The Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) has received information regarding a number of financial scams using BDCB’s name and logo, while also using its former name and logo of Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD), it said in a release yesterday.
The release added that some people have been contacted either via phone call, short message service (SMS), or instant messaging applications such as WhatsApp and Telegram from individuals claiming to be from BDCB.
These individuals aim to obtain personal and banking information access to and steal from victims’ accounts.
Some scams may also use BDCB’s name and logo to claim that there are fees or charges to be paid.
BDCB said it will never reach out to the public to request personal or banking details or any money transfer whether through phone call, SMS or instant messaging applications.
BDCB emphasised that any person using BDCB’s name or logo without written permission or using a name, symbol, design or representation identical to BDCB’s name, symbol, design or representation with the intention of deceiving or to cause confusion, is committing an offence under Section 74A of the BDCB Order, 2010, carrying a penalty of a fine not exceeding BND20,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years, or both.
The public can contact BDCB for verification by calling the BDCB hotline at 8318388 or e-mail info@bdcb.gov.bn if they believe they have received a call or text messages from scammers claiming to be from BDCB.
D’Sunlit Director Dato Paduka Haji Danial bin Haji Hanafiah, officials and event partners in a group photo.
PHOTO: BAHYIAH BAKIR
Lyna Mohamad
Themed ‘Bold and Curious’ in encouraging self-empowerment for the public to try more things and accepting unconventional ideas, the 27th instalment of the most highly awaited Consumer Fair (CF27) kicked off with an official partner signing ceremony yesterday.
The signing ceremony at the Multipurpose Hall of D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd saw D’Sunlit represented by its Director Dato Paduka Haji Danial bin Haji Hanafiah, accompanied by D’Sunlit Business Development Manager Gavin Chai while signing as official partners were representatives from each organisation and their witness.
Signatories were Brunei Press Sdn Bhd as exclusive print and digital media supporter, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) as official bank, Sehat Water IBIC Sdn Bhd as mineral water provider, Aewon as apparel provider and Oregon Systems as CCTV services provider.
CF27 official activity partners are NBT (Brunei) Sdn Bhd, Progresif Media, Cuckoo while Mixmediaworx is the official outdoor digital media partner, Ranoadidas as social media partner and Dart Logistics Sdn Bhd as event partner.
The Consumer Fair Committee held an exhibitors briefing later in the day, attended by representatives of various companies and establishments. The committee briefed on the latest developments, logistic concerns, rules and regulations to adhere to, and other matters to ensure the event would run smoothly.
CF27 is set to return from June 14-18 at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas. As in the previous instalments, the event will be bringing back the Consumer Fair family members Babah, Babu, Boboi and Alai.
The event is also introducing stage activities where visitors can join in to experience new horizons and a chance to win prizes while the Consumer Fair activity partners will also have their own interactive activities to showcase their products throughout the five-day event.
The Consumer Fair Grand Lucky Draw will also be returning, offering visitors a chance to win more prizes. For this 27th instalment, the grand draw prize is a Toyota Wigo sponsored by NBT (Brunei).
Opening hours will be from 10am- 10pm except Friday, where it will be closed temporarily from noon to 2pm for Friday prayers.
D’Sunlit Director Dato Paduka Haji Danial bin Haji Hanafiah, officials and event partners in a group photo. PHOTO: BAHYIAH BAKIR
Hajah Siti Zaleha binti Haji Kaprawi. PHOTO: JAMES KON
James Kon
Brunei Gastronomic Cuisine, the coffee table book produced by Hajah Siti Zaleha binti Haji Kaprawi and Syen Sofian, has been honoured with the prestigious World Gourmand Cookbook Award 2023 as the winners in the Best Asian Cuisine by Countries category.
According to the Tourism Development Department, the award ceremony took place in Umea, Sweden, from May 25-28. Brunei Gastronomic Cuisine is now the third cookbook by Hajah Siti Zaleha to receive international recognition following her first cookbook, Flavours & Colours Brunei Darussalam in 2013, and Flowers & Fruits in Cooking in 2020.
Brunei Gastronomic Cuisine is a book of collection of recipes and dishes contributed from executive chefs who participated in the annual Brunei Gastronomy Week event which started in 2017. The book was officially launched at the Brunei Gastronomy Week in 2020. The book features a selection of recipes collected throughout three years of Brunei Gastronomy Week, each representing the annual themes: Bamboo Chicken in 2017, Banana Leaf in 2018, and Turmeric in 2019.
Hajah Siti Zaleha said the first recognition she received in 2013 fuelled her passion to participate in the Gourmand Award ceremony and publish better cookbooks.
With support from the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and through collaborations with local chefs, her mission to promote Bruneian cuisine on the international stage has been successful, culminating in this third recognition.
She hoped that the release of this award-winning cookbook would inspire young local food enthusiasts, to follow her footsteps in publishing a new cookbook titled Brunei Culinary Heritage, delving into Brunei’s food culture and sustainable heritage food packaging.
Hajah Siti Zaleha binti Haji Kaprawi. PHOTO: JAMES KON
The panel of judges during the seminar. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
Azlan Ohtman
Young Brunei inventors were urged to continue producing new inventions that can be commercialised, attracting investors while moving on. They were also urged to not compete for the sake of competition alone.
They were also encouraged to heighten their invention’s protection level in the form of intellectual property (IP) rights to avoid being copied.
The call was made during a panel discussion of foreign and local judges at an executive seminar themed ‘Innovation for Sustainable Development Goals’ held in conjunction with the Crown Prince Creative, Innovative Product and Technological Advancement (CIPTA) Award 2023 as well as Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2023 at Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) and virtually via the Zoom platform yesterday.
Professor Ir Ts Dr Sivarao Subramonian of the Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka said judges for the innovation award expect for complete solution for prospective investors which can be tested.
He said CIPTA’s flood mitigation project was ready for commercialisation and lauded participants of the project for “going to the field” to conduct the study.
Professor Sivarao also highlighted the need to know about IP to protect their invention and to meet the target. On IP, he said, the university’s Enterprise Office can offer assistance in this regard.
Meanwhile, Professor Ts Dr Wan Zuha Wan Hassan from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia said product protection level is crucial to avoid being duplicated in the market, thus avoiding loss in commercialisation. There is also a need to conduct a marketing study before it is fully commercialised, he said.
The panel of judges during the seminar. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
On improvements needed for some inventions, Professor Dr Wan Zuha said, “Before we create anything, we need to deal with how to commercialise it as well as engagement for the product to be available in the industry.”
Professor Dr Wan Zuha called on inventors to keep on producing new invention but also to consider novelty and application aspects. He also advised them to continue moving.
Meanwhile, young judge and UTB Student Representative Council president Awangku Md Rafiuddin bin Pengiran Saharuddin said the safety feature of the ‘Mamoru: Accident Prevention Motorcycle Helmet’ is that it measures rider’s drowsiness.
He also stressed on the importance of the project’s fundamental knowledge, chances of winning as well as to boost confidence, adding that inventors should be passionate and enthusiastic.
Meanwhile judge Jurutera OMC Managing Director Ir Chin Lee Tuck said registering an IP is important as an invention can be copied. He urged inventors to consider marketing and their invention’s economic aspects.
CIPTA Technical Committee Co-Chair Pengiran Dr Rafidah binti Pengiran Haji Petra urged inventors to sharpen their skills.
UTB Vice-Chancellor Datin Paduka Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman was the guest of honour.
Meanwhile Head of CIPTA Seminar Organising Committee Dr Wida Susanty binti Haji Suhaili said the CIPTA 2023 theme ‘Innovations for Sustainable Development Goals’ stressed sustainability as the important aspect in all new inventions while creations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are global goals adopted first by United Nations in 2015. There are 17 goals which is a universal call of action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that by 2030 all people in the world can enjoy peace and prosperity.
This is in line with Brunei Vision 2035, aimed to make the Sultanate a nation recognised for the achievements of its people who are educated and highly skilled, high quality of life and an economy that is both dynamic and sustainable as underlined 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.
As inventors of the innovations and creations, she said, “One surely will need to focus on these goals because as innovators we need to provide logical and achievable solutions to address problems. With a strong motivation, a justified cause will usually bring life to the invention from the very beginning.”
The handover of ‘Tongkat Kepimpinan Pemerintah Tentera Darat Diraja Brunei’ from outgoing Commander of the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF) Brigadier General Dato Seri Pahlawan Saifulrizal bin Abdul Latif and the new Commander of RBLF Brigadier General Haji Mohammad Shanonnizam bin Sulaiman. PHOTO: ADIB NOOR
Adib Noor
The duties and responsibilities of Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF) personnel are crucial in the role of national defence, Brigadier General Dato Seri Pahlawan Saifulrizal said in his farewell speech as the 13th Commander of the RBLF.
He said this during a handover takeover ceremony for him and new RBLF Commander Brigadier General Haji Mohammad Shanonnizam bin Sulaiman officially held at the First Battalion RBLF, Parade Square, Berakas Garrison yesterday.
He also highlighted that it is appropriate that RBLF personnel who bear the responsibility to have exact obedience and enthusiasm, sustainable leadership, robust preparedness, and a strong spiritual strength to propel the RBLF towards success in upholding the sovereignty of the monarchy, religion and country.
Brigadier General Haji Mohammad Shanonnizam in his inaugural speech as the 14th Commander of RBLF conveyed three basic guidelines – Satria, Setia and Sedia, that would generate and increase the spirit of chivalry, loyalty and preparedness to every member in ensuring the RBLF will undertake its roles and duties as an organisation that is united, credible and adaptive in both maintaining peace and prosperity of Brunei Darussalam.
Upon arrival, the outgoing RBLF commander received the honorary salute and then inspected the guard of honour comprising RBLF personnel under the command of Deputy Commanding Officer of Third Battalion RBLF Major Mohamad Safizan bin Ahmad.
The handover of ‘Tongkat Kepimpinan Pemerintah Tentera Darat Diraja Brunei’ from outgoing Commander of the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF) Brigadier General Dato Seri Pahlawan Saifulrizal bin Abdul Latif and the new Commander of RBLF Brigadier General Haji Mohammad Shanonnizam bin Sulaiman. PHOTO: ADIB NOOR
The ceremony continued with the signing of certificates and the handover of Tongkat Kepimpinan Pemerintah Tentera Darat Diraja Brunei from the outgoing commander to the new commander, symbolising the official handing over of duties as RBLF Commander.
Lieutenant Muhammad Hidayatullah Sunazul Fikar from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Religious Directorate (JAMA’AT) recited Doa Selamat, Doa Ambil Alih Tugas and Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam.
The ceremony proceeded to the Officer’s Mess in Berakas Garrison and concluded with a group photo and the signing of parchment.
Deputy Commander of RBLF, RBLF senior officers and officers, as well as the Land Force Sergeant Major and RBLF personnel also attended.
“Treat others with respect, kindness, and empathy in the hopes that the values are not only reflected in the actions of award recipients but also become ingrained in the collective mindset of the university community,” Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Acting Assistant Vice Chancellor (Corporate and Administration) Pengiran Dr Iskandar bin Pengiran Haji Petra said.
He said thisthe UBD Staff Excellence Award Presentation Ceremony 2023 at An-Naura Hall at the Yayasan Complex. The ceremony served to recognise the awardees’ achievements in teaching and learning, leadership and administration of the university, contributing towards the university’s pursuit for education and research excellence.
“The primary objective of the awards is to acknowledge and appreciate the achievements of our staff members who demonstrated excellence in their roles and responsibilities,” he said.
“Let’s acknowledge today’s event as a reminder of the significance of honesty and integrity in carrying out one’s duties,” Pengiran Dr Iskandar added. “The value of trust and transparency cannot be overstated, as they form the foundation of a strong and ethical work environment. By upholding these principles, we ensure that our actions align with the amanah expected from us. May these values resonate with each and every member of our university community, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration that propels the UBD forward.”
Associate Professor Dr Debbie Guan Eng Ho received the Leadership Excellence Award, Dr Haji Muhammad Haziq bin Haji Muhammad Jamil received the Teaching Excellence Award (Sciences), Dr Deeni Rudita Idris received the Teaching Excellence Award (Health Sciences) and Associate Professor Dr Minhaz Uddin Ahmed received the Research Excellence Award for Senior Career Academics (Sciences). Associate Professor Dr AKM Ahsan Ullah was awarded the Research Excellence Award for Senior Career Academics (Arts) and Dr Mohammad Hadi Hazwan Dato Paduka Haji Haini the Research Excellence Award for Early Career Academic.
Muhammad Khairul Anwar Haji Shahari received the Administrative Excellence Award for Managers and Professionals, Pengiran Noraini binti Pengiran Chuchu was awarded the Administrative Excellence Award for Administrative Support Staff Division 4 and Suzi Katharine Ali Hassan received the Administrative Excellence Award for Administrative Support Staff Division 5.
Mazda Brunei Sales Manager Magdeline Hiew and Grand Motors marketing executives. PHOTO: JAMES KON
James Kon
Twelve finalists were shortlisted for the grand draw of the Mazda ‘Prime Raya Deals’ promotion campaign to take place on June 17.
The draw at Grand Motors’ office yesterday, was witnessed by Mazda Brunei Sales Manager Magdeline Hiew with Grand Motors marketing executives and local media personnel yesterday.
The finalists, drawn from some 150 entries, are Affeefah @ Bareeah binti Abdul Hadi, Abdul Hafiz bin Haji Asli, Azizul Izam bin Haji Muhammad Sam, Chua Ing Na, Dayangku Nurul Hafizah binti Pengiran Noor Alikahan, Hajah Norsidah binti Haji Abdul Rahman, Muhammad Rawi Akmal bin Yusof, Muhammad Ridhwan bin Mahni @Azizan, Muhammad Sallehuddin bin Mohd Yusof, Muhammad Shyfie Aiman bin Othman, Pengiran Siti Aishah Norpemar binti Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar and Pengiran Md Naqiuddin bin Pengiran Haji Zainal Ariffin.
Prizes worth up to BND20,000 are up for grabs in the grand draw, including MacBook Pro M1 14’ 32 GB 1TB, iPhone 4 Pro Max 1TB, iPhone 4 Pro 1TB, iPad Pro M2 12’9 156GB, MacBook Air M2 12.6’ 256GB, iPhone 14 Plus 128GB, iPhone 14 128GB and Apple Watch Luteal 49mm. The remaining four finalists will take home BND1,000 cash.
Individuals who purchased any Mazda model during the promotion period from March 1 to May 31 were entitled for the draw.
Mazda Brunei Sales Manager Magdeline Hiew and Grand Motors marketing executives. PHOTO: JAMES KON
BRC President Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yussof bin Pengiran Haji Bahar presents the Henry Dunant Emerging Young Leader Award to McDonald’s Brunei General Manager Mohammad Al-Fattah bin Haji Seruji. PHOTO: ROKIAH MAHMUD
Rokiah Mahmud
McDonald’s Brunei General Manager Mohammad Al-Fattah bin Haji Seruji received the Henry Dunant Emerging Young Leaders Award from the Brunei Red Crescent Society (BRC) at the Big Mac Room, McDonald’s Brunei Gadong branch yesterday.
BRC President Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yussof bin Pengiran Haji Bahar presented the award.
BRC Secretary General Haji Muhammad Suhaimi bin Haji Ibrahim said the association honours several individuals comprising leaders, members, volunteers, individuals and corperate partners who made significant contributions to the global humanitarian mission, in conjunction with BRC’s 75th anniversary this year with the Henry Dunant Award.
Haji Muhammad Suhaimi said, “Mohammad Al-Fattah received the award in honour of his involvement and dedication in providing support to the BRC.”
Mohammad Al-Fattah said he was honoured and humbled to receive the award on behalf of McDonald’s Brunei.
“The award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire team.
“We value our partnership with BRC. Together we have been able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities. It is a collective effort, and we are grateful for the recognition of our commitment to humanitarian causes,” he said.
The award is recognised and endorsed by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
BRC President Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yussof bin Pengiran Haji Bahar presents the Henry Dunant Emerging Young Leader Award to McDonald’s Brunei General Manager Mohammad Al-Fattah bin Haji Seruji. PHOTO: ROKIAH MAHMUD
Twenty seven individuals donated blood at a campaign at the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) Library in Kampong Pandan Belait District on Thursday.
The campaign was organised by the Ministry of Health and the Blood Donation Centre of the Department of Laboratory Services.
Similar campaigns were also held at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Brunei at OneCity Shopping Centre; Little Soho in Batu Bersurat; and McDonald’s Jerudong recently.
People registering for the blood donation campaignDonors donating blood. PHOTOS: DANIEL LIM
PUJA Academy Sdn Bhd (PASB) in collaboration with PMO Innovations, Malaysia organised a one-day course on ‘Project Contract Management.’ The speaker was project manager professional William Tan.
The online course’s topic catered to professional needs and provided insight into contracts to PUJA and construction industry members where contracts are dealt with and managed daily.
The course introduced and covered project contract management which integrated project contract management into the entire project life cycle.
It used defined process steps and practical tools and techniques, to plan and manage contracts from a buyer or seller perspective.
The course also covered the contract management process from project initiating to project closing, including selecting the right contract type for a project, choosing an offering results in the best values, agreement on objectives, requirements, plans and specifications, negotiating favourable terms and reviving the contract, applying rules of contract interpretation in project disputes, administer contracts appropriately, and knowing when and how to terminate contract, before or upon completion.
The online course received feedback where over 30 participants comprising Institution of Surveyors, Engineers and Architect (PUJA) and construction industry members joined the webinar virtually.
