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
Photos show the overflowing litter discovered by the enforcement division. PHOTOS: ENFORCEMENT DIVISION, KUALA BELAIT AND SERIA MUNICIPAL BOARD
Daniel Lim
A local company in Kuala Belait was fined BND1,000 yesterday by the Enforcement Division, Kuala Belait and Seria Municipal Board for violating the Miscellaneous Offences Act 2021.
The company was discovered to have let trash from several garbage bins located at a residence along Jalan Maulana overflow into the nearby public road. The company is required to settle the fine within seven days. Failure to pay the fine will see the company be brought to court.
If found guilty, the company may face a fine between BND2,000 and BND10,000.
For the second or subsequent offences, it could face a fine between BND10,000 and BND30,000, imprisonment not exceeding 12 months, or both.
The agency reminded the public, companies and business owners to keep the environment clean, especially in areas of business activities as well as public areas.
Photos show the overflowing litter discovered by the enforcement division. PHOTOS: ENFORCEMENT DIVISION, KUALA BELAIT AND SERIA MUNICIPAL BOARD
When it comes to the local car culture, for some, it is about self-expression through the looks and designs, reflecting the vehicle owners’ preferences.
These one-of-a-kind displays can be seen in shows where owners bring their creative vehicles to share with others with those who share their passion and love, while working with departments and agencies to ensure that the vehicles comply with road rules and regulations.
Such vehicles were among the highlights at the recent Darussalam MotoFest, a car and motorbike show at the Mumong Sports Complex.
Muhammad Zulkarnain bin Haji Hamdan, an owner of a custom Toyota Vios and member of the Vios Society Brunei, was one of the participants.
“I started becoming interested in cars when I was a kid, and when I grew up, the hobby grew with me,” he said in an interview with the Bulletin.
On the communities in Brunei, he said there are a number of groups passionate about their cars and how they express themselves.
Cars on display at the Darussalam MotoFest. PHOTOS: DANIEL LIMMuhammad Zulkarnain with his pride and joy
“I think it is quite a sight to see people who share the same love and passion for cars to get together and share it,” he said.
In addition to participating in the local car show, Muhammad Zulkarnain has also competed and won several international car shows.
While there is a large number of car enthusiasts and fans across the Sultanate, Muhammad Zulkarnain also noted the importance of safety when modifying vehicles.
“Not every modification is safe. But as long as we stay within the rules and regulations set by authorities and be respectful of others, it is possible to enjoy the freedom of expressing ourselves through our cars,” he said.
Having participated in the car show as well as having many like-minded visitors taking a look and appreciating his work, he hopes that the car culture can flourish.
“I hope that everyone involved will enjoy appreciating and seeing the cars here, and I also hope that this will be an opportunity to showcase how to properly and safely enjoy the hobby of cars as well as motorcycles,” he said.
Meanwhile, organiser and Family United Event Management (FUEM) operation manager Haji Julaihi bin Haji Junaidi said, “Car shows such as Darussalam Motofest are not only an opportunity for car enthusiasts to showcase their pride and joy, but also for others to appreciate and enjoy the works of art.”
In organising the car show, he made sure of the safety of everyone involved.
“We worked with authorities to ensure that the vehicles on display abide by road rules and regulations. If they don’t, they are not permitted to drive to the venue.”
Being one of the largest car shows in the Belait District, Haji Julaihi said the event signalled the return to the norm as it was the first of its kind held after the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“As it was the first time that we hosted an event after COVID-19, we hope that the show has helped to establish a closer relationship between car and motorbike enthusiasts in sharing their passion with others,” he said.
The People’s Liberation Army Navy ship Qi Jiguang during the lion dance performance.
PHOTO: JAMES KON
The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) training ship, Qi Jiguang (Hull 83), docked at the Muara Port on Monday with 500 people and with a Lion Dance troupe greeting its arrival.
The People’s Liberation Army Navy ship Qi Jiguang during the lion dance performance.
PHOTO: JAMES KON
Ambassador-designate of China to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo attended along with Defence Attache of the Chinese Embassy, Senior Colonel Dai Qilin and Assistant Chief of Staff Capability and Development of the Royal Brunei Navy Commander Shahairil bin Haji Mohd Shahlan as well as the RBN brass band.
A 34-year-old local was sentenced on Monday to six years and six months’ jail with three whippings after he was found guilty of a charge of possessing two self-made rifles at home without license.
The defendant was arrested at his residence in Jalan Kecil Birau, Tutong.
