AP – Shares of Tesla slid again as confidence in Elon Musk’s electric car company continues to disintegrate following a post-election “Trump bump”.
Tesla shares tumbled 15.4 per cent, to USD222.15. That’s the lowest Tesla shares have traded since late October, reflecting investors’ newfound pessimism as the automaker’s sales crater around the globe.
The decline, Tesla’s steepest since September 2020, came with Wall Street in the midst of a sell-off caused by uncertainty over the Trump administration’s trade policies. Many analysts have attributed Tesla’s sagging stock – and auto sales – to Musk’s support of United States (US) President Donald Trump and other far right candidates around the world.
Musk pumped USD270 million into Trump’s campaign heading into the 2024 election, appeared on stage with him and cheered Trump’s victory over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in November. Tesla stock soared to USD479 per share by mid-December, but have since tumbled back to earth, losing 40 per cent of their value.
Musk has become the face of the Trump administration’s slash-and-burn government downsizing efforts, known as the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.
The department has promised massive federal worker layoffs and aims to drastically reduce government spending. Analysts have said Musk’s shift to right-wing politics doesn’t appear to sit well with potential Tesla buyers, generally perceived to be wealthy, environmentally-conscious liberals who have turned to electric vehicles in an attempt to reduce fossil fuel emissions.
YOKOHAMA (AFP) – Japan’s Yokohama F-Marinos cruised into the Asian Champions League quarter-finals yesterday with a stylish 4-1 second-leg win over Shanghai Port for a 5-1 last-16 aggregate victory.
Yokohama, last season’s runners-up, went into the home leg with a 1-0 lead from the opening fixture in China and they put themselves further in front with two goals in the opening half hour.
Shanghai pulled one back but Yokohama scored again before half-time before adding another after the break.
The win earned Yokohama, coached by Gareth Southgate’s former England assistant Steve Holland, a place in the AFC Champions League Elite final tournament in Saudi Arabia.
Games will be played over 11 days in Jeddah, with the quarter-finals kicking off on April 25.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah highlighted that a crucial aspect of the country’s industrial development is the alignment of government policies, including regulations.
He made this statement in response to the matter raised by Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim at the 21st LegCo session regarding the latest update on the Integrated Industrial Policy.
Currently, there are regulators overseeing specific activities. For example, land-related issues, including land misuse, fall under the jurisdiction of the Land Department. Building-related matters in urban areas are regulated by the Authority on Building Control and Construction Industry (ABCi), while district areas are overseen by Town and Country Planning Department. Additionally, fire safety regulations for business premises are managed by the Fire and Rescue Department.
Previously, activities in the country were regulated under the Miscellaneous Licences Act through the issuance of business licences known as Rampaian Licences, issued under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA). However, the Act was revoked in 2016, as the requirement to obtain such licences was found to negatively impact the country’s position in the Ease of Doing Business rankings.
Following the revocation of the Miscellaneous Licences Act, several agencies took the initiative to regulate specific types of business activities.
For instance, the MoHA now oversees beauty and health establishments, while the Brunei Darussalam Food Authority (BDFA) regulates food-related businesses.
Although these steps have been successfully implemented within the industry and business ecosystem under the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE), it has been identified that certain business activities remain unregulated by any agency.
As a result, the MoFE has reviewed the suitability of the Industrial Coordination Order 2001 (ICO 2001), which has never been enforced and plans to amend and expand its scope. The proposed amendments aim to create more comprehensive regulations with specific policies for various industrial activities, including manufacturing, retail and other sectors.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew further added that this initiative will be strengthened by the ongoing review and update of the ICO 2001 Act by relevant government agencies.
He also emphasised that policies for industrial development will require a more coordinated and whole-of-nation approach to maximise their positive impact on economic growth. This effort involves collaboration across several ministries, government agencies and the private sector, including financial institutions. At the same time, it will ensure the integrity of actions taken and facilitate targeted income for industrial development.
With the enactment and updating of this order, Brunei Darussalam will not only offer a more controlled and organised industrial ecosystem but will also align government policies more comprehensively to support local industrial development efforts, the minister said. – Lyna Mohamad
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah at the 21st Legislative Council session. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
The government continues to strengthen local employment and provide support for job seekers with JobCentre Brunei playing a pivotal role in facilitating the country’s labour market.
This was highlighted by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah during the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday.
The minister responded to a query by a LegCo member regarding the reconstruction plans for the JobCentre Brunei building, previously used as a cooperative building. The building, deemed unsafe for use, is now being renovated to better serve the needs of both job seekers and employers. The new JobCentre Brunei facility will feature advanced and inclusive services aligned with international standards, including spaces for career fairs, workshops and ample interview rooms for more than 200 people. The centre will also be fully accessible for individuals with special needs.
In addition to its modern features, the new JobCentre Brunei building will be a key green building project, incorporating environmentally sustainable practices under the 12th National Development Plan.
Responding to questions from LegCo members regarding the key performance indicators (KPIs) for local employment, the minister outlined the two KPIs for 2024–2025. The first KPI, targeting 3,000 local hires per year in the private sector, refers to job seekers who successfully secure employment through JobCentre Brunei’s platform. This figure measures the centre’s effectiveness in facilitating local job placements.
PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
The second KPI, targeting 12,000 local hires across both the private and public sectors, refers to the total number of local hires in four key categories: new hires in the public service; new hires in uniformed services; new hires in the private sector; and enrolments in apprenticeship schemes or training programmes.
This broader KPI is tracked monthly to provide a comprehensive view of the local labour market, enabling better workforce planning and the development of new employment initiatives.
In 2024, JobCentre Brunei facilitated 3,299 local hires in the private sector, making a significant contribution to the employment of locals across various industries. The government has allocated more than BND19 million to the JobCentre Brunei programme, which will fund initiatives such as the i-Ready programme, courses, sub-skills training and similar schemes. These programmes are designed to enhance the skills of local workers and improve their employability.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew also shared that the unemployment rate had decreased to 4.8 per cent in 2024, thanks to several contributing factors, including a four-per-cent increase in private sector employment.
The government has implemented policies to ensure the protection of both employers and employees, such as the Employment Order, 2009 and Employment (Minimum Wage) Order 2023, which came into effect on July 12, 2023. This mandates a minimum wage of BND500 per month for full-time workers and BND2.62 per hour for part-time workers, supporting both economic and social growth.
The government remains committed to safeguarding workers through the introduction of the National Retirement Scheme (SPK), which strengthens the welfare of local workers upon retirement. The SPK includes workers from both the formal and informal sectors.
Furthermore, the Occupational Safety and Health Act continues to be enforced by the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) to ensure a safe working environment. – Fadley Faisal
Brunei Darussalam will continue to uphold its foreign policy to ensure its sovereignty, prosperity and interests are consistently respected and preserved.
The country’s established foreign policy has proven to contribute to security, prosperity and sustained development.
Despite being a small and developing nation, Brunei’s foreign policy has enabled it to become a responsible member of the international community, capable of making positive contributions to regional and global peace and development.
Minister of Foreign Affairs II Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof highlighted this during the 21st Legislative Council session. The principles of foreign policy, as outlined in the titah of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, remain the fundamental guide for its implementation.
In this regard, the execution of foreign policy necessitates a whole-of-government approach and comprehensive cooperation and commitment from all government agencies.
This is intended to ensure that the foreign policy aligns not only with domestic policies and national development strategies, but also safeguards the country’s interests and security.
Therefore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regularly holds discussion sessions with relevant ministries, agencies and departments to formulate and coordinate the country’s stance on current issues. – Fadhil Yunus
Twenty-eight-year-old student, Nur Syuhada binti Abdul Rahman, was a little nervous when she attended a blood donation drive. However, seeing the smooth process and the supportive and friendly medical staff helped her calm down.
“I was curious about the experience, as my husband donates regularly. Seeing his dedication inspired me to try it for the first time. I think it’s a great initiative. It helps people in need and the process is well-organised and smooth. The staff were very helpful, which made the experience even better.”
Nur Syuhada was among the more than 30 successful donors at the blood donation drive organised by J Hotel, Kiulap in collaboration with the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital’s Blood Donation Centre.
The Master of Management student from Universiti Brunei Darussalam found out about the blood drive through social media and took her husband along, as he has donated several times before.
“I would definitely go for more donations in the future. Now that I’ve experienced it, I feel more confident and would love to continue helping others through blood donation.”
Held at the hotel’s Banquet Hall, the blood donation drive received an encouraging response, with 36 pints of blood collected within one hour.
J Hotel accountant Azhar Aziz bin Haji Dullah shared that the blood donation drive is held once a year and is open to the public, who can make reservations through the BloodKad app or walk in.
“In our efforts to attract as many donors as possible, we promoted this donation drive through our social media platform and encouraged donors to come along and roll up their sleeves by offering a lucky draw of a voucher for a stay at our hotel to blood donors.”
The blood drive also serves as part of the hotel’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, as well as to answer the call made by the Ministry of Health in helping to replenish the blood stock in RIPAS Hospital to save lives, he added. – Lyna Mohamad
Nur Syuhada binti Abdul Rahman at the blood donation campaign. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMADA potential donor getting a check up. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMADIn ensuring enough blood stock at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital’s Blood Donation Centre during Ramadhan, blood donation drives are conducted in the evening throughout the month. Photo shows a medical personnel assisting a woman to donate blood during a donation drive this week. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD
Over 800 Brunei Council on Social Welfare (MKM) clients across four districts are beneficiaries of iftar food distribution for the Sungkai Ramadhan 2025 Project over a 15-day period from March 3 to 17.
MKM is also implementing the Sungkai Ramadhan Project in Bangladesh, targeting 1,000 Rohingya refugees as well as students in MKM schools.
The project attracted the attention of Australian High Commissioner-Designate to Brunei Darussalam Michael Hoy who visited the MKM office. The envoy assisted in packing the food packs to be distributed to 500 MKM clients in the Brunei-Muara District. The high commissioner-designate also joined MKM volunteers to distribute the food packs. – Lyna Mohamad
ABOVE & BELOW: Australian High Commissioner-Designate to Brunei Darussalam Michael Hoy in a group photo at the Brunei Council on Social Welfare office; and the envoy packing food. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMADPHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD
The PUJA Academy, in collaboration with the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry (AITI) of Brunei Darussalam, hosted a seminar titled ‘Personal Data Protection Order by AITI’ at the Public Works Department (JKR) headquarters. The seminar attracted 64 participants, providing professionals from the engineering, surveying and architecture sectors with knowledge on personal data protection and compliance.
The seminar featured three experts from the Data Protection Office, AITI, who provided attendees with an overview of the Personal Data Protection Order (PDPO) and its aims. The PDPO aims to regulate the collection, use and disclosure of personal data by private sector organisations. By sharing their expertise, the speakers equipped attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of the PDPO, ensuring they are well-prepared to maintain compliance and protect sensitive information in their professional roles.
Data minimisation was highlighted as one of the objectives, whereby organisations are encouraged to collect only necessary personal data and to recognise the rights of individuals. In addition, organisations were encouraged to review and adopt their current internal personal data protection policies and practices before the PDPO comes into force.
The seminar attracted over 64 participants. PHOTO: PUJA ACADEMY
The National Level Nuzul Al-Quran Celebration for 1446 Hijrah will take place on March 17 at 9pm at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre, Berakas.
The event will feature the announcement of the results for the finals of the National Level Al-Quran Memorisation and its Understanding for 1446 Hijrah, along with the results of the competition for MABIMS member countries in the same category. The evening will also include performances from the best participants in each category.
This year’s theme for the celebration is ‘A Healthy Mind with Al-Quran’, emphasising the significance of understanding and embracing the teachings of Al-Quran in daily life.
The celebration is organised jointly by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, the MABIMS Centre for Al-Quran Studies and Dissemination and imagine Sdn Bhd. – Fadley Faisal
The Women’s Section at the Foochow Association Belait commemorated International Women’s Day with a fun-filled celebration at their main building in Kuala Belait recently.
The celebration was attended by members of the association’s Women’s Section and women from the Fuzhou Shiyyi Association in Brunei Darussalam.
In her opening speech, the organising chairperson Jenny Huong noted that the celebration aimed to provide opportunities for women to enjoy an evening with friends and other women from across the nation.
She also highlighted the important role that women play as mothers and daughters in strengthening family values, which positively impacts the community and society.
Following her speech, the association’s chairman George Wong emphasised the importance of celebrating women as one of the core pillars of family values, noting that “the hand that rocks the cradle will go on to rock the world”.
The celebration continued with a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion.
Other activities conducted throughout the afternoon included a Zumba session, song and dance performances as well as a lucky draw, all of which further enlivened the celebratory atmosphere. – Daniel Lim
A cake-cutting ceremony during the celebration. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
