The Public Works Department announced yesterday that traffic light installation works at the Manggis roundabout are completed and will begin operation at 10am today to ease road congestion in the area.
Road users are advised to slow down and comply with traffic rules and regulations, including the speed limit. – James Kon
Early childhood is crucial for a child’s future educational success and overall life trajectory. Research has highlighted the importance of high-quality early childhood education in fostering academic achievement and lifelong economic opportunities.
Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin said this at the opening of a webinar on ‘Sharing Practices and Experiences in Early Childhood Care and Education in Brunei Darussalam’ held yesterday.
The permanent secretary, in her speech said, “In Brunei, we have a good collaborative system, which encompasses different agencies such as the MoE, Ministry of Health (MoH) and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), as well as other authorities.”
All of these agencies, she added, strive to provide comprehensive services for children aged zero to five years old, by emphasising on a holistic approach to development.
On this note, the permanent secretary said that the webinar coincides with regional efforts under the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisations (SEAMEO) Strategic Plan 2021-2030 and the 7-7-7 flagship programmes initiated by the Philippines.
These initiatives, she continued, focus on strengthening early childhood care and education (ECCE) across Southeast Asia through collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
The webinar also shone light on the importance of high-quality early childhood care, inclusive education, and effective parenting practices by creating a platform for sharing successful practices and strategies in ECCE and inclusive education facilitating learning among various stakeholders; and encouraging partnerships among academics, practitioners, government agencies and the school community to advance ECCE initiatives and uphold children’s rights to quality education.
Organised by the Early Childhood Education Unit at the Department of Schools, in collaboration with Department of Special Education, the webinar was held at SEAMEO Vocational and Technical Education and Training (Voctech) Regional Centre.
Director of Schools Hajah Marina Chek binti Bujang, as the co-chair of the webinar, said the webinar provided an opportunity for participants to connect, exchange knowledge, opinions, policies and best practices in comprehensive early childhood care and education while at the same time discuss emerging issues.
The webinar also identified challenges and opportunities in its implementation, as well as served as a platform to share best practices and innovative approaches in early childhood education, while at the same time strengthening collaboration among educators, policymakers and other stakeholders in early childhood education.
The hybrid webinar was attended physically by experts and stakeholders in early childhood education and virtually by participants from the other 11 ASEAN member countries.
Among the participants at the webinar were representatives from the SEAMEO for Early Childhood Care Education and Parenting (SEAMEO CECCEP); the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Special Educational Needs (SEAMEO SEN); the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); the Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood (ARNEC); as well as local representatives comprising government officials, including school leaders and operators of day-care centres. – Rokiah Mahmud
Some 25 students from Arabic schools nationwide participated in a day of physical and academic activities at the Belait Arabic School (SAB) as part of the Ilal Majdi Wal ‘Ula programme yesterday.
Themed, ‘Let’s Get Fit with EMS’, the programme aimed to prepare students for the SPE 2024 by enhancing their English language, mathematics and science (EMS) skills.
The event featured students from SAB, Ma’had Islam Brunei, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Girls Arabic Religious Secondary School, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Arabic School and Temburong Religious School, with each contributing five students.
Acting assistant principal and programme co-chairman Haji Mohd Rozelyzan bin Haji Sipin highlighted that the programme was the first of its kind at SAB, integrating academic learning with physical activity.
“This innovative approach is designed to improve EMS literacy and 21st-Century skills while increasing student engagement in these subjects,” he stated.
Haji Mohd Rozelyzan expressed confidence that the programme would aid in exam preparation, and encourage creativity and critical thinking.
The event was inaugurated by Acting Director (Education Institute) at the Islamic Studies Department (JPI) Pengiran Mohammad Aminuddin bin Pengiran Haji Hussin.
Following the opening, participants engaged in a warm-up session before tackling questions and physical challenges at various booths at the venue. – Daniel Lim
Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have teamed up for Amazing Bangkok campaign, a joint initiative that runs until October 24.
RB Chief Executive Officer Captain Sabirin bin Haji Abdul Hamid stated, “We are pleased to collaborate with the TAT to promote and connect Bangkok, an incredibly captivating destination. Our collaboration will provide RB’s guests with exceptional travel experiences while encouraging more international travellers from the region and beyond to explore and discover Bangkok’s many attractions. With our dedication to providing premium flight services with world-class Bruneian hospitality, we are confident that this initiative will enable more Bruneians and regional travellers to experience our flights and Bangkok’s beauty and excitement.”
As part the collaboration, RB is also offering special travel deals together with TAT that not only offer great value but also ensure seamless connectivity to Bangkok. The campaign will put the spotlight on Bangkok’s iconic landmarks, renowned street food, luxury shopping, and distinctive cultural experiences.
The Amazing Bangkok packages offer a four-day-three-night package inclusive of RB flight and accommodation options at various hotels around Bangkok. The special package, priced from BND520 per person, is a value for money deal that will give our guests the opportunity to explore Bangkok’s best attractions, culinary experiences, and accommodation options with a peace of mind about their investment.
The public can purchase the Amazing Bangkok packages from participating travel agencies, including Freme Travel Services Sdn Bhd, JJ Tour Service Sdn Bhd, Pan Bright Travel Services Sdn Bhd and Southern Cross Travel Agencies Sdn Bhd.
“This strategic collaboration shines a spotlight on Bangkok, a city that pulsates with life and offers a wealth of unique experiences for international travellers. From exclusive promotions to curated travel experiences and unforgettable cultural encounters, this campaign promises to showcase the best of Thailand’s dynamic capital,” said RB in a statement yesterday.
To kickstart the promotion, RB is collaborating with the Thai Embassy in Brunei Darussalam to promote the Thailand Bazaar at OneCity Shopping Centre held from August 29 to September 1.
In conjunction of the event, the first 50 daily new sign up for Royal Skies membership at RB’s booth will receive BND30 promo code for their next flight on RB.
Director TAT for Malaysia and Brunei Sirinthara Surakanitaya said, “The Thailand Bazaar provides an opportunity to showcase Thailand’s vibrant culture, rich heritage, and delectable cuisine. We believe that this will help strengthen the ties between our two nations. This year, Thailand has already welcomed 7,000 tourists from Brunei. We look forward to welcoming more visitors and sharing the authentic flavours and traditions of our beautiful country with the people of Brunei.”
Baiduri Bank yesterday announced its participation as a key event partner in the BDCB Financial Fun Fair 2024, scheduled to take place on August 31 from 4pm to 10pm and September 1 from 2pm to 8pm at the Jerudong Park Colonnade.
Visitors of the fair can look forward to an engaging and interactive experience at Baiduri Bank’s booths, C1 and C2. As part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, the ‘From Dreams to Reality, With You Through Every Chapter’ campaign underscores the bank’s commitment to providing exceptional financial solutions to its clients.
Visitors can apply for any eligible Baiduri Credit Card, transfer their credit card balance to Baiduri Bank and enjoy benefits such as an annual fee waiver and a sign-up bonus.
Visitors can also receive a financial health check on the spot by consulting with our financial planners and discovering their financial personality through our quiz, financial planning calculator and risk profiling.
Those who have not yet signed up for Baiduri b-Digital Personal can explore the convenience of our digital banking app at the financial fun fair.
Visitors will gain insights into the importance of cybersecurity awareness in today’s digital landscape and learn how to stay safe from scams.
Visitors will have the chance to participate in exciting activities and stand a chance to win exclusive Baiduri Bank merchandise, making the experience both informative and rewarding. The BDCB Financial Fun Fair, themed ‘Digital Financial Literacy’, aims to promote a culture of saving, enhance financial literacy, and raise awareness of the financial products and services available in the Sultanate.
The event will feature interactive activities, including financial management games and performances, designed to educate and entertain participants of all ages.
Commenting on Baiduri Bank’s participation, Baiduri Bank Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Consumer Banking Manuel Bulens stated, “We are happy to participate in the BDCB Financial Fun Fair, which reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting financial literacy and engaging with the community. This event provides a valuable platform for us to demonstrate how Baiduri Bank continues to innovate and deliver exceptional services that meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
Brunei Darussalam Arbitration Centre (BDAC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) at the Island Ballroom, Shangri-La in Singapore.
The MoU was signed by Judge Radin Safiee bin Radin Mas Basiuni as the BDAC chairperson and Justice Andre Maniam as the SMC co-chairman
The MoU is aimed to establish a framework for cooperation between BDAC and SMC, with a focus on promoting and developing the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), particularly mediation, through fair and expeditious procedures thereby providing confidence and stability to the international ADR communities and enhancing the accessibility, efficiency and effectiveness of commercial mediation.
BDAC attended the Singapore Convention Week 2024, hosted by Singapore’s Ministry of Law in partnership with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law.
The event, held from August 26 to 29, gathered experts, legal practitioners and policymakers. BDAC representatives also participated in a symposium titled ‘The Role of the Courts in Arbitration: An Asia Pacific Perspective’, focusing on the courts’ role in supporting arbitration to improve access to justice in Brunei.
BDAC, led by Radin Safiee, held bilateral meetings with the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration, Singapore International Dispute Resolution Academy and Maxwell Chambers. The discussions aimed to strengthen partnerships, exchange expertise and enhance BDAC’s arbitration capabilities and credibility in Brunei.
The Islamic Da’wah Centre (PDI), under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, held a special prayer ceremony yesterday to commemorate its 40th anniversary, marking its establishment on 1st of Muharram 1406 Hijrah, corresponding to September 16, 1985.
The event, themed ‘40 Years of Bringing Light of Propagation as a Nation of Zikir’, aimed to seek blessings and express gratitude to Allah the Almighty for the centre’s continued success in its Islamic propagation mission within the country and abroad.
Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, attended as the guest of honour during the event at the Ash-Shaliheen Mosque.
The ceremony began with the Sunnat Hajat prayer, followed by the congregational Asar prayer led by mosque affairs officer at Ash-Shaliheen Mosque Haji Mohd Izzat Izzuddin bin Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Emran.
The programme continued with the recitation of Sayyidul Istighfar, Surah Al-Fatihah and Surah Yaasiin, led by religious officer Muhammad Nur Asymawi bin Awang Asli.
The recitation of Doa Kesyukuran was also held, led by Acting Director PDI Haji Ahmad Abdussalam bin Haji Abdul Rahman.
The event ended with a Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam by the mosque’s Haji Mohd Izzat Izzuddin. – Azlan Othman
State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned received a goodwill visit from a delegation from overseas attending Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA)’s 14th Hafl Al-Takharruj on Wednesday.
The delegation comprised of advisor of international affairs of Al-Azhar Ra’es Professor Dr Nehla Shai’idi; vice chancellor of Islamic University of Maldiv Sheikh Riad Bazou; vice chairman of the Foutowa Islamic Association in Lebanon Sheikh Riad Bazou; and director of international affairs at the Foutowa Islamic Association Sheikh Mohamad Abdallah El Moghrabi.
The meeting saw discussion on Islamic affairs and education. – Azlan Othman
The Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE), in collaboration with the Brunei Darussalam Institute of Certified Public Accountants (BICPA), hosted a roadshow to promote the accounting profession at Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) on Wednesday.
The event aimed to inspire students from UTB, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Politeknik Brunei, Institute of Brunei Technical Education, Kolej International Graduate Studies, Laksamana College of Business, Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology, KEMUDA Institute, and Micronet International College to consider a career in accounting.
The roadshow featured a talk by Secretary of BICPA and Director of BICPA Academy Adeline Lau Pik Wen, who discussed the benefits of professional qualifications and various career paths in accounting, including auditing, tax advice, financial analysis and consulting.
Partner at Deloitte and Touche and President of BICPA Dayangku Hajah Siti Khadijah binti Pengiran Haji Moksin also shared insights into her career journey and experiences in the field. – James Kon
Some 83 students from St James’ School in Kuala Belait participated in a talk on the importance of a healthy and balanced sugar intake as part of an ongoing roadshow campaign, which began at the school yesterday.
The campaign, led by SWEET Smart – a group of six third-year medical students from the Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) at the Universiti of Brunei Darussalam (UBD), featured a talk focused on healthy sugar intake for adolescents.
The group’s assistant head Noor Yasirah Husna binti Haji Mohamad Yura Faizal said the campaign aims to educate the younger generation, particularly school students, on sugar consumption.
“Topics covered in our talk include the daily limit for sugar consumption, identifying hidden sugars in nutrition labels and the adverse health effects of excessive sugar intake,” she added.
Noor Yasirah also shared that the campaign is the initial phase of their collaboration with the school.
The group also plans to set up a booth at the school’s open day event tomorrow to provide further information on sugar’s impact on health. – Daniel Lim
