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Japanese company’s penguin robot jumps rope 170 times in 1 minute

Ben Hooper

UPI – A Japanese company’s robot, partially composed of five modified penguin dolls, broke a Guinness World Record by skipping rope 170 times in one minute.

RICOH, a company specialising in copiers and office equipment, said its PENTA-X team developed a hopping “Penguin-chan” doll, and five of the penguins were combined and modified into a “Penguin-chan Jump Rope Machine”.

The robot was put to the test in early March at an event attended by a Guinness World Records adjudicator.

The adjudicator confirmed the robot jumped over the rope swung by the team 170 times in 60 seconds, earning the world record for most skips by a robot in one minute.

A robot composed of five modified penguin dolls, broke a Guinness World Record by skipping rope 170 times in one minute. PHOTO: RICOH/IWAYA CORP

Second booster for elderly not recommended: MoH

Izah Azahari

The Ministry of Health (MoH) at present does not recommend a second booster shot for senior citizens, said Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar during the press conference yesterday.

This was in response to a question in regards to whether the MoH is looking to follow some countries in offering second booster shots for senior citizens due to concerns over waning immunity in the age group.

Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham said one must first look at the state of the country’s vaccination rate in terms of how many in the population have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Over 90 per cent of the population has completed two doses and over 61 per cent have received the booster shot in the Sultanate,” the minister said, adding that other countries may have their own reasons for recommending a second booster shot.

He admitted that immunity decreases over time, but also noted that there are two types of immunity – humoral antibody and cellular antibody – and it is hoped that the cellular antibody will build a memory which will, to some extent, reduce the risk of more severe infections.

The minister added that some countries prioritise booster doses for those who are immuno-compromised and have health problems, but it is not offered as a nationwide programme.

Total trade increased by 74.1 per cent in December

In December 2021, Brunei Darussalam’s total trade was valued at BND2,640.6 million, an increase by 74.1 per cent from BND1,516.8 million during the same month last year.

Meanwhile, for month-to-month changes, total trade for December 2021 increased by 12.3 per cent compared to November 2021.

Total exports increased by 90.3 per cent year-on-year to BND1,523.5 million compared to BND800.6 million in December 2020. This was mainly due to the increase in Mineral Fuels exports to BND1,224.7 million (December 2021) from BND647.3 million (December 2020), and Chemicals exports to BND246.6 million (December 2021) from BND134.9 million (December 2020).

The increase in Mineral Fuels exports was largely due to an increase in the value of exports of crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and petroleum products from the downstream activities.

The increase in exports of crude oil was attributed to a significant increase in average price to USD77.63 per barrel in December 2021 from USD49.32 per barrel in December 2020, as well an increase in the volume exported to 92.90 thousand barrels per day from 73.30 thousand barrels per day during the same period.

Furthermore, the increase in the exports of LNG was due to an increase in the average price to USD11.17 per MMBtu from USD6.74 per MMBtu.

Meanwhile, the exports value of petroleum products from downstream activities increased to BND520.0 million from BND182.5 million, of which the main commodity was automotive diesel fuels.

In terms of commodity by section, Mineral Fuels represents the major contributor to Brunei Darussalam’s exports at 80.4 per cent, followed by Chemicals 16.2 per cent, and Machinery and Transport Equipment 1.7 per cent.

The main exports market in December 2021 was Japan at 25.5 per cent followed by Australia 18.0 per cent and China 15.2 per cent. The largest export commodity to Japan and Australia was Mineral Fuels. For imports, the total value increased to BND1,117.1 million (December 2021) from BND716.2 million (December 2020) mainly due to a significant increase in imports of Mineral Fuels.

The five main imports by commodity were Mineral Fuels with 67.8 per cent, followed by Machinery and Transport Equipment 16.0 per cent, Food 5.3 per cent, Manufactured Goods 3.9 per cent and Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles 3.4 per cent.

By End Use category, imports of Intermediate Goods accounted for 58.8 per cent of the total imports, followed by Capital Goods 37.1 per cent and Consumption Goods 4.1 per cent.

For imports by trading partners, the highest share was from Russia at 32.4 per cent, followed by Malaysia 27.0 per cent, and Australia 10.2 per cent, with Mineral Fuels as the largest import commodity.

According to the mode of transport, in December 2021, the highest share for both exports and imports was transport by sea, which amounted to BND2,466.8 million or 93.4 per cent.

This was followed by air transport BND140.3 million or 5.3 per cent and via land BND33.4 million or 1.3 per cent.

For whole year 2021, the total trade was valued at BND26,373.6 million, an increase by 60.2 per cent compared to BND16,460.4 million in 2020. Trade balance increased to BND3,336.0 million compared to BND1,783.2 million in 2020, which is an increased of 81.7 per cent year-on-year.

The total exports also showed an increase by 62.8 per cent to BND14,854.8 million compared to BND9,121.8 million in 2020 while the total imports increased by 57.0 per cent from BND7,338.6 million (2020) to BND11,518.8 million in 2021. The increases in both total exports and imports were mainly due to an increase in Mineral Fuels.

The International Merchandise Trade Statistics (IMTS) full report for December 2021 is available from the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics’ (DEPS) website at https://deps.mofe.gov.bn.

Canada top court upholds big fine in maple syrup heist

OTTAWA (AFP) – Canada’s top court on Thursday upheld a more than CAD9 million (USD7 million) fine for a man convicted in the country’s largest ever theft of maple syrup.

Richard Vallieres had been among 16 people arrested in July 2012 for the robbery of the sweet, sticky goo from a warehouse in Saint-Louis-de-Blandford, northeast of Montreal, and convicted of fraud, theft and trafficking.

The 3.4 million litres of syrup stolen during what has become known as the “Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist” had a market value of more than CAD18 million, but at trial Vallieres said he’d only pocketed CAD1 million from its sale for CAD10 million, after paying accomplices and transportation costs.

He was sentenced to eight years in prison and ordered to pay the steep fine based on a Criminal Code clause requiring penalties to be equal to the value of stolen property when the property cannot be returned to its owner.

An appeal court lowered the amount to just the profit he claimed to have made, but the high court reversed that decision, saying the act does not give judges any discretion to limit such fines.

Chief Justice Richard Wagner said in the unanimous Supreme Court ruling that the law was intended to prevent offenders from profiting from their crimes, and send a clear message that “crime does not pay”.

“Even though the amount of the fine in lieu may seem high, it is warranted in light of the scheme for the forfeiture of proceeds of crime,” he wrote.

The high court gave Vallieres 10 years to pay the CAD9,171,397.57 fine (CAD10 million minus the amount of a separate restitution order) or else he must serve an additional six years in prison.

Quebec province produces about three-quarters of the world’s supply of maple syrup.

The 9,571 barrels in this case were stolen from a Quebec Maple Syrup Producers stockpile.

Most were transported to a remote sugar shack where the syrup was siphoned off, and the barrels were refilled with water and returned to the facility.

The syrup was then trucked to New Brunswick and the United States (US) state of Vermont where it was sold in smaller batches, including to legitimate syrup distributors who were reportedly unaware of its origin.

New students welcomed at virtual orientation

KEMUDA Institute welcomed a new batch of students for its March 2022 intake during a virtual orientation recently.

The event was designed to introduce the students to the institute’s procedures, facilities and to provide them with the opportunity to meet with the campus administrators, staff members and other students.

The programme began with attendance and registration, followed by a doa recited by KEMUDA Institute Student Council Vice President Muhammad Amirul Zaqwan bin Haji Ali Yusof.

KEMUDA Institute Principal Mohammed Khairy Yusrin bin Haji Abdul Salam spoke about preparing the students for the next journey in their studies followed with an introduction on KEMUDA and its goals.

The event also saw a briefing on the institute’s rules and regulations to ensure the new students adapt to their new environment.

Games and activities were also held before concluding with a closing doa and a group photo session.

Attendees at the orientation. PHOTO: KEMUDA INSTITUTE

Dozens arrested in Sri Lanka following protests

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (AP) – Dozens of people were arrested in Sri Lanka following protests near the president’s home demanding that he resign amid the country’s worst economic crisis in memory, police said yesterday.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s office blamed “organised extremists” within the group of protesters for violence during Thursday night’s demonstration, where police fired tear gas and a water cannon at thousands of protesters and arrested 54 people.

An attorney representing some of the suspects Nuwan Bopage said several of them were being taken for medical examinations for various injuries and would likely appear in court.

The protesters blame Rajapaksa for long power outages and shortages of essentials. A police curfew that had been implemented in the suburbs of the capital was lifted yesterday morning.

On Thursday, the crowds demonstrating along the roads leading to Rajapaksa’s private residence on the outskirts of Colombo stoned two army buses that police were using to block the protesters from entering the road leading to the president’s house. They set fire to one of the buses and turned back a fire truck that rushed to douse it.

At least one person was severely injured in the leg when police fired tear gas cannisters directly at protesters to stop their attack on the bus. Several burned vehicles could be seen at the scene yesterday.

A Sri Lankan man shouts anti government slogans during a protest outside Sri Lankan President’s private residence. PHOTO: AP

Sri Lanka has huge debt obligations and dwindling foreign reserves, and its struggle to pay for imports has caused the shortages.

People wait in long lines for fuel, and power is cut for several hours daily because there’s not enough fuel to operate generating plants and dry weather has sapped hydropower capacity.

Sri Lanka’s economic woes are blamed on successive governments not diversifying exports and relying on traditional cash sources like tea, garments and tourism, and on a culture of consuming imported goods.

The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a heavy blow to Sri Lanka’s economy, with the government estimating a loss of USD14 billion in the last two years.

Sri Lanka also has immense foreign debt after borrowing heavily on projects that don’t earn money. Its foreign debt repayment obligations are around USD7 billion for this year alone.

Gifts, entertainment await at Raya exhibition

Lyna Mohamad

Let’s Raya event partners put pen to paper on their partnership at the An-Naura Hall of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex yesterday.

Signing on behalf of the organiser was Managing Director of Thevent Co Hambali bin Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Salleh while the company representatives signed for event partners which included NBT (Brunei) Sdn Bhd, Cuckoo (Brunei) International Sdn Bhd, Aewon Garment & Embroidery Sdn Bhd, Oregon Systems and IBIC (Sehat).

An exhibitor briefing held later in the afternoon at the same venue, was attended by representatives of the companies and organisations taking part in the upcoming Let’s Raya 2022. The briefing covered the latest developments, logistics, information and rules and regulations.

The fashion event returns with a new concept – ‘Make a Splash with Let’s Raya’ – which is inspired by current and prevalent consumer trends for convenience and the desire to be a one-stop event in an elegant and quality venue. The Let’s Raya committee will bring in various vendors of the people’s choice and will welcome visitors with gifts throughout the four-day event with a wide range of items including food, lifestyle products and cars.

One of the highlights is the al-fresco dining experience at the Open Plaza of the Yayasan Complex, decorated with fairy lights to create a romantic and sophisticated dining experience.

NBT (Brunei) will also be making an appearance at the Open Plaza with Raya deals.

Let’s Raya will be held at An-Naura Hall of the Yayasan Complex from April 14 to 17 from 10am – 10pm daily, except on Friday where the event will commence from 2pm – 10pm while the Open Plaza, Yayasan Complex will be from 3pm – 11pm.

The signatories in a group photo. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD

Menu preview for local media

Lyna Mohamad

The Brunei Hotel and Yelo hosted members of the media to a menu preview for Ramadhan Sungkai on Tuesday.

The guests were shown signature dishes along with local delights that will be featured in Yelo’s menu this Ramadhan. The main attraction was the signature roast leg of lamb with mushroom and black pepper sauce, which the restaurant said is a must have.

Members of the media taking photos of a promotional menu item. PHOTO: BAHYIAH BAKIR

Two South Korean air force planes collide and crash, killing four

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (AP) – Two South Korean air force planes collided in mid-air during training and crashed near their base yesterday, killing all four people aboard the aircraft, officials said.

Both planes were KT-1 trainer aircraft – South Korea’s first indigenously developed planes – that took off from an air force base in the southeastern city of Sacheon one after another for flight training, the air force said in a statement.

The collision occurred about five minutes after the first aircraft took off and about 3.7 miles south of the Sacheon base, the air force said.

Two people – a trainer pilot and an instructor – were aboard each of the two KT-1 aircraft. All four ejected from the planes but were later found dead, the air force statement said.

The four victims were identified as two first lieutenants and their instructors, both civilian employees at the air force.

A military examiner inspects debris from the aircraft collision. PHOTO: AP

The air force said it will launch a task force to investigate what caused the collision. The air force said the crashes didn’t cause any civilian casualties on the ground and it was trying to determine if any civilian property was damaged.

A Sacheon police official Lee Seong-gyeong said a passenger car was destroyed after being hit by wreckage but added that officials weren’t immediately aware of any other notable damage to civilian property.

South Korean media published photos of the mangled vehicle surrounded by scattered machinery parts that were apparently from the planes.

Local emergency officials earlier said three bodies had been found in a mountainous area and a farming field in Sacheon. They said they believed the planes crashed into a mountain because a fire erupted there.

Local officials said three helicopters, 20 vehicles and dozens of emergency workers were dispatched to the presumed crash sites. They said a number of military personnel were also sent there.

Minister launches new Wargamas headquarters

Izah Azahari

The new Wargamas Association headquarters at Jalan Utama Berakas will enable the non-government organisation to further advance the country’s senior citizen agenda.

The premise will serve as an important platform to communicate its strategic roles and hold meetings with strategic partners for collaborative programmes, and as an information sharing service on senior citizen welfare.

This was said by Wargamas Association President Haji Abu Bakar bin Haji Mohd Don during the official launch of the headquarters at Jalan Utama Berakas yesterday.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin officiated.

Permanent Secretary (Planning, Land Use and Environment) at the Ministry of Development (MoD) Dr Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak; Permanent Secretary (Community and Culture) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari; and the minister’s spouse Datin Nurhayana Janis binti Abdullah Lim were also present.

ABOVE & BELOW; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin officiates the new headquarters; and the minister tours the exhibition. PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR

The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by an official plaque signing and ribbon cutting.

According to Haji Abu Bakar, the building is the result of consideration and strong cooperation from the MCYS and MoD. He expressed gratitude to Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), Wargamas Association advisor and private individuals for their support and contribution including office equipment for the building. “The new building will enable the strengthening of the association’s strategic plans to embrace current changes for more efficient and productive work culture; and improve the welfare of association members and senior citizens,” he said.

The president added, “The Wargamas Association will continue to assist the government, especially the MCYS, in preserving the interests of the elderly through the delivery of programmes and activities to improve the well-being of the elderly in the Sultanate.”

He also called on members to work together to better the welfare of senior citizens.

The event continued with a speech from the guest of honour and the recitation of Doa Kesyukuran and Doa Allah Peliharakan Sultan dan Brunei Darussalam.

The minister also toured the new building and took a closer look at programmes, activities and exhibitions, including Wargamas Association Administration and Management Affairs, Dastar-making demonstration, basket weaving demonstration, embroidery demonstration, simulations of Tasmik and Tadabbur programmes, and handicraft demonstration.

Also part of the launch was an exhibition on bureau activities and Warganita (Wargamas rezeki stall) and a donation drive-through.

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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.

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