Sports School coach Mohammad Yussof bin Yaakub in a group photo with the students. PHOTO: SPORTS SCHOOL
The Ministry of Education (MoE) contingent, through its Sports School athletics team, left for Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, to compete in the 2nd RS Kinabalu Athletics League, to be held today and tomorrow at the Keningau Sports Complex.
The delegation of eight student athletes is led by head of the contingent and coach from Sports School Mohammad Yussof bin Yaakub. Acting Senior Special Duties Officer (Professional) from the Department of Schools at the MoE Haji Metusin bin Haji Jais was present at Brunei International Airport to offer words of encouragement. Sports School Principal Hajah Nor Aisah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, Sports School Deputy Principal Haji Mohd Azrin bin Haji Aji and officers from the Department of Schools were also present.
Organised by the RS Athletics Club, the RS Kinabalu Athletics League is one of Sabah’s most prominent athletics championships. The upcoming league follows the first league held in May, where Sports School team secured one gold and one bronze medal. The second league will feature 2,424 participants from 70 teams representing schools and sports institutions across Sabah, Sarawak and the Sultanate.
Sports School coach Mohammad Yussof bin Yaakub in a group photo with the students. PHOTO: SPORTS SCHOOL
Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (Perbadanan TAIB) held a prize presentation ceremony yesterday for 12 young photographers for their exceptional work in the Junior Photography Contest.
Haizum Naeema binti Sanip of Belait Sixth Form Centre secured first place, followed by Muhammad Asnawi bin Haji Sari of Tutong Sixth Form Centre in second, and Nur Haziqah Erdina binti Mohammad Khairol Hadizam of Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College in third. The contest, themed, ‘Celebrate Through The Lens: Capture The Joy Of His Majesty’s 78th Birthday Celebration’, was designed to showcase the photographic talents of the Sultanate’s youth.
Open to students from Year 7 to Pre-University, it encouraged participants to document the celebratory events of 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’s birthday celebration.
The contest, held from July 8 to August 9 saw 255 entries from 114 students. Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin presented the prizes to the winners.
Managing Director of Perbadanan TAIB Datin Hajah Hasnah binti Haji Ibrahim, Managing Director of Darussalam Holdings Sdn Bhd Haji Mahmud bin Haji Mohamed, Acting Managing Director of Insurans Islam TAIB Holdings Sdn Bhd Haji Mohammad Yusreza bin Haji Mohd Yussin, Acting Director of the Department of Schools at the MoE Hajah Marina Chek binti Bujang, representatives from Interhouse Company; and the participants and their families were also present. – Azlan Othman
ABOVE & BELOW: Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin in group photo; and presents prizes to Haizum Naeema binti Sanip. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMANPHOTO: AZLAN OTHMANHaizum Naeema’s winning photo. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
The students in a group photo. PHOTO: JERUDONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Jerudong International School (JIS) announced outstanding results for its Class of 2024 across A Level, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, and International BTEC examinations, reflecting the school’s dedication to academic excellence and the commitment of its students.
In the A Level examinations, 28.1 per cent of grades were A* or A, and 54 per cent of students earned A*, A, or B grades. Top achiever Muhammad Afiq bin Abdul Rahman, a Ministry of Education (MoE) student, earned 4 A*/A grades and an additional Distinction in Maths AEA. Yong Tsen Lim and Synyee Yeo also excelled with 4 A*/A grades.
Nine students achieved A*/A grades in all three A Level subjects: Grace Lee, Aaralyn Tan, Nidhi Kulkarni, Chan Kyaw, Eoin Kyle, Selina Li, Alvin Lim, Ryan Riches, and Muhammad Danish Abrisam bin Samri.
Seven students attained A grades in all subjects: Raika Chowdhury, Nur Hidayah Haziyah binti Handrie, Shannon Lau, Muhammad Aqil Nasrullah bin Pendie, Grish Rana, Marvin Santos, and Natalie Yip. Among these, Muhammad Danish Abrisam bin Samri, Shannon Lau, and Muhammad Aqil Nasrullah bin Pendie received MoE scholarships.
In the IB Diploma Programme, JIS students achieved an average score of 34.3, surpassing the global average of 30.32. Sixty-seven per cent exceeded the global average, and 53 per cent scored 35 points or higher. Swee Ker Lim led with 42 points, followed by Frank Taylor with 38 points.
Four students scored 37 points: Dayangku Nabilah binti Pengiran Behrin, Nur Khairunnisa Syamisah binti Haji Kamis, Siti Hanna binti Muhammad Norshafiee,and Chloe Shim.
Two students scored 36 points: Aleesya Fitriyah binti Abdul Rahman and Yasmina Masiratunnaja binti Adimasadi, while Alisha Iman Jefri and Gisele Koh achieved 35 points.
JIS also celebrated its first cohort completing the International BTEC Extended Diploma in Creative Media, with a 100 per cent pass rate. Awangku Muhd Zulhilman bin Pengiran Muhd Noor Shah achieved D*D*D (equivalent to 3 A*/A grades), and Mohammad Azri bin Mohammad Harris earned DDD (equivalent to 3 A grades).
The graduates will attend universities globally.
JIS Executive Principal Nicholas Sheehan said, “These top-performing students will be remembered not only for their academic results but also for their impact as young leaders.
Their success is a testament to the support of their parents and the dedication of our academic team, teaching, and pastoral staff, who strive to inspire students to achieve their best.”
The students in a group photo. PHOTO: JERUDONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
The students in a group photo.
PHOTO: MICRONET INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE
Micronet International College (MIC) hosted a luncheon at a restaurant in the capital to welcome the 4th intake of 28 students for the UTB-MIC Computing Degree programmes, who began their studies on July 22.
The event was attended by its managing director, executive director and general manager, along with the Dean and lecturers from the School of Computing and Informatics (SCI) at Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB).
The luncheon aimed to build a sense of community among the new students, faculty and senior management.
It marks a significant step in supporting the academic and professional development of students in the UTB-MIC Computing Degree Programmes.
The event allowed students to engage with their lecturers and gain insights into their field of study.
The partnership between MIC and UTB continues to enhance, focusing on delivering high-quality education and developing skilled professionals in computing and information technology.
The UTB-MIC Computing Degree programmes offer students the chance to enter the second year of UTB’s computing degree programmes, including BSc (Hons) in Computing (Major in Network Security) and BSc (Hons) in Computing (Major in Multimedia).
Students will complete their Year 1 programme at Micronet before transitioning to UTB to finish their degree.
The students in a group photo. PHOTO: MICRONET INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE
As Brunei’s tropical fruit season peaks, local markets are bustling with fresh produce like durians, rambutans and langsat.
Vendors, like Ezai with the popular ‘durian putih‘ in Madang and Siti Apsah selling rambutan at the Sumbangsih market, are experiencing brisk sales. Many sellers harvest their own fruits or resell for others, contributing to the trade.
Among the enthusiastic customers was a British family on holiday in the Sultanate. Eight-year-old Albie, who tried durian for the first time, quickly became a fan. “Durian is my favourite fruit. I tried three types – red, yellow and white. Yellow is my favourite,” he said. Albie also enjoyed rambutan and mangosteen, and bought longan and jackfruit from the market.
Albie’s father, Jay, said his son’s interest in durian began after learning it was banned on the metro in Singapore. “He bought some durian crisps and made the hotel room smell. He was very excited to try the real thing and loved it. He’s also been getting us mangosteens at breakfast and eating our portion,” Jay shared.
Five-year-old Alannah expressed her fondness for the local grapes, which she finds bigger and juicier than those in England.
“I also got to drink out of a real coconut,” she added, enjoying the experience of Brunei’s tropical offerings.
Their mum Lauren prefers rambutan, longan and mangosteen but is less keen on durian. “I can’t get used to the smell. The texture is okay, but it smells like it tastes,” she said.
Sri Lankan expatriate Thilaka Jinadasa shared her thoughts on local fruits, admitting she isn’t a fan of durian due to its smell.
However, she enjoys rambutan and finds it reasonably priced compared to Sri Lanka, where it’s also in season. “We have different varieties in Sri Lanka as well,” she said, noting the similarities and differences in the fruit culture between the two countries. – Fadley Faisal
A woman collects rambutan from a fruit orchard. Local fruit enthusiasts are welcome to a celebration of tropical harvest at the 3rd Tamuneka Mukim Lamunin event at Dataran Gong Tiga Community Centre in Kampong Lamunin, Tutong District until tomorrow. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLIAlbie holds a durian. PHOTO: FADLEY FAISALABOVE & BELOW: Sri Lankan expatriate Thilaka Jinadasa; and vendor Siti Apsah. PHOTO: FADLEY FAISALPHOTO: FADLEY FAISALVendor Ezai with their produce. PHOTO: FADLEY FAISAL
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show participants at the blood drive. PHOTO: DPS
Some 38 pints of blood were collected during a blood donation drive organised by Darussalam Pilotage Services Sdn Bhd (DPS) at its headquarters in Serasa recently.
Over 40 participated in the drive, held in conjunction with World Blood Donor Day. Themed ‘Thank You, Blood Donors!’, the drive was organised in collaboration with Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital’s Blood Donation Centre.
Led by DPS Acting General Manager Nor Ariffin Haji Mohd Ali, the drive aimed to promote social responsibility and community support. – James Kon
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show participants at the blood drive. PHOTO: DPSPHOTO: DPSPHOTO: DPSPHOTO: DPS
Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali Rector Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal and Kolej International Graduate Studies Interim Chief Executive Officer Haji Mahrub bin Awang Haji Murni at the signing. PHOTO: KIGS
Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) and Kolej International Graduate Studies (KIGS) signed a memorandum of agreement recently to develop a new Tamhidi (foundation) programme.
UNISSA Rector Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal and KIGS Interim Chief Executive Officer Haji Mahrub bin Awang Haji Murni signed the agreement.
The programmes, launching in January next year, include two tracks of Tamhidi in Sciences of Halal and Agriculture and Tamhidi in Business, Technology and Management.
The programmes will offer preparatory courses over three semesters and prepare students for undergraduate studies at UNISSA. Students will be eligible to enrol in undergraduate programmes at UNISSA for either January or August intake upon successful completion of the Tamhidi programme. The collaboration aims to provide students with a foundation for higher education in specialised fields and future chosen careers. – Lyna Mohamad
Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali Rector Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal and Kolej International Graduate Studies Interim Chief Executive Officer Haji Mahrub bin Awang Haji Murni at the signing. PHOTO: KIGS
File photo shows the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam headquarters. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
The Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) will introduce the Internet of Things Network and Service Provider for the Telecommunications Industry (IoT-NSP) Licence from tomorrow.
According to AITI, the licence is required for anyone looking to own, deploy, operate or provide IoT networks and services. Its goal is to encourage responsible and sustainable IoT development in Brunei.
The licence aims to support the growth of IoT technologies, boost micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and expand IoT applications across various sectors. – James Kon
File photo shows the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam headquarters. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
I would like to call on the authorities to consider establishing a new public library, near the existing one, in the capital. Where the current library is situated, it is the ideal location for a modern, multifunctional community space that reflects our unique heritage.
The new library could feature a gym and a child care centre handled by entrepreneurs, allowing families to enjoy the library resources while meeting other needs.
It should also include a premium food court that operates from morning until night, seven days a week.
Having these facilities provides diverse sources to generate revenue, thus allowing the library to self-sustain, reducing the reliance on government funding.
We could even incorporate Islamic art and traditional local designs.
Such blend of modern functionality and our culture would make the building stand out, appealing to both locals and foreign visitors. With increased interest in the new facilities, it may even spur growth in businesses in the vicinity.
The attendees in a group photo. PHOTO: ASIA INC FORUM
Studies suggest that 70 per cent of employees are more engaged when their leaders foster a growth mindset, said Head of Group Strategic Marketing and Communications at Baiduri Bank Ng Yick Wei during the masterclass and workshop on ‘Transforming Your Leadership Mindset to Create a Transformative Team’ at the Baiduri Community Space on Wednesday.
“The masterclass-workshop was an important training and development opportunity for managers from organisations of all sizes, to strengthen their leadership abilities as they engage talents with different individual goals, specialty areas and backgrounds,” she added.
The masterclass, part of this year’s Transform 2024 programme for Brunei small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs, was participated by 47 business owners, entrepreneurs and members of the corporate sector.
Conducted by Counselling Psychologist and Managing Director of Clarity Sdn Bhd Todd McPherson, the event allowed participants to critically challenge existing management and leadership approaches to enable honest reflection and peer-sharing opportunities for learning and development.
“With a one-day agenda that covers four areas of modifying mindset, the GROW methodology, securing employee and team buy-in, and coaching for high performance, my goal was to equip the participants with the knowledge and confidence to embrace transformative leadership,” McPherson said.
Through guided processes, participants will be pushed outside their comfort zones into new pathways for getting the best out of themselves and the team, he added. – Lyna Mohamad
The attendees in a group photo. PHOTO: ASIA INC FORUM
