ABOVE & BELOW: Head of the Health Promotion Centre Dr Hajah Norhayati binti Haji Muhammad Kassim; and Gleneagles JPMC Chief Operating Officer ‘Izzul Hamzi bin Haji Jomari.
PHOTOS: JAMES KON
James Kon
BND250,000 will be utilised to fund health programmes under the Health Promotion Centre (HPC) such as the Growing, Learning, Optimising Towards Better Well-Being in Schools (GLOW) Programme hoping to implement comprehensive health promotion programmes for better students’ health.
HPC Head Dr Hajah Norhayati binti Haji Muhammad Kassim, in an interview, said, the cooperation between the HPC and Gleneagles JPMC “Is based on priority being placed on preventing heart diseases. Gleneagles JPMC hopes to prevent heart diseases through a healthy lifestyle.“
She added, “We have reached out to ministries where we carried out health screening. More than 20,000 civil servants have been screened in the past few years and around 2,000 people have been referred to health centres for high blood pressure.
“More than 200 civil servants have also received training to facilitate health activities in their ministries with a total of 598 exercise sessions conducted since 2019.”
When the COVID-19 outbreak occurred, she said, “We changed our mode of delivery by focussing on digital platform. The funds will help build a website that contains health modules that can be accessed anytime.”
ABOVE & BELOW: Head of the Health Promotion Centre Dr Hajah Norhayati binti Haji Muhammad Kassim; and Gleneagles JPMC Chief Operating Officer ‘Izzul Hamzi bin Haji Jomari. PHOTOS: JAMES KON
The plan, she said, “is to improve the website and support the private sectors who wish to create a healthy workplace.”
She added, “It is important to spread awareness on the importance of healthy lifestyles to students because they are young and are the future generation of the country. We received guidance from the World Health Organization on promoting health in schools and shared it with more than 40 schools, including private schools.”
As of January this year, she revealed “Six schools have been recruited into the initiatives, and 61 teachers from 34 private schools attended a two-day workshop. Schools will need to develop their own policies and allocate resources to deliver “components of health promotion.”
Meanwhile, Gleneagles JPMC Chief Operating Officer ‘Izzul Hamzi bin Haji Jomari, called the MoU in increasing awareness and understanding on the importance of cardiovascular health. “We aim to become one of the enablers of a health conscious nation.”
Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister's Office Ajman bin Haji Meludin hands over the donation to Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan. PHOTO: JAPEM
James Kon
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) received a donation of BND9,325 for the Turkiye and Syria Earthquake Humanitarian Fund at Citra Budaya Hall of the MCYS building yesterday.
The donation came from officers and staff at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the departments under it.
Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Governance) at the PMO Ajman bin Haji Meludin handed the donation to Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the MCYS Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan.
Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office Ajman bin Haji Meludin hands over the donation to Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan. PHOTO: JAPEM
Pizza Hut Brunei presents a mock cheque for BND3,000 to the Children’s Cancer Foundation. PHOTO: PIZZA HUT BRUNEI
Pizza Hut Brunei commemorated its 30th anniversary by giving back to the community with a donation to Children’s Cancer Foundation (YASKA).
Pizza Hut Brunei donated BND3,000 and goodies to YASKA to aid the foundation’s mission by providing support and assistance to children battling cancer.
Pizza Hut Brunei aims to make a meaningful difference in the children’s life.
Pizza Hut Brunei also hosted an appreciation dinner to celebrate its 30th anniversary at Pizza Hut, The Mall, Gadong.
Local comedian Loh Latiff performed at the event.
Pizza Hut Brunei presents a mock cheque for BND3,000 to the Children’s Cancer Foundation. PHOTO: PIZZA HUT BRUNEI
The Sultanate was ranked 12th out of 136 countries and was recognised for steadfast development in Islamic finance, according to the IFDI Report 2022.
This was shared in a keynote address 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 read by Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Fiscal) Pengiran Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Zety Sufina binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani during the launch.
She read this during the launch of Brunei Islamic Finance Summit 2023 themed ‘Securing A Resilient and Sustainable Future Through Innovative Islamic Finance’ at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas as part of Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2023 (Brunei MYCE 2023).
The country also achieved a 31 IFDI score based on five indicators – financial performance, governance, sustainability, knowledge, and awareness.
“Brunei Darussalam maintained its top position in regulations, thereby demonstrating the robustness of its Islamic finance governance.
“The report also ranked the Sultanate at fourth place for events under the awareness indicator, and fifth place for research under the knowledge indicator,” read the deputy minister.
PHOTO: BAHYIAH BAKIR
Brunei embarked on its endeavour to develop and advance Islamic finance in 1991, guided by the national philosophy, Malay Islamic Monarchy, as well as the Maqasid Syariah principles, aiming to preserve and promote religion, life, intellect, wealth and progeny.
“These principles have shaped the national strategies, providing clear directions to steer the country’s transition towards becoming an innovative and sustainable economy.
“These strategies include, Brunei Vision 2035 to ensure that the people of the country are educated, highly skilled and accomplished, enjoy a high quality of life, and have a dynamic and sustainable economy by 2035.
“The Economic Blueprint for Brunei Darussalam which focusses on strengthening five priority sectors to boost diversification efforts, namely downstream oil and gas, food, tourism, info-communications and technology and services; the Digital Economy Masterplan which aims to transform the Sultanate into a smart nation through digitalisation.
“The Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy which aims to create a low-carbon and climate-resilient nation; and the Brunei Darussalam Financial Sector Blueprint which focusses on developing a dynamic and diversified financial sector.”
The deputy minister said that Brunei was placed in 20th place in the Global Islamic FinTech (GIFT) Index in 2022 alongside Bangladesh, and Turkiye, a jump from 31st place in the previous year. The GIFT Index 2022 is a composite index of 19 key indicators that signifies a country’s conduciveness to the growth of Islamic fintech market and ecosystem, talent, regulation, infrastructure, and capital.
The country’s success in developing Islamic finance has been unequivocal, attributed to the concerted efforts from various stakeholders, including Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB), as the financial regulator playing a pivotal role in establishing the framework to cultivate a thriving ecosystem for Islamic finance.
The financial industry, she said, has played an active role in advancing Islamic finance.
“We have witnessed a BND2 billion pledge made by an Islamic bank towards sustainability efforts; the introduction of digital solutions for takaful products; the offering of Islamic investment products by a conventional capital market services licence holder through an Islamic window; and a local Islamic asset manager becoming a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment.”
Beyond the financial sector, other industry players such as fintech and telecommunication companies have contributed to the development of Islamic finance.
Examples cited include e-Zakat payment gateways and crowdfunding platforms for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Such initiatives also contribute to the realisation of the country’s vision to become a smart nation.
Another initiative set to boost Islamic fintech and Islamic finance overall is the formation of Syariah-compliant Digital Finance Economic Zone fully supported by Brunei Darussalam BIMP-EAGA Business Council through a public and private partnership.
The initiative will drive innovation-based development and facilitate and promote the development of a Syariah-compliant Digital Finance Centre.
The new economic zone will facilitate high speed economic growth while keeping focus on environmental, society and governance.
The deputy minister also commended Brunei Institute of Leadership and Islamic Finance (BILIF) for their work in organising a platform where key players can engage with one another, while relevant knowledge is shared by experts.
Photos show Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman during the Brunei Young Leaders Convention 2023. PHOTOS: AZLAN OTHMAN
Azlan Othman
The Brunei Young Leaders Convention (BYLC) is a valuable platform for young leaders from various backgrounds and profession to discuss issues related to Brunei Vision 2035.
Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman said this yesterday at the opening ceremony of BYLC 2023, stressing the importance of Bruneian youth as the drivers for the future.
He said Dasar Belia Negara (National Youth Policy) was appropriated to align with national strategies, namely Brunei Vision 2035, Digital Economy Masterplan 2025, Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy, and the Manpower and Employment Council Strategic Plan.
He added that he was expecting positive views and feedback from the young leaders.
BYLC, organised by Perspective Insan Academy, returned with its fourth instalment, ending tomorrow.
The three-day convention is being held at the multipurpose hall of the convention’s venue partner, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, and is attended by 140 aspiring youth members and youth leaders of different backgrounds.
Photos show Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman during the Brunei Young Leaders Convention 2023. PHOTOS: AZLAN OTHMAN
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi also said the role and involvement of youth in the development of the country was touched on by 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 in conjunction with the 35th National Day celebration in 2019 during which His Majesty said, “In the past years we have placed high hopes on the young generation to proactively lead the development of the country.
“Alhamdulillah, that hope came true, with the youth showing achievements in the fields of entrepreneurship, economy and society. At the same time, government agencies are not lagging behind in providing infrastructure and helping the youth, especially in providing guidance to those in entrepreneurship.”
Chairperson of BYLC Iswandy bin Ahmad highlighted some of the successes and achievements of youth attending the previous conventions.
He called on the youth to take the opportunity to engage with stakeholders, including government agencies, private sectors, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Youth have the opportunity to get detailed information on Brunei Vision 2035, attend forums and mentor clinics, establish networks and interact with peers and panellists, and participate in unique activities during the convention.
BYLC 2023 is also held in conjunction with the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2023, organised by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism through the Tourism Development Department in collaboration with local and international government agencies, statutory bodies, higher educational institutions, stakeholders and private agencies.
Twenty-seven players have been called up to the national senior football team following an announcement by the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (FABD) yesterday.
The 27-member strong team include three goalkeepers Haimie Nyaring; Ishyra Jabidi; and Azriel Arman.
The defenders are Yura Indera; Hanif Hamir; Afi Aminuddin; Martin Haddy; Mu’iz Sisa; Shahme Suhaimi; Shafie Effendy; Fakharazzi Hassan; Alinur Jufri; Hanif Farhan; Hirzi Zulfaqar; and Nazif Jaini.
The midfielders are Hendra Azam; Azwan Ali; Naziruddin Ismail; Eddy Omar; Asyraffahmi Norsamri; Haziq Kasyful; Hamizan Aziz; and Hariz Herman.
The forwards are Razimie Ramlli; Hariz Danial; Adi Said; and Hakeme Said.
The Public Works Department (JKR) through its Administration and Finance Department organised a Health and Safety Week to raise awareness on health and safety in the workplace.
Permanent Secretary (Infrastructure, Housing and Professional) at the Ministry of Development (MoD) Ir Haji Amer Hishamuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Amar Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Zakaria attended the event at the JKR headquarters.
The ceremony included talks, attended by 120 staff and officers under the MoD as well as companies and contractors.
The talks will be held for two days.
An exhibition on health and safety in workplace and construction site is also held at the JKR headquarters lobby for two days, from 8am to noon and 2pm to 4pm.
Participating companies comprise suppliers for safety equipment, safety training providers and insurance companies.
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Construction Industry and Development) at the MoD Sr Hajah Norhayati binti Haji Mohd Yakub, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Corporate and Law) at the MoD Aldila binti Haji Mohamad Salleh, heads of departments and sponsors were also present. The exhibition is open to the public.
Photos show Permanent Secretary (Infrastructure, Housing and Professional) at the Ministry of Development Ir Haji Amer Hishamuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Amar Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Zakaria at the event. PHOTOS: JAMES KON
The two teams in a group photo. PHOTO: KB WARRIORS
Daniel Lim
A friendly football match was held between veteran league champion KB Warriors and Youngster from Bandar Seri Begawan recently at the Arena Football Field, Seria.
Leading the contingent from Youngster was Haji Idris bin Haji Jaafar. Manager Hasnal bin Haji Sulaiman welcomed them to KB Warrior’s home turf.
The two teams in a group photo. PHOTO: KB WARRIORS
An attendee poses a question at the event. PHOTO: BDAC
The Brunei Darussalam Arbitration Centre (BDAC) embarked on an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) awareness roadshow, which commenced in the Brunei-Muara District at the Brunei-Muara District Office yesterday.
The roadshow aims to educate and promote the benefits of ADR, with a focus on mediation and arbitration, and highlights BDAC as the ideal centre for resolving disputes.
The event was attended by Legislative Council members, penghulu mukim and village heads, who recognise the significance of ADR in fostering harmonious and effective dispute resolution in a community. Attendees were provided insights into ADR mechanisms, particularly mediation and arbitration, and how the methods can facilitate swift, cost-effective, and mutually agreeable resolutions for various types of conflicts.
BDAC representatives shed light on the advantages of ADR, including the preservation of relationships, confidentiality, flexibility, while tailoring solutions to the specific needs of the parties involved.
A question-and-answer session was also held.
BDAC plans to extend the roadshow to other districts.
An attendee poses a question at the event. PHOTO: BDAC
Investment in clean energy technologies is outpacing spending on fossil fuels. The global energy industry is set to have USD2.8 trillion investment in 2023, with a signification portion allocated to clean energy technologies. More than USD1.7 trillion is expected to go to clean technologies, while the remaining goes to fossil fuels according to a new International Energy Agency (IEA) report.
“Clean energy is moving fast – faster than many people realise. This is clear in the investment trends, where clean technologies are pulling away from fossil fuels,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.
“For every USD1 invested in fossil fuels, about USD1.7 are now going into clean energy.
Five years ago, this ratio was one-to-one. One shining example is investment in solar, which is set to overtake the amount of investment going into oil production for the first time.”
Driven by renewables and vehicles, annual clean energy investment is expected to rise by 24 per cent between 2021 and 2023. In comparison, investment in fossil fuels over this period is projected to increase by 15 per cent.
Advanced economies and China contribute to more than 90 per cent of the increase in clean energy investment, highlighting the need for other countries to make the transition.
However, the report also highlights notable progress including solar investment in India, deployment in Brazil and investor activity picking up in parts of the Middle East, notably in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Interest rates, unclear policy frameworks and market designs, financially strained utilities and capital costs are among factors that hold back investment in many other countries.
Following the continuous cost declines, the last two years saw a price increase for some of the key clean energy technologies largely due to cost of critical minerals, semiconductors and bulk materials including steel and cement. In early 2022, solar photovoltaic modules were about 20 per cent more expensive compared to the previous year, though the price pressures have eased since. Meanwhile, wind turbine costs remained high in early 2023, at 35 per cent above the low levels of early 2020.
Except from solar deployment which has been steadily increasing over the years, the project pipeline for other technologies has been less reliable. Investment in wind power has varied year-on-year in key markets while nuclear investment is rising but hydropower has been on a downward trend.
A variety of factors have contributed to the growth of investments in clean energy in recent years, including volatile fossil fuel markets following the invasion of Ukraine, enhanced policy support through the United States Inflation Reduction Act and new initiatives in Europe, Japan and China. Renewable power and electric vehicles (EVs) led the momentum behind clean energy investment, in addition to contributions from other areas including batteries, heat pumps and nuclear power.
Low-emissions electricity technologies are expected to account for almost 90 per cent of investment in power generation this year, led by solar. Over USD1 billion per day is expected to be spent on solar investments in 2023, slightly overtaking upstream oil spending for the first time.
Consumers are also investing in more electrified end-uses. Sales of EVs are expected to leap by a third this year after a record-breaking surge in 2022. As a result, investment in EVs has more than doubled since 2021, reaching USD130 billion in 2023.
The report also highlights that 2022 was a profitable year for many fossil fuel companies due to higher fuel prices. However, most of the cash flow was allocated to dividends, share buybacks and debt payments instead of going back into traditional supply.
Investment in unabated fossil fuel supply is projected to increase by over six per cent this year, reaching USD950 billion. Upstream oil and gas is expected to make up the largest share, back to 2019 levels.
Most large oil and gas companies have announced higher planned spending on upstream projects than last year, but only a few are investing more than they did before the pandemic. Spending varies between regions, with increased spending mainly concentrated among large national oil companies in the Middle East.
According to the report, today’s fossil fuel investment spending is now more than double the levels needed in 2030 if the world is to limit the long-term temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius with respect to the net zero emissions by 2050 Scenario. In addition, today’s coal investment is nearly six times higher than the 2030 requirements in the net zero scenario, pushing the temperature limit out of reach.
