DPMM FC player Hakeme Yazid bin Said chases Hougang United captain Zulfahmi Arifin for the ball during their Singapore Premier League 2023 match. PHOTO: SINGAPORE PREMIER LEAGUE
Fadhil Yunus
Brunei Darussalam slipped to a 3-2 defeat against Hougang United in the Singapore Premier League 2023 at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore on Wednesday.
A hat-trick from Amy Recha for the visitors did the damage as Hakeme Yazid Said‘s brace late in the second half appeared to be in vain for the Bruneians.
DPMM FC new goalkeeper Kristijan Naumovski made his debut since joining the club earlier this month.
The Cheetahs missed an opportunity to take the lead in the 17th minute after Gabriel Quak smashed against the crossbar from point blank range following a delightful cross from Jordan Vestering.
Hougang forward Amy Recha broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute with a delightful strike past Brunei’s latest signing after teammate Zulfahmi Arifin provided a peach of a pass to the box.
The former Geylang International man got his second of the game six minutes later after turning home the rebound following an initial shot from Kristijan Krajcek. Recha completed his hat-trick in the 52nd minute with a fine finish following a perfect cross from Krajcek.
The Gegar Gegar men pulled one back as Hakeme Yazid’s ferocious free-kick from distance was seemingly too hot for Hougang goalkeeper Zaiful Nizam to handle.
The designated hosts were awarded a penalty deep into injury time after a Hougang defender was adjudged to make contact with substitute Razimie Ramlli following a VAR review.
There was no deserving candidate for a penalty taker as Hakeme Yazid who started the attack hit home from the spot.
The Brunei outfit will try to reverse their form when they meet league leaders Albirex Niigata (S) this Sunday.
DPMM FC player Hakeme Yazid bin Said chases Hougang United captain Zulfahmi Arifin for the ball during their Singapore Premier League 2023 match. PHOTO: SINGAPORE PREMIER LEAGUE
QAF Auto, the official distributor of BMW vehicles in Brunei yesterday launched the new BMW X7, the most successful BMW model in the luxury class that combined exclusivity, dynamic excellence, luxuriant spaciousness and versatility.
The new model possesses a unique character profile which showcases the brand’s largest sports activity vehicle (SAV) which has been honed to significant effect thanks to extensive design refinements. Most notably is a visually impactful front end – plus a new M Sport package look, light-alloy wheels measuring up to 22 inches and the latest-generation iDrive control/operation system including BMW Curved Display and BMW Operating System 8. The new BMW X7 also comes with a further range of standard equipment and additional driver assistance systems.
QAF Auto General Manager Alisa Khoo said, “The BMW X7 embodies luxury in every aspect, as it evokes emotion and promises to deliver a unique experience. You’ll immediately feel its presence and be in awe of the generous levels of space and comfort. We’re confident that the BMW X7 will be the daily companion that our customers have been waiting for.” The new BMW X7 is produced at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, the competence centre for BMW X models in South Carolina, United States.
Fuelled by its highly versatile skillset, the largest BMW X model convinces with both on-the-road elegance and off-road ability.
Extensive design modifications accentuate above all the visual exclusivity of the largest BMW X model. Its design underscores more clearly than ever the status of the new BMW X7 as one of the brand’s flagship models. The newly structured front end picks up on signature BMW design cues such as the twin headlights and BMW kidney grille. In their newly interpreted form, these features emphasise the car’s upright stance and reinforce its road presence.
The all-new BMW X7. PHOTOS: QAF AUTOThe interior of the new BMW X7
Split headlight units are also making their debut in the new BMW X7. The horizontal LED light elements set higher up in the front end house the position light, daytime driving lights and turn signal indicators.
The LED units located below them for the low-beam and high-beam headlights give the impression of retreating into the background with their dark housing and deeply embedded position in the front apron which come to the fore when activated.
It boasts a wealth of innovations for the combustion process, gas exchange, valve control, injection and ignition system that enhance both performance and efficiency as shown in the latest-generation six-cylinder in-line engine which makes its debut in the new BMWx7 xDrive40i.
The output of the new engine is 47 horsepower (hp) up on the predecessor unit, at 380 hp, while peak torque rises by 70 newton metre (Nm) to 520 Nm – and can be boosted to as much 540 Nm. The engine partners with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission including shift paddles on the steering wheel and a Sprint function. Engine power is channelled to the road – or unsurfaced terrain via the intelligent all-wheel-drive system BMW xDrive.
The newly designed M Sport package shines an even brighter spotlight on the dynamic driving properties of the new BMW X7. M-specific design features for the exterior and interior also clearly emphasise the performance attributes of the new BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport. Another new addition to the range of exterior colours is sparkling copper grey metallic.
Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Junaidi bin Haji Masri with Ideal Group Holdings Brunei Sdn Bhd Managing Director Haji Awang Ahmad Morshidi bin Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Abdul Rahman and its directors cut the ribbon to launch the newest Ideal Café and Grill at Sunway Centre, Kampong Sungai Tilong. PHOTO: JAMES KON
James Kon
Ideal Café and Grill with Ideal Choose, Pay and Go branch started its operation yesterday on its new premises at the Sunway Centre, Kampong Sungai Tilong.
Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Junaidi bin Haji Masri was the guest of honour.
Ideal Group Holdings Brunei Sdn Bhd Managing Director Haji Awang Ahmad Morshidi bin Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Abdul Rahman with its directors were also present.
Ideal Food Industries Sdn Bhd General Manager Hajah Norizmah binti Awang Haji Ahmad Morshidi highlighted the Ideal Café and Grill and its Ideal Choose, Pay and Go system in her welcoming remark.
She said, “One of the unique features of Ideal Café and Grill Sunway Centre branch is the pick up counter accessible at the driveway. This system was introduced and practised during the COVID-19 pandemic which has been carried over until today.”
She explained that the Ideal Choose, Pay and Go system “is a new concept that allows customers to pick up and choose the items they want based on their budget and appetite”.
All the company’s eight branches are led by local branch managers while overall Ideal Food Industries boasts 87 per cent local workforce.
Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Junaidi bin Haji Masri with Ideal Group Holdings Brunei Sdn Bhd Managing Director Haji Awang Ahmad Morshidi bin Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Abdul Rahman and its directors cut the ribbon to launch the newest Ideal Café and Grill at Sunway Centre, Kampong Sungai Tilong. PHOTO: JAMES KON
Common tools used at the Klippa Co Barbershop. PHOTOS: DANIEL LIM
Daniel Lim
Grooming is often associated to women and glamour though the trend is now changing.
Local entrepreneurs are taking small initiatives and steps to overturn this misconception.
One of them is an entrepreneur and owner of Klippa Co Barbershop, Aedy Ashryn bin Haji Matali.
He started his grooming and hairdressing journey earlier this year after cementing his parlour at the scenic location along the Kuala Belait river at V-Plaza Hotel.
For many years, society has perpetuated the belief that hairstyling and grooming were primarily female-oriented.
This has led many men and local entrepreneurs like Aedy to feel more comfortable seeking a hairstyling experience tailored to their needs.
“The idea of opening a barbershop came after looking at other barbershops in the Brunei-Muara District. While there are many barbershops that focus on grooming in the capital, they’re almost non-existent here in the Belait District,” said Aedy.
Common tools used at the Klippa Co Barbershop. PHOTOS: DANIEL LIMMohd Suhaimy bin Sulaiman attending to a customer
“We had plans to open here, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to postpone our plans to this year, and Alhamdulillah, we were able to make our dream a reality,” he added.
“The concept of our barbershop is different from others as we aim to create an atmosphere that is comfortable to our clients as well as create classy hairstyles that can offer a strong first impression,” said Aedy.
Aedy also strives to scout and discover new local talents when it comes to hairstyling. One of them is a barber named Mohd Suhaimy bin Sulaiman.
He recalled how he first started his journey and his stint in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to learn the necessary skills.
“I took a barbershop course for two months in 2005, and from there I gained the necessary experience of hairstyling and grooming which I continue to hone regularly depending on the trend,” said Mohd Suhaimy.
Mohd Suhaimy said the evolving trend is mainly seen in younger generations.
Many teenagers that frequent the barbershop have their preferences. Since he prefers to work closely with his customers to meet their expectations, “Everybody wins!”
He added, “When a customer walk out happily with his new hairstyle, that’s when I know I’ve done my job.”
As a barber with 18 years of experience, he appreciates the unique opportunity to interact with customers of all ages.
“From children to the elderly, everyone was able to enjoy the hairstyle I’ve created for them. For young children, it can be tricky as it can take a while for them to warm up to a barber. So it’s about making them comfortable, with their parents being the top priority, ofcourse,” said Mohd Suhaimy.
“I think the role of a barberis to make sure there’s a constant interaction with the customer, to connect with them. From there we can grasp their personalities and gauge their tastes. It is important especially when dealing with new customers,” he added.
Aedy hopes that he can maintain his standards when it comes to pleasing his clients.
“When you look at barbershops outside of Brunei, it is surprisingly comparable, in terms of the services we provide. We just need the confidence to make our customers happy,” said Aedy.
SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) – Instagram is the main platform used by paedophile networks to promote and sell content according to a report by Stanford University and the Wall Street Journal.
“Large networks of accounts that appear to be operated by minors are openly advertising self-generated child sexual abuse material for sale,” said researchers at the university’s Cyber Policy Center. “Instagram is the most important platform for these networks with features like recommendation algorithms and direct messaging that connect buyers and sellers.”
According to the Journal, a simple search for sexually explicit keywords specifically referencing children leads to accounts that use these terms to advertise content showing sexual abuse of minors.
The profiles often “claim to be driven by the children themselves and use overtly sexual pseudonyms”, the article detailed.
While not specifically saying they sell these images, the accounts do feature menus with options, including in some cases specific sex acts.
Stanford researchers also spotted offers for videos with bestiality and self-harm.
“At a certain price, children are available for in-person ‘meetings’,” the article continued.
Meta, Instagram’s parent company, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP.
According to the Journal, the social media giant acknowledged problems within its security services and said it had created a task force to address the issues raised.
Last March, pension and investment funds filed a complaint against Meta for having “turned a blind eye” to human trafficking and child sex abuse images on its platforms.
Nationality is a fundamental human right that all countries should seek to uphold.
The crucial issue was recently brought up by a participant of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellowship for the Spring 2023 Cohort, who returned from their posting.
Brandon Chin Wei Chun, a lawyer by practice, was embedded in the programme under the care of Arizona State University for the Civic Engagement theme.
“I aim to raise awareness about this global issue, which has been a matter of concern for the United Nations,” he said.
During an interview with the Bulletin, Chin shared his experience from the Civic Engagement programme, which focusses on empowering young leaders in Southeast Asia to actively participate in their communities and contribute to positive social change.
“The programme encourages activities such as volunteerism, community work, advocacy, and political participation to address local and regional challenges,” he said.
Bruneian Brandon Chin Wei Chun with his cohorts at the Supreme Court of the United States. PHOTO: YSEALI
Chin met 20 other young leaders from the ASEAN region in Arizona. He found that they advocated for severe and meaningful issues, including child sexual abuse, migrant workers’ rights, and support for those affected by the Myanmar military coup.
The experience was “intimately eye-opening”, as he witnessed his fellow cohorts’ passion and dedication in bringing about change in their communities.
Reflecting on his five-week programme, Chin shared that he volunteered at the Society of Saint Vincent De Paul.
The international voluntary organisation provides education, food, and enrichment opportunities for the underprivileged.
During the period, he attended briefings on the homelessness epidemic in the United States (US) and the international refugee crisis, which deepened his understanding of these pressing issues.
While the programme had serious aspects, Chin also had a memorable moment visiting the Grand Canyon, marvelling at its breathtaking beauty.
Throughout his time in Arizona, Chin learnt first-hand how individuals could impact their communities. The inspiring young leaders he spent weeks with showcased passion, vigour, and perseverance that left a lasting impression on him.
He underlined the importance of finding and growing with a supportive community of like-minded individuals, stating, “There is the family you are born to, and there is the family you find and grow with. I leave with a refreshed perspective on life, knowing that we can play our part in making this world a better place.”
Chin concluded the interview by sharing a quote that resonated with his group during their time in the US: “If not us, who? If not now, when?”
The event, hosted by the US Embassy in May, allowed the returning alumni to network among themselves and engage with the media at the embassy grounds.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the US Embassy’s exchange programme for Bruneian youth, including the YSEALI.
The YSEALI offers various programmes, such as the YSEALI Academic Fellowship Programme, YSEALI Academy at Fulbright (Vietnam), YSEALI Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA), and YSEALI Seeds for the Future grant competition.
These programmes involve academic or professional fellowships in the US or shorter regional workshops in the ASEAN region.
US Embassy in Brunei Darussalam Public Affairs Officer Jeff Barus reminded the alumni that they are now part of an elite network of young leaders across Southeast Asia. The network collectively works to address critical global challenges and expand opportunities.
Barus emphasised that over 100,000 youth in Southeast Asia have joined the YSEALI network to gain leadership skills and find solutions to regional and global challenges.
Mayon Volcano spews white smoke as seen from Daraga, Albay province, central Philippines. PHOTO: AP
MANILA (AFP) – Philippine scientists said that a “hazardous eruption” of a volcano in the archipelago could be days or weeks away, and urged the evacuation of nearby residents from their homes.
Hundreds of families living around Mount Mayon in central Albay province are expected to be moved to safer areas after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the alarm.
Mayon, a near-perfect cone located about 330 kilometres southeast of the capital Manila, is considered one of the most volatile of the country’s 24 active volcanoes.
The seismology agency said it observed three fast-moving avalanches of volcanic ash, rock and gases, known as pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), on Mayon’s slopes yesterday.
There are “increased chances of lava flows and hazardous PDCs… and of potential explosive activity within weeks or even days”, the agency said, raising the alert level from two to three on a scale of zero to five.
“All necessary preparations are being done,” said Albay provincial disaster management agency’s officer-in-charge Eugene Escobar.
Officer for the agency Rommel Negrete said residents would be evacuated from Anoling village on the volcano’s slopes.
Meanwhile, Taal volcano, located about 50 kilometres south of Manila, has been releasing noxious sulphur dioxide this week, blanketing surrounding areas in smog.
Mayon Volcano spews white smoke as seen from Daraga, Albay province, central Philippines. PHOTO: AP
Acting Interim Chief Executive Officer of SHENA Haji Ya’akub bin Haji Yusof presenting a prize to a winner of SHENA Short Video Contest. PHOTO: JAMES KON
Acting Interim Chief Executive Officer of SHENA Haji Ya’akub bin Haji Yusof presenting a prize to a winner of SHENA Short Video Contest. PHOTO: JAMES KON
Brunei has an obligation to respect, promote and realise the fundamental right that workers have to a safe and healthy working environment as the Sultanate recognised the resolution adopted by the International Labour Organization in 2022.
This was shared by Director of the Process Safety Division as Acting Interim Chief Executive Officer of Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) Haji Ya’akub bin Haji Yusof during the SHENA Safety Month in conjunction with World Day for Safety and Health at Work (WDSHW) 2023 closing ceremony on Thursday.
WDSHW, observed annually on April 28, serves as a platform to raise awareness on accident prevention and foster a culture of best practices that prioritise safety and health compliance in workplaces.
KUALA LUMPUR, 8 Jun -- Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah berkenan bersalaman bersama Presiden Indonesia Joko Widodo ketika menerima menghadap di Istana Negara hari ini.
--fotoBERNAMA (2023) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA
BERNAMA (PETALING JAYA) – Malaysia’s Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has granted audience to Indonesian President Joko Widodo at Istana Negara.
Joko Widodo, or better known as Jokowi, and his wife Iriana Joko Widodo arrived at 3.35pm on Thursday to attend an evening reception with His Majesty and spent about an hour at Istana Negara.
Malaysia’s Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. PHOTO: BERNAMA
Also present were the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and the Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
Also attending the reception were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.
Earlier, Jokowi held a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Seri Perdana in Putrajaya and witnessed the exchange of several agreements signed by representatives of relevant ministries and agencies from both countries and visited areas around the administrative centre.
Jokowi is scheduled to leave for Indonesia this afternoon after a two-day working visit at Anwar’s invitation following the Prime Minister’s official visit to the republic in January.
The Indonesian President made an official visit to Malaysia in August 2019, after being reappointed for a second term in the republic’s presidential election on April 17 2019.
In 2022, Indonesia was Malaysia’s sixth largest trading partner and Asean’s second largest with a trade volume of MYR130.14 billion (USD29.55 billion), which was an increase of 36.5 per cent compared with MYR95.31 billion (USD22.98bil) in the previous year.
The last time the King held a state visit to Indonesia was on August 26 to 29 in 2019, which was Sultan Abdullah’s maiden visit to the republic upon his installation as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on July 30 in the same year.
