The Consumer Price Index (CPI) registered a 0.8-per cent decrease in October 2024 compared to October 2023, according to a press release from the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS) of the Ministry of Finance and Economy.
This was driven by a 0.8 per cent decrease in both food and non-alcoholic beverages and non-food indices. The decrease in the food and non-alcoholic beverages index was mainly attributed to the fall in processed meat prices under the meat category (1.6 per cent); and the decrease in the prices of vegetables (3.4 per cent).
For the non-food index, lower price of air fares was the primary factor in the decline of the transport category (1.5 per cent). In addition, the decline in garment prices in the clothing and footwear category (4.5 per cent) also contributed to the decrease in the non-food index.
For a month-on-month comparison, the CPI in October 2024 decreased by 0.3 per cent from September 2024. This was due to reductions in both food and non-alcoholic beverages; and non-food indices by 0.1 per cent and 0.3 per cent, respectively.
The decline in the food and non-alcoholic beverages index was primarily driven by lower prices of fish and seafood (0.4 per cent); and meat (0.2 per cent). As for the non-food index, the decrease was mainly influenced by the prices of clothing and footwear (5.8 per cent); and transport (0.2 per cent) categories.
The CPI is a measure of price changes of basket of goods and services paid by the consumer in a specified period and compiled on a monthly basis. The list of goods and services in the CPI is based on the average expenditure per household from the Household Expenditure Survey (HES).
The CPI full report for October 2024 is available from the DEPS website.
ABOVE & BELOW: Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin with Mohd Rayyan Hadi bin Haji Mahadi and Anaa Sumayyah binti Muhammad Azya Azrine; and a performance during the event. PHOTO: JAMES KON
The Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) concluded its annual story-telling competition yesterday. The competition, themed ‘Aku Anak Brunei’, aimed to instill a love for the nation and local culture in young participants. Mohd Rayyan Hadi bin Haji Mahadi won Category A (Malay Language) with Ahmad Harith Irfan bin Haji Umardani and Ahmad Muhammad Al-Ameen bin Abdul Rahman as first and second runners-up.
Anaa Sumayyah binti Muhammad Azya Azrine won Category B (English Language) with Nurul Airah Dania binti Muhammad Desmon Danish Ezwan and Md Noor’syafi Aqil bin Md Noorisma Rudy in second and third places.
Dayangku Nurul Sarah Atikah binti Pengiran Omar won the best costume and prop award.
Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin attended the final rounds of the competition and presented prizes to the winners.
Acting Director of DBP Hajah Haireni binti Haji Awang Damit, in a speech, highlighted the importance of reading in developing childrens ‘minds and characters. She emphasised that reading is not only a basic skill but also a gateway to knowledge, imagination and creativity.
The competition encouraged participants to explore stories, create original work and develop public speaking skills, fostering confidence and knowledge in young minds, said Hajah Haireni. – James Kon
ABOVE & BELOW: Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin with Mohd Rayyan Hadi bin Haji Mahadi and Anaa Sumayyah binti Muhammad Azya Azrine; and a performance during the event. PHOTO: JAMES KONPHOTO: JAMES KONPHOTO: JAMES KON
Acting Director of Planning, Development and Research at the Ministry of Education Hajah Anis Faudzulani binti Haji Dzulkiflee in a group photo with the winners. PHOTO: FADHIL YUNUS
Cluster 3 produced a dominant showing in the badminton event of the 2nd Brunei Darussalam Schools Games (BDSG) after winning five out of six categories contested at the Youth Centre at the capital yesterday.
The all-conquering contingent only missed out gold in the boys’ doubles event, dominated by Cluster 4.
The final day of the competition concluded with the boys’ and girls’ singles and doubles events with Cluster 3 already guaranteed two golds in both singles.
The all-Cluster 3 boys’ singles final saw experienced shuttler and firm favourite Mohd Talipuddin bin Ermadena complete a straight-set 21-5 21–12 against Mohd Mirza Afif Syahmi.
The girls’ singles final was a tighter affair as Cluster 3’s Nurul Asyiqin Mu’izzah binti Mohd Suhud overcame a set down to win 15-21 21-18 22-20 against her teammate Amal Norsyazawanah binti Airwan.
In the girls’ doubles, the Cluster 3 pairing of Rachel Pong Xue Ting and Nur Farah Najla binti Noormasaidirwan struck gold after defeating Cluster 5 duo of Hong Ryu Yi and Ng Hui Yi in straight sets 21-16 21-8.
Cluster 3 also won gold in both the boys’ and girls’ team categories.
In the boys’ doubles final, Cluster 4 pair Eqman Danish bin Duming and Mohd Al Muttaqiy Billah bin Zulfa Erison won gold following a straight set 21-11 23-21 victory against their contingent teammates Robby Ferguson Chong and Bobby Ferguson Chong.
Cluster 3 Head Coach Khairunnisa Haji Sibah told the Bulletin, “It was a big opportunity for me to be entrusted in coaching and manage the students.”
She continued, “The students showed good spirit and teamwork.”
“Even though we lost in one of our matches, the students were not demotivated and as teammates they always support each other.”
The gold medal rush marked a sweet moment for Cluster 3 who suffered podium heartbreak after missing out on bronze in both the boys’ and girls’ doubles event.
“Yesterday was a tough game to find third place but today was a huge victory.”
Acting Director of Planning, Development and Research at the Ministry of Education Hajah Anis Faudzulani binti Haji Dzulkiflee presented medals to the winners. – Fadhil Yunus
Acting Director of Planning, Development and Research at the Ministry of Education Hajah Anis Faudzulani binti Haji Dzulkiflee in a group photo with the winners. PHOTO: FADHIL YUNUS
The BMW M3 Touring will be on display at the showroom for the BMW M Joyfest 2024. PHOTO: QAF AUTO SDN BHD
The BMW M Joyfest 2024 event will be held today and tomorrow from 9am-5pm at the QAF Auto showroom, QAF Auto Sdn Bhd announced.
Members of the public are welcome to visit the showroom during the event that celebrates the performance and engineering of the BMW M and M Performance line-up, offering an opportunity to experience the thrill of driving precision-crafted machines. Visitors will also have the chance to test drive selected BMW M models and receive an exclusive BMW gift during the event.
Guests can also enjoy exclusive offerings when purchasing a brand new BMW. – James Kon
The BMW M3 Touring will be on display at the showroom for the BMW M Joyfest 2024. PHOTO: QAF AUTO SDN BHD
Permanent Secretary (Youth) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Haji Zakaria bin Haji Serudin presents a donation to a recipient.
PHOTO: JAPEM
Thirty-nine families affected by fire, flooding and strong winds received financial assistance from 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’s government, through the Community Development Department at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
A ceremony was held at the Citra Budaya Hall to distribute the assistance.
Permanent Secretary (Youth) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Haji Zakaria bin Haji Serudin handed over the financial aid to the affected families.
Of the 39 recipients, four were victims of fires, five were affected by flooding and 30 were impacted by strong winds. No injuries were reported during these incidents.
The government’s financial assistance is intended to alleviate the burden of affected families and demonstrate its concern for those affected by disasters. – James Kon
Permanent Secretary (Youth) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Haji Zakaria bin Haji Serudin presents a donation to a recipient. PHOTO: JAPEM
The Ministry of Education’s Department of Examinations has released the results of this year’s Primary School Assessment (PSR) exam. A total of 6,075 candidates sat for the exam, with 4,060 from government schools and 2,015 from private schools.
Of the total candidates, 4,960 (81.65 per cent) achieved Grades A-D in all five subjects, while 3,916 (64.46 per cent) achieved Grades A-C.
A breakdown of the results shows that 2,323 government school candidates (57.22 per cent) and 1,593 private school candidates (79.06 per cent) achieved Grades A-C in all five subjects.
Additionally, 34 schools, including 20 government schools, achieved a 100 per cent pass rate with Grades A-D in all five subjects. Twelve schools, nine of which are government schools, achieved a 100 per cent pass rate with Grades A-C.
In terms of top performers, 575 candidates (9.47 per cent) obtained Grade A in all five subjects, an increase of 0.34 per cent compared to 2023. Of these, 242 candidates were from government schools and 519 were Brunei citizens. Furthermore, 579 candidates (9.53 per cent) achieved four Grade A and one Grade B, with 310 candidates (53.54 per cent) from government schools.
Students can collect their result slips from their schools. Private candidates can collect their results from the Department of Examinations counter at the One-Stop Centre, Ministry of Education.
Among the panelists at the symposium. PHOTO: PERKAB
The Sultanate is placing greater emphasis on addressing mental health issues, spurred by a series of titahs from 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, throughout the year.
His Majesty underscored the critical role of community-based support in tackling mental health concerns, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This focus on grassroots initiatives was a central theme at the recent International Counselling Symposium 2024.
Held earlier this month, the symposium, organised by the Brunei Darussalam Counselling Association (PERKAB), centred on the theme ‘From Awareness to Action: Empowering Grassroots with Counselling Skills to Address Mental Health Challenges’.
The event brought together village heads, teachers, youth leaders, and government officials, united in their mission to enhance mental health awareness and support within local communities. It forms part of a broader national initiative to tackle mental health challenges across all levels of society.
By equipping grassroots leaders with counselling tools to become ‘paracounsellors’, the symposium aims to create a ripple effect that reaches every corner of the country. PERKAB seeks to build a network of community leaders who are mentally health-literate and capable of providing early support to those in need.
Local experts shared valuable insights during the event, addressing critical themes such as grassroots leadership and spiritual practices. These discussions deepened participants’ understanding of mental health support while emphasising the importance of resilience.
MOBILISING GRASSROOTS LEADERS FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Major (Rtd) Rusli bin Bujang emphasised the vital role grassroots leaders play in bridging mental health support gaps.
His presentation focused on the power of mobilisation at the community level, showcasing how leaders can help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and connect individuals with essential mental health resources.
The session highlighted practical strategies that leaders can adopt to recognise mental health needs and effectively respond to them, creating ripple effects throughout underserved communities.
Among the panelists at the symposium. PHOTO: PERKABA section of attendees. PHOTO: PERKAB
COMPASSIONATE LEADERSHIP: A PATH TO PROSPERITY
Dr Hajah Salwa binti Dato Seri Setia Haji Mahalle discussed the connection between leadership and community prosperity, especially through the lens of Islamic teachings.
She explained how leaders, entrusted by Allah the Almighty, must guide their societies with values of justice, equality, and compassion. Effective communication, which builds trust and strengthens bonds between leaders and their communities, was noted as a key characteristic of successful leadership.
COUNSELLING SKILLS FOR GRASSROOTS LEADERS
Zaimah binti Haji Abdullah and Hajah Siti Azizah binti Haji Wahsalfelah led a session on counselling skills tailored for grassroots leaders.
The workshop introduced essential counselling techniques, including empathy, active listening, and reflection of feelings. These skills, they argued, are crucial for building positive interpersonal relationships and ensuring that grassroots leaders can provide effective support to those in need, be it as counsellors or mentors.
INTEGRATING COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (CBT) FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Noor Azimah Sulaiman explored the integration of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in community-based mental health practices.
Her session highlighted the importance of evidence-based therapies in managing conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Participants were introduced to CBT’s core principles and how they can be applied in everyday community mental health interventions to promote better psychological well-being.
BUILDING THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIPS FOR IDEAL SELF-FORMATION
Ali Hardi bin Awang Haji Mohamed delved into the concept of the therapeutic relationship as the foundation for personal growth and transformation. His session focused on the key aspects of building an authentic, empathetic, and supportive relationship between counsellors and clients.
These interactions, he argued, are crucial for fostering ideal self-formation, enhancing professional skills, and ultimately contributing to a more balanced and effective counselling practice.
CAPACITY BUILDING IN COUNSELLING PRACTICES
Haji Saharuddin bin Haji Petra addressed the concept of capacity building within the counselling sector. Drawing from Islamic principles, he emphasised the importance of continuous development in counselling, noting that the Whole of Counselling Approach (WOCA) aims to synchronise efforts and improve services.
His research also highlighted the development of Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for counselling services, emphasising the need for a clear roadmap in enhancing the quality and effectiveness of mental health support in the community.
FOSTERING RESILIENCE AND MENTAL HEALTH
Haji Amir Shukri bin Haji Zawawi’s session on resilience explored the theory behind “bouncing back” from adversity. His lecture outlined how resilience is a skill that can be nurtured both individually and organisationally. By creating supportive environments and offering resilience training, organisations can equip individuals to better handle stress and challenges, ultimately leading to improved mental health and stronger communities.
MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION FOR A STIGMA-FREE SOCIETY
Dr Deeni Rudita bin Idris underscored the importance of mental health education in breaking societal stigma and fostering open discussions about mental well-being.
Her session encouraged participants to create support systems within communities and highlighted the role of educators, families, and social groups in providing essential mental health knowledge to the wider public.
THE HEALING POWER OF ART THERAPY
Hajah Suzilawati binti Haji Md Saji’s introduction to art therapy as a tool for community-based mental health support offered an innovative approach to well-being.
By using creative expression, art therapy provides a safe space for individuals to explore their emotions and experiences, thus promoting healing and personal growth.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICES AS TOOLS FOR MENTAL WELLBEING
Fariszal bin Ali closed the series of sessions with a reflection on the power of dikir and spiritual practices in promoting mental tranquility.
Drawing from Al-Quran, Fariszal highlighted the importance of remembrance and connection to Allah the Almighty in achieving emotional balance and stress relief. He stressed that spiritual practices could be key in supporting community mental health and fostering a peaceful, supportive environment. – Rizal Faisal
Dear parents, the school holidays are just around the corner and it’s the perfect chance for your family to escape the daily grind and create unforgettable memories together, especially for your young children.
While many would have already made plans to go abroad for the end of year holiday, here’s a list of activities you can do if you’re aiming more for a more budget staycation.
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
If you’re little ones are old enough to go exploring nature with you, you can turn a simple walk into an adventure by organising a nature treasure hunt. What you can do is create a list of items for your children to find – like a smooth stone, a funny shaped leaf and such – and let them explore parks.
It’s a fantastic way to combine exercise, learning and family fun. Bonus is you’ll have plenty of new items for crafts later!
KITCHEN ADVENTURES
Cooking and baking with children can be more than just whipping up a batch of tasty treats. You can view this as another educational activity that teaches maths (because of measurements), science (because of the mixing), and patience!
Make fun recipes like colourful cupcakes, pizzas where they choose toppings or simple no-bake snacks. Letting your young ones take charge (with supervision of course) fosters confidence and creativity.
Growing up in Brunei Darussalam, it’s not uncommon to hear the claim that there’s little to see or do here.
While this perspective might hold true for some, those familiar with the Sultanate’s rich offerings – especially those who’ve worked in media – know there’s much more beneath the surface. A quick search on the Internet can surely point you to places you can visit with your family.
Brunei boasts a wealth of attractions that can transform “boring” into fascinating. From local museums to art galleries and historical sites, there are countless opportunities to engage young minds.
Many of these venues host family-friendly exhibitions and interactive activities, particularly during school holidays.
These experiences offer more than entertainment – they connect children with their heritage and culture, grounding them in the history of the nation and instilling a sense of pride and belonging.
By exploring these cultural gems, families can discover that Brunei is far from mundane. It’s a place rich with stories, lessons, and opportunities to nurture curiosity in the next generation.
DIY IT
If you’ve already done that nature treasure hunt, you can set up a craft station at home with paints, markers, and recycled materials.
Encourage your kids to create DIY greeting cards, puppets, or even costumes. It’s a mess worth making for the joy and creativity it sparks.
Another fun idea is to transform your living room into a cinema with fairy lights (there are nice budget-friendly ones you can find at those budget shops that sell random things), don’t forget the blankets and, of course, the popcorn and snacks! A cosy movie night watching family movies would definitely give you time to bond with your kids.
Alternatively, you can also create a reading nook with cushions and books and let your children pick out stories for you to read together – this’ll nurture their love of reading.
FUN EXPERIMENTS
Science at home is an exciting way to learn. Create a baking soda and vinegar volcano, experiment with making slime, or try simple balloon-powered rockets. These activities are not just fun but will spark curiosity and problem-solving skills.
Later on, if your home has the space and security to do so, you can set up a tent in your garden (or even the living room) for a night of storytelling, stargazing and snacking. The perfect low-budget adventure that feels magical to children.
MEMORY SCRAPBOOK
There’s one thing I aim to start doing with my kids this end of year, and that’s memory scrapbooking. It’s definitely something I wish I did when I was younger with my own parents. You can encourage your children to collect ticket stubs, photos and drawings of their holiday adventures. By the end of the break, you’ll have a keepsake to treasure and a creative project to reflect on together.
While most of us will still be busy working at the office, it’s important to still find time this school holiday to not only keep your children busy, but also to take the opportunity to connect, inspire curiosity and build cherished memories with them.
With a bit of planning, you can transform this time into a series of joyful, shared adventures that leave your kids excited for the next break. – Izah Azahari
Singaporean High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Laurence Bay Siow Hon in a group photo with the winners. PHOTO: SINGAPORE ASSOCIATION IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
The Singapore Association in Brunei Darussalam organised its annual bowling event at iBowl Utama in Batu Satu.
The event, participated by 60 Singaporeans living in Brunei, provided a platform for participants of all ages to come together, fostering camaraderie, friendly competition and a strong sense of community.
Singapore Association President Melhan Adam emphasised the association’s mission to strengthen bonds among Singaporeans in Brunei by creating meaningful and enjoyable opportunities for connection.
Singaporean High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Laurence Bay Siow Hon presented the prizes to the winners.
The annual event highlights the Singapore Association’s commitment to building a supportive and connected community for Singaporeans residing in Brunei.
Singaporean High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Laurence Bay Siow Hon in a group photo with the winners. PHOTO: SINGAPORE ASSOCIATION IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
