Virat Kohli looking ‘ominous’ ahead of Australia Test series

Sports

November 22, 2024

India’s Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kahli. PHOTO: AP

PERTH (AFP) – Stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah insisted yesterday that India were carrying no baggage from their Test whitewash by New Zealand and warned Australia that star batsman Virat Kohli was looking “ominous”.

India head into the first of five Tests against Australia today in Perth on the back of their first home series loss in 12 years.

But speedster Bumrah, who will captain the side after Rohit Sharma stayed home following the birth of his second child, said they were only looking forward.

“The beauty about cricket is even if you win, you start from zero, and even if you lose you start from zero,” he told reporters.

“So that’s how I look at the game.Obviously, yes, we were disappointed and we were down that we had a tough series (against New Zealand).

“But we are not carrying any baggages. We come with a fresh mindset, different opposition and you learn from the changes that have happened in our team.”

With Rohit out, KL Rahul or Abhimanyu Easwaran are in line to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, while there are doubts over number three Shubman Gill who has hurt his thumb.

Their bowling line-up is also unclear. Bumrah said India had settled on who would partner him in the attack, but he would wait until the toss to reveal all. Kohli is certain to play, but will pad up under increasing scrutiny after managing only two Test centuries in the last five years and averaging just 15 against New Zealand.

Despite signs that one of the world’s greatest batsmen may be past his best at 36, Bumrah cautioned that Kohli should never be written off.

Kohli has a stellar record in Australia, averaging 54.08.

“He is one of the greats of the game,” said Bumrah.

“He’s the utmost professional that we have in our team. He’s got a lot of success.

“Okay, one or two series here and there can go up and down, but the confidence that he has at this moment, I have no doubts.

“He’s looking to contribute. And the way I’ve seen him at training… the signs are ominous.”

With Bumrah taking the armband, the first Test will have two fast bowlers captaining their teams, with Pat Cummins in charge of Australia.

SK hynix starts mass production of 321-high NAND

Business

November 22, 2024

The SK hynix logo atop the company’s semiconductor plant in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. PHOTO: YONHAP

SEOUL (XINHUA) – South Korea’s memory chip giant SK hynix said yesterday that it started to mass-produce the world’s first triple-level cell (TLC) 321-high 4D NAND Flash memory chip with one terabyte (TB) capacity.

The chipmaker noted that it became the world’s first supplier of the NAND with more than 300 layers by finding a technological breakthrough for stacking, planning to provide the 321-high products to customers from the first half of next year.

The NAND Flash products are categorised into single-, multi-, triple-, quadruple- and penta-level cells, depending on the amount of information in the format of bit unit that is stored in a cell. To stack more than 300 layers, SK hynix adopted the three plugs process technology that connects three plugs through an optimised follow-up process after three times of plug processes are finished.

Paolini’s Italy beat Slovakia to win Billie Jean King Cup

Sports

November 22, 2024

Italy’s Jasmine Paolini and teammates lift up the trophy after winning the Billie Jean King Cup Finals at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena arena in Malaga, southern Spain. PHOTO: AFP

MÁLAGA (AFP) – Italy won the Billie Jean King (BJK) Cup for the fifth time as Jasmine Paolini beat Rebecca Sramkova to secure a dominant 2-0 win over Slovakia.

World number four Paolini triumphed 6-2, 6-1 in the second singles rubber to follow up Lucia Bronzetti’s 6-2, 6-4 victory against Viktoria Hruncakova. Italy were runners-up to Canada in last year’s final but went one better in Malaga to become world champions for the first time since 2013.

The victory capped a stunning year for Paolini who finished as runner-up at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

“Unbelievable year, unbelievable, to finish like this with the Billie Jean King cup, it’s amazing, I don’t have words to describe it,” said Paolini.

“I’m trying just to enjoy it, it’s important to understand where you are, I feel lucky to be in this position, I feel lucky to be part of this team…

“I’m really happy that this year we could bring the trophy home again.”

Slovakia, who won the competition in 2002, had never lost a BJK Cup tie in Spain.

The underdogs defeated United States, Australia and Great Britain on a stunning run to this year’s final, but Bronzetti breezed past Hruncakova in under 90 minutes.

The in-form Sramkova, ranked 43rd, survived two break points to hold for 2-2 in the first set but the superior Paolini broke for a 4-2 lead, which she consolidated.

The Slovakian double faulted to hand Paolini two set points and the Italian took the first of them when Sramkova slapped a shot into the net. Paolini broke in the second game of the second set and it looked like she might power to victory without a fight, but Sramkova immediately hit back to get back on serve.

Sramkova defeated Danielle Collins, Ajla Tomljanovic and Katie Boulter on Slovakia’s charge to the final but Paolini was a bridge too far.

The 28-year-old Italian restored her advantage with a fizzing forehand to move 3-1 ahead and then consolidated. Having spent most of her career outside the top 50, 2024 has been a huge leap forward for Paolini.

She broke again when Sramkova went long and served it out to seal an emphatic victory in one hour and five minutes.

In the first match world number 78 Bronzetti denied the experienced Hruncakova the chance to use her power and forced her opponent to move around the court.

Bronzetti secured three breaks in the first set, conceding just one in her first service game as she hit her stride. Hruncakova, ranked 159th, battled gamely in the second set, breaking for a 4-2 lead, but the Italian immediately hit back, winning the last four games to triumph.

Bronzetti sealed her victory serving to love when the Slovakian sent a return long, before Paolini finished the job for Italy.

Royalty graces young achievers graduation

National

November 22, 2024

ABOVE & BELOW: Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Nasibah attends the convocation ceremony for the graduating Year 6 students of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Primary School; and Pengiran Muhammad Abdul Haadee Mubasheer bin Pengiran Anak Abdul Badee’ receives his certificate during the ceremony. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM

Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Nasibah attended the convocation ceremony for the graduating Year 6 students of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Primary School at the school premises yesterday.

In an opening speech, school principal Hajah Mariam binti Haji Ladi expressed her jubilation on witnessing and celebrating an academic milestone for the 173 students graduating that day.

“In addition to celebrating the students’ graduation, various awards will be handed to high achieving students, including 21 students who achieved top three in their respective classes, to the special progressive award and teachers awards.”

Following her speech, the ceremony continued with the presentation of certificates and awards to the recipients. Among them was Pengiran Muhammad Abdul Haadee Mubasheer bin Pengiran Anak Abdul Badee’.

The ceremony concluded with a speech by top performing student Muhammad Naeyl Raees bin Dr Haji Norzaidi, on behalf of all the graduating students. Assistant Managing Director of Brunei Investment Agency Ahmad Jefri bin Abdul Rahman as a member of the Yayasan Board of Directors was the guest of honour. – Daniel Lim

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show top performing students receiving awards. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM

Meeting highlights commitment to regional peace in ASEAN

National

November 22, 2024

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 headed the Brunei Darussalam delegation to the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane, Laos yesterday.

The meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Laos, General Chansamone Chanyalath, observed a report from the ASEAN Secretariat on recent developments in ASEAN.

The ministers and representatives also exchanged views on regional and international security environment, where ADMM-Plus members reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability and recognised the significant role of ASEAN in enabling solidarity, practical cooperation and multilateralism.

The meeting also adopted the Joint Statement by the ADMM-Plus on Resilience to Climate-related and Other Natural Disasters, Including Through Best Practices Exchange and Capacity Building.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the ASEAN-China Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting convened and was co-chaired by General Chansamone Chanyalath and Chinese Minister of National Defense Admiral Dong Jun.

This was followed by the commemorative ceremony of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations and the commemorative ceremony of the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Republic of Korea Dialogue Relations.

A handing over ceremony of the ADMM Chairmanship from Laos to Malaysia officially marked the conclusion of Laos’ chairmanship of ADMM for 2024. Malaysia will assume the role of Chair for ADMM and its related meetings for 2025 with the ADMM Retreat, the 19th ADMM and the 12th ADMM-Plus scheduled to take place in February and November 2025 respectively. The theme for Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ADMM and its related meetings is ‘ASEAN Unity for Security and Prosperity’.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Alirupendi bin Haji Perudin as Brunei Darussalam’s ASEAN Defence Senior Officials’ Meeting Plus (ADSOM-Plus) leader and Brunei Ambassador to Laos Haji Roslan bin Haji Yacub were part of the delegation.

The meeting was attended by defence ministers and representatives from the ADMM-Plus countries, ASEAN Secretariat as well as Timor-Leste as an observer of the ADMM, ADMM-Plus and related meetings.

Heroes homebound as final MALBATT flight returns

National

November 22, 2024

A Royal Brunei Armed Forces member from the Malaysian Battalion Contingent (MALBATT) 850-11 Contingent arrives at Subang Airbase, Malaysia. PHOTO: MINDEF

The final flight of the Malaysian Battalion Contingent (MALBATT) 850-11 for the peacekeeping mission of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), comprising 217 personnel, arrived at Subang Airbase, Malaysia on Wednesday.

Following the flight, the final two personnel from Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) are Head of Brunei Darussalam’s Contingent for MALBATT 850-11 Major Mohammad Hafizi bin Sabli and Captain (U) Mohammad Yusran bin Isak.

Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy bin Ithnain, the guest of honour, welcomed their return.

Brunei Darussalam’s Defence Adviser to Malaysia Lieutenant Colonel Rudie Asmawi bin Haji Abidin, senior officers from the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and family members of the MALBATT 850-11 contingent also attended the event.

The parade ceremony commenced with a general salute from the contingent, followed by the MAF song and speech by the guest of honour. The chanting of ‘Gempur Wira’ concluded the parade.

The arrival of the final flight completed the return of all personnel from the MALBATT 850-11 contingent.

The disbandment ceremony for MALBATT 850-11 will be held on December 10 at MALBATT Village, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

The RBAF personnel from the MALBATT 850-11 contingent will return to Brunei Darussalam on December 11.

Experts discuss future of laboratory medicine

National

November 22, 2024

ABOVE & BELOW: Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar launches the 18th ASEAN Conference of Clinical Laboratory Sciences; and tours an exhibition. PHOTO: JAMES KON

Around 300 participants, including members of the ASEAN Association for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (AACLS), Brunei Darussalam Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (BAMLS), medical officers, nurses, allied health professionals, hospital and private clinic staff, as well as students from local and overseas higher education institutions, gathered in Brunei to attend the 18th ASEAN Conference of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (ACCLS), at a hotel in Jerudong.

Jointly organised by the AACLS, BAMLS and the Department of Laboratory Services at the Ministry of Health (MoH), the opening ceremony of the 18th ACCLS was attended by Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar as the guest of honour.

The theme of this year’s conference, ‘Laboratory Medicine in Tomorrow’s Healthcare Landscape’, highlighted the various challenges and opportunities in the era of Industrial Revolution 4.0, particularly in the context of advancements in artificial intelligence, robotic process automation (RPA) and machine learning.

The conference aimed to bring together renowned experts and researchers in various medical laboratory disciplines; provide a platform to increase participants’ knowledge of the latest advancements in medical laboratory science; support Brunei Vision 2035 and the strategic plan of the MoH and Department of Laboratory Services; and share ideas, information and best practices among local and international experts.

AACLS President Dr Miswar Fattah, in a speech, emphasised the importance of this biennial meeting and scientific conference in celebrating innovation, collaboration and the pursuit of excellence in the field of clinical laboratory science.

Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham also officiated the trade and exhibition at the 18th ACCLS. – James Kon

Technology, PPPs key to healthcare advancements

National

November 22, 2024

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar speaks at the event. PHOTO: JAMES KON

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar yesterday highlighted the significant impact of technological advancements on the healthcare industry, including clinical laboratory sciences, during his speech at the opening ceremony of the 18th ASEAN Conference of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (ACCLS). He emphasised that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the transition towards Industrial Revolution 4.0, driving rapid transformation in the sector.

As healthcare demands evolve, with increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases and an ageing population, the minister stressed the importance of adopting new diagnostic testing methods and smart technologies. These innovations enable faster, more accurate and higher-quality results, leading to improved interventions and treatment outcomes.

Brunei, he said, is fortunate to have a progressive healthcare system prioritising innovation and patient-centric care. The Ministry of Health’s strategic investments in next-generation diagnostic tools, data analytics and digital health systems are crucial for delivering world-class healthcare services.

However, Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham also cautioned about the ethical implications, data privacy concerns and regulatory challenges associated with technological advancements. Striking a balance between innovation and responsible technology use is essential. To further accelerate the adoption of technological developments, the minister underscored the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs). These collaborations between the public and private sectors can leverage expertise, resources and agility to develop and deploy innovative laboratory solutions.

In line with Brunei Vision 2035, PPP initiatives aim to enhance the quality of life, create job opportunities and provide an efficient public service. The minister encouraged local companies to actively explore PPPs opportunities to improve not only laboratory services but also overall healthcare delivery.

By harnessing the strengths of both the government and private sectors, PPPs can significantly improve the quality, efficiency and accessibility of healthcare services, ultimately benefiting the community and driving economic prosperity, said Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham. – James Kon

Brunei braces for rainy season, La Niña

National

November 22, 2024

Meteorological Officer Mohd Noor’Arifin bin Haji Yussof presenting the weather briefing. PHOTO: JAMES KON

Brunei Darussalam is entering its Northeast Monsoon season, lasting from December to March 2025. This period brings higher rainfall compared to other months, with frequent rainy days, particularly in December and January. Unstable weather conditions can be expected with occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms, especially at night and early mornings.

The second half of the season (February to March) sees a shift towards more stable atmospheric conditions with less rain.

Following the Northeast Monsoon is the inter-monsoon period (April to May). While mornings are typically fair with chances of isolated coastal showers around midday, thunderstorms are more frequent during this time compared to other months. These afternoon thunderstorms, especially inland, may spread to coastal areas at night and persist into the early morning of the following day.

The La Niña phenomenon, expected to develop this month and last until early 2025, may further increase rainfall in Brunei.

This forecast was shared during a weather briefing held by the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department (BDMD) for some 100 representatives from government agencies, the private sector and the public.

Meteorological Officer Mohd Noor’Arifin bin Haji Yussof presented the briefing.

The initiative by BDMD serves to increase public understanding on the current and future weather conditions in Brunei. The information is crucial for agencies such as first aid and emergency responders as well as insurance and construction companies preparing for potential weather events. – James Kon

Tithe payment made easy with eZakat

National

November 22, 2024

ABOVE & BELOW: Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman during the launching ceremony at the Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah yesterday. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI

A launching ceremony for eZakat Harta Wang Simpanan was held at the Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah yesterday.

Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, in his capacity as President of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB), launched the eZakat Harta Wang Simpanan. Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan, in his capacity as Vice President of MUIB, was also present. The platform, launched by Datasteam Digital Sdn Bhd (DST), will make it easier to fulfil obligation to pay zakat (tithe) with the facility of an online zakat payment.

The launching ceremony featured a video showing the procedure using eZakat and a video on the obligation to make zakat payment and the benefits of paying zakat. The ceremony ended with a visit to the exhibition on eZakat platform by DST and Zakat clinic by the Zakat, Wakaf and Baitulmal Management Department.

The MUIB at its fifth meeting on June 10, considered a Meeting Paper number 11/2024 (Implementation of Online Property Zakat Payment Service for DST) and decided to agree to the service of an online payment of Zakat Harta for DST to be carried out in accordance with the conditions and regulations set for it.

The eZakat Harta Wang Simpanan platform is part of the initiative of the Ministry of Religious Affairs working hand in hand with DST in increasing the awareness of e-services to the public in achieving the strategic Digital Economy Master Plan 2025.

The eZakat service is available to Muslims in the Sultanate and without requiring any registration. Users only need to fill in all the necessary information in the eZakat service through the website.

Payment of zakat through eZakat can be made anytime and anywhere using Easi, Mobi or debit cards. It is necessary for zakat payers to ensure that there is sufficient balance for the use of debit, Mobi and Easi cards. – Fadhil Yunus

Borneo Bulletin OnlineThe Independent Newspaper in Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Sarawak

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