Italy’s president in Germany calls for EU corporate ‘champions’

Business

September 28, 2024

Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella arrives for a three-day state visit to Germany at Berlin Brandenburg Airport in Schoenefeld, southeast of the German capital Berlin. PHOTO: AFP

BERLIN (AFP) – Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella said yesterday in Berlin that the European Union (EU) must have corporate “champions”, speaking at a time when Milan-based UniCredit was making moves on Germany’s Commerzbank.

Kicking off a two-day state visit to Germany, Mattarella declined to comment on “concrete events” but backed efforts to create European heavyweights.

The key players now in a number of “decisive sectors” were “largely from other countries, other continents, other areas”, Mattarella said at a joint press conference with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

“Therefore, it is essential that European champions grow.”

The emergence of European companies that could hold their own with global competition was an “essential objective”, the Italian president said.

UniCredit has built a position in Commerzbank equivalent to about 21 per cent of the Frankfurt-based bank, Germany’s second-biggest lender, since the start of September.

This has fuelled speculation that UniCredit aims to take over its German rival in a deal that could kick off consolidation in the fractured European banking sector.

UniCredit’s surprise approach for Commerzbank has however met a fierce response in Germany, where Chancellor Olaf Scholz has denounced UniCredit’s “unfriendly” behaviour.

Commerzbank itself has vowed to block any takeover attempt. UniCredit acquired 4.5 per cent of its stake from the German government itself, which Berlin had built up during the global financial crisis of 2007-2008.

The German government still holds a 12 per cent stake, second only behind UniCredit, but has said it does not plan to sell more shares for now.

Mattarella said Germany and Italy had “the ability and responsibility to push for the growth of the (European) Union”.

One area in which action was needed was the completion of the EU’s banking union, Mattarella said, alongside greater cooperation on defence and speeding European-level decision making.

“A big single currency of great importance in the world must have a financial system behind it that is complete, not partial,” Mattarella said.

Forum marks mosque’s 66th anniversary

National

September 28, 2024

File photo of Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital. PHOTO: BP STOCK PHOTO & AZLAN OTHMAN

The mosque takmir committee of Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque held a forum titled ‘Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque as a Symbol of the State’s Splendour’ on Thursday night, in conjunction with the mosque’s 66th anniversary.

The forum’s objective was in line with 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 titah to establish Brunei Darussalam as a Zikir Nation.

The forum was also part of the 66th anniversary celebration of Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque and aimed to glorify the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) for 1446 Hijrah.

The forum also encouraged religious activities to promote Islamic values while involving all generations in the celebration and spreading the message of Islam.

Grade 1 Imam of the mosque Khairul Ariffin bin Haji Yusop chaired the forum, with Acting Director of Mosque Affairs Haji Amir Hisham bin Haji Masri and Ar Pengiran Adnan bin Pengiran Badarudin from ADN-AK Studio as the panellists.

Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim was present as guest of honour. – Azlan Othman

The panellists during the forum. PHOTO: BP STOCK PHOTO & AZLAN OTHMAN

Maulidur Rasul celebrated with lecture

National

September 28, 2024

Commissioner of Police Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali and Yang Amat Mulia Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Pengiran Anak Haji Mohammed Saifullah bin Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris at the lecture commemorating the Maulidur Rasul celebration. PHOTO: RBPF

In conjunction with this year’s Maulidur Rasul celebration for 1446 HIjrah, the Islamic Religious Body of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) recently held a lecture titled ‘Kepimpinan Rasullulah SAW’.

The session was delivered by a religious officer from Islamic Da’wah Centre Muhammad Nasyith bin Superi.

Commissioner of Police Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali was present as guest of honour at the event held at the Surau of Gadong Police headquarters.

Attendees included Yang Amat Mulia Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Pengiran Anak Haji Mohammed Saifullah bin Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris, acting deputy commissioner of police, along with directors, deputy directors, senior officers and civilian staff.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, led by Imam Gadong Police headquarters surau, APO Staff Sergeant 6472 Mohd Yusri bin Haji Abu Bakar.

The lecture aimed to highlight the morals and characteristics of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) particularly his patience and forgiveness towards both followers and non-followers.

It also emphasised key lessons from the Battle of Uhud, underscoring the importance of adhering to a leader’s guidance for achieving success. – James Kon

BND10K windfall for lucky Aspirasi winners

National

September 28, 2024

ABOVE & BELOW: Dila binti Junaidi on behalf of Pengiran Hajah Jamilah binti Pengiran Haji Matarsat, holds the mock cheque; Chong Ming Jen @ Aaron Chong; and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) Deputy Chief Operating Officer Lyndsay Spray presents a mock cheque to a quarterly winner. PHOTO: JAMES KON & SALAWATI HAJI YAHYA

Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) presented a total of BND50,000 to four winners of the BIBD Aspirasi 6 Reward Campaign’s third-quarter draw yesterday. Each quarterly winner received BND10,000, while 24 others took home BND1,000 each.

The quarterly winners are Pengiran Hajah Jamilah binti Pengiran Haji Matarsat, Chong Ming Jen @ Aaron Chong, Rennieyanti binti Haji Sunny, and Norasmah binti Haji Ali. The prizes were awarded by BIBD Deputy Chief Operating Officer Lyndsay Spray during a ceremony at the PGGMB building in the capital.

Pengiran Hajah Jamilah was represented by her daughter, Dila binti Junaidi. In an interview, Dila said, “My mother couldn’t attend today as she is still mourning after my father passed away two months ago.”

She added, “I am thrilled for the BND10,000 win. This will make her happy and it will help with our savings. She also plans to travel to ease her mind, making this news very timely for us.”

Commenting on the BIBD Aspirasi initiative, she said, “My mother has been saving since 2022, though I wasn’t sure of the total amount. I believe BIBD Aspirasi is an excellent initiative that encourages saving while offering rewards. It’s a win-win situation.”

Winners of the BIBD Aspirasi 6 in a group photo. PHOTO: JAMES KON & SALAWATI HAJI YAHYA

Meanwhile, Chong Ming Jen @ Aaron Chong, a young winner of BND10,000, said he learned about BIBD Aspirasi from a friend. “I started putting in a small amount of money each month and it has grown to a decent sum,” he said. “Thanks to BIBD Aspirasi, I have saved more. The more you deposit, the greater your chances of winning. It’s a good way to practice saving.”

Regarding his win, he said, “I didn’t expect to win BND10,000 and I was suprised. I thought winning anything would be good enough. I plan to treat my family to a nice meal and save the rest.”

Winners were selected from customers who subscribed to BIBD Aspirasi and maintained a minimum holding period of 90 days. Following an earlier live draw for eligible certificate numbers, today’s event featured a separate draw for monthly and quarterly winners.

To participate in the reward draws, customers need to maintain a minimum deposit of BND50 throughout the 90-day holding period. The BIBD Aspirasi programme, now in its sixth cycle, has rewarded over 2,000 winners with total winnings exceeding BND4.4 million since its launch.

BIBD Aspirasi 6 reflects the bank’s commitment to financial inclusivity and literacy, aiming to incentivise positive saving habits with numerous prizes throughout the year.

By the campaign’s conclusion on November 30, a total of 288 monthly winners and 16 quarterly winners will be recognised, alongside two grand prize winners, each receiving BND200,000. – James Kon

Greener tomorrow begins with 300 new trees

National

September 28, 2024

ABOVE & BELOW: Volunteers in a group photo during the Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam tree planting event; and volunteers plant a tree. PHOTO: BIBD

Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) continued its commitment to environmental sustainability with a tree planting event at Sungai Penyatang, Tutong District under its “660 Roots to a Greener Future” initiative, part of Projek Alam Mampan.

A total of 300 trees were planted during the event, attended by Chairman of BIBD’s Syariah Advisory Body and Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) Ra’es Associate Professor Dr Abdul Nasir bin Haji Abdul Rani and Acting Tutong District Officer Awangku Arif Anuar bin Pengiran Haji Ahmad. Senior management and staff of BIBD, along with members of its Syariah Advisory Body, were also present.

Volunteers from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), KUPU SB and Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) participated, reflecting BIBD’s aim to engage youth in promoting sustainability. The initiative focuses on educating future generations on the importance of environmental efforts for Brunei’s long-term sustainability.

BIBD’s involvement of youth also aims to foster future ambassadors of the nation’s green protocol goals by 2030, recognising their role in driving the country’s environmental initiatives. The “660 Roots to a Greener Future” initiative, launched earlier this year, targets the planting of 660 trees by the end of 2024. The project is aligned with BIBD’s Sustainability Framework, which incorporates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. It also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 15, focused on the protection of terrestrial ecosystems.

To date, 600 trees have been planted, including 40 at Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, 260 at Berakas Forest Reserve, and 300 at the Sungai Penyatang site. The remaining trees will be planted in Belait and Temburong districts.

Projek Alam Mampan will continue to expand with initiatives such as the BIBD Reef Ball programme, which promotes marine habitat conservation, alongside future mangrove restoration projects.

These initiatives underline BIBD’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and its role as a responsible corporate citizen, working towards a greener future for Brunei.

Energy connectivity, resilience in focus at ASEAN meeting

National

September 28, 2024

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, as the minister in charge of energy, attended the 42nd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) and its associated meetings at the National Convention Centre (NCC) in Vientiane, Laos from September 26-27.

Themed ‘ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience’, the meeting underscored the importance of AMEM as a platform to ensure ASEAN collective efforts in strengthening the ASEAN Community to seize opportunities and address present and emerging challenges effectively and ensuring the implementation of ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC), which has been instrumental in driving energy security, accessibility, affordability and sustainability in ASEAN. It highlighted the ongoing progress in developing the APAEC Post-2025 referring to the AEC Strategic Plan 2026-2030, emphasising the importance of creating a sectoral plan to address the region’s evolving energy challenges and the global megatrends.

The meeting acknowledged the importance of consultations with stakeholders, including with the ASEAN member states, dialogue partners and international organisations in ensuring that APAEC Post-2025 reflects diverse perspectives and priorities. The meeting therefore endorsed the theme of the APAEC 2026-2030: ‘Advancing Regional Cooperation in Ensuring Energy Security and Accelerating Decarbonisation for a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition’.

Laos Minister of Energy and Mines Phosay Sayasone as Chairman of the 42nd AMEM and Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof as the incoming chair of AMEM officiated the joint opening ceremony for the 42nd AMEM and the ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF) 2024.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the minister also networked with Phosay Sayasone and Timor-Leste Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Francisco Da Costa Monteiro.

Meanwhile, Laos will also be chairing the 42nd AMEM dialogue with the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); the 21st AMEM+3; and the 18th East Asia Summit Energy Ministerial Meeting (18th EAS EMM). The meeting will convene the 43rd AMEM in 2025 in Malaysia.

Brunei Ambassador to Laos Haji Roslan bin Haji Yacub, Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Hajah Farida binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib as Brunei Darussalam’s Senior Official for Energy (SOE) Leader and officials from the Department of Energy at the PMO accompanied the minister. – James Kon

Cross-pillar collaboration vital in addressing regional challenges, says minister

National

September 28, 2024

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad with ASEAN member states delegate heads at the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community meeting. PHOTO: MCYS

Cross-sectoral and cross-pillar collaboration play a crucial role in addressing key regional challenges, said Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad.

He said this in a speech during the 32nd ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting at the Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel in Vientiane, Laos.

The minister also underscored the importance of balancing the needs of present and future generations as well as raising awareness of the work of ASEAN and how it directly impacts their lives

He reaffirmed the Sultanate’s support for the ASCC-related outcome documents for submission to the ASEAN Leaders at the upcoming 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits.

Themed ‘Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience’, the meeting focused on key regional priorities under the ASCC pillar, including environmental sustainability, health resilience and social protection.

The meeting welcomed the progress made towards the drafting of the ASCC Post-2025 Strategic Plan, which outlines the pillar’s strategic measures across several key result areas to support the long-term goals of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

The meeting was preceded by the 7th Ad-Hoc Working Group to Develop ASCC Post-2025 Strategic Plan, the 7th Working Group on Culture of Prevention, and the 37th Senior Officials Committee for the ASCC (SOCA) on September 23-26.

Laos Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suanesavanh Vignaket chaired the meeting as the ASCC Council Chair 2024. Permanent Secretary (Community) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari as the SOCA Leader of Brunei Darussalam was also present, as well as officials from the MCYS. – James Kon

Bank launches global investment platform

National

September 28, 2024

ABOVE & BELOW: Deputy Permanent Secretary (Trade and Industry) at the Ministry of Finance and Economy Mohammad Harris bin Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Haji Ibrahim and Baiduri Bank Chief Executive Officer Ti Eng Hui ring bells to mark the launch of Baiduri Invest; and in a group photo. PHOTO: BAIDURI CAPITAL

In helping investors at all levels, Baiduri Invest simplifies investing, provides global access and delivers advanced tools, said Baiduri Bank Chief Executive Officer Ti Eng Hui on Baiduri Capital’s launch of the new online trading platform.

He said this during the launch event at Baiduri Community Space yesterday.

Baiduri Invest provides access to seven major global stock exchanges, including markets in the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Malaysia.

The platform aims to serve both seasoned investors and beginners looking to explore a wider range of investment options beyond unit trusts and insurance. It provides access to stock profiles, recent corporate actions and analyst ratings to help users make informed decisions.

It also offers financial data and ratios for early investors interested in research and analysis.

The platform features a customisable dashboard and over 100 charting indicators powered by TradingView, supporting technical analysis for more advanced users.

It simplifies fund management with real-time currency conversion and free account funding or withdrawals. To celebrate the launch, new users will earn BND100 rebates for every 10 trades placed, capped at BND500 per month, while registered users can also earn a BND50 referral bonus for every new customer they refer who completes their first trade, with no limit on the number of referrals, from October 1 to December 31.

Deputy Permanent Secretary (Trade and Industry) at the Ministry of Finance and Economy Mohammad Harris bin Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Haji Ibrahim was the guest of honour.

Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) Managing Director Hajah Rokiah binti Haji Badar was also present.

Baiduri Capital staff demonstrating Baiduri Invest. PHOTO: BAIDURI CAPITAL

Buildings go blue for World Maritime Day

National

September 28, 2024

One of the buildings illuminated in blue. PHOTO: MPABD

The Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam, in support of World Maritime Day 2024, illuminated their buildings in blue lights recently.

The illumination of buildings began at 7pm and continued throughout the night, offering a tribute to the maritime sector’s efforts and the ongoing need for advanced safety measures.

This year’s theme, ‘Navigating the Future: Safety First!’, emphasised the future of maritime navigation and the paramount importance of safety.

Beach clean-up promotes environmental awareness

National

September 28, 2024

Participants at the beach clean-up campaign. PHOTO: BP GUILD

Baden Powell (BP) Guild held a beach cleaning campaign yesterday as part of the International Coastal Cleanup Day.

The clean-up was held at the beachfront next to Silver Jubilee Recreational Park in Kuala Belait, where students from Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam and Politeknik Brunei came together to collect trash from the shore.

BP Guild head coordinator Beelie bin Tengah highlighted the campaign aims to promote a culture of cleanliness in the environment. – Daniel Lim

Borneo Bulletin OnlineThe Independent Newspaper in Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Sarawak

Social Media

Category

Site Links