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ISB debuts original animated story

The recent cohort of the Gifted and Talented programme at ISB had the opportunity to develop their creative writing skills and explore illustration and animation production.

With the help of the Mahakarya Institute of the Arts Asia (MIAA), 10 students worked together to debut an original animation series, Rez and Tang. This short animation is available on the official ISB Primary YouTube channel.

Rez and Tang follows two friendly Australian flies who go on an adventure in Brunei to discover all that the beautiful abode of peace has to offer. In the debut episode, Rez and Tang go around Brunei to learn about local delicacies such as ambuyat, nasi katok, kelupis and durian.

Fawwaz Nazri, one of the students in the programme, said that they chose food as a theme for the first story because they intended it to be for young readers, “and food is a simple thing that children will understand easily”.

The students have worked virtually as a group for over two terms, coming up with ideas, rhymes, and visuals for the story. They then teamed up with MIAA who helped them illustrate and animate the story while the student themselves narrated.

ISB students during the making of ‘Rez and Teng’. PHOTO: ISB

ISB Head of Primary, Michael Everett said, “We hope this first episode of Rez and Tang inspires the next group of talented writers, animators and voice artists and we can’t wait to join Rez and Tang on future adventures across Brunei”.

Since 2021, ISB has piloted a Gifted and Talented programme where class teachers nominate students with exceptional potential to join Head of Student Development Trent Green in a special group.

The programme aims to further instil the International Bachelorette (IB) Learner Profile (LP) which encourages attitudes and traits in students that develop international mindedness.

Since its inception, the group of Gifted and Talented students have been presented with enhanced opportunities for learning and development outside of the normal school curriculum. Students have participated in special projects and activities such as presentations and hosting assemblies.

Bank of Japan keeps up yield defence

TOKYO (CNA) – Japan’s central bank offered to buy unlimited amounts of 10-year government bonds for the fourth straight day yesterday as part of its aggressive efforts to defend its yield curve against the global tide of higher interest rates.

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) said on Monday that it would be repeating the offer for unlimited purchases every day until March 31, the final day of the first quarter.

Investors are now focussed on whether the BOJ could increase the frequency and volume of bond purchases under a second-quarter market operation schedule, due to be released later on. After falling to as low as 0.210 per cent on Wednesday due to the BOJ’s massive intervention, the yield on the benchmark 10-year Japanese government bond (JGB) yield crept up to 0.225 per cent yesterday.

The level was still below the 0.25-per-cent implicit cap the BOJ sets around its zero per cent target.

“The BOJ may increase bond buying somewhat in the second quarter, so markets make take a breather after testing the 0.25-per-cent cap,” said Head of Japan rates strategy at SMBC Nikko Securities Chotaro Morita.

A man walks past the Bank of Japan headquarters in Tokyo. PHOTO: CNA

While other major central banks have responded to mounting inflationary pressures by putting interest rates on an upward path, the super dovish BOJ is struggling to keep its yield curve control settings unchanged.

The yen has lost around eight per cent against the dollar this month due in large part to the widening interest rate differential.

The yen’s depreciation has exacerbated the rising cost of fuel and raw material imports due to the war in Ukraine.

Vice Finance Minister for International Affairs and Japan’s top currency diplomat Masato Kanda on Tuesday escalated his warning against sharp yen falls, saying Tokyo and Washington were closely communicating on currency issues.

Currency traders are on guard for any verbal signal that intervention to support the yen was imminent, usually delivered by policymakers cautioning against “one-sided” moves or stressing their resolve to take “decisive action”.

Ronaldo, Messi to learn World Cup last dance partners

DOHA (CNA) Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will today learn their opponents for what is almost certainly their last World Cup finals when the draw is made for November’s tournament in Qatar.

The two biggest names in the game have collected a host of club and individual honours as well as continental trophies with their countries but neither has managed to crown his career with the ultimate prize of World Cup glory.

Portuguese forward Ronaldo, who is 37, and Argentine Messi, 34, are set to feature in their fifth World Cup finals – no player has appeared in six.

The nearest Ronaldo came to winning the tournament was his first attempt in Germany in 2006 when Portugal lost in the semi-finals to France.

Messi’s Argentina were runners-up in Brazil in 2014 where they lost to Germany in the final in Rio.

Neither player has indicated whether he will try to make a record sixth World Cup appearance or retire from international football after this year’s tournament but their ages suggest this may well be their final attempt.

Portugal and Argentina are expected to be among the top seeds, in pot one, meaning they will avoid a direct confrontation with one of the favourites in the four-team group stage.

Defending champions France and five-times World Cup winners Brazil are the bookmakers’ favourites, with England, semi-finalists four years ago, also fancying their chances.

Although European champions Italy failed to qualify for the finals, the continent has plenty of serious contenders with Belgium, Spain and Germany also in the frame.

ABOVE & BELOW: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. PHOTOS: AP

Kenya top court blocks president’s push for constitution change

NAIROBI (AFP) – Kenya’s top court ruled yesterday that President Uhuru Kenyatta’s bid to change the constitution was illegal, dealing a blow to him and his allies ahead of key elections in August.

“The president cannot initiate constitutional amendments or changes through popular initiative under article 257 of the constitution,” six of the seven judges overseeing the case at the Supreme Court said, ruling against Kenyatta’s proposal to expand the executive.

But the court left open the possibility for the reforms – popularly known as the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) – to be instituted by Parliament or through other means, so long as the president did not have a hand in the changes.

The reforms would have been the biggest change to Kenya’s political system since the introduction of a new constitution in 2010.

The initiative left the East African nation’s political elite divided.

Kenyatta had argued that the change would make politics more inclusive and help end repeated cycles of election violence.

Yesterday’s decision came after the High Court and Court of Appeal ruled against the proposed amendments last year.

The appeals court even said Kenyatta could be sued in a civil court for launching the process.

But the Supreme Court ruled against this idea.

“Civil proceedings cannot be instituted in any court against the president or the person performing the functions of the office of the president during their tenure of office in respect of anything done or not done under the constitution,” it declared.

First Malaysian-assembled Cayenne out

Following the launch of the first locally assembled Cayenne, Porsche and Sime Darby inaugurated the sports car manufacturer’s first assembly facility outside of Europe at Sime Darby’s motor vehicle production and assembly facility in Kulim, Kedah in Malaysia.

A testament to the long-standing and trusted partnership built for well over a decade, Porsche and Sime Darby are connecting more Malaysian Porsche fans to their dream sports car, while also empowering the future by unlocking the potential of the local community and workforce.

The local assembly facility underscores Porsche’s commitment to Malaysia as well as the ASEAN region, and demonstrates Sime Darby’s dedication to expanding its high value assembly capabilities as a critical element for growth for its Motors’ business.

Member of the executive board for sales and marketing at Porsche AG Detlev von Platen said, “Today we have reached a new milestone, rolling out the first locally assembled Cayenne. Our growth strategy underlines the importance of Malaysia for Porsche as we look to expand its presence in the ASEAN region. It also demonstrates our confidence in Sime Darby as a strong partner on our side.”

Meanwhile, Sime Darby Berhad Group Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Jeffri Salim Davidson said, “We are honoured by Porsche’s continued trust in Sime Darby, as we deliver a product consistent with Porsche’s highest standards for quality, performance and driving experience.

The facility, which is 100 per cent staffed by highly skilled Malaysians, not only supports the growth of our businesses across the automotive value chain in Malaysia; but also creates a pipeline of jobs to empower the local community.”

Porsche and Sime Darby representatives at the launch. PHOTOS: PORSCHE
A Cayenne model

Member of the executive board for production and logistics at Porsche Albrecht Reimold said, “The new assembly site in Malaysia meets specific market needs and operates alongside Porsche’s established network of production sites in Europe. In particular, it meets comprehensive quality standards set forth by Porsche when assembling Porsche sports cars.

“The facility was built in line with the production philosophy – smart, lean and green.” Hence, the new assembly facility is not only a benchmark in efficiency and quality, but also in sustainability.

On the roof, solar panels provide all the power needed for operation, while on the ground, rainwater harvesting technologies ensure water waste is kept to a minimum.

The Porsche Cayenne has long been the symbol of Porsche’s broadening horizons, appealing to new customer segments by combining an elegant interior and unparalleled comfort with robust dynamism and functional off-road abilities. Today, it becomes another symbol of Porsche’s global expansion, as the first locally assembled Cayenne rolled off the assembly line of Sime Darby’s facility for Porsche.

The Malaysian-assembled Cayenne comes with an elevated and enhanced standard equipment range specified exclusively for its market, with a specially-curated Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur option package and an exclusive Porsche Design timepiece available for further personalisation. A wide range of lifestyle-oriented equipment accessories are available on request.

The inaugural launch was the latest highlight amid numerous exciting developments in the country. Porsche Malaysia recently announced the first high performance enroute charging network, in partnership with Shell, which will be finalised in spring/summer this year. A new Porsche Centre in Johor Bahru, is also scheduled to open later this year, complementing the existing facilities in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Walls up

ABIDJAN (AFP) – Helping to build a barrier around a primary forest in the centre of Ivory Coast’s Abidjan, Victor is happy to protect the endangered green space from the expanding city.

“We have our own Great Wall of China,” said the construction worker proudly.

In three months’ time, a cinder block fence 10 kilometres long is to run along the edge of the Banco National Park to prevent it from being swallowed up by neighbouring districts.

Along with the Tijuca park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the nature reserve is one of just two virgin forests worldwide to have survived at the heart of a metropolis.

Ivorian ecologist Tom Thalmas Lasme said the wall is crucial in a country that has lost a huge swathe of forests over the past half century.

ABOVE & BELOW: Two rangers walk on a track inside the Banco National Park in Abidjan; and workers construct a protective fence for the Banco National Park. PHOTOS: AFP

The nature reserve of 3,474 hectares is home to “around 30 flora species in danger of extinction in West Africa”, he said.

But “in six years, a demographic explosion and a boom in haphazard construction have pecked away” at its edges.

‘ESSENTIAL OXYGEN’

Those who live in the impoverished neighbourhoods along its borders regularly slip in to chop down trees for firewood or hunt its fauna to eat, locals said.

And drivers speeding down the motorway on its western edge have also been known to unwittingly ravage the park, locals said.

There have been “several forest fires caused by motorists tossing in cigarette butts”, said 58-year-old Roger Manet, who lives nearby.

Ivory Coast has lost up to 80 per cent of its natural forests in just 50 years due to agriculture, bush fires, illegal forest exploitation and artisanal mining, the International Union for Conservation of Nature said.

Of the three million hectares of forests the country has left, two million have been designated as 14 separate nature reserves, the Ivorian Office for Parks and Reserves (OIPR) said.

Every year a further 300,000 hectares of trees vanish, it said.

The OIPR said it is building the barrier around the western and northern boundaries of Abidjan’s forest with government and Japanese funding to help halt the destruction.

“The Banco forest absorbs carbon dioxide and emits essential oxygen for Abidjan’s six million inhabitants,” the office’s head Adama Tondossama said.

“We have erected this concrete fence to avoid this green lung from disappearing due to
deforestation.”

‘DIVE INTO THE WOODS’

Lieutenant colonel in charge of the park Fousseni Coulibaly said preserving the reserve also helped regulate rainfall and recharge the underwater reserves feeding the nearby city with drinking water.

Some have said it could also help boost security in an area that borders the country’s largest prison. Escapees have been said to find refuge among its trees.

The Banco park’s upkeep costs the equivalent of USD335,000 a year, said OIPR director Tondossama, essential funding “to preserve it for future generations”.

He said he hopes conservation efforts, including the new wall, will push more tourists to explore the nature reserve and its 80 kilometres of cycling paths.

Tourist from Mauritius Laurent Pigagnon was already enthusiastic.

It’s my “first time visiting a forest so close to a city”, he said.

“It’s great to be able to take a break from the noisy urban centre, dive into the woods and enjoy some nature.”

Ivorian Issiaka Kamate said preserving the park was essential to maintain healthy living conditions in the economic hub.

“Without it, we’d have so many sick people in Abidjan,” he said.

Vaccination for aged 5-11 to begin soon

James Kon

The national vaccination programme for children aged five to 11 years old will start either tomorrow or on Monday, said Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar during the daily press conference yesterday.

The minister announced that the voluntary programme will commence subject to the moon sighting of Ramadhan for 1443 Hijrah. If the new moon is sighted, the vaccination programme will begin on Monday, April 4. Otherwise, it will begin tomorrow.

The minister added that the vaccination is voluntarily based on the request and consent of parents or guardians.

“Parents or guardians will be invited to bring their children to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the exisiting vaccination centres by booking the vaccination slots through the BruHealth app,” he said.

The booking for vaccination slots through the BruHealth app will start today at noon.

“Members of the public especially parents and guardians are reminded to create and complete the authentication process for their children’s accounts in the BruHealth application in preparation for the vaccination,” Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham said.

The minister also informed the public that the management of the Health Advice Line 148 will be transferred under Darussalam Line 123, E-Government National Centre starting today.

“However, the public can still contact the Health Advice Line for any queries related to COVID-19. Any calls made to the Health Advice Line will be automatically routed to Darussalam Line 123,” he said.

Welcoming Ramadhan

Aqilah Rahman

Ramadhan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is considered the holiest month among Muslims. Every religious activity and good deed during this period is blessed with greatly multiplied rewards as billions of Muslims fast across the globe.

Every day throughout the month of Ramadhan, Muslims abstain for eating and drinking from dawn to sunset. Muslims also refrain from negative emotions such as anger and jealousy, as well bad habits such as smoking, swearing, gossiping, arguing or complaining.

All in all, Muslims fast as an act of worship and to be closer to Allah the Almighty while learning the virtues of patience. Depending on the country, the fasting hours varies anywhere between 11 hours to 20 hours. In Brunei Darussalam, the duration of the fast is between 13 to 14 hours.

Fasting during Ramadhan is mandatory for Muslims except for certain groups including children, the elderly, pregnant or breastfeeding women and medically unfit individuals. Those who have medical conditions such as diabetes are advised to consult a doctor and assess the level of risk if they wish to fast.

SUNNAT TARAWIH PRAYERS AND LAILATUL QADAR

Aside from fasting during the day, Muslims are encouraged to engage in religious activities.

Among them is terawih, a type of prayer performed every night of Ramadhan after the Isyak prayer.

Unlike the five daily prayers which range from two to five raka’at, Sunnat Tarawih prayers can be up to 20 raka’at in total, lasting about an hour. Muslims typically pray together at mosques for Sunnat Tarawih prayers but it can also be carried out at home.

With the emphasis on performing spiritual deeds during Ramadhan, Muslims can benefit from the night of Lailatul Qadar, observed during the last ten days of Ramadhan. Lailatul Qadar is considered the holiest night of the Islamic year.

According to Al-Quran, Lailatul Qadar is better than 1,000 months, which means any good deed performed during the night of Lailatul Qadar is equivalent to doing a good deed for roughly 83 years.

Lailatul Qadar is also the night where Muslims are blessed and forgiven as they pray and sincerely repent for their sins. For this reason, Muslims are encouraged to spend the last 10 days of Ramadhan with spiritual activities such as prayers, Zikir and reciting Al-Quran.

MULTIPLIED REWARDS FOR GOOD DEEDS

In addition to spiritual activities, some Muslims participate in doing good deeds such as donating to charity and doing volunteer work during Ramadhan. Rewards for such deeds are multiplied during the holy month and serves as a reminder to not only do good during Ramadhan but also all year round.

Donation campaigns are frequently held in the country during Ramadhan. The public can reach out to various parties and organisations to lend a helping hand and help lighten the burden of others during this holy month.

STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY

Given that Muslims abstain from any food and drinks during Ramadhan, some people may feel sleepy or tired especially at the end of the day to break fast.

The public is reminded to be cautious when driving home for sungkai and to stay within the speed limit. Plan the day ahead to avoid rush hour and practice social distancing when picking up orders or opt for food delivery to minimise contact.

If you’re running an errand in the afternoon, plan your schedule to avoid rush hour before sungkai. Use an app to check traffic so you know which routes to avoid. Bring a bottle of water and some dates as a backup in case you can’t make it home on time. Most of all, drive safely and be mindful of others on the road.

In addition to staying safe on the road, the public should also practice social distancing at all times and adhere to the Ministry of Health guidelines to minimise the risk of COVID-19 infections.

To stay energised throughout the day, it is recommended to eat sahur – a meal taken before the Subuh prayer. Having sahur isn’t mandatory but it helps to reduce hunger pangs and provide energy. At sungkai, keep your portion size reasonable and avoid overeating or wasting food. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 10 glasses of water every day to stay hydrated during Ramadhan.

England joins Australia in Women’s Cricket World Cup final

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND (AP) – Defending champion England will face six-time champion Australia in the final of the Women’s Cricket World Cup after beating South Africa by 137 runs yesterday in the tournament’s second semifinal at Christchurch.

Australia beat the West Indies by 157 runs in the first of the semifinals on Wednesday.

England began the tournament with three straight losses but sealed its place in back-to-back finals with a massive form reversal which culminated yesterday in its fifth consecutive victory.

Opener Danni Wyatt made a career-best 129 from 125 balls as England posted 293-8 after being asked by South Africa to bat first.

Anya Shrubsole claimed the critical wicket of opener Laura Wolvaardt for a duck in the second over South Africa’s reply and Sophie Ecclestone took 6-36 – the best figures of the tournament – as England bowled out the South Africans for 156 in 38 overs.

Wolvaardt had been the leading batter at the tournament with scores of 41, 75, 77, 67, 90, 3 and 80, for 433 runs at 61.8, prior to the semifinals. Her early loss was a massive blow to South Africa’s hopes of reaching its first World Cup final.

Sophie Ecclestone (3rd R) celebrates with teammates after bowling South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp during their semifinal of the Women’s Cricket World Cup cricket match in New Zealand. PHOTO: AP

South Africa came into the tournament ranked second in the world behind Australia and played to that ranking. Its only loss in the eight-team round-robin was to Australia, which is unbeaten ahead of Sunday’s final.

England, after its early losses to Australia, the West Indies and South Africa, steadily improved and, playing knockout cricket through its last five matches, fully turned the corner with wins over host New Zealand and India which clinched its semifinal spot.

Still, it was the underdog when the semifinals began and Wyatt upended expectations with an extraordinary innings which unfolded with the assistance of the South Africa fielders who dropped her five times, at 22, 36, 77, 116 and 118. Wyatt wasn’t used as an opener at the start of the tournament but was forced into that role and came into her own at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

South Africa’s bowlers either were too full or too short and Wyatt reveled in the opportunities the errant length and width provided. She hit powerfully through the offside forward of point and rifled short balls to the boundary behind square.

“My plan was to capitalise on any width and run well between the wickets, just play my game,” Wyatt said. “There have been a few good catches taken off me in the tournament. It was nice to have a few dropped today.”

Apple co-founder still looking for next big thing

Michael Liedtke

AP – Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has remained immersed in technology while also pursuing divergent interests since his 1985 departure from the revolutionary company he started with the late Steve Jobs.

Wozniak’s side projects have included competing on Dancing With The Stars in 2009 and a guest appearance on Big Bang Theory during its fourth season. Now he is participating in an online video show called Unicorn Hunters that assesses ideas from entrepreneurs vying to build startups potentially worth USD1 billion or more. Wozniak sits on a panel of judges that includes former United States (US) Treasurer Rosie Rios and NSYNC singer Lance Bass.

Wozniak, 71, plans to return for a second season of Unicorn Hunters. He recently discussed the show and technology landscape with The Associated Press.

Q: What attracted you to Unicorn Hunters?
A: I am kind of surprised because I am not really in the financial community as much as the technical community, but the call really came from a good friend that I trust a lot. And she’s a good producer that even got me on Dancing With The Stars, one of the most fun things you could ever do. What intrigues me (about Unicorn Hunters) are the interesting new things that other people don’t even know about.

Q: What do you think of the current state in technology?
A: I think a lot has been going on that really enhances your life. Over the last decade, look at the Internet of things, the cameras we put in our house, the Ring doorbells, the different locking systems, and controlling your lights, and speaking to the personal assistants like Siri or Alexa.

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. PHOTO: AP

Q: Do you think the recent conviction of former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes will change the culture of Silicon Valley?
A: I am not so much totally down on her, like she is a criminal. I never have been. I thought when you start up a company, and you are out there trying to do something good, and maybe you run into technical difficulties, sometimes the impossible turns out to be impossible. And I could understand how she would have to start just kind of covering it up just to keep the company going to have a chance to do some good. And I can see it from that angle. It’s not right to deceive and lie knowingly. But I think she was really just trying to do something good. If she was motivated too much by money, then she’s not my type.

To get the passion, the drive, the idea should do so much good for the world, and it should not be driven by money. Too many people just think, “I will get into this entrepreneurship thing and once I start one company, I can afford a house in San Francisco, (then) I will do my next company and my next company.” And it’s just a formula to make money. I don’t like that, that’s not the way I was.

Q: Did you and Steve Jobs ever feel like you had to stretch the truth during Apple’s early days?
A: No. Everything was gold and our Apple II computer (released in 1977) was so far ahead of the competition in years that we had no worry. We were so far ahead of what other people were trying to do, they were trying to do something I had already done five years before.

Q: How do you assess the startup pitches on Unicorn Hunters?
A: I try to think, when you are judging them, “What if Apple was up there making a pitch in the earliest days?”

And it would seem, “So, whoa, this idea will go somewhere,” but the big computer companies don’t even really believe in it.

How would you spot those Apples when they are right in front of you?

Q: What do you think are the most interesting trends in technology?
A: There is always the latest fad. The Internet of things was a big fad, and turned out a lot of great companies. And then they kind of consolidated. I like it when it’s open to investment, when it’s open to all kinds of people with great ideas, just out of universities and want to have a startup. I am interested in that.

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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.

© 2013 Borneo Bulletin Online - The Independent Newspaper in Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Sarawak

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