BIBD Securities (BIBDS) recently held a Financial Awareness Seminar in collaboration with Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s (UBD) School of Business and Economics.

Almost 200 participants attended the virtual talk which focussed on how good financial planning can help secure one’s future.

BIBDS Managing Director Haji Muhammad Yazid bin Dato Paduka Haji Mahadi emphasised the role of BIBDS in creating a world class Syariah-compliant asset management platform with financial literacy being the core of BIBDS.

“At BIBDS, promoting financial literacy is one of our core foundations. It is in our mission to help our clients by providing a diversified portfolio of Syariah compliant investment solutions, coupled with a bespoke financial planning service,” he said.

“Against the backdrop of current volatility in the global markets and the low rate environment, we strive to provide alternative avenues for clients to build their wealth over the long-term.”

Joining the BIBDS Managing Director on the panel were Head of Institutional Asset Management Jason Wong, BIBDS Relationship Manager Abegail Lo and BIBD Asset Management Multi Assets Manager Nur Ezza binti Haji Mohd Hani.

Mohd Adrian bin Dr Haji Azaharaini from BIBD Asset Management moderated the seminar.

The seminar covered the basics of investing, as well as an interactive panel discussion which provided an insight into the day-to-day activities of BIBDS, setting an investment mindset and different approaches to investing.

BIBDS recently won Best Investor Education at the Asia Asset Management Best of the Best Awards, which is a testament to the commitment and dedication in raising awareness on financial literacy to help the public build a strong financial foundation.

In line with BIBDS’ environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) values and overall business objectives, BIBDS remains committed to furthering investor education in Brunei.

In 2021, various investor education initiatives were targetted at the grass-roots level, delivering a number of educational initiatives catered to both retail and institutional segments.

BIBDS also partnered with local social media influencers to co-develop storyboards and posts on Instagram aimed at educating new investors and introducing financial concepts.

As a Partner in Progress, promoting financial awareness is being undertaken as part of a wider commitment to sustainability and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG4 and SDG8.

Baiduri Bank hosted a virtual event titled ‘Glow Up Friday: Women Empowerment Event 2022’ yesterday, in conjunction with International Women’s Day to not only promote financial education among women, but also to empower them to help other women break the bias by offering support and letting other women ‘lean in’.

On top of a financial planning segment conducted by Baiduri Bank Wealth Management Manager Siti Aminah binti Haji Abdul Rahman, the event also had a segment on women and strength training by fitness coach and 673 Jerudong co-owner Liyana Sidek, followed by a segment on supporting new mothers at work, delivered by trained facilitator and community and youth worker Rasyidah Samah.

Over 90 individuals attended the event, which featured live performances by local artistes Fatin Muzini and Azzniel Yunus.

“As a financial institution committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, it is one of our objectives to help individuals break the barriers that prevent them from succeeding financially.

“Platforms such as these not only raise awareness on the importance of financial literacy for women, but also provide opportunities and drive conversations around how women can thrive, grow and contribute positively to their respective communities,” said Baiduri Bank Group Strategic Marketing and Communications Head Ng Yick Wei.

Rokiah Mahmud

Part of the Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien (SHOAS) Bridge heading to Kota Batu starting from BM6.1km to BM2.2km will be temporarily closed until midnight on March 29, the Public Works Department (JKR) announced.

The closure is to pave way for sensor weigh in motion (WIM) installation work.

JKR advised motorists passing the area to take a detour through a contraflow for 3.9 kilometres.

Road users are reminded to follow the road signs and adhere to speed limits.

Jerudong International School (JIS) was recognised as a national winner in the prestigious International Energy Globe Awards 2021 for its outstanding work in the school’s Outdoor Discovery Centre (ODC).

Principal Nicholas Sheehan said, “I am extremely proud of the school and the ODC team. This award is recognised globally as the most important award for sustainability worldwide. It recognises and validates the outstanding work of the school for the environment, here
in Brunei.”

The announcement was made at the awards ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on December 20, 2021.

ODC coordinator and former Head Girl Jazie Zaini said, “JIS would like to extend our thanks to the government for their support, particularly the Forestry Department who donated trees to make this project possible, Universiti of Brunei Darussalam (UBD) for giving students the opportunity to collaborate on their Badas Peat Swamp Restoration Project, Green Brunei for inviting us to join their tree-planting projects and the Brunei Climate Change Secretariat for the continuous support and encouragement to achieve our nation’s goals to foster awareness and increase education in matters pertaining to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in the education sector.”

Jaden Low, another alumni who has been working in the ODC following his graduation said, “It has been personally fulfilling to work on a project for so long, especially during the formative years of my life.

“The ODC is a project focussed not only on rewilding and reforestation, but youth empowerment as well. This award is definitely one of the highlights of my time at JIS.”

The ODC is a 10,000m2 project space located within the school campus featuring a wide range of projects and activities.

The award has been received for a project that counteracts increasing carbon emissions produced by international air travel and school buses through carbon offsetting.

Since its establishment five years ago, an estimated 11,000kg of carbon dioxide have been absorbed and over 40 trees have been planted.

Azlan Othman

Laksamana College of Business (LCB) welcomed new students for the college’s August/September 2021 and February/March 2022 intake during a ceremony on Thursday.

Deputy Principal and Chief Operating Officer Sivarajah Subramaniam briefed students on programmes at LCB and its study cultures, rules and regulations, academic and administrative staff of the college as well as incentives offered to the students.

Meanwhile, LCB Marketing / HSE Officer April Lim briefed the students on their responsibilities such as maintaining proper health and safety measures, and adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) while at the college’s premises.

IT Support Technician Md Shahrul Ihtisyam bin Haji Sibodaud briefed students on online learning platforms and resources such as Moodle, Turnitin, Microsoft Teams, Perlego Online Library, JSTOR and EBSCOHost Databases made available for the students.

The event also saw President of Student Council Ummi Hazirah binti Haji Halidi introducing the Student Council and its roles, including initiating and organising leadership building activities.

The event was also live-streamed via Microsoft Teams.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has raised the red flag on two cosmetic products found to be adulterated with undeclared, potent Western medicine, following testing by the Laboratory of Pharmacy Section, Department of Scientific Services, MoH.

The RYX Skin Sincerity Clear Bomb Advanced Exfoliating Toner as well as the RYX Skin Sincerity Beyouthiful Starter Kit Day and Night Rejuvenating Toner were found to be adulterated with Hydroquinone. Both products are manufactured in the Philippines.

Hydroquinone can cause adverse effects potentially hazardous to users. It is used in Western prescription medicines to treat skin conditions and is prohibited in skincare cosmetic products under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations.

Unsupervised use may cause skin hypersensitivity, skin discolouration resulting in gradual darkening of the affected skin area and an increased risk of skin cancer.

The MoH has not issued an approval for the importation for the sale of the products and/or Cosmetic Notification Acknowledgement Letter for the sale of the rest of affected products.
Following the findings, the products are prohibited from being imported and sold in Brunei Darussalam.

Members of the public who have purchased or are using these products are advised to discontinue use immediately. They should also consult a medical practitioner if they feel unwell or experience undesirable reactions as a result of using them.

Members of the public involved in the retail of these products (including online retail such as through Facebook) are reminded that it is an offence under the Poisons Act 1956 to sell any product containing any substance controlled under the Act. The penalty for such an offence upon conviction is a BND8,000 fine or six months’ imprisonment.

Furthermore, if a person commits an act that amounts to such a degree of negligence so as to endanger or be likely to endanger human life, then the individual shall be guilty of an offence which carries a penalty of a fine of BND16,000 and 12 months’ imprisonment.

The public is also reminded that it is an offence under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations, 2007 to import and market cosmetic products in the local market without a Cosmetic Product Notification Acknowledgement Letter issued by the authority. The penalty for contravening these regulations upon conviction is a fine not exceeding BND5,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both.

The MoH calls for public cooperation in reporting to the Compliance and Licensing Section should any of these products be found on the market.

For information and communication, contact the Compliance and Licensing Section at 2393298 (ext 208), e-mail to pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn, visit the Compliance and Licensing Section, Department of Pharmaceutical Services in Kampong Madaras in Mukim Gadong A, or call Darussalam Line at 123.

Rokiah Mahmud

Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) through the Centre of Leadership and Lifelong Learning will conduct a complimentary Academic Service programme on April 1, from 8.30am to 10am.

The programme is open to the public and will be conducted online via the Zoom platform.
Deputy Director of Mazhab Shafi’e Research Centre at UNISSA Associate Professor Dr Ibnor Azli bin Ibrahim is expected to deliver the lecture on the importance of Astrofiqh in life.

The programme aims to enhance public knowledge on the subject, and allows UNISSA academicians to execute their social responsibilities.