Monday, December 23, 2024
30 C
Brunei Town

Juve, Motta ready to show Serie A credentials against downbeat Roma

Juventus’ Pierre Kalulu fights for the ball with Verona’s Faride Alidou during the Serie A football match at the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, in Verona, Italy. PHOTO: AP

MILAN (AFP) – Juventus host struggling Roma on Monday (2.45am, Brunei time) with their tails up and ready to show the rest of Serie A that under Thiago Motta Italy’s Old Lady is fit for a league title tilt.

Two consecutive 3-0 wins against modest opposition have shown a clean break with the stodgy football of old and have given Motta the look of someone made for big club coaching.

But for all Juve’s fancy new football, Como and Verona are not any sort of barometer for a team’s Scudetto credentials like Roma – a club supposed to be challenging for Champions League football – even if Motta has refused to entertain any early title talk.

“We’ve only played two matches, even if we’ve done very well because we’ve won both and played very well,” Motta told public broadcaster RAI.

Motta’s start on the Juve bench has been all the more impressive as his team is still being built and he has made good use of youngsters from the ‘Next Gen’ team which plays in the third-division Serie C.

Samuel Mbangula, 20, scored Juve’s first goal of the season against Como and followed that up by setting up fellow Next Gen graduate Nicolo Savona against Verona.

Since then the signing of star Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners from Atalanta for more than EUR60 million has been completed, another powerplay in a busy summer transfer window for Juve who last won Serie A four years ago.

Roma should in fact be a much less tricky proposition than previously thought as Daniele De Rossi deals with a horrible opening couple of weeks to his first full season in charge of his boyhood club.

Loudly booed off by over 67,000 supporters after a first ever home defeat to Empoli last weekend, a trip to Juve is the last ting De Rossi needed as he deals with the trickiest situation he’s had since replacing Jose Mourinho in January.

Less than a year separates De Rossi and Motta in age but the former is a managerial novice compared to the latter, who at 42 is already in his fourth job having also coached Genoa, Spezia and Bologna.

De Rossi’s only previous managerial job was an ill-fated four months at lower-league outfit SPAL which came to an abrupt end in February last year.

Juventus’ Pierre Kalulu fights for the ball with Verona’s Faride Alidou during the Serie A football match at the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, in Verona, Italy. PHOTO: AP

Swedish economy shrinks in Q2

PHOTO: ENVATO

STOCKHOLM (AFP) – The Swedish economy shrank in the second quarter as household spending and investment fell, official data showed yesterday.

The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 0.3 per cent compared to the first quarter, when it grew 0.7 per cent, according to Statistics Sweden.

“GDP decreased slightly in the second quarter. The downturn in the economy was wide but offset by the foreign trade in goods, where exports increased and imports decreased,” said head of national accounts at Statistics Sweden Jessica Engdahl.

Household consumption fell by 0.2 per cent, with lower spending on food and non-alcoholic drinks leading the decline.

Investment declined by 1.7 per cent.

Economists expect the Swedish economy to strengthen by the end of the year as inflation eases and interest rates fall.

PHOTO: ENVATO

Dortmund’s Ozcan moves to Wolfsburg on loan

PHOTO: AFP

BERLIN (AFP) – Borussia Dortmund midfielder Salih Ozcan has moved to Wolfsburg on loan until the end of the season, Wolves coach Ralph Hasenhuettl confirmed on Wednesday.

“We are delighted that Salih Ozcan is joining Wolfsburg,” Hasenhuettl said in a statement.

“With his mentality and his way of playing football, he is the perfect addition to our midfield. We are convinced that the qualities he brings with him will be good for our game.”

The loan does not include an option to buy the 26-year-old.

The Turkish international arrived in Wolfsburg on Wednesday for a medical.

“After very good discussions, I am happy to be here in Wolfsburg. The club and the team definitely can challenge for a spot in European competition,” he said.

Ozcan arrived in Dortmund from Cologne in 2022 and has played 70 games for the club, but he was expected to find opportunities limited after the arrival of Pascal Gross from Brighton this summer.

Born in Cologne, Ozcan has played 22 games for Turkiye having represented Germany at youth level.

The defensive midfielder could make his Wolfsburg debut against former club Holstein Kiel, who were promoted to the Bundesliga for the first time ahead of this season.

PHOTO: AFP

Floods submerge Vietnam’s dragon fruit farms

A flooded dragon fruit farm in Binh Thuan province. PHOTO: AFP

HANOI (AFP) – Floods submerged hundreds of hectares of dragon fruit farms in south Vietnam, residents told AFP yesterday, with many villagers forced to seek shelter on higher ground.

The flooding in Binh Thuan province was triggered by heavy rain and the discharge of water from an irrigation reservoir on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“We lost all our dragon fruit and cucumber crops this year,” Ho Van Trung, 66, told AFP.

Vietnam dragon fruit exports generated a record USD1.8 billion in 2018, but the figure has been declining in recent years.

Binh Thuan province is home to Vietnam’s biggest growing area, measuring 28,000 hectares and producing 600,000 tonnes of fruit each year.

A flooded dragon fruit farm in Binh Thuan province. PHOTO: AFP

The fiery red and green fruit with a scaly skin that gives it its name thrives in hot and dry conditions, but, as part of the cactus family, cannot stand immersion in water.

Yesterday, farmers in two villages in Binh Thuan’s Ham My commune said the floods in the area were “unprecedented”.

“My house and my gardens growing dragon fruit and cucumber are all submerged,” Trung said.

Living close by, Dao Thi Bich Thao and her husband had to evacuate their one-storey home after it flooded.

“Water came so quickly that we could only move our TV and refrigerator and then flee,” Thao said.

Around 200 households and 400 hectares of crops, mostly dragon fruit, had been flooded, a local official in Ham My

commune told state news site VNExpress.

More than 70 residents moved to higher ground as their homes were temporarily uninhabitable, the report said.

Scientists have warned that extreme weather events globally are becoming more intense and frequent due to climate change.

Brunei joins meetings on transnational crime

Deputy Minister (Security and Law) at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu in a group photo. PHOTO: PMO

Brunei Darussalam participated in the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (18th AMMTC) and its related meetings in Vientiane, Laos from August 28 until yesterday.

Deputy Minister (Security and Law) at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu led the Sultanate’s delegation.

The deputy minister gave a country statement, where he outlined Brunei’s priorities and initiatives to address transnational crimes including cybercrime, terrorism, illicit drugs, trafficking in persons and people smuggling.

Dato Seri Paduka Haji Sufian noted the increasing trend of online scams faced by the Sultanate and other ASEAN member states, highlighting that cybercriminals are now using artificial intelligence as part of their modus operandi.

Another issue Brunei is focusing on is the threat of terrorism and spread of violent and extremist propaganda.

Regarding trafficking in persons, the deputy minister stressed on the need for various parties to use more transparent, consistent and fairer means of assessment in reporting efforts undertaken by the Sultanate and other ASEAN member states especially in publications such as the United States Trafficking in Persons Report.

The AMMTC also held consultations with ASEAN dialogue partners, where the deputy minister reiterated Brunei’s commitment and support to strengthen cooperation to protect, serve and preserve peace and stability in the region and beyond.

The 18th AMMTC and its related meetings also endorsed 12 documents, including the establishment of the Senior Officials’ Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) Working Group on People Smuggling, guidelines, template of concept notes for initiatives, updated terms of reference, declarations and joint statements.

Brunei Ambassador to Laos Haji Roslan bin Haji Yacub and Acting Permanent Secretary (Security and Law) at the PMO Zulhusam bin Haji Abdul Samad, as the SOMTC leader for the Sultanate, were also present at the meetings.

Deputy Minister (Security and Law) at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu in a group photo. PHOTO: PMO

Minister meets Islamic Development Bank president, signs MoU

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah and Islamic Development Bank President Dr Muhammad Al-Jasser. PHOTO: MOFE

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah received a courtesy call from Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) President Dr Muhammad Al-Jasser on Wednesday.

The minister and the president exchanged views on current issues and discussed Brunei-IsDB relations as well as opportunities to enhance cooperation.

The minister and the president also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on strategic partnership and country engagement framework for Brunei Darussalam.

Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew said the MoU reflects both parties’ shared vision and commitment towards a common goal, namely, the Sultanate’s drive towards a dynamic and sustainable economy that adheres to Malay Islamic Monarchy.

Dr Muhammad Al-Jasser meanwhile highlighted IsDB’s commitment to supporting the Sultanate’s ambitions outlined in Brunei Vision 2035 and economic blueprint.

Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Economy) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abdul Hamid was also present at the MoU signing. – James Kon

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah and Islamic Development Bank President Dr Muhammad Al-Jasser. PHOTO: MOFE

New traffic lights at Manggis roundabout

A traffic light at the Manggis roundabout. PHOTO: JKR

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

A traffic light at the Manggis roundabout. PHOTO: JKR

Webinar highlights importance of early childhood education

Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin delivers a speech. PHOTO: NURDIYANAH

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.

Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin delivers a speech. PHOTO: NURDIYANAH
ABOVE & BELOW: Participants of the webinar; and Director of Schools Hajah Marina Chek binti Bujang delivers a speech. PHOTO: NURDIYANAH
PHOTO: NURDIYANAH

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

Preparing students for the exam season

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show students taking part in various activities during the programme. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM

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

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show students taking part in various activities during the programme. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
PHOTO: DANIEL LIM

RB, Thai authority launch Amazing Bangkok

Tourists visit the Wat Pho temple in Bangkok, Thailand. PHOTO: XINHUA

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.”

Tourists visit the Wat Pho temple in Bangkok, Thailand. PHOTO: XINHUA
1...423424425...7,767Page 424 of 7,767

Social Media

Category

Site Links

About Us

Borneo Bulletin is the leading English daily in the country. It was first published by Brunei Press. Today, Borneo Bulletin has become the foremost source of information on local and foreign affairs, and the region’s business news.

© 2013 Borneo Bulletin Online - The Independent Newspaper in Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Sarawak