Brunei para athlete Shari bin Haji Jumaat with his bronze medal.
PHOTO: SECRETARIAT
Fadhil Yunus
Brunei Darussalam collected their first medal at the 12th ASEAN Para Games after para athlete Shari bin Haji Jumaat bagged bronze in the men’s discus (F55) event at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Sunday.
The national para athlete managed a distance of 25.36 metres and broke the national record in the process as well as adding a new personal best.
Chef de Mission of the Brunei Darussalam national contingent Haji Ali Yusri bin Haji Abdul Ghafor presented gifts in the form of mascots to the winners in the men’s discus.
Indonesia’s Riadi Saputra won gold with a distance of 33.36 metres with Vietnam’s Kieu Minh Trung taking silver with 27.49 metres.
Five athletes competed in the event.
During the previous edition in the 11th ASEAN Para Games 2022 in Solo, Indonesia, Shari also won bronze in the same event.
Brunei para athlete Shari bin Haji Jumaat with his bronze medal. PHOTO: SECRETARIAT
Rear Admiral Su Yinsheng, Ambassador-designate of China to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo and Acting Fleet Commander of Royal Brunei Navy Willie @ Mathias bin Padan during the reception
Adib Noor
The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Ship Qi Jiguang held a reception inviting personnel of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), Brunei government officials, ambassadors in Brunei Darussalam and prominent members of the Brunei Chinese Community.
Rear Admiral Su Yinsheng and Ambassador-designate of China to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo welcomed guests.
Acting Fleet Commander of RBN Willie @ Mathias bin Padan represented the RBN.
The rear admiral said he is eager for an fruitful exchange with the RBN. The planned agenda includes training between the Qi Jiguang personnel and the RBN on June 8.
Meanwhile, the ambassador-designate, said that China and Brunei are each other’s close neighbours across the sea, trustworthy friends and partners of common development.
The two countries have set an example of harmonious co-existence and mutually beneficial and win-win interactions between countries of different sizes.
He added that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by China.
“The cooperation under the framework of BRI between China and Brunei has yielded fruitful results. The Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd and Muara Port have not only promoted the development of economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries, but also injected vitality to the economic development and diversification of Brunei as well as Brunei’s trade with other countries.
“We will take this opportunity to continuously promote the successful experiences, expand the exchanges and cooperation in various fields, upgrade the China-Brunei relations, and bring more tangible benefits to the two peoples.”
Rear Admiral Su Yinsheng, Ambassador-designate of China to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo and Acting Fleet Commander of RBN Willie @ Mathias bin Padan officiated the cake cutting to commemorate the event.
ABOVE & BELOW: Rear Admiral Su Yinshen; and Ambassador-designate of China to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo deliver speeches; and Rear Admiral Su Yinsheng, Ambassador-designate of China to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo and Acting Fleet Commander of Royal Brunei Navy Willie @ Mathias bin Padan officiate the cake cutting. PHOTOS: ADIB NOOR
Rear Admiral Su Yinsheng, Ambassador-designate of China to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo and Acting Fleet Commander of Royal Brunei Navy Willie @ Mathias bin Padan during the reception
Standard Chartered Securities executives and officers with the award. PHOTO: SCB
Standard Chartered Securities (B) Sdn Bhd (SCSB), a subsidiary of Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) has been awarded ‘Outstanding Transformation in Digital CX by a Wealth Manager’, according to the bank.
The award was presented by The Digital Banker under its Wealth Management Awards, said the bank in a statement.
CEO of Standard Chartered Securities and SCB Head of Consumer Private and Business Banking Brenda Low said, “We are delighted with the recognition from this award.
“At Standard Chartered, we continue to lead the way in providing our clients and the wider community, products and services to grow and protect their wealth in line with their values.
“This award will continue to drive and inspire our efforts to continue providing the best services and experiences for our clients.”
SCSB Chairman and SCB Brunei CEO Pengiran Aki Ismasufian bin Pengiran Haji Ibrahim said, “At Standard Chartered, we believe that the insights we share through our platforms are important for our clients and stakeholders in order to help them make informed decisions.
“Digitalisation continues to be a key focus for the bank in its drive towards efficiency and improving the way we serve our clients.
“Standard Chartered has always prioritised the digital journey which also aligns with the national agenda towards Brunei Vision 2035.”
Standard Chartered Securities executives and officers with the award. PHOTO: SCB
Chainblock Brunei team in a group photo.
PHOTO: CHAINBLOCK BRUNEI
Fadhil Yunus
Chainblock Brunei continued to impress in the regional scene after emerging winner of the invited tug-of-war club final of the Irau Aco Lun Bawang Sarawak Championship 2023 recently.
The local team received a trophy and a cash prize of MYR1,500 after defeating Sabah’s AF Civil at the Padang Dataran in Lawas.
Meanwhile, the Chainblock Limbang team snatched third place after beating Awat-Awat who came fourth.
The traditional tug-of-war saw the participation of eight invited teams.
The Chainblock Brunei team was led by Pengiran Azizul Akbar bin Pengiran Haji Badaruddin. The delegation also included team manager Jasmie bin Haji Johari and team director Husin bin Yahya.
Chainblock Brunei team in a group photo. PHOTO: CHAINBLOCK BRUNEI
The U9 category of Belait Grassroot 2023 kicked off at Arena Football Field, Seria on Sunday.
The event organised by Belait District Football Association (PBDB) was participated by eight teams – PBDB JR, KB JR FT C, Panaga Dragons, Panaga Panthers, BSRC Racoons, BSRC Cougars, BSRC Avengers and BSRC Grassroot FT.
Panaga Dragons and BSRC Racoons are tied with 16 points with Panaga Panthers one point behind.
Photos show students participating in the Brunei History Quiz competition 2023.
PHOTOS: ADIB NOOR
Adib Noor
The annual Brunei History Quiz competition 2023 is officially underway with the first round held at the premises of the Brunei History Centre in the capital yesterday.
The third instalment of the competition is organised by the Brunei History Centre in collaboration with Radio Television Brunei.
The competition is open to Year 9-11 students from both government and private secondary schools nationwide. The theme for this year’s competition is ‘History: Strengthening the Nation’s Identity’.
Some 74 students from 19 schools nationwide participated in the first round. Those who succeed will proceed to the semi-finals and finals which will be held in August.
The winner of the competition will stand a chance to win BND800.
The competition aims to provide a platform for students to gain a deeper understanding and cultivate an interest in the subject of history in an engaging and enjoyable way. It is hoped that the competition will encourage students to develop talent and interest in the fields of history, culture, and heritage.
The competition also aims to raise awareness among the younger generation on the importance of studying history and its connection to strengthening individual and national identity, as well as fostering a love for the monarch and nation.
Photos show students participating in the Brunei History Quiz competition 2023. PHOTOS: ADIB NOOR
Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman with Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam officials in a group photo.
PHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYA
Lyna Mohamad
Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) is providing its support to the 6th International Seminar on Halalan Thayyiban Products and Services 2023 (SAPPHAT), which was officially opened yesterday.
BIBD, as the main sponsor of the event, believes that supporting the seminar fulfils the group’s strategic alignment under the sustainability framework where part of its commitments is in promoting a sustainable development of the halal industry.
BIBD is showcasing its SME360 platform at the event, which is a banking solution that complements the needs of businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, which include a dedicated relationship management team, financial solutions and digital payments.
The bank’s Projek Tunas is also showcased at the event. The project is the provision of physical marketplaces, which is a collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, and is part of the BIBD’s efforts towards helping the government improve quality of life in the country as well as developing a dynamic and sustainable economy.
The bank’s support of the 6th SAPPHAT 2023 and the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2023 mirrors its commitment in helping the nation achieve Brunei Vision 2035.
Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman with Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam officials in a group photo. PHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYA
Elisha Tiga Experiment during a performance. PHOTO: BAHYIAH BAKIR
Adib Noor
In the heart of Brunei, a groundbreaking collective known as the Elisha Tiga Experiment (ETX) is revolutionising the perception of jazz music. Spearheaded by the visionary Elisha Tiga, this pioneering group is redefining traditional Bruneian music by fusing it with contemporary jazz influences.
ETX serves as a melting pot, bringing together talented musicians from diverse backgrounds, creating a sonic tapestry that is both innovative and captivating.
The latest venture by ETX, aptly titled ‘The Traditional Eksperiment’, embarks on a journey to explore Bruneian traditional music through the lens of jazz.
Under the guidance of Elisha, this project unites some of the most gifted musicians in Brunei, inviting them to conceive fresh sounds while incorporating their instruments and expertise.
I recently had the opportunity to witness a special preview session hosted by the band, during which it was shared that by merging musicians of different backgrounds and influences, the collective aims to propel Brunei’s musical heritage into the 21st Century, igniting a vibrant cultural renaissance.
Elisha Tiga Experiment during a performance. PHOTO: BAHYIAH BAKIR
According to ETX, Elisha is a bass player, music producer, and composer with a seven-year tenure in the industry, who has collaborated with artistes from around the world. His passion lies in exploring the infinite possibilities of creating connections between music genres, cultures, and geographic locations, regardless of their sonic differences.
He is joined by Aisyah, a multi-talented music producer, singer, songwriter, and composer known for her lush arrangements and immersive storytelling, the collective gains a distinct vocal perspective.
Meanwhile, Adrian Tiga, an accomplished guitarist and master of the traditional Bruneian instrument Sape, brings his expertise from the underground rock scene. With a deep appreciation for niche areas of music and an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts behind them, Adrian adds layers of richness to ETX’s compositions.
Zul, a violinist who has traversed classical and traditional music realms, eagerly embraces new genres and ensembles, expanding his musical knowledge and complementing the collective’s unique sound.
Adin, the dynamic drummer, has left an indelible mark on the Bruneian music scene as an artist and producer. His diverse discography spans genres such as pop, R&B, funk, and LO-FI, further enriching the ETX repertoire.
Yazid, a seasoned Bruneian musician, has dedicated years to the study of traditional Malay music. With a deep passion for education and research in this field, Yazid brings a wealth of experience to the collective, ensuring the preservation of Brunei’s musical heritage.
Ubai, the percussion maestro, discovered his passion for percussion instruments in 2002.
His love for the various percussive traditions across different cultures allows him to create a dynamic blend of styles, crossing boundaries and generations to express rhythmic musical expressions in innovative ways.
During the preview session, Elisha Tiga revealed that the Traditional Eksperiment aims to bridge the gap between traditional music and contemporary ideas. By infusing elements of jazz into Bruneian traditional melodies, the collective aspires to foster a deeper appreciation of heritage and tradition among future generations.
I had the opportunity to witness the session and was left spellbound by the band’s chemistry, as they effortlessly merged jazz with the indigenous Alus Jua Dendang, creating a truly extraordinary musical experience.
As Elisha passionately explained, “Jazz is a genre deeply influenced by personal experiences and the ever-changing lives of its musicians.”
It is through this transformative power that the ETX casts a captivating spell, drawing listeners into a mesmerising trance. By incorporating talents from various artistic backgrounds, including hip-hop, R&B, traditional indigenous music, underground post-rock, and electronic music, ETX pays homage to the essence of jazz while forging new and uncharted territories in Brunei’s musical landscape.
The ETX Traditional Eksperiment was recently introduced to a live audience and the band has more in store thanks to their undeniable potential and thirst of exploration. The collective can be found sharing their work and pieces on social media and other online musical platforms.
Some 60 local Manchester United Football Club fans gathered at Julok, Manggis to support their favourite football club during the Emirates FA Cup finals last Saturday.
The event saw lucky draws; announcement of fantasy football winners; and a recitation of Doa Kesyukuran to bless the gathering.
Participants of the promotional campaign and their prizes.
PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD
Lyna Mohamad
Syed Mohammad Halawi bin Borhan was filled with joy after he was drawn as the BND10,000 duit raya grand prize winner of the Debar Lebaran promotion campaign organised by Suzuki Brunei.
The education consultant was entered into the three-month long promotional campaign after purchasing a Suzuki S Presso.
He drew the winning envelope during the draw at the Suzuki showroom at Beribi yesterday.
In an interview, Syed said it was the first time that he actually won that much amount of money.
While having thought twice about purchasing the Suzuki S Presso, he said it was worth it because the car was economical and his work sometimes requires him to drive long distances.
His first and foremost plan was to use some of the money to perform a korban for him and his parents, and spend some on a good cause.
Two runner-ups also walked away with BND500.
Participants of the promotional campaign and their prizes. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD
