The National Badminton Association of Brunei Darussalam (PBKBD), in collaboration with Super Smasher, is organising the Super Smasher Women in Badminton (WIB) Tournament until September 7.
Some 175 local and foreign female players are participating in the women’s doubles tournament, divided into three categories, namely advance, intermediate and novice. The novice category is for participants who have never competed and received the most participation, with more than 60 per cent of the total registrations.
The high participation rate highlighted interest by female badminton players to gain experience in competitive environments and be involved in sports.
Matches take place at The Centrepoint Hotel Hall, Gadong, and are open to the public. – Azlan Othman
ABOVE & BELOW: The competitors in action. PHOTO: PBKBDPHOTO: PBKBD
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show firefighters at the scene of the fire. PHOTO: FRD
Firefighters responded to a house fire in Kampong Sungai Tilong on Tuesday night after receiving an emergency call at 8.11pm.
According to the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD), two fire engines were dispatched from Lambak Kanan Fire Station and Berakas Fire Station to the scene of the incident.
Acting Deputy Station Officer Jasme bin Othman led the team, with the assistance of a light pumper fire engine led by station officer Firdaus.
The firefighters arrived to find the fire had already been put out. Investigations revealed the fire was at a bedroom’s ceiling causing damage to the house’s first floor.
Firefighters used a hook to open up the ceiling and doused it with a water jet.
The cause of fire is believed to be an overheated ceiling fan, and the costs of damage are still being ascertained. No casualties were reported. – James Kon
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show firefighters at the scene of the fire. PHOTO: FRDPHOTO: FRDPHOTO: FRD
Photo shows the sponsorship presentation.
PHOTO: BRUNEI CHAINBLOCK TUGGERS
The Brunei Chainblock Tuggers yesterday received a significant boost ahead of the upcoming International Tug of War Championship 2024 in Kuala Lumpur thanks to sponsorship from Chan Kang Yik of Automobile Universe Sdn Bhd.
President of Brunei Chainblock Tuggers Pengiran Azizul Akbar bin Pengiran Haji Badaruddin, alongside Team Director, Husin, also known as Bob received the sponsorship.
The support from Automobile Universe will play a crucial role in aiding the team’s preparations and participation in the event.
The sponsorship marks a milestone for the Brunei Chainblock Tuggers as they gear up to compete on an international stage. – Fadley Faisal
Photo shows the sponsorship presentation. PHOTO: BRUNEI CHAINBLOCK TUGGERS
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show performers on stage. PHOTO: ADIB NOOR
Brunei’s young talents are leading the charge in the creative industry, where tradition meets modernity on stage. These emerging artistes are not only reviving cultural stories but also adding a fresh twist that speaks to today’s audience.
By seamlessly blending culture with creativity, they breathe new life into Brunei’s heritage, making it timeless and relevant for the next generation.
Relentless Entertainment is a shining example of this evolution. With their 12th production, Musical Mania 5, they’ve solidified their place as a key force in Brunei’s performing arts, nurturing local talent and pushing boundaries.
REDEFINING BRUNEI’S STAGE
“When we first embarked on our Musical Mania journey in 2017, we never imagined reaching five instalments,” mused Mardi Hedus and Amy Cheong, the visionary founders of Relentless Entertainment & Academy of Performing Arts.
This dynamic duo has been the driving force behind a remarkable transformation in Brunei’s theatre scene, their passion ignited by the steadfast support of local audiences.
This ongoing encouragement fuels their commitment to continue producing captivating jukebox-style performances, each more ambitious than the last.
At the heart of Relentless Entertainment’s mission is an unwavering belief in Brunei’s untapped talent. “We are committed to providing a platform for those who dream of performing on stage,” they shared.
For Mardi and Amy, it’s about more than just entertainment; it’s about equipping their cast and crew with valuable skills and life-changing experiences that resonate long after the final curtain falls.
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show performers on stage. PHOTO: ADIB NOORPHOTO: ADIB NOOR
RAISING THE CURTAIN
Their journey began in 2013 with their first original production, laying the foundation for increasingly bold and innovative projects.
Over the years, Relentless Entertainment has consistently pushed creative boundaries, elevating the quality of their shows with every new venture.
Their latest production, The InfluencHER, staged in 2023 in collaboration with Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB), took a unique approach by promoting financial literacy and raising awareness about online scams – further proof of their commitment to using theatre as a tool for education as well as entertainment.
“Our talents continue to raise the bar each year,” the passionate founders proudly noted.
Relentless Entertainment has become a powerful platform to spotlight Brunei’s immense local talent, proving that their performers can compete on an international level.
Through the Academy and their ground-breaking productions, they are dedicated to elevating the standard of the local performing arts scene while nurturing its growth and sustainability.
At its core, their broader vision is to use musical theatre as a catalyst for personal development.
“We believe that everyone has an artist within them, and the arts have the power to bring out the best in people,” the founders explained. For them, the performing arts challenge individuals to stretch beyond their limits, encouraging creative thinking and self-expression.
“There is great undiscovered talent in Brunei Darussalam, and we see it as our duty to provide a safe space for these individuals to train, flourish, and showcase their abilities.”
With each production, Relentless Entertainment continues to weave together tradition, creativity and community, setting the stage for a vibrant artistic future in Brunei.
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
From the moment the lights dimmed and the opening notes filled the theatre, Musical Mania 5 was destined to be a showstopper. With a vibrant mix of Broadway, Disney favourites and contemporary pop hits, the production had the audience captivated from start to finish.
For me, it was impossible not to be swept away by the energy and enthusiasm that each performer brought to the stage. The first act was a nostalgic journey through Broadway and Disney classics, delivered by a diverse cast of over 50 performers, ranging from eager 10-year-olds to seasoned professionals in their 30s.
Watching these young talents passionately bring iconic characters to life was an absolute joy.
One of the most spine-tingling moments was the powerful rendition of a song from Hercules, which echoed through the hall with raw emotion. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, the younger cast members left us all in awe with their soaring performance of Defying Gravity. You could feel the magic in the air.
But it wasn’t just the performances that impressed me – the stage itself was a masterpiece. The crew expertly transformed it with each number, seamlessly setting the scene and enhancing the overall experience.
When act two opened with a dynamic performance of Jung Kook’s Standing Next to You, the atmosphere shifted into high gear. The tribute to the South Korean King of Pop was a standout moment, with three perfectly synchronised dance routines that had the audience buzzing.
And as a millennial myself, the flawless tribute to NSYNC was like stepping back into my teenage years, making it all the more enjoyable.
What struck me most, though, was the versatility of these young performers.
Many of them took on multiple roles throughout the night – leads, supporting characters, backup dancers – you name it, they did it, and they did it with flair.
By the time the cast took their final bow, the thunderous applause said it all. The audience was left eagerly anticipating the next production, and I was right there with them, counting down the days.
As the curtains closed on Musical Mania 5, one thing was crystal clear: Relentless Entertainment is far more than just a producer of shows – they are a vital force in the evolution of Brunei’s performing arts scene.
And with each production, they are raising the bar, nurturing local talent and shaping the future of the arts in ways that are as exciting as they are inspiring. – Adib Noor
There have been growing concerns over stray dogs and crocodiles in our country. These animals not only pose danger to the public but also threaten our way of life.
As a nation that values harmony and safety, addressing these concerns in a thoughtful manner would greatly benefit our communities.
I thus call on the authorities to set up an animal control agency to provide educational community workshops, sterilisation programme and strict enforcement of pet ownership laws.
The agency could also learn from counterparts in other countries that have had success in keeping wild animals from encroaching on human habitat.
By adopting proven strategies and best practices, I believe we would be able to come up with a humane way of keeping the issue from escalating further.
His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) is briefed at one of the booths during the recent opening of the 9th UTB Convocation Festival at the university’s Faculty of Engineering building. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
The world is becoming increasingly conscious of its environmental impact, and the pursuit of a green and sustainable future has become more than just a trend.
It is a necessity. The convergence of creativity and innovation is at the heart of this transformative journey, driving change across industries and reshaping the way we live, work and interact with the planet.
From renewable energy solutions to eco-friendly designs, the fusion of imaginative thinking and cutting-edge technology is paving the way for a more sustainable world, one where environmental stewardship and human progress go hand in hand.
A GREEN VISION
The recent Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) Convocation Festival, themed ‘Towards a Green and Sustainable Future: A Confluence of Creativity and Innovation,’ perfectly encapsulates UTB’s dedication to green technology and progressive research. The exhibition showcased how inventive thinking and sustainable practices can work hand in hand, underscoring UTB’s commitment to environmental stewardship through academic excellence.
Student projects on display demonstrated this ethos in action, featuring pioneering renewable energy systems, sustainable agriculture innovations and green architecture.
These creative solutions highlight how UTB’s students are actively driving change toward a more sustainable future.
As graduates step into the professional world, they carry with them the knowledge and innovation developed at UTB, ready to implement green technologies and sustainable practices.
His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) is briefed at one of the booths during the recent opening of the 9th UTB Convocation Festival at the university’s Faculty of Engineering building. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLIHajah Safiyyah Aisyah Kamilah binti Haji Mohamad Jaafar, with her project on ‘Fashion Sensitivity and Water Influence in the Sustainability of Brunei’s Fashion Industry’. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMANNur Adila Puteri binti Irwan presents her project on ‘Utilising Roselle’s Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties to Enhance Meat Storage Quality’. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
The theme further solidifies UTB’s position as a leader in fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation, inspiring graduates to continue pushing boundaries and contribute to a greener, more sustainable world on a global scale.
The exhibition at the Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) Convocation Festival spotlighted five remarkable student projects, each blending creativity with sustainable innovation. Among them was ‘Sustainable Refurbishment of Existing Buildings: Water Conservation’, a project by Nadiya binti Rozman Azmi, MSc in Water Resource and Environmental Engineering. Her work focused on water conservation techniques within building refurbishments, offering a forward-thinking approach to environmental preservation.
Equally impressive was the ‘Smart Sustainable, Low-Cost IoT-Based Waste Segregator Dustbin System’ by Syaza Aina binti Hamdani, a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Networking graduate.
This project tackled waste management issues with a smart, cost-effective solution, aligning perfectly with Brunei’s Sustainable Development Goals. The festival also showcased other standout projects, each pushing the boundaries of sustainable innovation.
Hajah Safiyyah Aisyah Kamilah Haji Mohamad Jaafar, a Bachelor of Science (Honours) graduate in Fashion Design & Technology, explored the environmental impact of the fashion industry with her project, ‘Fashion Sensitivity and Water Influence in the Sustainability of Brunei’s Fashion Industry’.
Her work shed light on the often-overlooked relationship between fashion and sustainability, highlighting the urgent need for eco-conscious design.
In the realm of food preservation, Nur Adila Puteri binti Irwan, a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Food Science and Technology, presented her project, ‘Utilising Roselle’s Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties to Enhance Meat Storage Quality’.
This innovative approach to improving food storage tapped into natural resources to extend meat shelf life, offering a greener alternative to traditional methods.
Meanwhile, a team of Bachelor of Business (Honours) Marketing Information Systems students introduced Tanah Maju, a portable soil analysis tool aimed at enhancing agricultural yields.
The project, developed by Abdul Qur’ainal Haji Abdul Mutalip, Lim Liang Hong, Mohammad Aizat bin Haji Mohammad Anas, Muhammad Anaz Adhlizam bin Adanan, and Najiya binti Roslan, addressed the need for smarter, more efficient agricultural practices to boost productivity and sustainability in Brunei’s farming sector.
In an interview with the Bulletin, Nur Adila spoke about her project and explained that the rising demand for meat, both globally and in Brunei Darussalam, presents challenges due to its highly perishable nature. Meat spoilage contributes significantly to food waste in the Sultanate, with around 36 per cent ending up in landfills, where it accounts for 56 per cent of greenhouse gas emission.
This highlights the pressing need for more sustainable preservation methods. She noted that the commonly used preservation technique in Brunei Darussalam relies on sodium nitrate, which can pose health risks, including diabetes, allergic reactions and water pollution.
In contrast, Roselle, a locally produced plant, offers a natural alternative that is already used for juices and could potentially serve as a preservative.
Looking ahead, Nur Adila envisions Roselle being utilised more widely in the food industry for products like jams and confectioneries, as well as in cosmetics and natural healing oils and supplements. Meanwhile, Hajah Safiyyah Aisyah Kamilah, whose early passion for fashion ignited a lifelong commitment to the industry, highlighted the environmental impact of fashion through her project, ‘Fashion Sensitivity and Water Influence in the Sustainability of Brunei’s Fashion Industry’.
She explained that “fashion sensitivity” reflects how trends drive people to constantly update their wardrobes, leading to wasteful discarding of clothes.
This waste, in turn, contributes to environmental issues, including marine pollution. By embracing sustainable practices in fashion, individuals can help reduce this impact.
Water played a significant role in her project, inspired by her upbringing in Kampong Ayer. Highlighting Brunei’s high water usage, she aimed to raise awareness about water conservation through fashion, integrating water as a key element in her designs.
Safiyyah further explained that fashion sensitivity promotes a shift towards sustainability, transparency, and innovation within the industry, focusing on reducing the negative effects of current practices.
“By prioritising sustainability, transparency and innovation (such as modularity), fashion sensitivity strives to reduce the negative effects associated with current industry practices.
“Through a comprehensive literature review and research, this abstract examines the nature of the various characteristics of fashion sensitivity and its potential to spark positive change,” said the graduate.
By advocating for ‘modular’ fashion and increasing consumer awareness, Safiyyah believes that fashion sensitivity paves the way for a more responsible and sustainable fashion ecosystem.
With a lifelong passion for fashion, Safiyyah aims to continue educating the public on the intersection of fashion and sustainability, both locally and globally, as she pursues her career in the fashion industry. – Azlan Othman
The prime minister greeted by Indian nationals. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar in a group photo with Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and other officials. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who is in the Sultanate for a two-day official visit, visited the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital on Tuesday night.
Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman greeted the Prime Minister on arrival.
The Prime Minister later watched a video depicting the mosque’s history and its construction before signing the visitors’ book and receiving a memento.
Indian nationals residing and working in the country along with their family members also greeted the Prime Minister.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, as Minister-in-Attendance; Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan and other senior government officials were also present. – Azlan Othman
The prime minister greeted by Indian nationals. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIPHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
Sailor Craig McCarthy stands on the deck of the yacht 'Spirit of Mateship' in Sydney. PHOTO: AP
SYDNEY (AP) – Two people were rescued unharmed on Tuesday after spending a night aboard a disabled yacht in heavy seas off the Australian coast.
The 60-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman were rescued at 7.30am from their 19-metre yacht, which was abandoned 300 kilometres east of the New South Wales state coast, Police Chief Inspector Anthony Brazzill said. The pair were expected to reach Sydney aboard a police boat on Tuesday night.
The pair had activated their emergency beacon around 1pm on Monday, about 185 kilometres east of the New South Wales coastal town of Nowra, police said.
The yacht, “Spirit of Mateship”, had experienced a mechanical failure, lost a rudder, was taking water and was drifting east away from the shore, Brazzill said. With an ocean swell of five to six metres and winds of up 110 kilometres per hour, he said, conditions were considered too dangerous to attempt a rescue in the dark.
An air force C-130 Hercules transport plane flew to the yacht and made radio contact with the two people onboard. A police boat and an Australian navy warship reached the yacht early Tuesday.
Brazzill said a winching rescue by military helicopter was considered, but ruled out as too dangerous because of the sea conditions.
The pair were rescued in a small craft launched from the police boat, he said.
Sailor Craig McCarthy stands on the deck of the yacht ‘Spirit of Mateship’ in Sydney. PHOTO: AP
Manchester United's head coach Erik ten Hag applauds supporters at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford, Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, in Manchester, England. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
London (AFP) – Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada said struggling manager Erik ten Hag has the full backing of the club despite a poor start to the Premier League season.
United finished eighth in the league last season – their worst since 1990 – but Ten Hag led his men to an unexpected FA Cup final win against Manchester City.
The Dutchman was handed a one-year contract extension in July but only after club bosses considered alternatives.
Now Ten Hag is under pressure again following Sunday’s miserable 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool, United’s second loss from three games this season, which left them 14th in the table.
Speaking alongside new sporting director Dan Ashworth shortly before kick-off against Liverpool, Berrada said it would take more than a couple of bad results to shake the club’s belief in their manager.
“Do we still believe in Erik? Absolutely,” he said. “We think Erik is the right coach for us and we’re fully backing him.”
Manchester United’s head coach Erik ten Hag talks to Matthijs de Ligt. PHOTO: AP
Ten Hag’s contract was extended before either Berrada or Ashworth had taken up their positions but both said they were happy with the decision.
Ashworth said: “I’ve really enjoyed working with Erik for the last eight weeks.
“I see my job is to support him in every way I possibly can and whether that’s operationally, whether that’s with recruitment, whether that’s with medical, whether that’s with psychology, whether that’s training ground flow, it’s just to take as much of that off him to allow him to fully focus on the training pitch and the match tactical plan to deliver success for Manchester United.”
Ashworth’s first few weeks in the job were dominated by the transfer window, in which United signed defenders Matthijs De Ligt, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui; striker Joshua Zirkzee; and midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
But just as notable were the departures of players including Scott McTominay and Jadon Sancho.
After a falling-out with Ten Hag early last season Sancho returned to former club Borussia Dortmund on loan in January.
The pair appeared to have made up as Sancho took part in United’s pre-season and played in the Community Shield but on deadline day he joined Chelsea on loan with an obligation to buy.
Asked what had changed, Ashworth said it had been down to the player’s wish to move on.
“We felt we had enough depth in that particular position to be able to cover it, we’ve got four really good wide players – Jadon was a fifth – and it just enabled us to make that decision that if it was good for him and good for us it was something we were willing to consider,” he said.
“He wanted to explore the opportunity at Chelsea, like Scott wanted to explore the opportunity at Napoli, like Aaron (Wan-Bissaka) wanted to explore the opportunity at West Ham. We’re not in a position where we’re kicking players out of the club.”
