Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) held a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony, bringing together staff from across the BIBD Group and students from its flagship corporate social responsibility initiative, BIBD Advocating Life-Long Learning for an Aspiring Future (ALAF).
Held at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the event began with mass Zohor prayer, followed by the Khatam Al-Quran ceremony.
Over 200 BIBD staff and 200 BIBD ALAF students participated in the event.
Minister of Home Affairs and Chairman of BIBD Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman was the guest of honour. The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by the Khatam Al-Quran proceedings led by BIBD staff and ALAF students. The event continued with the presentation of gifts to the participating students, personally handed over by Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin as a token of appreciation for their spiritual accomplishment and commitment.
BIBD Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Junaidi bin Haji Masri, Assistant State Mufti (Buhuth) Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mazanan bin Haji Yusuf, BIBD Board of Directors, BIBD Shariah Advisory Body and members of BIBD’s management and staff were also present. – James Kon
Over 200 Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Advocating Life-long Learning for an Aspiring Future (BIBD ALAF) students participated in a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque yesterday. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIMinister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman at Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIABOVE & BELOW: Photos show participants at the religious event. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIPHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
The Fuzhou Shiyyi Association of Brunei Darussalam handed over BND40,750 to the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Fund for Orphans (DANA) in a ceremony held at the multi-purpose hall of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex yesterday.
President of the Fuzhou Shiyyi Association of Brunei Darussalam Dr Andy Lau with Advisor Datuk Tiong Ing Ping, Advisor Datuk Wong Chi Yiing, Vice President Wong Nan Luk, Vice President Vincent Pao and Secretary-General Luke Lau handed over the donation to Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof as the Chairman of the DANA Board of Trustees.
Permanent Secretary (Planning, Land Use and Environment) at the Ministry of Development Dr Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak as the Acting Chief Executive officer of DANA was present.
The donation came from some 54 donors comprising companies and individuals from the Fuzhou Shiyyi Association of Brunei Darussalam.
Dr Andy Lau highlighted that the association has donated to DANA during Ramadhan every year since 2014, demonstrating the association’s care and love for the local community, especially those in need. – James Kon
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof receives the donation from the Fuzhou Shiyyi Association of Brunei Darussalam. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
In 2024, bilateral trade between Brunei Darussalam and China reached USD2.809 billion, with Brunei’s exports to China nearing USD2.1 billion, a year-on-year increase of 7.8 per cent. China has become Brunei’s second-largest source of foreign investment and one of its top three trading partners, further strengthening the bonds of mutual interest.
This was said by Chinese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo during the annual media briefing on China’s latest development, China-Brunei relations and people-to-people exchanges at a hotel yesterday.
On the flagship project of Belt and Road cooperation, Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd “has been operating with high quality, contributing approximately 10 per cent of Brunei’s annual gross domestic product and playing a vital role in Brunei’s economic diversification. The expansion of Muara Port is progressing steadily, with the ‘Port-Industry-Park’ model being better implemented, advancing toward a regional hub port”, the ambassador said.
Over the past year, he recalled, “The trial planting of China’s hybrid rice in Brunei has yielded a bumper harvest, and the Project of Hybrid Rice Senior Expert Consultant was successfully completed, contributing to Brunei’s food security. Brunei’s aquatic products, including udang galah, have entered the Chinese market, making their way to the dining tables of Chinese consumers.”
People-to-people exchanges in education, culture and city-to-city cooperation, he described, “Have grown even more frequent, fostering mutual understanding and friendship.”
Chinese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo delivers a speech. PHOTO: JAMES KON
The ambassador also described that China and Brunei have a long history of friendship.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than 30 years ago, he said, “Our two countries have continuously deepened political mutual trust, actively aligned development strategies, and achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation in various fields. We have also maintained good coordination in international and regional affairs, set a fine example of equality and mutual benefit between countries of different sizes, and made positive contributions to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.”
Last month, he shared “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 visited China and attended the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin. The two heads of state held a cordial and friendly exchange, during which they spoke highly of the high-level development momentum of China-Brunei relations and reached important consensus on advancing bilateral relations towards a China-Brunei community with a shared future, charting a strategic blueprint and injecting strong impetus into the growth of China-Brunei ties. This also sent a positive message that amid global transformations unseen in a century, China and Brunei are forging ahead together on the path to modernisation.”
He added, “Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out that the joint building of a China-Brunei community with a shared future conforms to the trend of the times, serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples, and opens a new chapter in bilateral relations. The two countries should seize the opportunity to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and strategic coordination, respect and trust each other, and always be good neighbours facing each other across the sea, good friends trusting each other, and good partners for common development.”
His Majesty meanwhile, the ambassador said, “Stressed that Brunei and China have always respected and trusted each other, and bilateral relations have continued to grow. Brunei highly values its ties with China, firmly adheres to the one-China policy and regards China as a key partner for cooperation. Brunei stands ready to work with China to consolidate the strategic cooperative partnership and jointly working towards a Brunei-China community with a shared future, bringing greater benefits to the peoples of both countries.” – James Kon
Some 40 families comprising single mothers and the less fortunate from Jalan Bintagur, Bukit Sinadur, Bukit Pandayan and Sungai Cerana of Area 4 RPN Kampong Panchor, Mukim Mentiri received donations to ease their burdens.
The Village Consultative Council of Area 4 RPN Kampong Panchor presented the donations, contributed by businesses and residents of the village.
Village Head of RPN Kampong Panchor Area 4 Faidil Rosemady bin Mohamad led the delivering group. The donation is part of the annual activities carried out during Ramadhan. – Lyna Mohamad
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the presentation of donations. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMADPHOTO: LYNA MOHAMADThe packed donations. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD
Some 52 males and 24 females, comprising lower-ranking officers, civilian congregants, youth and Muslimah members of the Gadong Police Headquarter Surau participated in the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) Khatam Al-Quran ceremony recently.
Organised by the RBPF’s Islamic Religious Body (BUI), the ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, led by the guest of honour, Acting Commissioner of Police at the RBPF DCP Dato Seri Pahlawan Sulaiman bin Alidin. The event saw also saw the recitation of Takhtim, Dikir Marhaban and Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam, led by imam of the Gadong Police Surau by Mohd Yusri bin Haji Abu Bakar.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police at the RBPF Yang Amat Mulia SAC Pengiran Anak Haji
Mohammad Saifullah bin Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris was present. – Fadley Faisal
Acting Commissioner of Police at the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) DCP Dato Seri Pahlawan Sulaiman bin Alidin and Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police at the RBPF Yang Amat Mulia SAC Pengiran Anak Haji Mohammad Saifullah bin Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris at the ceremony. PHOTO: RPBFABOVE & BELOW: Photos show participants during the Khatam Al-Quran ceremony. PHOTO: RPBFPHOTO: RPBF
Three Bruneian students studying in Egypt achieved success at the inaugural Al-Quran memorisation competition for foreign students at the Al-‘Aamah Lil-Wafidin Hall in Cairo.
Najla’ Sabreena binti Haji Abdul Rajid secured second place in the Tilawatil Quran category with a score of 97 per cent. Meanwhile, Muhammad Faiz bin Fisol clinched third place in the Menghafaz Al-Quran 30 Juzuk category with 98.5 per cent, and Muhammad Wafiq Syahmi bin Haji Mahali finished third in the Menghafaz Al-Quran 5 Juzuk category with 91.5 per cent.
The competition, jointly organised by Al-Quran Fellowship (Indonesia) and Al-Azhar, saw participation from 150 students representing 16 countries, including Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, the Philippines, Nigeria, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Uzbekistan, Russia and Kyrgyzstan.
Brunei Darussalam’s Attaché (Education and Culture) in Egypt Haji Mohd Sujairi bin Haji Dollah attended the final round as a special guest.
In his address, the competition’s chief judge Dr Syekh Luthfi A-Widyawi Al-Azhari congratulated all winners and participants for their dedication to Al-Quran memorisation.
He expressed hope that the event would continue fostering love for Al-Quran among students in Egypt.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates and souvenirs to winners across five categories, awarded by the special guest and the panel of judges. – Fadley Faisal
ABOVE & BELOW: Brunei Darussalam’s Attaché (Education and Culture) in Egypt Haji Mohd Sujairi bin Haji Dollah with winners of the competition; and Bruneian students in Egypt in a group photo. PHOTO: JPIPHOTO: JPI
Some 20 participants received certificates to commemorate their involvement in the month-long ‘Tadabbur Surah Al-Fatihah dan Tiga Qul: Satu Pendekatan Dalam Menghayati Bacaan dan Pemahaman Al-Quran‘ programme.
Held across four sessions on March 6, 13, 20, and 27 at the Belait District Da’wah Unit along Jalan Maulana, the programme’s closing ceremony yesterday saw Legislative Council member and Village Head of Kampong Bukit Sawat Yang Berhormat Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann as the guest of honour.
The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Sayyidul Istighfar and Surah Al-Fatihah, led by Assistant Religious Officer Abdul Khaliq bin Kamree, followed by a short speech by the Head of the Belait District Da’wah Unit Haji Muskrisman Safari bin Haji Mustapa, where he explained how the programme aims to deepen the participant’s knowledge on Al-Quran verses.
“This is the first time the programme is held not only for the newly converts, but also the public, which helps to promote the reading, memorising and understanding of Al-Quran; while also appreciating the teachings found within it,” he added.
Following his speech, the event continued with Tadabbur led by Awangku Abdul Qayum bin Pengiran Bakar, and presentation of certificates.
The Da’wah Unit hopes that the programme has helped provide the participants with a deeper appreciation for Al-Quran. – Daniel Lim
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the LegCo member presenting certificates to the participants. PHOTO: DANIEL LIMPHOTO: DANIEL LIM
For the first time, the Retirement Planning Certification Programme (RPCP) was conducted by Employee Trust Fund (TAP) over four days. A total of 25 financial planning professionals from private insurance companies participated in the programme.
RPCP is one of TAP’s key initiatives, aimed at equipping and certifying financial planners across the country with accurate and comprehensive knowledge on retirement planning.
This includes essential insights into TAP’s products, such as the National Retirement Scheme (SPK), as well as specialised training on retirement planning within the SPK framework.
Currently, RPCP is targeted at certified financial planners and professionals from local financial institutions who provide advisory services to the public. With the TAPCERT certification, the public can now seek retirement planning advice from TAP-certified experts, ensuring greater trust and confidence in the guidance they receive.
Participants at the certification programme. PHOTO: TAP
A local minimart in Kampong Lumut was fined BND2,000 by the Enforcement Division at the Belait District Office for disposing of used construction materials and plastic waste on public premises.
According to the division, they discovered that the minimart had disposed of the waste materials during their routine patrols, which violated Section 12 (1) (d) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act (Chapter 30).
The company has since paid the fine; failure to do so would have resulted in the case being forwarded to court.
If found guilty, penalties for littering by individuals can range from BND1,000 to BND3,000 for a first offence and up to BND9,000 or six months’ imprisonment, or both, for repeat offences. Companies can face fines ranging from BND2,000 to BND10,000 for a first offence and up to BND30,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment, or both, for repeat offences.
The enforcement division reminds the public and business owners of the shared responsibility to ensure the cleanliness of the surrounding environment is maintained. – Daniel Lim
Litter found by enforcement officials. PHOTO: BELAIT DISTRICT OFFICE
A 28-year-old Bangladeshi national, Lalchand Mahmud Santo, was fined BND65,100 by the Magistrate’s Court in Kuala Belait after pleading guilty to possessing contraband cigarettes and alcohol.
Lalchand will have to serve 23 months’ imprisonment in default of payment of the fine.
The Customs prosecutor revealed that Lalchand was arrested by enforcement officers from the Belait District Customs Prevention Unit at a residence in Kampong Lumut on March 5 at 3.15pm. He was found in possession of 57 cartons and 10 packets of cigarettes of various brands and 28 bottles of liquor of various brands.
Magistrate Nur Eleana binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Hairol Arni also ordered the confiscation of all seized items, including the contraband cigarettes and alcohol, for destruction by the authorities. Additionally, cash amounting to BND928 and SGD15, along with a mobile phone, were forfeited to the government for further action. – Fadley Faisal
