Deputy Minister of Education Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh yesterday led a delegation in continuing a tour of facilities under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education (MoE) to higher learning institutions and technical education campuses, in anticipation of their re-opening.
Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah visited the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) Agro-Technology Campus, IBTE Nakhoda Ragam Campus and IBTE Sultan Saiful Rijal Campus School of Aviation.
Applicants comprising ASEAN citizens with a doctoral degree are invited to participate in the 8th Underwriters Laboratories-ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women 2022.
The Asean Secretariat said the launch on Monday was co-organised by the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI), together with the United States (US) government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and Underwriters Laboratories.
The competition aims to raise awareness on cutting edge advancements by women in artificial intelligence (AI) research in addressing pressing issues in ASEAN communities.
SEOUL (AFP) – North Korea fired a suspected ballistic missile into the sea yesterday, with South Korea’s military warning the second such weapons test in less than a week showed clear signs of progress.
The early-morning launch came as the United Nations (UN) Security Council met in New York to discuss last week’s test of what Pyongyang called a hypersonic missile, although Seoul has cast doubt on that claim.
But the South Korean military said the “suspected ballistic missile” launched yesterday had reached hypersonic speeds – a sign of “progress” from last week’s test.
UNITED NATIONS, UNITED STATES (AFP) – Cross-border humanitarian aid to northwest Syria – not green-lit by Damascus – remains “essential,” the United Nations (UN) said, as the measure was de facto extended for six months without a new Security Council vote.
The council had previously renewed the authorisation allowing aid into rebel-held areas in the country’s northwest “for a period of six months… until 10 January 2022,” through the crossing at Bab al-Hawa on the Syrian border with Turkey.
The text provided for “an extension of an additional six months, that is, until 10 July 2022,” subject to a report by the UN Secretary-General.
KHARTOUM (AFP) – The United Nations (UN) will launch talks to help Sudan resolve its escalating political crisis triggered by last year’s military coup, the UN envoy said, earning a mixed response.
“It is time to end the violence and enter into a comprehensive consultative process,” said UN special representative Volker Perthes, vowing at a press conference to facilitate “indirect talks” between all sides.
His comments came a day after Sudanese security forces again fired tear gas at anti-coup protesters, leaving two demonstrators dead including one who died on Monday morning from wounds to the head.
LONDON (AP) – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced a wave of public and political outrage on yesterday over allegations that he and his staff flouted coronavirus lockdown rules by holding a garden party in 2020 while Britons were barred by law from mingling outside the home.
Opposition politicians called for a police investigation after broadcaster ITV published a leaked e-mail invitation to “socially distanced drinks” in the garden of the prime minister’s Downing Street office and residence in May 2020. The e-mail from the prime minister’s Private Secretary Martin Reynolds was sent to dozens of people and urged attendees to “bring your own drink”.
UPI – Officials at a Welsh zoo said a “mysterious creature” spotted swimming in the banded mongoose enclosure was retrieved by keepers and identified as a toy crocodile.
The Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo in Kilgetty, Wales, said in a Facebook post that a weekend visitor to the facility alerted staff to a “mysterious creature” in the banded mongoose exhibit.
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 received in audience outgoing Indian High Commisioner to Brunei Darussalam Ajaneesh Kumar.
The envoy presented his Letter of Credence to His Majesty on January 15, 2019.
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 received in audience outgoing Laos Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Phonethavy Boutdara.
The envoy presented his Letter of Credence to His Majesty on July 7, 2018.
The Early Endemic Phase under the COVID-19 National Recovery Plan Framework will be extended for another month starting January 15 to February 14 with the consent 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.
This was announced by 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 during yesterday’s press conference, adding that it is an update of the guidelines from the COVID-19 Steering Committee during the Endemic Phase that was first announced on December 12, 2021.
The minister announced that the movement restriction implemented during Operasi Peralihan will also be extended until Monday, February 14. The stay-at-home directive will be shortened from midnight to 4am.
“This extension of the Early Endemic Phase is made in consideration of the recent rise in COVID-19 infections,” said the minister.
“The Government of His Majesty will continue to monitor the spread of the virus, and will do its best to ensure that appropriate measures are taken in the interest of the well-being of the country’s citizens and residents.”
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 during the press conference. PHOTO: JAMES KON
He added that the extension will also allow more time for the government to ensure that infection cases as well as bed occupancy rates at isolation centres remain low, along with increasing the coverage of vaccine booster doses, and subsequently, for the provision of vaccinations for children aged five to 11.
“The government is also grateful to the public for their receptiveness to the booster dose vaccination,” said the minister, adding that this is made possible with the cooperation of all parties, especially citizens and residents of Brunei who have worked together in complying with health guidelines, including their continued support to the government’s efforts in jointly shouldering their respective responsibilities.
“The government once again extends its appreciation to all for their collective efforts during the second wave of the COVID-19 in the country,” said the minister.
He also reminded the public to not be complacent and to continue to adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) such as physical distancing, ensuring venue capacity limits, wearing of face masks, maintaining cleanliness, and mandatory use of the BruHealth app, while the use of antigen rapid test (ART) prior to entering premises is encouraged.
“For those who have not been vaccinated or have not completed their vaccination yet, it is advisable to do so immediately to preserve the safety, security and well-being of our nation,” said the minister.
