The Veteran Association of Royal Brunei Armed Forces (PERWIRA) headquarters has been officially renamed WISMA PERWIRA during a renaming ceremony yesterday.
Previously known as Teratak PERWIRA, the new name was unveiled by Advisor of PERWIRA Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Ibnu Basit bin Pengiran Datu Penghulu Pengiran Haji Apong and Pehin Datu Padukaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Shari bin Ahmad. As the headquarters WISMA PERWIRA serves as a hub for administrative affairs, leisure and the welfare of PERWIRA members and veterans of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
The building also features the VECONAC Business Centre, which provides a platform for socio-economic development projects and supports members engaged in business and trade.
The ceremony was attended by former presidents of PERWIRA, members of the Executive Board, PERWIRA members and invited guests. – James Kon
ABOVE & BELOW: Advisors of the Veteran Association of Royal Brunei Armed Forces (PERWIRA) Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Ibnu Basit bin Pengiran Datu Penghulu Pengiran Haji Apong and Pehin Datu Padukaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Shari bin Ahmad during a ribbon-cutting ceremony; and in a group photo with association members. PHOTO: PERWIRAPHOTO: PERWIRA
A 33-year-old prison warden has been sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to charges under Section 6(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 131.
The Magistrate’s Court heard that Mohammad Azizan bin Liusin, assigned to Maraburong Prison, facilitated unauthorised communications between a prisoner and external parties through letters without approval from the Officer-in-Charge of the Prisons Department.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Ahmad Firdaus bin Mohammad revealed that the warden accepted gratifications of BND600 on November 30, 2020, and BND50 on December 3, 2020, in return for his actions.
During sentencing, Senior Magistrate Dewi Norlelawati binti Haji Abdul Hamid stressed the importance of prisons in maintaining order and security.
She noted the severity of the offences and underscored the necessity of deterrent sentences to preserve public trust and the integrity of prison institutions.
“Corruption among officers responsible for rehabilitation undermines public confidence and the morale of honest officers,” she remarked, emphasising the court’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau reiterated its call for integrity among public servants, warning against abusing positions of trust. – Fadley Faisal
An individual was fined BND100 by the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) yesterday for allegedly discarding cigarette buds at a commercial building in Kampong Sengkurong. The individual, identified as Muhammad Hazmi Safwan, was penalised under the Miscellaneous Offences Act (Amendment) 2021 and given seven days to pay the fine.
Failure to comply may result in court action.
If convicted in court, offenders face fines ranging from BND1,000 to BND3,000 for a first offence and up to BND9,000 or six months’ imprisonment for repeat offences.
JASTRe reminds the public and business owners of their responsibility to maintain environmental cleanliness. – Daniel Lim
Enforcement officers during the operation. PHOTO: JASTRE
The Public Works Department under the Ministry of Development announced a temporary road closure at the Muara-Tutong Highway junction near Tanjung Kajar Industrial Park on January 11, from 9am to 2pm.
The closure is to facilitate concreting works for the ongoing flyover construction.
Road users are advised to plan their journeys in advance and use alternative routes where possible.
The public is also reminded to exercise caution, adhere to traffic signs, and comply with the speed limit during this period. – James Kon
A map shows alternate routes during the construction works at the Muara-Tutong Highway. PHOTO: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
A two-day blood donation drive organised by The One, Batu Satu, began yesterday, drawing 27 donors on its first day.
The event continues today from 10am to 3pm at the Function Room, Block B, Level 2, The One, Batu Satu.
The initiative, held in collaboration with the Blood Donation Centre at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital, aims to replenish blood supplies and encourage the public to participate in life-saving efforts.
Among the donors was 39-year-old rescue worker Mohd Firdaus bin Yusoff, who shared his motivation for contributing to the cause, having donated blood 10 times to date.
“I’m motivated by seeing the low stock of blood, especially A+, and I want to assist those in need, including accident victims and patients undergoing operations,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Blood Donation Centre at RIPAS Hospital is holding a campaign today with registration taking place from 7.30pm to 9pm.
The public is called to join and donate blood to help increase blood supply in the country.
The public is also encouraged to come directly to the Blood Donation Centre to donate blood during working hours from 8am to 11.30am and 1.30pm to 4pm.
It is also advisable to book a blood donation slot through the Bloodkad application for the blood donation. – Fadley Faisal & Fadhil Yunus
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the consultation for blood donors prior to donating. PHOTO: FADLEY FAISALPHOTO: FADLEY FAISALABOVE & BELOW: Mohd Firdaus bin Yusoff; and a blood donor during the campaign. PHOTO: FADLEY FAISALPHOTO: FADLEY FAISAL
Cybersecurity threats are an increasing concern as technology becomes more integrated into daily life and business operations. In Brunei, a rise in cybersecurity threats has prompted Progresif Sdn Bhd, in partnership with ST Engineering, to collaborate with organisations in countering these challenges by offering Security Operations Centre (SOC) services.
This was highlighted by Chief Executive Officer of Progresif Hajah Nurul Haniah binti Haji Jaafar, in her opening remarks at the Progresif Enterprise Showcase held yesterday at Munawwarrah Hall, Setia Point.
Following the announcement of Progresif’s partnership with ST Engineering in September 2024, Hajah Nurul Haniah emphasised Progresif’s proactive role in providing SOC services for Brunei’s market. She affirmed that Progresif is “open for business” and ready to support organisations in securing networks and ensuring business continuity.
She added, “Securing networks and ensuring business continuity has never been more critical. Progresif will play a central role in advancing the nation’s agenda on cybersecurity, enhancing understanding and the implementation of effective cybersecurity measures among local organisations.”
The Progresif Enterprise Showcase was officially launched by Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications Ir Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof, and was attended by over 200 guests from the public and private sectors.
The event was aimed to highlight enterprising solutions offered by Progresif and its partners. – James Kon
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications Ir Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof during the event. PHOTO: JAMES KON
Hars Elite maintained their strong start in the Brunei Premier Futsal League (BPFL) to consolidate their lead at the top of the table following a hard-fought 3-2 win at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam Multi-Purpose Hall in Jalan Tungku Link last Tuesday night.
General Manager Harith Irsyadi Harun said, “We are grateful to maintain an unbeaten record despite playing without several key players who are still plagued by injuries and match suspensions.”
He further added, “We praise the spirit of the substitutes who managed to carry out the task effectively.”
He admitted that his charges did not show a true account of their performance which allowed their opponents to cause problems and breach their goal.
Md Farid earlier gave Syahkampong a one-goal advantage following a clinical finish in the 8th minute but his team’s joy was temporarily short-lived after their opponents restored parity through Md Izaan in the same minute.
Zulhirni’s strong strike then helped Hars Elite take over the lead in the 14th minute.
The restart saw the game hang on the balance before taking a turn as Mohd Izzan drilled a fine effort that fooled the Syahkampung goalkeeper in the 28th minute.
Syahkampung got back into the tie after Awangku Hadi netted in the 36th minute, but his side were unable to add to their goal tally, with the final result favouring Hars Elite at full time. With the victory, Hars Elite collected nine points after maintaining their perfect start to the league with PES in second place with six points. – Fadhil Yunus
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Hars Elite and Syahkampung players vying for the ball during a Brunei Premier Futsal League match. PHOTO: YAKIN FOOTBALL LEAGUEPHOTO: YAKIN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) commenced its annual Freshers’ Week on January 6 at the Chancellor Hall, welcoming 377 new students for the 2024/2025 academic year.
The new intake includes 26 UniBridge students, nine Micro-Degree students, 174 Bachelor’s Degree students, 118 Master’s students, 40 non-graduating students and 10 PhD candidates.
UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle, the guest of honour, delivered a welcoming address, offering insights on the academic journey ahead.
The oath-taking ceremony, led by Meyzah Shahrunie Abdul Rahman from the Faculty of Science, marked the official start of their academic journey at UBD.
The five-day programme features a variety of activities and sessions designed to help new students transition smoothly into university life.
Faculty programme leaders will guide students through module selection, course registration, and preparations for the first semester.
Students will also gain insight into UBD’s Discovery Year programme and explore extracurricular opportunities to enrich their university experience.
Spiritual growth is emphasised with sessions such as a Quranic Journey led by UBD’s religious officers.
Mental well-being is also prioritised, with a mental health talk and an introduction to UBD’s counselling services, reinforcing the university’s commitment to student welfare.
Students officially embark on their academic journey with an oath-taking ceremony, marking a significant milestone in their educational pursuits. PHOTO: UBDStudents at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam Freshers’ Week. PHOTO: UBD
AFP – United States (US) company Firefly Aerospace said it is aiming to launch a lander to the Moon next week under an experimental NASA programme that partners with the commercial sector to reduce costs.
If successful, it would mark only the second time an American robot has touched down on the lunar surface since the end of the Apollo era.
“Buckle up! Our road trip to the Moon is set to launch at 1.11am EST on Wednesday, January 15, aboard a @SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket,” Texas-based Firefly Space wrote in a post on X.
The company’s lander, Blue Ghost, stands at two metres (m) tall and 3.5m. It will aim to deliver gear for 10 science research projects and technology demonstrations to a volcanic feature called Mons Latreille, located within Mare Crisium on the Moon’s northeast near side.
Blue Ghost will spend 45 days travelling to the Moon, followed by a planned 14-day operational phase on the surface.
The Blue Ghost Mission 1 lunar lander vehicle. PHOTO: AFP
Firefly Aerospace was awarded a USD93 million contract in 2021 under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative.
The programme has recruited newcomer space companies to deliver scientific and technological payloads to the Moon, with the goal of fostering a private lunar economy and establishing a sustained presence there as part of the broader Artemis programme.
The first CLPS mission, conducted by Pennsylvania-based Astrobotic in January 2024, ended in failure.
The company’s Peregrine lander launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket but was lost a few days later due to a fuel leak, ultimately burning up in Earth’s atmosphere.
A month later, Texas-based Intuitive Machines achieved a partial success. Its lander launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 and successfully touched down near the Moon’s south pole on February 22.
For many, the arrival of a new year signals a time for fresh experiences and new beginnings. However, tucked away in the heart of Tutong District, a humble farmstay offers a different approach – one that celebrates Brunei Darussalam’s past by revisiting its culinary roots, all while embracing the new year.
The spotlight for this year’s first heritage cuisine is ambuyat, Brunei’s national dish, served with a rural twist.
Ambuyat, traces its origins to the Japanese occupation of Brunei between 1941 and 1945. While it has long been a staple among Borneo’s indigenous communities, in Brunei, its history speaks of the resourcefulness of the people during a time of scarcity.
Made from the inner trunk of the sago palm, ambuyat is created by mixing sago starch with hot water, yielding a sticky, glue-like delicacy.
During World War II, with essential food supplies scarce under Japanese control, Bruneians turned to the abundant sago palms, ensuring their survival. In doing so, they embedded ambuyat into the nation’s identity as a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness.
A selection of side dishes to complement the ambuyat. PHOTO: IZAH AZAHARIABOVE & BELOW: Banana flower in coconut milk, kerabu pakis and prawn cooked with sour eggplant. PHOTO: IZAH AZAHARIPHOTO: IZAH AZAHARI
Today, many eateries specialise in this national dish, each offering a unique take through a range of condiments and side dishes that complement the ambuyat.
Common accompaniments include fried or grilled meats (daging lalap), fried fish, stir-fried water spinach, and more.
The true essence of ambuyat lies in its communal nature, making it best enjoyed in the company of others. Its versatility, coupled with the variety of side dishes, means there’s a version to suit every palate.
With this in mind, Eco Ponies Garden, a farmstay dedicated to heritage cuisine, is returning ambuyat to its rural origins. The emphasis is on crafting traditional accompaniments that honour the indigenous roots of the dish.
This community-based farmstay celebrates the abundant natural resources of the jungle and rivers, offering visitors an immersive experience that harkens back to a time when foraging and self-sufficiency were not only valued but essential for survival.
The following traditional side dishes capture the essence of rural flavours, and alongside the ambuyat, it’s just a small taste of the sultanate’s culinary heritage.
ULAM KULIMPAPA WITH SARDINE
Ulam refers to a traditional Malaysian or Indonesian salad made with raw or blanched herbs and vegetables.
Start by washing and chopping the kulimpapa leaves into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the chopped leaves with thinly sliced onion and chopped chilli, if you like a bit of heat. Add a can of drained sardines and gently mix everything together. Season with lime juice and salt to taste, and toss to ensure all the ingredients are well coated.
KERABU PAKIS (FERN SALAD)
Begin by blanching the pakis (fern) in boiling water for a few minutes until tender, but still bright green. Drain the water and set the fern aside.
In a dry pan, toast grated coconut until golden-brown, being careful not to burn it. Once toasted, combine the coconut with the blanched pakis, and season with salt and lime juice to taste. Toss the ingredients together to mix well, and serve chilled as a refreshing, tangy side dish.
TURMERIC FLOWER SALAD
Gently wash them to remove any dirt or impurities, and then remove the petals, cutting them into smaller pieces.
You will need about one cup of fresh turmeric flowers. Then combine the turmeric flowers with thinly sliced red onion, along with shrimp paste. If you like a bit of heat, add one-two sliced red chilies to the mix. Then garnish the dish with dried shrimp.
BANANA FLOWER IN COCONUT MILK
To make this dish, start by boiling the sliced banana flower in water for 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside. In a pan, heat oil over medium heat and sauté chopped garlic and onion until golden.
Add the boiled banana flower and stir well. Pour in coconut milk, simmer for about five minutes to let the flavours combine, and season with salt to taste. Once the banana flower is tender and infused with the coconut milk, serve warm.
PRAWNS WITH SOUR EGGPLANT
Start by cleaning and deveining the prawns. Slice the sour eggplant thinly, and set aside. In a pan, heat some oil and sauté finely chopped shallots and shrimp paste until fragrant. Add one-two bird’s eye chilies, sliced, if you want to add heat and continue sautéing until the mixture becomes aromatic.
Once the shallots and shrimp paste have cooked down, add the prawns and sliced eggplant to the pan. Stir to coat evenly with the mixture. Then, cover the pan and simmer the dish for about 10-15 minutes, or until the prawns are cooked through and the eggplant becomes tender. Adjust seasoning with salt if necessary and serve hot for a flavourful, tangy seafood dish.
STIR-FRIED SAYUR BUNGAR
Sayur bungar, a river plant with split leaves and thorny stalks, should be handled with care. It’s advisable to wear gloves when preparing it, as the plant’s latex can be an irritant. To prepare, boil the leaves thoroughly to remove the latex, ensuring they are fully cooked. Once boiled and drained, sauté chopped onion, garlic, and dried shrimp in a pan. Add the cooked vegetable leaves to the pan and stir well, then remove from heat once the dish is ready. – Wardi Wasil
