ABOVE & BELOW: A crew from Bukit Saeh Lumapas during a mock rescue mission involving an injured hiker as Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman and Legislative Council (LegCo) members observe; and the minister joins a firefighting demonstration. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) Open Day is an open avenue for the public to learn about the functions, roles and responsibilities of the ministry’s departments, said Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman in a speech yesterday.
The three-day open day will continue until tomorrow, from 8am to 4.30pm at the multi-purpose hall of the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) at Old Airport, Berakas.
Yesterday, the Strategic Plan of the MoHA for 2023-2027 and product catalogue named ‘Insaf’ by the Prisons Department were launched, along with a demonstration by the FRD on rescuing a man trying to commit suicide and a rescue mission by the Bukit Saeh crew involving an injured hiker.
The open day is also an opportunity for the ministry to disseminate the latest information such as new developments in delivering services, initiatives including the use of information technology, and enforced acts and regulations.
In addition, the public can also submit suggestions and questions related to the services provided, including the roles and responsibilities at the grassroots level. Talks are held throughout the three-day event. – Azlan Othman
ABOVE & BELOW: A crew from Bukit Saeh Lumapas during a mock rescue mission involving an injured hiker as Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman and Legislative Council (LegCo) members observe; and the minister joins a firefighting demonstration. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMANPHOTO: AZLAN OTHMANABOVE & BELOW: The minister and LegCo members witness a briefing by the Fire and Rescue Department PRO team to students on fire safety; and the minister takes a closer look at the equipment used by the Prisons Department. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMANPHOTO: AZLAN OTHMANABOVE & BELOW: A demonstration by the Fire and Rescue Department; local delicacies ‘kipang’ for sale at the open day; and handicrafts by the Mendaram Longhouse. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMANPHOTO: AZLAN OTHMANPHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
Ambassador of Indonesia to Brunei Darussalam Dr Achmad Ubaedillah interacts with the attendees. PHOTO: INDONESIAN EMBASSY
The Indonesian Embassy in Brunei Darussalam and the National Social Security Agency Employment (BPJS Employment) believe in the importance of comprehensive protection for Indonesian migrant workers (PMI), pre-placement as well as during and after placement.
“We and BPJS Employment have signed a statement of joint commitment to support each other in efforts to provide protection for Indonesian migrant workers in the Indonesian Embassy’s accreditation area in Bandar Seri Begawan,” said Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Dr Achmad Ubaedillah yesterday. According to the embassy, there are around 30,000 Indonesians residing in the Sultanate, with half of them migrant workers.
A statement was signed in early August by employment attaché Archimidiyanto Tjipto Martadi and Assistant Deputy PMI and BPJS Employment Construction Services Vinca Meitasari, where “we agree to implement the mandate of the law as well as possible”, said the ambassador.
He added, “The collaboration between the Indonesian Embassy and BPJS Employment is an inseparable part of the innovation to protect Indonesian citizens by strengthening efforts to develop an integrity zone towards a corruption free area within the Indonesian Embassy.”
The agreement is a preventative effort within a framework to protect PMI through regular outreach activities, both through the dissemination of information and counselling online and offline.
If a PMI sustains a work accident, they will receive treatment, home care, assistance if they are laid off and compensation if they experience disability due to the accident and financial assistance.
Benefits for PMI families include providing death compensation and scholarship for two children if a PMI dies, guaranteeing protection for PMI if they experience risks while working, and creating prosperity for PMI in Brunei Darussalam through social security protection. – Lyna Mohamad
Ambassador of Indonesia to Brunei Darussalam Dr Achmad Ubaedillah interacts with the attendees. PHOTO: INDONESIAN EMBASSYAttendees at the event. PHOTO: INDONESIAN EMBASSY
Religious moderation in Indonesia is the basis for advancing Indonesian democracy, said Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Dr Achmad Ubaedillah at the Maulidur Rasul celebration at the Indonesian Embassy Hall in Jalan Kebangsaan.
The celebration, which also coincided with Indonesia’s Santri Day and Heroes’ Day which falls on November 12, saw the attendance of some 200 Indonesian nationals.
The event was organised by the Special Branch Board of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PCINU) Brunei Darussalam in collaboration with the Indonesian Embassy.
Dr Achmad Ubaedillah also delivered a religious lecture and prayed for the Palestinians.
“Indonesia stands firmly with the Palestinian people and condemns Israel’s colonisation of Palestinian land,” said Ubaedillah.
The ambassador also reminded all Muslims to maintain their Islamic commitment and a sense of nationalism to avoid dispute and division. “The social cohesion that occurs in Indonesia cannot be separated from the role of the largest Islamic organisations in Indonesia, especially Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah,” he said.
At the event, PCINU Brunei Darussalam distributed membership cards to members by its chairman KH Ahmad Dhofir. The membership can be used for transaction payments and sharia savings for hajj and umrah. – Lyna Mohamad
ABOVE & BELOW: Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Dr Achmad Ubaedillah during the celebration; and the presentation of the PCINU membership cards to its members. PHOTO: INDONESIAN EMBASSYPHOTO: INDONESIAN EMBASSY
The newly-elected members during a meeting. PHOTO: CHINESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Local businessman Lim Han Chiong was elected as the new President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
During an election held recently, Goh Kok Leong was named deputy president, Tan Kah Boon will hold the position of executive vice president and Lim Tiong Han@Lim Peh Beng, Lee Eng Ching, Lim Ting Chai, Lim Mah Lik@Lim Peng Kok, Lim Sooi Tiong, Lo Wan Yee, Lim Ting Guan and Goh Kim Tian as vice presidents. The 12 executive Board members conducted the selection of leaders for various committees, which completed the formation of the 43rd term’s council with 46 Board of committee members.
“The newly-elected leadership is poised to collaborate over the next three years, diligently working towards achieving the Chamber’s vision and mission,” said the Chamber.
“Our focus is to foster development across various fields to steer the Chamber towards a promising future.” – James Kon
The newly-elected members during a meeting. PHOTO: CHINESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ABOVE & BELOW: Commanding Officer of the Royal Brunei Malay Reserve Regiment (ASMDB) Major Salehah binti Haji Alim presents an insignia to an army cadet; and a section of the gathering
during the ceremony. PHOTO: KUPU SB
An insignia rank promotion ceremony for 21 army cadets of the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) was held yesterday.
Commanding Officer of the Royal Brunei Malay Reserve Regiment (ASMDB) Major Salehah binti Haji Alim was present alongside KUPU SB Acting Ra’es Dr Haji Abang Hadzmin bin Haji Abang Taha.
From the total figure, six army cadets were promoted to staff sergeant, two to sergeant, seven to corporal and six to lance corporal.
Prior to the promotion, they were evaluated based on key criteria such as team spirit, general conduct, initiative, persistence, personality, physical strength, wisdom and academic performance.
The ceremony yesterday aimed to appreciate and recognise the active involvement as well as outstanding commitment of army cadets in activities organised by the university and the administration of the ASMDB Army Cadet. – Rokiah Mahmud
ABOVE & BELOW: Commanding Officer of the Royal Brunei Malay Reserve Regiment (ASMDB) Major Salehah binti Haji Alim presents an insignia to an army cadet; and a section of the gathering during the ceremony. PHOTO: KUPU SBPHOTO: KUPU SBThe promotion ceremony in progress. PHOTO: KUPU SBABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Major Salehah binti Haji Alim presenting insignias to the army cadets. PHOTO: KUPU SBPHOTO: KUPU SBPHOTO: KUPU SB
A file photo of a man walking during wet weather. PHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYA
The weather condition is expected to be active in the coming days due to the combination of cold surge and local wind effect that leads to more moist atmospheric condition, and thus enhancing the development of rain clouds, said the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department (BDMD) in a statement yesterday.
The Sultanate is currently in the transition period which is expected to last until the end of this month.
During this period, local wind effects play an important role in governing the daily weather.
Active weather condition is forecast until November 20, with occasional heavy and thundery showers, especially over inland areas at late afternoon spreading towards coastal and sea areas at night and may prolong until morning.
Wind gust may reach up to 45 kilometres per hour during or near heavy and thundery showers.
A file photo of a man walking during wet weather. PHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYA
Over Brunei waters, the sea state is generally slight to moderate, up to 1.5 metres.
The public is advised to take precautionary actions with respect to the forecast active weather condition.
There is a high risk of flash floods especially at low-lying and flood prone areas as well as near the river banks during continuous heavy rain and also during high tide. Risks of landslide and fallen trees are also possible during heavy showers and gusty condition.
Sea state is dangerous to all small boat operations, sea recreational activities and sports.
The public, road users and fishermen are advised to stay up-to-date with the latest weather forecast, advisory and warning issued by BDMD, and to take action to ensure safety.
Photos show Faculty of Arabic Language team and Faculty of Islamic Development Management during the prize giving ceremony. PHOTO: UNISSA
The Faculty of Arabic Language at Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) emerged as champions in the university’s Arabic language debate competition on Saturday.
The runners-up were the Faculty of Islamic Development Management and the Faculty of Syariah and Law. Meanwhile, Nur Nawarrah binti Ewardy was named the best debater. Dean of the Faculty of Arabic Language Dr Hajah Rafidah binti Haji Abdullah presented prizes to the winners.
The competition was aimed at providing a platform for students to sharpen their debating skills while honing their command of Arabic language. – Rokiah Mahmud
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Faculty of Arabic Language team and Faculty of Islamic Development Management during the prize giving ceremony. PHOTO: UNISSAPHOTO: UNISSANur Nawarrah binti Ewardy receiving the best debater prize. PHOTO: UNISSA
Students listen to nationalism briefing by the Information Department. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
A nationalism briefing was held by the Information Department for pre-university students at the Hassanal Bolkiah Boys Arabic Secondary School recently.
Some 370 students attended the briefing at the school’s surau. Deputy Principal of Administration Hajah Aminah binti Haji Yahya and Deputy Principal (Academic) Hajah Siti Shahlawati binti Haji Besar were present at the briefing. A briefing on the role and responsibilities as citizens of Brunei Darussalam was delivered by Information Officer Mohammad Khaiddir Shah bin Haji Abdul Halim.
The programme aimed to foster the spirit of patriotism in the students, in line with the goals of Brunei Vision 2035 and National Youth Policy and Strategy 2020-2035. – Azlan Othman
Students listen to nationalism briefing by the Information Department. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
Secondary students with special needs recently completed a bootcamp to encourage creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.
A prize presentation ceremony and a demo day for the third Bootcamp project for pre-vocational programme students was held at Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex yesterday.
Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Corporate) at the Ministry of Education Professor Dr Noor Azam bin Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya Haji Othman said, “The Bootcamp programme has been carried out since 2021.”
He said it is an initiative of the Special Education Department in collaboration with the Entrepreneurship Innovation Centre, to develop the knowledge of students with special needs in the field of entrepreneurship and innovation.
The acting deputy permanent secretary said, “Through this programme, students with special needs can increase their self-confidence through teamwork-oriented activities and programme presentations,” adding that this produces innovative students that will later benefit from entrepreneurial skills and marketability.
ABOVE & BELOW: Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Corporate) at the Ministry of Education Professor Dr Noor Azam bin Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya Haji Othman during his speech; some of the exhibitions by the students; and Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Secondary School winning the ‘Most Innovative’ prize; and Perdana Wazir Secondary School winning the ‘Most Passionate’ prize. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMANPHOTO: AZLAN OTHMANPHOTO: AZLAN OTHMANPHOTO: AZLAN OTHMANPHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
“These students have shown their ability to produce products under the guidance of teachers,” said Professor Dr Noor Azam.
“The students were involved from building and producing the product, as well as its sales.”
“This proves that students with special needs can compete with the public if given the same opportunity,” he added. Some 68 students with special needs from 17 government secondary schools participated in this year’s bootcamp.
The ceremony was followed by the programme’s ‘Journey and Summary’ slideshow presentation.
Meanwhile, the best teams in five categories received prizes. Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Secondary School won the most innovative award, Lambak Kiri Secondary School won the most persevering, Perdana Wazir Secondary School was the most independent and Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab Secondary School was the most creative.
Products made by the students were also showcased during the event. – Azlan Othman
A friendly football match was held at Berakas Sports Complex in Berakas between Veteran’s Gemilang and BIBD RC for Gaza Solidarity, Palestine recently.
