ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Acting Head of Youth and Sports Department Belait District Branch Gaung anak Jamit with the
winners. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
Ismail Ang enhanced his status in the growing domestic teqball scene after winning the men’s singles category of the Teq Cup 2024 at the Mumong Sports Complex in the Belait District last weekend.
The newly-crowned winner beat Muhd Adie Irwan bin Helminizam, who finished runners-up, in an intense final, with Mohd Hanis Hidayatullah bin Abdullah taking third place.
Ismail had another reason to cheer after winning the doubles’ category alongside his partner Abdul Hadi bin Saidin of MS PPDB ‘A’.
Second place went to the pairing of Mohd Shukri bin Haji Damit, the President of the Brunei Darussalam Teqball Association, and Muhd Adie Irwan of Pres TC, while the duo of Md Nuzaihan bin Haji Adanan and Muhammad Wafiuddin Mustapha of Rimba51 A TC came third.
Meanwhile, the Secondary School Challenger’s Cup 2024 brought together young talents from Berakas Secondary School, Katok Secondary School, Perdana Wazir Secondary School and Pehin Dato Seri Maharaja Secondary School.
Md Fakhri Wazif bin Md Azzalie from Berakas Secondary School emerged champion in the men’s singles of the Secondary School Challenger’s Cup followed by Md Nuizmawi bin Md Rizal from the Katok Secondary School in second place and Akmal Naufal bin Abdullah Amaluddin from the Perdana Wazir Secondary School in third.
The Teq Cup 2024 and Secondary School Challenger’s Cup 2024 have demonstrated the rapid growth of teqball in the country, uniting seasoned athletes and aspiring players.
Acting Head of Youth and Sports Department Belait District Branch Gaung anak Jamit and Acting Sports Director of the Brunei Darussalam Teqball Association Abdul Rahim Raya presented the prizes. – Fadhil Yunus
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Acting Head of Youth and Sports Department Belait District Branch Gaung anak Jamit with the winners. PHOTO: DANIEL LIMPHOTO: DANIEL LIMPHOTO: DANIEL LIMPlayers compete during the Teq Cup 2024 and the Secondary School Challenger’s Cup 2024 at the Mumong Sports Complex in the Belait District last weekend. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
The Lanes Hotel, in collaboration with Tutong Runners, hosted the ‘Minds in Motion Walkathon’ on Sunday raising awareness on mental health while promoting physical fitness and community spirit.
Permanent Secretary (Safety and Welfare) at the Ministry of Home Affairs Salminan bin Haji Burut officiated the event themed ‘Walking the Talk for Mental Health’.
After a Doa Selamat, safety briefing, and warm-up, the five-kilometre walk was flagged off by the guest of honour, joined by 41 participants.
The event concluded with a group photo. – Lyna Mohamad
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Deputy Minister (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Mohd Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos with the winners. PHOTO: BRUNEI-MUARA DISTRICT OFFICE
The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) ‘A’ emerged champions in the doubles’ open category of the inaugural Inter-Ministry Darts Tournament in conjunction with the 31st Civil Service Day 2024 held at the Sports Hub, Annex C at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium during the weekend.
Meanwhile, Yusri bin Haji Ibrahim from the Prime Minister’s Office emerged winner in the singles’ open category while Zulkifli bin Haji Matali from the MPRT took the runners-up spot. Deputy Minister (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Mohd Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos presented the prizes.
Organised by the Brunei-Muara District Office and run by the KBT Brunei Darussalam Darts Club, the three-day meet aimed to foster the spirit of friendly cooperation and strengthen friendships between all ministries through darts.
It also aimed to introduce darts among civil servants and promote darts in the Sultanate.
The Civil Service Day has been celebrated through multiple sports including futsal and netball, with darts added to the list for the first time this year. – Fadhil Yunus
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Deputy Minister (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Mohd Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos with the winners. PHOTO: BRUNEI-MUARA DISTRICT OFFICEPHOTO: BRUNEI-MUARA DISTRICT OFFICE
ABOVE & BELOW: Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Brunei Pengiran Aki Ismasufian bin Pengiran Haji Ibrahim in a group photo; and Standard Chartered Brunei employees in a group photo.
PHOTO: SCB
Standard Chartered recently hosted its annual staff dinner in the capital, bringing together employees from across the organisation for an evening of appreciation and bonding.
Organised by the Standard Chartered Recreational Club (SCBRC) committee, the event followed a vibrant Y2K theme and aimed to celebrate shared successes and strengthen workplace camaraderie.
Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Brunei Pengiran Aki Ismasufian bin Pengiran Haji Ibrahim, in his opening remarks, expressed gratitude to all employees, highlighting their hard work, dedication, and teamwork as the driving forces behind the bank’s success.
“The annual staff dinner is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a team and celebrate the incredible dedication and hard work of our employees. At Standard Chartered, we believe in fostering a culture of appreciation, and this event is a testament to the importance we place on the contribution of each employee,” he said.
A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Long Service Awards, honouring employees for their loyalty and contributions over the years. These awards recognised the lasting impact of long-serving staff on the bank’s achievements.
The programme also featured a range of exciting activities, including lucky draws and prizes for Best Dressed attendees aligned with the Y2K theme, adding a fun and festive element to the event.
The annual staff dinner reflects Standard Chartered’s commitment to cultivating a supportive and inclusive culture, ensuring every employee feels valued and connected.
ABOVE & BELOW: Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Brunei Pengiran Aki Ismasufian bin Pengiran Haji Ibrahim in a group photo; and Standard Chartered Brunei employees in a group photo. PHOTO: SCBPHOTO: SCB
Rector of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal and Managing Director of Brunei Darussalam Central Bank Hajah Rokiah binti Haji Badar following the memorandum of understanding signing ceremony. PHOTO: BDCB
Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) which focused on formalising cooperation and leveraging each other’s knowledge and expertise.
It sets a framework to promote close collaboration, particularly in Islamic finance, with both parties agreeing to cooperate in several areas, including joint research, event organisation, publication issuance, capacity building, information and data exchange, and other mutually beneficial initiatives.
The MoU was signed by Rector of UNISSA Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal and Managing Director of BDCB Hajah Rokiah binti Haji Badar at the Senate Room of UNISSA in the capital.
The MoU marked the start of a partnership between BDCB and UNISSA.
Rector of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal and Managing Director of Brunei Darussalam Central Bank Hajah Rokiah binti Haji Badar following the memorandum of understanding signing ceremony. PHOTO: BDCB
The rapid growth of ASEAN’s digital economy is under threat from escalating cyberattacks, prompting calls for stronger regional commitment to cybersecurity.
A recent policy brief, Strengthening ASEAN’s Cybersecurity: Collaborative Strategies for Enhanced Resilience and Regional Cooperation, by Manager for Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy at the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) Mahirah Mahusin, and ERIA Research Assistant Hilmy Prilliadi, highlighted this urgent need for action.
Cyberattacks pose significant economic and reputational risks to both public and private sectors. Beyond financial losses, these incidents erode public trust, undermine consumer confidence, and damage the credibility of key providers. Governments, critical information infrastructure (CII) – such as energy, telecommunications, finance, transportation, and defence – private entities, and even individuals face increasing exposure to sophisticated cyber threats.
Citing statistics from Statista, the financial toll of cyberattacks is projected to rise steeply on a global scale, from USD9.22 trillion in 2024 to USD13.82 trillion by 2028.
And ASEAN, with its growing digital landscape, is not immune. By mid-2023, the region’s economic losses from data breaches had already hit USD3.05 million, up from USD2.87 million in 2022, as reported by IBM. The growth of ASEAN’s digital economy, underpinned by increasing connectivity, has also amplified the region’s vulnerability to cyber threats.
The recent policy brief also highlighted that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up 43 per cent of cyberattack targets, are particularly at risk due to limited technical resources. “ERIA’s ASEAN digital divide survey reveals that only 68.5 per cent of small firms have adopted cybersecurity software, leaving a significant proportion unprotected,” the authors of the brief noted.
PHOTO: FREEPIKPHOTO: ENVATO
This gap in preparedness leads to urgent need for robust, multi-stakeholder cooperation to address rising cyberattacks.
The approach includes strengthening the incident response capabilities of national entities, enhancing inter-agency collaboration for threat identification and mitigation, and fostering workforce development in cybersecurity.
Yet, the level of readiness varies widely across ASEAN Member States (AMS).
While some countries have implemented comprehensive emergency response networks that involve private sector participation, others lag behind, relying solely on government-private sector information-sharing initiatives.
“Many AMS remain in early stages of cybersecurity development, without robust mechanisms for public–private partnerships (PPPs) in cybersecurity information sharing”.
The brief highlighted several initiatives by the regional bloc to address these challenges.
The ASEAN Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy 2021–2025 focuses on five key pillars: cyber readiness, policy coordination, trust-building, capacity development, and international collaboration.
Supporting these efforts, the ASEAN Regional CERT complements national CERTs by facilitating region-wide information sharing on cyber incidents and advancing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
It also envisions establishing an ASEAN CERT Information Exchange Mechanism and publishing an annual cybersecurity threat report. However, gaps in real-time coordination, noted during Cyber-CC’s annual meetings, necessitate ad-hoc sessions for urgent incident responses.
“A shared cybersecurity taxonomy across ASEAN would enable uniform assessment of cyber incident impacts across AMS,” the authors added.
Moreover, the brief also stated that a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals further challenges AMS’ operational capabilities, with demand for expertise in areas like behavioural analytics and digital forensics remaining high even in digitally advanced countries.
To address these needs, ERIA is developing an Internet Infrastructure Health Metrics Framework for AMS. This framework provides insights into AMS internet health, helping to identify areas requiring capacity building to support secure, sustainable digital infrastructure.
On its impact towards the economy, countries with high Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) rankings often demonstrate significant Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) in their digital economies.
“This correlation highlights the importance for countries to prioritise and invest in comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to support digital economic growth.”
The authors put forward several strategic policy recommendations to strengthen cybersecurity across the region.
At the core, they stressed the importance of developing robust national and regional cybersecurity strategies, with an immediate focus on fully implementing the ASEAN Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy 2021–2025.
To effectively combat cybercrime, they called for enhanced enforcement capabilities and regular updates to legal frameworks, ensuring they can keep pace with rapidly evolving threats.
In addition, the authors highlighted the need for balanced policies that support digital economic growth while safeguarding against cybersecurity risks.
They also underscored the value of public–private partnerships (PPPs), advocating for collaborative mechanisms and integrated reporting platforms to enhance cyber risk detection and response.
Investing in regional capacity-building initiatives, such as the ASEAN-Singapore Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (ASCCE) and the ASEAN–Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Centre (AJCCBC), was also identified as a priority.
Finally, the authors recommended creating practical, cost-effective cybersecurity guidelines for MSMEs, complemented by training programmes to underscore the importance of cybersecurity, and reinforced by government-backed certifications for SMEs that meet international standards.
“Enhanced cybersecurity is crucial for ASEAN’s digital economy growth.
“By adopting a collaborative approach across public and private sectors, ASEAN can build a resilient and secure digital landscape that supports both economic growth and national security.” – Wardi Wasil
Poni Marine announced its contribution to the Brunei Darussalam Maritime Week 2024 at Bridex in Kampong Jerudong, with the live fabrication of artificial reef balls designed to support marine conservation efforts.
In a display of innovation and environmental commitment, five reef balls were constructed on-site, marking a key moment in the ongoing initiative to restore and protect local marine ecosystems.
Among the reef balls fabricated was the Oyster Reef Ball, a smaller version weighing 20 kilogrammes.
Meanwhile, The LAUT Midi Reef Ball, a larger reef ball structure weighing around one tonne, was also showcased at the event. This is part of the company’s commitment to enhancing biodiversity and restoring the health of coral reefs. Reef balls such as the LAUT Midi serve as artificial reefs, providing essential habitats for marine life, which is critical for sustaining fish populations and promoting the growth of coral in marine environments. In the context of maritime conservation, reef balls play a key role in rebuilding damaged or degraded coral ecosystems, especially in regions where natural reefs have been impacted by overfishing, pollution, or climate change.
By mimicking the natural structure of coral reefs, these concrete spheres provide a stable environment for marine species to thrive. They create surfaces where coral larvae can settle, and they provide shelter for fish, crustaceans, and other marine organisms, supporting a balanced and diverse underwater ecosystem.
The LAUT Midi, along with other reef ball models, highlights the importance of sustainable solutions in the fight to protect and restore our oceans.
These innovative structures are integral to the long-term recovery of coral reefs, helping to restore marine habitats, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to the resilience of coastal ecosystems.
“This is a significant milestone for us,” said Mohd Tahsin Wong Abdullah. “The opportunity to showcase our reef ball fabrication at such an important event underscores our commitment to marine conservation and highlights the role of innovative technologies in preserving our oceans.”
Gundam Plastic Kits and plastic models as part of the showcase at Hobby Alliance Hangout 2024. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
What began as a ground-breaking science fiction anime in Japan has grown into a global phenomenon, captivating enthusiasts of robots and mechanical designs – including a devoted community in Brunei Darussalam.
Gundam, launched in 1979 with Mobile Suit Gundam, combines epic space battles with intricate tales of war, technology, and humanity. This compelling narrative is paired with the franchise’s iconic Gundam Plastic Kits, or GunPla, which have become a cornerstone of the model-making world.
These kits invite hobbyists to assemble, paint and customise detailed replicas of the series’ mobile suits, blending creativity with precision. In Brunei, the Gundam hobby is more than a pastime – it’s a creative outlet and a celebration of craftsmanship.
A recent GunPla showcase in the Belait District highlighted the passion of local enthusiasts, demonstrating how these intricate models inspire patience, skill, and a sense of wonder across generations.
Organising the showcase alongside other similar hobbies such as Warhammer and Cosplay community, was Gundam Brunei, with their lead representative Mohammad Azmi Suzandi bin Haji Mohd Tarif, recalling how the Gundam community has grown quite significantly since its establishment more than a decade ago, in 2013.
“Even before (the formation of Gundam Brunei), individuals have been building Gundam kits at their own pace and time. The first kit was an MG Zaku from the Universal Century set in the original Mobile Suit Gundam series.”
Gundam Plastic Kits and plastic models as part of the showcase at Hobby Alliance Hangout 2024. PHOTO: DANIEL LIMMohammad Azmi Suzandi bin Haji Mohd Tarif adjusts a model on display. PHOTO: DANIEL LIMABOVE & BELOW: Photos show models on display. PHOTO: DANIEL LIMPHOTO: DANIEL LIM
He noted that his passion for building Gundam plastic kits stems from his fascination with viewing and appreciating the intricate workings of these fictional robots that are still firmly rooted in reality.
“Back then, I still remember seeing the Gundam anime on TV1 and TV2. From there I was intrigued by the mechanical workings of these larger-than-life robots, not just Gundam but also other sci-fi and futuristic series such as Astro Boy and Zoids.”
To satiate the need to fulfil their curiosity, Gundam builders like Mohammad Azmi Suzandi have continued to seek out and perfect their craft in building the most accurate and detailed model that closely depicts the robots shown on the big screens.
This pursuit comes with its own set of challenges as Mohammad Azmi Suzandi recalled how the individuals and groups were able to tackle the challenges as a whole which has led to the exploding growth of the Gundam community in Brunei.
“In the beginning, it was quite challenging to acquire the (Gundam) kits and combined with the lack of Internet back then, meant that the community was restricted to just a few small groups. But nowadays, with the ease of online shopping and the Internet, it is quite easy to acquire these kits as even local toy shops stock some of the more popular kits.”
Today, the Gundam community in Brunei continues to flourish as enthusiasts gather to share tips, display their latest creations, and celebrate their shared love for the franchise.
This is further supplemented by local competitions and exhibitions such as the Hobby Alliance Hangout 2024 held recently at KB Sentral Shopping Centre showcasing the various Gundam models built by passionate individuals for the public to enjoy and appreciate.
“While there are many (Gundam-focused) events in the capital, we want to bring that same joy and excitement to the Belait District as there are also individuals and groups who are also dedicated to the craft in KB.”
In addition, the exhibition also shines a spotlight on the same passionate individuals, especially those from the Belait District, for their kit-building skills and knowledge.
With the abundance of GunPla kits readily available, the unique aspect of the hobby that Mohammad Azmi Suzandi highlights is how builders can turn a simple kit that is easy to build into realistic models that truly reflect the on-screen counterpart and beyond.
In this pursuit of perfection, one challenge that arose is the unique materials and parts that are found outside of the easy-to-require GunPla kits.
“What’s lacking nowadays is materials and tools such as specific paints, photo etches, and plastic plates,” he said, adding that these materials, while not essential to building a model kit, can help to accentuate the details and intricacy of the elevate a kit from a nine out of 10 to an 11 out of 10.
This does not stop those dedicated enough to seek out these sought-after materials as Mohammad Azmi Suzandi noted that many local stores do stock these materials on a limited basis, while online shops offer more variety at a steeper price tag.
“These materials along with the skills gained along the way can help enhance the model, by providing highlighting and adding more details to an otherwise stock model kit.
“We also make use of techniques such as weathering to make the model kits more realistic and less plasticky so that it resembles more like an actual scaled-down robot.”
In making use of these techniques and materials, Mohammad Azmi Suzandi also highlighted another aspect of the hobby in the form of kitbashing that unleashes the creativity and ingenuity of the builder.
“Kitbashing uses multiple plastic model kits and makes one complete plastic model. I have a kitbashed model that is made from 11 different kits, and working around how certain parts might not fit together properly to make one coherent and good-looking model is a true showcase of one’s creativity.
These kitbashed models along with intricately detailed GunPla models were showcased during the Hobby Alliance Hangout 2024.
As Gundam continues to grow in popularity, its future in Brunei seems brighter than ever as events such as Hobby Alliance Hangout are dedicated to the hobby as well as fostering connections, while the accessibility of online resources ensures that even isolated enthusiasts can find the support they need. – Daniel Lim
Manager of Cabin Crew at Royal Brunei AIrlines Audrey Keasberry at Royal Brunei Airlines receiving the award in Portugal on November 24. PHOTO: RB
Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) has been named the World’s Leading Cabin Crew 2024 at the prestigious World Travel Awards, marking the airline’s fifth consecutive win in this esteemed category.
This achievement underscores RB’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class service, reflecting Bruneian values of hospitality, warmth, and sincerity.
The award was presented at the Grand Final Gala Ceremony at the Savoy Palace, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal on November 24.
Manager of Cabin Crew at RB Audrey Keasberry accepted the award. Recognised as the “Oscars of the travel industry,” the World Travel Awards celebrate excellence in global travel.
RB, founded in 1974, has evolved into an internationally recognised carrier. In 2024, the airline announced a fleet renewal with the purchase of four Boeing 787-9 aircraft, launched initiatives like RB SkyShop and RBSkySavour, and added new destinations such as Chennai and Balikpapan.
RB hosted key events, including the IATA Brunei Sustainable Aviation Fuel Capacity Building Session and the 68th Assembly of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines.
The airline received multiple awards, including the Muslim Friendly Airline of the Year and the APEX 4-Star Major Airline Rating for 2025. Recently on November 18, RB celebrated 50 years of connecting Brunei Darussalam with the world.
Commenting on the win, RB Chief Executive Officer Captain Sabirin bin Haji Abdul Hamid, said; “Our cabin crew are the heart of RB, and this award reflects their exceptional talent, professionalism, and passion. Winning the World’s Leading Cabin Crew for the fifth consecutive year is a proud moment for RB and Brunei Darussalam.
“It is a testament to our commitment to excellence and the sincerity that defines our service.
“This recognition inspires us to continue delivering heartfelt experiences to our passengers as we strive to uphold our national vision under Brunei Vision 2035.”
Accepting on behalf of RB, Audrey Keasberry said; “This honour belongs to every member of our cabin crew team who works tirelessly to deliver a service that is both world-class and uniquely Bruneian. Winning this award for the fifth consecutive year, a few days after celebrating RB’s 50th anniversary, is a testament to the sincerity, dedication, and excellence RB stands for.”
Manager of Cabin Crew at Royal Brunei AIrlines Audrey Keasberry at Royal Brunei Airlines receiving the award in Portugal on November 24. PHOTO: RB
Kasuka defeated Gergasi FC to win the under-16 category of the Al-Mujaahidun Football Championship at the Jerudong Primary School field on Sunday.
Despite finishing third in the under-16, Projek Ikan Pusu (PIP) emerged champion of the under-12 category after beating CODT-JPKK in the final match. Al Mujaahidun FC ‘A’ claimed third place.
Individual awards were also given to top players of the tournament.
In the under-16 category, Kasuka’s Hadiman bin Sulaiman scooped the top scorer award with teammate Mohammad Amirul Firdaus Razali named best player. Bertie Scott of Gergasi FC was named best goalkeeper.
Meanwhile, PIP’s Abdul Rash Amirul Akram bin Abdul Rashid scored the most goals for the under-12 category, while Mohd Aqil Asfa bin Muhd Sufri of CODT-JPKK won the best player award. Best goalkeeper went to PIP’s Mohd Ibrahim bin Mohd Yahya.
Managing Director of HiTune Group of Companies Pengiran Zamri bin Pengiran Haji Bujang presented the prizes.
Assistant Director of the Co-Curricculum Education Department Mohd Norilham bin Haji Jais was the guest of honour. – Lyna Mohamad
The Kasuka under-16 team. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMADThe winners of the under-12 category, Projek Ikan Pusu. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD
