show.
On Friday, hundreds of people applauded and cheered, and then the group lined up for a photo with South Korean Culture Minister Yu In Chon.
Park talked about the joy of learning to read, saying she can now “go to the bank, ride the bus and go anywhere” she wants without someone helping her.
“During and after the Korean War, I couldn’t study because of the social atmosphere, but I started learning hangeul in 2016,” Park said, referring to the devastating war between North and South Korea from 1950 to 1953.
“Being introduced to rap while learning hangeul has made me feel better, and I thought it would help me stay healthy and avoid dementia.”
Kang Hye-eun, Park’s 29-year-old granddaughter and a local healthcare worker who helps older adults, said she was proud to see her grandmother on television and in viral videos.
“It’s amazing that she got to know hangeul like this and has started to rap,” she said.
SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) – Meta on Friday provided a look at a generative artificial intelligence model it is working on that lets people create short videos, complete with audio, from text prompts and photos.
The tech titan touted “Meta Movie Gen” as a “breakthrough” when it comes to using an AI engine to crank out video and audio.
Meta said it will get feedback from filmmakers and creators as it eases toward making the video-generating AI engine publicly available.
No release plans for Movie Gen were disclosed.
“While there are many exciting use cases for these foundation models, it’s important to note that generative AI isn’t a replacement for the work of artists and animators,” Meta said in a post.
The model lets people use text prompts to create custom videos, including clips based on people’s photos, of up to 16 seconds long, according to Meta.
“Our model achieves state-of-the-art results when it comes to creating personalized videos that preserve human identity and motion,” Meta said.
“Imagine animating a ‘day in the life’ video to share on Reels and editing it using text prompts or creating a customized animated birthday greeting for a friend and sending it to them on WhatsApp.”
Movie Gen is the third wave of AI-powered video generation at Meta, according to the company.
The rise of AI-powered tools for creating realistic videos has prompted worries about “deepfakes” that pirate people’s likenesses.
WUHAN (AFP) – Aryna Sabalenka has set her sights on reclaiming the world number one spot and can close the gap on Iga Swiatek with a good run at the Wuhan Open, which is returning on Monday after a five-year absence.
Sabalenka is the top seed at Wuhan in the absence of Swiatek, who withdrew from the WTA 1000 tournament after announcing her split with her coach of three years, Tomasz Wiktorowski.
Sabalenka, who was upset in the quarter-finals in Beijing last week by Karolina Muchova to end a 15-match win streak, can become the first three-time winner at Wuhan.
But Sabalenka said Sunday in Wuhan that she cannot afford to put pressure on herself.
“Of course this is something I really want to do (become number one), it is one of my goals,” said the Belarusian, who won the Australian and US Opens this year.
“But I learned in the past that if you focus on the rankings and defending points and all that kind of pressure, things can easily go wrong.
“So I prefer to focus on myself and when I’m on court I just try to bring my best tennis and fight for every point.
“If I’ll be able to bring my best tennis I know that I can become world number one.”
The Wuhan Open is back on the WTA calendar for the first time since 2019, before the Covid pandemic.
The 56-player main draw begins on Monday featuring seven of the world’s top 10.
Sabalenka clinched back-to-back Wuhan titles in 2018 and 2019.
She has a bye into the second round and will begin her quest for a hat-trick against Filipina wildcard Alexandra Eala or Czech top-40 player Katerina Siniakova.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been here and I remember the first time winning Wuhan was a very special moment,” said Sabalenka.
“Winning it two times in a row, that was very special. I was really sad that I couldn’t come back the following year.
“And now coming back, everything feels like home and I have really beautiful memories from the past. I really hope I can replicate my result from 2019.”
Sabalenka, who claimed a third career Grand Slam title at the US Open last month, is just over 1,000 points behind Swiatek in the rankings.
The battle to be on the summit at the year-end is likely to go down to the wire at the season-ending WTA Finals in Riyadh next month.
KABUL (AP) – People had just seconds to flee their homes when the terrifying sound of earth cracking open reverberated across western Afghanistan’s Herat province.
Nobody knows for sure how many people died in a 6.3 magnitude earthquake on October 7, 2023, or in the strong aftershocks that followed.
The Taleban government estimated that at least 4,000 perished. The UN gave a far lower figure of about 1,500. Survivors stopped counting, exhausted after digging through dirt to save their loved ones or bury them.
It was the deadliest natural disaster to strike Afghanistan in recent memory.
It was also another major challenge for the Taleban since they seized power in 2021, a test of their readiness to lead a country beset by economic hardship, isolation, devastation from decades of war, and vulnerability to shocks like earthquakes and climate change.
“At that time, the government really cooperated in transporting patients and the dead,” said Ismatullah Rahmani, from the quake’s epicenter in Zinda Jan district, where every home, usually built of mud and timber, was levelled. His brother and nephew were killed, and he spent hours trying to free his wife from under 60 inches of soil. She survived.
“They opened hospitals and provided water and food to people for free,” he told The Associated Press from his new home in Zinda Jan. He said the Taleban went to camps and helped survivors over several months, a blessing ahead of the harsh Herat winter.
“After that, our aid stopped,” said Rahmani.
Quake survivors rely on charities
Charities had stepped in to build housing for survivors. But the accommodation they built lacks walls so there is no privacy, while the poor design leaves them vulnerable to storms or heavy rainfall. Houses either have no bathrooms or the bathrooms don’t have a roof.
Rahmani’s village, Naib Rafi, still doesn’t have a health clinic or a school. Instead, children are learning in tents.
The government didn’t provide financial assistance, he said. Senior officials and Islamic scholars visited communities a few times, listened to people’s problems and left.
Ahmadullah Muttaqi, spokesman and member of the Herat Earthquake Commission, said authorities worked with charities and nongovernmental groups to provide shelter and medical assistance.
“People’s problems haven’t been solved, of course, but the first necessity is building houses until they stand on their own feet. They have been given food and hospitals are still working,” he told AP. He said they were still working to rebuild mosques, schools, madrassas and parks.
He did not answer questions about authorities’ preparedness for future disasters.
Foreign aid money is drying up
Afghans were already struggling with displacement, food insecurity and poverty before the quake struck, and the tragedy put further pressure on public services. Aid agencies, which have been propping up Afghan health care and education for the past three years under the Taleban, became even more thinly stretched.
The International Rescue Committee set up feeding corners after the earthquake so mothers could safely breastfeed children and get nutrition counselling. The relief agency said it also fixed water systems, provided emergency cash, hygiene kits, medical and mental health support to tens of thousands of people.
But, with other global crises raging, such support is finite.
International funding for Afghanistan has received less than a third of its target. Changing political priorities, economic troubles and wars are hitting donors’ pockets, especially those in the West.
Widespread opposition to the Taleban’s treatment of Afghan women and girls is also having an effect.
“There is donor fatigue, for sure, but perhaps the bigger problem is a nervousness from many donors about supporting anything but the most urgent life-saving aid,” said Mark Calder from World Vision International.
The UN says international recognition of the Taleban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan is nearly impossible while restrictions remain on female education and employment.
The Taleban reject this position, demanding Afghanistan’s seat at the UN and saying that sanctions and the country’s continued isolation are hurting people.
Investment in quality development assistance would benefit Afghan women and girls disproportionately and it’s sometimes in their name that a reduction in aid to Afghanistan is promoted, said Calder.
“It’s difficult to imagine that Afghan communities are much better prepared for natural disasters than they were a year ago,” he added.
Fears of another disaster
Herat authorities have been unable to fully meet humanitarian needs, while damaged infrastructure has hampered recovery efforts. A near-total reliance on aid organisations for basics like health care and shelter has left people exposed.
Four of Gul Ahmad Osmani’s children died in the disaster. He heard boys screaming under the soil in his village. It was impossible to pull them out, he said.
He and his surviving family members spent the winter in a tent. “The government took care of us, keeping my wife and children in a camp, but we didn’t see anything from the government that was specifically from them, like flour, cooking oil or rice,” Osmani said.
“Our own people, the people of Afghanistan, brought food for several days.”
The helping hands came from other cities, districts and provinces to clear away rubble, bury the dead, and distribute everyday items like clothing.
But it’s been almost six months since NGOs or well-wishers came to help the residents of Zinda Jan. A kind doctor from northern Baghlan province donated money recently.
“There are still earthquakes and these new houses are heavy,” said Osmani. “Children are afraid. The help for the earthquake did not help us.”
