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 will attend the World Government Summit 2022 at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
His Majesty is expected to deliver a keynote speech at the summit and tour the Expo 2020 Dubai.
The eighth edition of the summit – which carries the theme ‘Shaping the Future of Governments’ – serves as a platform where prominent leaders, decision makers and social, financial and economic specialists gather to exchange thoughts to contribute to the development of tools, policies, and models essential in shaping future governments.
The Expo 2020 Dubai is one of the largest expositions in the international arena with the theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ and three subthemes of ‘Opportunity,’ ‘Mobility’ and ‘Sustainability”.
The Brunei Darussalam Pavilion is participating in the Expo 2020 Dubai under the theme ‘Brunei Darussalam 2035 – Bridging to the Future.’ It aims to utilise the expo as a platform to explore partnerships and collaborations; position itself as a tourist destination; promote business opportunities; and provide opportunities for local companies to increase their market presence and distribution channels outside the country.
Brunei Darussalam Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020. PHOTO: INFOFOTO
Three thousand packs of Paxlovid to treat COVID-19 patients arrived in Brunei Darussalam from London, United Kingdom yesterday. The arrival was the first shipment of the expected 25,000 Paxlovid packs procured by the Ministry of Health (MoH) from Pfizer.
It comes in tablet form and contains two types of medicine – Nirmatrelvir 150mg and Ritonavir 100mg. It is an oral antiviral medicine manufactured by Pfizer.
Paxlovid has been green-lighted for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) by the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration and from the Brunei Darussalam Medicines Control Authority (BDMCA), the MoH said.
Paxlovid is administered to stop the virus replicating system by blocking enzyme protease activity needed by virus SARS-CoV-2 to replicate within human cells.
High-risk COVID-19 patients will be given priority to receive Paxlovid treatment to reduce their risk of developing severe symptoms.
A doctor will need to first assess each patient to ensure he is a suitable to receive the medicine. Each pack is for a five-day period.
The public can log on to www.moh.gov.bn, contact Health Advice line at 148 or visit the BruHealth app for information.
High-risk COVID-19 patients will be given priority to receive the Paxlovid treatmentWorkers handle the first shipment of Paxlovid at the Brunei International Airport. PHOTOS: INFOFOTO
The Psychiatry Services at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital at Kampong Kiarong now boasts a therapeutic garden allowing patients to recovery in a calm and natural environment.
Minister of Health cum guest of honour Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar launched its opening yesterday, before touring the garden and planting a sapling to mark the occasion.
Certificates of appreciation were also presented to sponsors.
Psychiatry Services Consultant (Psychiatric) Dr Hilda Ho said, “In 2017, the Psychiatry Services – which comprised outpatient clinic services, paediatric and adolescent services, psychiatric rehabilitation services as well as inpatient treatment ward services – moved from RIPAS Hospital to this vast area that is full of natural green environment. When we moved, we did not have the time to work on the green areas here for therapeutic purposes, as the priority at the time was to provide safe treatment areas for patients.
“The two buildings in front of us consist of wards to provide treatment to inpatients, totalling about 200 admissions per year.
“Most of our patients are treated for various types of mental disorders for about a four-week duration. Unfortunately there are also some who need to be treated for a longer period, sometimes up to years. They need not only medication and care from health professionals, but also a calm and pleasant environment to aid in their recovery,” she said.
“The proposal for the park originally came from suggestions by the Mental Health Order Board of Visitors, which frequently visit the facilities. They suggested that patients would benefit from a specially designed garden. Patients are also expected to exercise, do gardening and even enjoy the beautiful open green space.
Minister of Health cum guest of honour Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar tours the garden. PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIRABOVE & BELOW: Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham with the sponsors; and the therapeutic healing garden
“To raise funds to construct the garden and increase mental health awareness among the community, the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Psychiatry Services held a virtual charity run on World Mental Health Day in October 2020, drawing the participation of over 1,000 individuals.
We are truly grateful to see countless people actively supporting and understanding the importance of mental health. Additionally, we also received donations from corporate sponsors and the private sector.
“We would like to express our appreciation to the sponsors for their dedication in supporting mental health and psychiatric services. In particular, we would like to express our appreciation to our platinum sponsor, Great Eastern Life Assurance Company Limited, for its contribution to this project and support for this opening ceremony. We would also like to thank all who supported this project,” Dr Hilda said.
The garden’s construction falls in line with the World Mental Health Day theme over the last two years, which is to welcome increased investment in mental health and up efforts to address inequality.
“Unfortunately, the stigma against mental health problems remains in our society. It is increasingly recognised that mental health requires more investment and commitment across all sectors of our society. Our goal is to achieve all this with a whole-of-nation effort through the Mental Health Action Plan outlined by the Minister of Health recently,” she added.
The therapeutic garden is designed to meet the physical, psychological and social needs of patients by incorporating design principles derived from scientific evidence.
Studies show the benefits of a sustained and active interest in gardening including improved mental health through a sense of purpose and achievement, reduced feelings of isolation or exclusion due to an opportunity to connect with others and better physical health through exercise and mobility.
It is hoped the garden can be beneficial and conducive towards patients’ recovery during their admission to the wards and their long-term rehabilitation needs.
Legislative Council member cum Mukim Gadong ‘A’ Penghulu Yang Berhormat Haji Tahamit bin Haji Nudin, senior MoH officials, members of the Board of Visitors of the Psychiatry Services, as well as representatives from Great Eastern Life Assurance Co Ltd, Osco Sdn Bhd, Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd, Clarity Sdn Bhd, Munia Business Consultancy, Serviclean Sdn Bhd, RYS Entertainment, Teck Guan Holdings and Together Against Stigma (TAS) attended the opening ceremony.
The appointment of new school leaders and the presentation of school incentives for government schools that achieved excellence in public examinations were witnessed during the closing of the 4th School Leaders Convention 2022 yesterday.
Nineteen primary schools were awarded for their achievements in four categories for Primary School Assessment (PSR) in 2021, 12 secondary schools were awarded in three categories for the Brunei-Cambridge BC GCE ‘O’ Level examination in 2021, and six sixth form centres were awarded according to three achievement categories for the BC GCE ‘A’ Level eExamination in 2021.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) held the closing ceremony in a hybrid manner – online and physically at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Chancellor Hall, with Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman as the guest of honour.
The three-day convention was jointly organised by the Department of Educators Management and the Department of Schools, MoE, surrounding the theme ‘Quality Leaders, Quality Education’ and focussing on digital citizenship as a sub-theme.
The closing ceremony began with Sengkurong Sixth Form Centre Principal cum Brunei Darussalam School Leaders Council President Haji Metussin bin Haji Jais presenting the resolution of the digital citizenship workshop, and continued with a speech on the overall outcome of the ceremony presented by Acting Director of Educators Management at the MoE cum event co-chairperson Masdiah binti Haji Tuah.
Deputy Minister of Education Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, permanent secretaries, vice-chancellors, rector, deputy permanent secretaries, heads of department, heads of cluster, school leaders, award recipients and officials from MoE and the Ministry of Religious Affairs also attended.
ABOVE & BELOW: Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman handing out school incentives to recipients. PHOTOS: MOE
The movement restriction directive requiring the public to stay home from midnight to 4am under Operasi Peralihan, will be dissolved on April 1, six months after measures were rolled out to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the Sultanate.
“The announcement is made 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,” Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong said at the press conference yesterday, adding that the “Early Endemic Phase under the National COVID-19 Recovery Framework will be extended until April 15.”
His Majesty’s Government expresses gratitude to security enforcement agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, volunteers and the public for their collective cooperation towards efforts in implementing the movement restriction and curbing the spread of the virus.
The government will continue to monitor the spread of the virus and ensure appropriate measures are taken in the interest of the safety of the populace, the minister said.
The public is reminded to not be complacent and to continue to adhere to standard operating procedures (SOP) and health protocols, including physical distancing, ensuring venue capacity limits, wearing face masks, maintaining cleanliness and the mandatory use of the BruHealth mobile application.
The use of an antigen rapid test (ART) kit prior to entering premises is encouraged.
“We must continue to pray, work together and have faith in Allah the Almighty that we will be safe from the pandemic,” the minister added.
Sole distributor of the Korean brand SsangYong Motor in the Sultanate, TCY Motors Sdn Bhd announced that the SsangYong SUV flagship Rexton is now offering a seven-year warranty.
The SUV’s most recent award from the United Kingdom motoring magazine 4X4 in January – ‘Best Value’ off-roader for five years in a row – shows that the vehicle is a fine all-rounder with an exceptional interior and strong abilities both on and off-road.
A practical work truck and a remarkably convincing luxury vehicle, Rexton is not only affordable, but also comes with a seven-year or 150,000km warranty (whichever comes first).
Meanwhile, TCY Motors is also giving away cash vouchers and servicing packages to its customers as part of the SsangYong Hari Raya promotion.
International experts on autism shared knowledge on the subject during a webinar organised by the Bangladesh High Commission in Brunei Darusslam and the Impian Project yesterday, in conjunction with the 102nd birth anniversary of Bangladesh’s Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children’s Day.
The webinar discussed interventions of children with autism in Bangladesh and the facilities extended to them. Two autism experts who had worked on disability management and learning for 20 years – Dr Djenana Jalovcic from Canada, and Dr Sreelata Ghosh Choudhury from India – shared their experiences on the webinar.
Having worked in Bangladesh, Dr Djenana considers Bangladesh a role model for making progress on autism with resource constraints.
Founder of the Impian Project, Lailatul Zubaidah binti Haji Mohd Hussain, who was conferred the ‘Commonwealth Points of Light Award’ for her advocacy and contributions to disability rights, moderated the virtual programme.
Bangladesh High Commissioner Nahida Rahman Shumona attended the webinar.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Nahida Rahman Shumona with invited speakers at the webinar. PHOTO: BANGLADESHI HIGH COMMISSION IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
The Labour Department has updated the procedure for processing Foreign Worker Licence (LPA) applications, including confirmation of residence of foreign workers in the private sector during the Endemic Phase of COVID to revive the country’s economy, especially in the food security sector, construction sector and retail and restaurants.
In line with the government’s intention to improve and expedite the entry process of foreign workers, the Labour Department has coordinated the requirements for new applications and renewal of LPAs.
The requirements include accelerating and resolving all foreign worker licence applications submitted to the department for sectors affected due to the lack of manpower, especially sectors categorised as essential in stimulating the national economy; and updating the address confirmation form such as the employer’s declaration form to comply with the laws, regulations and conditions outlined by the Labour Department.
The certificate ensures that the employers are responsible for the employees’ well-being by providing shelter and basic necessities such as water supply and a clean living room space, temporarily suspending the requirement for employers to present photographs of the condition of the employee’s house and room; and the need to obtain the confirmation of the village head.
The form can be downloaded through the Labour Department website at www.labour.gov.bn.
The Labour Department reminded employers that any violation of the conditions related to the Employment Order 2009 or the Act and Regulations during inspections and operations carried out by the Labour Department or enforcement agencies will be prosecuted.
The Bangladesh High Commission in Brunei Darussalam celebrated the Independence and National Day of Bangladesh yesterday with a flag hoisting ceremony at the Bangladesh High Commission office in Kampong Tanah Jambu.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Nahida Rahman Shumona, welcomed the guests from Bangladesh community members as well as locals.
The event saw the high commissioner pay homage to Bangladesh’s Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing floral wreaths at his portrait and the observing of a minute’s silence, along with recitation of prayers for the salvation of the departed souls of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his family members, and all martyrs of Bangladesh.
The high commissioner and other officials read out messages sent by the Bangladesh President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Nahida Rahman Shumona hoisting the Bangladesh National Flag to mark Bangladesh’s independence and national day. PHOTO: IZAH AZAHARI
A forum focussing on relationship between a married couple and emotional intelligence (EQ) was held by Persatuan Mawar in conjunction with International Women’s Day and themed ‘Gender Equality Today for A Sustainable Tomorrow’.
The forum entitled ‘Celebrating Collaboration In Marriage’ discussed family harmony while celebrating wives and mothers and their roles in the household.
Around 79 individuals attended the forum.
Former head of the Counselling and Career Unit at the Ministry of Education Haji Ali Yusri bin Haji Ghafor as well as head of Co-Curricular Unit at Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, as well as a married couple Muhammad Aidil Firdaus bin Haji Jukin and Nurizzatul Izzah binti Abdul Rahman spoke at the forum.
