Say ‘Salam Taiwan’ at Sabre Travel Fair 2023

National

September 27, 2023

Taiwan Tourism Administration Kuala Lumpur (KL) Office, is set to return promote trips to Taiwan at Sabre Travel Fair 2023 at OneCity Shopping Centre.

With the greeting “Salam!”, the Taiwan Tourism Administration KL Office welcomes Bruneians to choose Taiwan as their next holiday destination, offering convenient packages with 14 days visa exemptions for Brunei travellers.

Taiwan, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Asia-Pacific region due to its famous night market, amusement parks, breathtaking outdoor scenery including masterpieces of nature, shopping and culture has contributed to a steady increase in the number of annual visitors.

Taiwan’s aerial transport network is highly developed, with Royal Brunei Airlines providing direct flight thrice weekly and a flight duration around three-and-a-half hours, making it a popular tourist destination.

The Salam Taiwan campaign focuses specifically on interesting things in Taiwan that are Muslim-friendly, including food and beverages, hotels, comfortable prayer rooms in public areas, halal-certified cosmetics, and skin care.

Taiwan has provided halal certifications to more than 230 restaurants and hotels to enhance the Muslim-friendly experience.

Taiwan is also known for its many choices of food and delicacies that are truly unique to Taiwan. Some of them are offered by Muslim-friendly shops including bubble tea, halal beef noodles, halal-certified night market stalls, halal dining experiences, snacks and products, and tea culture.

Taiwan is culturally diverse and has Instagram-worthy locations, from night markets to the glittering neon of the city and beautiful natural scenery.

Taiwan has a Muslim population of 300,000 people. Over the years, Taiwan has worked closely with Muslim organisations such as Chinese Muslim Association and Taiwan Islamic Association to understand the needs and demands of Muslim visitors.

Taiwan is fast becoming one of the more popular destinations, ranking third in the latest Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2023 report among non-Organisation of Islamic Cooperation destinations.

Taiwan Tourism Administration KL Office recorded more than 1,600 tourists arriving from Brunei between January and July 2023.

They also observed a trend of younger Muslim visitors who prefer destinations that give them the best overall experience – from shopping and food to theme parks and exciting outdoor activities and scenic views.

Director of the Taiwan Tourism Administration KL Office Abe Chou said, “Brunei is a potential market for Muslim and non-Muslim visitors to Taiwan. As we continue our focus by welcoming more Muslim visitors from Brunei to Taiwan, we want to say ‘Hello!’ to all Bruneians.

“Taiwan is committed to becoming a halal hub and a joint effort to become a destination of choice among Muslim visitors, we shall continuously improve our facilities to meet the needs of Muslim visitors.”

Champions crowned in local Beyblade competition

National

September 27, 2023

Mimi Nazwan bin Ibrahim from the Jakusha Bladers Team emerged as the champion in the ‘Open Beyblade’ competition after defeating Norhayati binti Abdul Latip from the Underground Beys Team with a score of 5-4 in the Beyblade finals organised by the Castillo Bullz Underground Beys Tournament held at UG House, Jalan Wasai Limuru.

Meanwhile, third place went to Nur’Ishfa Nabiqah binti Haji Rosaimi from Team Ghostbeys after defeating Mimi Nazwan bin Ibrahim from Team Jakusha Bladers with a score of 5-3.

Consolation prizes were won by GB Haji Rosaimi, UG Pengiran Hasswandy and UG Junaidi.

In the Beyblade X (three on three) competition organised by Sirskudii86, Muhammad Ashraffy Riizqi bin Abdul Matin from the Ghostbeys team was crowned the champion after defeating Massuny bin Haji Mohid from the Underground Beys team in the final match held at Teratak DBos, Mentiri.

Meanwhile, in third place was Muhammad Luqman bin Haji Kamaludin from Santai Aja Team after defeating Aedisopian bin Haji Ismail from the Prosecutor Bladers Team.

In the fight for the ‘Brunei Darussalam Beyblade League for the year 2023/2024’, the Jakusha Bladers team continues to lead the charts with 69 points, followed by the Underground Beys team with 38 points, the Santai Aja Bladerz team with 35 points, alongside the Ghostbeys team with 22 points and Beyblade Madness with six points.

Glory to the Prophet

National

September 27, 2023

Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin during the religious ceremony at Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Mosque, Mukim Kilanas. PHOTO: MPRT

The nation continues to celebrate Maulidur Rasul, the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as various institutions organise religious events to mark the occasion.

On Monday, the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism organised a dikir ceremony at Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Mosque in Mukim Kilanas.

Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin was the guest of honour.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Religious Affairs held a dikir ceremony at Zainab Mosque in Kampong Lumut to celebrate the occasion. Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan was the guest of honour.

A tazkirah on Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was also delivered by Mosque Officer at the Muhammad Jamalul Alam Mosque Mohammad Hilmi bin Yakop.

Meanwhile, the Institute of Brunei Technical Education and the Department of Educators Management held a dikir ceremony at the Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Kampong Katimahar.

Universiti Brunei Darussalam Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle was the guest of honour. – James Kon & Daniel Lim

Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan during the ceremony at Zainab Mosque in Kampong Lumut. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM

A dikir ceremony at the Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Kampong Katimahar. PHOTO: MOE

Minister, LegCo meet with Aceh delegation

National

September 27, 2023

A delegation from the Indonesian province of Aceh’s House of Representatives paid a courtesy call to Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman yesterday.

Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) Haji Mohammad Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim and Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary at MoRA Haji Hardifadhillah bin Haji Mohd Salleh were present.

Yesterday, the delegation, led by Secretary of Committee III Ir Haji Azhar Abdurrahman also met with Legislative Council (LegCo) members.

Secretary to the Cabinet Ministers’ Council and Clerk to LegCo Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Jaya Dato Paduka Haji Judin bin Haji Asar welcomed the delegation.

The two sides shared perspectives and exchanged ideas on halal tourism management, reflecting on its economic potential.

They also discussed information sharing on Islamic banking and finance, as well as legal guidelines during parliamentary sessions.

The meetings highlighted the close ties and cooperation between Brunei and Indonesia, particularly in the field of religion and Islamic teachings. – Azlan Othman

ABOVE & BELOW: Legislative Council members meet with a delegation from Aceh for discussions on a number of topics. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN

Ministry of Health to launch Bru-HIMS 2.0

National

September 27, 2023

The Ministry of Health (MoH) is set to implement Bru-HIMs 2.0 following a signing ceremony to upgrade the system yesterday at Al-’Afiah Hall of the ministry’s building.

The project will commence in October. The project duration is estimated to reach completion in 18 months.

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, the guest of honour, witnessed the signing.

Permanent Secretary of Health Haji Maswadi bin Haji Mohsin at the MoH signed the contract on behalf of the ministry, witnessed by Acting Director of Healthcare Technology Rudy bin Haji Harun, while Dynamik Technologies Sdn Bhd was represented by its chief executive officer Haslina binti Haji Mohd Taib, witnessed by Dr Chin Wei Keh of the company’s Board of Directors.

Healthcare Information and Management Systems or Bru-HIMS is an electronic health record system based on the policy of one patient, one record implemented in 2012.

ABOVE & BELOW: Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar witnessing the Bru-HIMS 2.0 signing ceremony; and the minister at the event. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI

Within 10 years of implementation, the system has achieved its objective of facilitating information services to the public and proven beneficial especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the benefits include the management of treatment and patient examinations which is more efficient due to the easy accessibility from all government health facilities. Medical professionals are also able to make smooth referrals based on the patient’s medical history and thus able to perform accurate diagnosis.

The current system infrastructure needs improvement taking into account the increase of consumer needs among health professionals as well as the rapid development of technology.

With the new Bru-HIMs 2.0, the storage of health information and patient data will be stored more comprehensively with high availability, resilience, scalability and updated work flow as well as holistic patient health information.

The project also aims to expand the system’s capabilities of the existing system’s main features of enhanced electronic medical record (EMR) system, enhanced clinical decision support as well as integration features within the current BruHealth system and also optimised infrastructure that has high availability, resilience, scalability and interoperability.

The project will also be implemented at Jerudong Park Medical Centre, Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre and Gleneagles JPMC. – James Kon

BGC, BIBD mark significant milestone in Brunei’s maritime history

National

September 27, 2023

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah as the guest of honour of the Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd and BIBD refinancing ceremony. PHOTO: MOFE

Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd (BGC) yesterday reached yet another milestone with the refinancing of its esteemed fleet vessels, Arkat and Amali where for the first time a local bank – Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) – is the sole financier of approximately USD 149 million for the two vessels.

In celebration of the milestone, the refinancing event for Arkat and Amali was graced by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah.

BGC Managing Director Captain Abdul Mateen bin Abdurrahman Liew said, “With unwavering dedication and diligent efforts, we have achieved a remarkable milestone in the maritime industry. This marks the first occasion where a local bank has provided a single lender financing for our fleets.

“This remarkable achievement solidifies our position as a prominent force within the marine time sector and we take great pride in this accomplishment.”

The refinancing of the Arkat and Amali vessels, he explained, “makes a significant contribution to the local economy. Not only does this agreement benefit the nation as a whole but it also aligns with Brunei Vision 2035 which aims to establish a dynamic and sustainable economy for the country.

“This event serves as a testament to the spirit of innovation, resilience and adaptability that defines our organisation”.

Meanwhile BIBD Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Junaidi bin Haji Masri said, “Today’s event marks more than just a financial transaction; it is a symbol of trust and collaboration that exists between BIBD and BGC. Today’s milestone underscores the strength and longevity of our partnership, representing yet another chapter in our shared commitment to support Brunei’s economic prosperity and development.”

He added, “BGC’s core business as the national liquified natural gas carrier plays a vital role in Brunei’s economic landscape. We are indeed humbled and honoured to play a role in facilitating Brunei’s economic development, recognising the pivotal role that BGC plays.”

Beyond banking, he highlighted, “we aspire to further strengthen our partnership, explore new horizons together and contribute to the sustainable growth of Brunei’s economy.

“BIBD remains committed to being your trusted partner on this journey, guided by our roots of the Maqasid Syariah and driven by our shared dedication to sustainability.”

Also in attendance were representatives from Mitsubishi Corporation, Brunei Shell Petroleum Company, Brunei LNG, Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam and Darussalam Assets. – James Kon

Ministry’s wellness programme comes to a close

National

September 27, 2023

P10-D_27092023-1920x342_thumbnail — Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah in a group photo with ‘MoFe on the Move’ participants. PHOTO: MOFE

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah joined 300 officers and staff of the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE) in the final session of its wellness programme ‘MoFE on the Move’.

Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew, the guest of honour, joined the recreation walk and cycling event that started from the ministry’s building before heading out to Prime Minister’s Recreational Park and then back to the ministry’s premises. The wellness programme is an initiative under MoFE to raise awareness on the mental health in the workplace. Several training and sharing sessions were held to increase knowledge about the symptoms of stress and their impacts on an individual, family and work as well as encourage efforts to improve oneself though nutritional and financial management.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Economy) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abdul Hamid and Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Fiscal) Pengiran Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Zety Sufina binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani as well as permanent secretary and deputy permanent Secretary and officials and their families. – James Kon

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah in a group photo with ‘MoFe on the Move’ participants. PHOTO: MOFE

Ten schools participate in Green Day Warrior Council

National

September 27, 2023

ABOVE & BELOW: Director of Department of Schools at the Ministry of Education Hajah Marina Chek binti Bujang presents a certificate; and students in a panel discussion. PHOTO: ROKIAH MAHMUD

Twenty students from 10 schools were nominated as presidents and vice presidents during the Green Day Warrior Council installation ceremony at The Garden’s Veranda yesterday.

The participating schools were: Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School, Sayyidina Abu Bakar Secondary School, Berakas Secondary School, Rimba I Secondary School, Pengiran Isteri Hajjah Mariam Secondary School, Raja Isteri Girls High School, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Secondary School, Sultan Sharif Ali Secondary School, Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien College and Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Secondary School.

The programme is a school community club formed to advance students’ knowledge on climate change and sustainability initiatives.

Director of Department of Schools at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Hajah Marina Chek binti Bujang presented certificates of recognition to the student representatives.

Curious Mind founder and Green Day programme curator Shaun Hoon said through the programme, it is hoped that more students will join by choosing a career in a climate change related discipline as part of efforts to help to solve the planet’s most pressing problems.

Some 100 Year 9 and 10 students attended the event with a goal in taking a leadership role to spread climate change awareness to their juniors, educate their families and drive positive change in their community.

The programme is conducted over two and half days at schools, with the first day focusing on the fundamentals of climate change, and how to live more sustainably, while day two is focused on practical workshop activities on recycling and repurposing used plastic materials and learning about how waste can negatively impact the environment.

The Green Day programme was conducted by Curious Mind and environment and sustainability specialist Yasmin Jones and supported by Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology. – Rokiah Mahmud

Schools celebrate teachers’ contributions

National

September 27, 2023

Bakti Dewa School

Bakti Dewa School (BDS) held a Teacher’s Day celebration at The Garden’s Veranda, Kampong Rimba.

BDS’ co-founder Pengiran Hajah Mariam binti Pengiran Haji Ahmad and Principal Pengiran Anak Hajah Haffezah Syukrina binti Pengiran Anak Haji Hassanuddin attended.

The celebration featured games and quizzes, performances by teachers and a presentation of tokens of appreciation to the teachers.

Pengiran Anak Hajah Haffezah Syukrina said the school acknowledges the hard work of its employees, teachers’ dedication and contribution towards making BDS a leader in the primary education sector.

Noting the recent implementation of minimum wage, the principal said the school’s management supports the aim of the policy and believes in improving the well-being of the staff.

She added that the management undertook a review of the pay scale and consequently, upwardly revising employees’ wages and in doing so, taking the few number of the school’s employees over the minimum wage threshold. – Rokiah Mahmud

Jigsaw Primary School

Jigsaw Primary School celebrated Teacher’s Day at Emperor’s Court at Hua Ho Mall Manggis, attended by the school’s teaching and non-teaching staff.

Chief Executive Officer and Principal Helen Chin, Chief Operating Officer and Medical Advisor Dr Jimmy Chin and spouse were the guests of honour.

The event saw the presentation of 45 awards and certificates with cash consolations to reward the hardworking and dedicated team at the school.

Among them was a long-service award to retired Tengku Azizah binti Tengku Abdul Aziz who had served the school for 24 years.

Also awarded were those who have shown dedication. – James Kon

Jigsaw Primary School Chief Executive Officer and Principal Helen Chin presents an award and a certificate. PHOTO: JAMES KON

The attendees in a group photo. PHOTO: JAMES KON

Watch out for cryptocurrency scam

Opinion

September 27, 2023

I would like to bring attention to a cryptocurrency scam, which is currently running in Brunei Darussalam and nearby countries.

A relative of mine was introduced to a cryptocurrency trading platform by a friend. They claimed to trade with the stock ticker, ‘FSEX’, which does not exist at all.

The platform requires users to download an application that is not available on either Apple App Store or Google Play Store, and requests for ‘Know Your Customer’ details for the purpose of facilitating withdrawals. It raises significant concerns about the potential for identity theft.

The modus operandi involves adding new users to a WhatsApp group, where they receive trading signals and instructions regarding when and where to execute trades. The individuals presenting themselves as “traders” in the group claim to employ scalping methods for Bitcoin trading.

Additionally, group members frequently share their earnings to entice others to join and emulate their success. However, it is highly likely that these earnings are fabricated, and the balances displayed in user accounts are not accurate reflections of reality.

It is concerning to note that due to restrictions on sending funds directly through cryptocurrency wallets to this platform, my relative resorted to sending the money to the group’s leader via PayPal. Later, an admin, who resides in Brunei, offered to transfer my relative’s funds to the platform via their own crypto wallet. This would involve my relative meeting up with the admin to pass the money. Or alternatively, use bank transfer. The process raises further red flags.

Once the funds are deposited on the platform, users can see their balances increase within hours, which create an illusion of legitimacy. But in reality, these are just fake numbers, as the platform is controlled by the scammer. To bolster the perception, multi admins of the group would also provide testimonials of successful winnings and fund withdrawals, thereby convincing others that it is a secure investment/trading opportunity.

The scam’s perpetrators have employed tactics that make their operation appear above board, making me fear that the general public may unwittingly fall victim to it without a clear understanding of the risks involved.

These scams are increasingly prevalent worldwide, and are rinsed and repeated over and over again. Scammers would simply take down the website and app, and make new ones.

Numerous online articles and forums discuss this recurring scam strategy.

Now that it has made its way to Brunei, having an awareness of this scam is of utmost importance, or it would affect the well-being of the general public.

Worried

Borneo Bulletin OnlineThe Independent Newspaper in Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Sarawak

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