Fadlin Bazli, receiving on behalf of Zainal Abidin bin Haji Abd Latif, the winner of the challenge in a group photo. PHOTO: JAMES KON
Boustead Sdn Bhd, the main distributor of Nissan cars in the country, hosted a fun-filled reception yesterday to celebrate Nissan Almera N18 owners who participated in the Nissan Almera Fuel Efficiency Hero Challenge, at a restaurant in Kampong Kiulap.
The Nissan Almera Fuel Efficiency Hero Challenge was organised to highlight the Almera N18’s exceptional fuel efficiency while fostering a sense of community among Nissan owners. Participants submitted their fuel efficiency results, showcasing the vehicle’s remarkable capabilities and driving expertise.
The winner of the challenge was Zainal Abidin bin Haji Abd Latif, who achieved an impressive fuel efficiency of 42.8 kilometres per litre. His son, Fadlin Bazli, received the prize on his behalf.
Boustead’s Kuala Belait Branch Executive Shirley Chan handed over the BND1,000 prize to the winner. – James Kon
Fadlin Bazli, receiving on behalf of Zainal Abidin bin Haji Abd Latif, the winner of the challenge in a group photo. PHOTO: JAMES KON
Latvian striker Davis Ikaunieks. PHOTO: FA SIAULIAI
DPMM FC have expressed interest in signing Latvian striker Davis Ikaunieks to represent the club in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) 2024/2025 season.
The forward currently plays in A Liga, the top tier of Lithuanian football for FA Siauliai.
The Brunei professional club have moved in their bid to secure his services after announcing their keenness and confidence to capture their target.
Prior to his switch to FA Siauliai, he was in the books of Czech top flight side Jablonec since 2018.
The 30-year old made his debut for the Latvian national team in 2016, scoring six goals in 43 appearances.
The move for the Latvian international comes as it emerged that Savi Roberto has decided to commit his immediate future with Esteghlal.
Latvian striker Davis Ikaunieks. PHOTO: FA SIAULIAI
The signing will be a major boost for the Gegar Gegar men if proves successful given Ikaunieks’ current position as the second league top goal-scorer with 18 goals.
The Kuldiga native won the Latvian Higher League, the top tier of Latvian football, with Liepaja in 2015 having played an instrumental role as the league’s top scorer with 15 goals.
He was voted the Latvian Footballer of the Year in 2018.
A year later, he enjoyed success during his loan spell with Latvian top flight side FK RFS after winning the Latvian Football Cup, the main knockout competition in Latvian football.
DPMM FC have strengthened their defence during the league break following the signing of Damir Muminovic from Iceland top tier club Breidablik FC. – Fadhil Yunus
Clarence Goh receives a black belt from Master Nikman. PHOTO: BDTA
Seven-year-old Clarence Goh has made history by becoming the youngest Taekwondo black belt in Brunei. This achievement is a testament to his dedication, passion and pursuit of excellence.
Goh’s journey to this milestone has been inspiring. From enduring training sessions to overcoming challenges, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment that sets an example for young athletes across the nation.
His competitive record speaks volumes. At the tender age of five, he captured the silver medal for Individual Poomsae at the 2nd Korean Ambassador Cup 2022. At the 3rd Korean Ambassador Cup 2023, he further solidified his talent by securing gold medals in both Individual Poomsae and speed kicking. This year, at the 4th Ambassador Cup 2024, competing in the age 7-9 category, he demonstrated his versatility by winning the bronze medal for Individual Poomsae, the silver medal for Team Pair Poomsae and the bronze medal for high jump kick.
Goh also showcased his prowess in Kyorugi at the 2nd North Borneo Open Taekwondo Championship 2023 in Malaysia where he earned the silver medal.
Clarence Goh receives a black belt from Master Nikman. PHOTO: BDTA
As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to feel a mix of anticipation and anxiety. With the final midnight of the year fast approaching, the pressure to reflect on what’s been accomplished can weigh heavily.
Did we achieve what we set out to? Are we on track with our goals? These thoughts can quickly become a source of stress.
But what if the key to a peaceful year-end lies not in rushing to tick off every task, but in recognising what truly matters?
Here’s how to make the most of the final weeks of the year, while embracing balance and self-care.
TAKE A STEP BACK AND REFLECT
Rather than diving headfirst into the rush of the season, whether it be school or the holidays, take a moment to reflect.
Think about the progress you’ve made this year – both big and small. Achievements don’t always come in the form of completed goals.
Surviving a challenging year, learning new things, or simply making it through the ups and downs are all victories worth recognising. Celebrate those moments, because they are proof of your resilience.
PHOTO: ENVATOPHOTO: ENVATOPHOTO: ENVATO
RELEASE THE PRESSURE OF PERFECTION
It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you’ve failed if you didn’t achieve every single thing you planned.
But remember, life doesn’t always go according to plan – and that’s okay.
The pandemic has shown us that hustle culture, which has become so ingrained in our daily lives, can easily lead to burnout. In the rush to keep up with constant demands and expectations, we often overlook the importance of rest and balance, pushing ourselves beyond our limits.
What once felt like a sign of productivity and success has, for many, become a source of exhaustion and stress.
Perfection is overrated, and balance is far more important.
CHOOSE SELF-CARE OVER TO-DO LISTS
As the year closes, there’s a tendency to think about all the things that need to be done – shopping, socialising, work deadlines.
But remember, your well-being should always come first.
It may be tempting to push through to get things done, but burnout can take a serious toll.
Allow yourself some downtime to unwind, without guilt.
Rest will replenish your energy and help you start the new year feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes next.
Take time to recharge, and focus on what truly nourishes your body and mind. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a warm bath, or just some quiet time alone, self-care is the foundation of a balanced life.
BE PRESENT IN THE MOMENT
With everything going on, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. But instead of rushing through the days, make an effort to be present.
Appreciate the small moments, whether it’s a quiet cup of tea or a heartfelt conversation with a loved one. This season can be a time of joy and connection if you allow yourself to enjoy them fully.
Rather than feeling guilty about what you haven’t done, shift your focus to gratitude.
What are you thankful for this year? Reflect on the positive experiences, the people who have supported you, and the moments of peace you’ve found, even in difficult times.
Gratitude has the power to transform your mindset and make this season more meaningful.
As the year ends, it’s easy to compare yourself to others or to where you thought you’d be.
But remember, everyone’s journey is different.
You are exactly where you need to be. This isn’t a time to measure yourself against others – it’s a time to appreciate how far you’ve come.
The final weeks of the year don’t have to be filled with stress and pressure. Celebrate your growth and take the time to rest.
As you move into the new year, carry with you the lessons you’ve learned about the importance of prioritising yourself and embracing life’s imperfect, beautiful journey. – Wardi Wasil
ABOVE & BELOW: The concept art; and the finalised product. PHOTO: WARDI WASIL & SHANNON OSMAN
What if we told you there’s a tabletop card game that brings Brunei’s traditional snacks to life, with beloved treats taking centre stage in the deck? This is the simple yet captivating concept behind KUEHKU!, a card game created by 29-year-old Shannon Osman, an operations manager at a training and team-building company.
Debuting in 2020, the game is a charming celebration of heritage. It was recently released in expanded version featuring even more Malay Bruneian cuisine — a reflection, Shannon believes, of the growing appreciation for locally made products, even in the realm of tabletop games.
The idea for the game first came to Shannon during her university days. As a Geography major, she gained deeper insights into Brunei’s local culture through her studies, sparking her desire to present it in interesting and engaging ways.
“Many people in Brunei start side businesses involving food, which is a saturated market. Since Bruneians love their food, I thought, ‘Why not make a game about food?’” she said.
At the same time, Shannon “wanted to make something that felt familiar to us, something fun but rooted in our identity.” Yet, as a student, she lacked the resources to bring her idea to life, leaving it to sit on the back burner.
ABOVE & BELOW: The concept art; and the finalised product. PHOTO: WARDI WASIL & SHANNON OSMANPHOTO: WARDI WASIL & SHANNON OSMANShannon Osman and her card game. PHOTO: WARDI WASIL & SHANNON OSMAN
“Once I graduated and started working, I decided to take the first step and finally write down the gameplay,” Shannon explained. But even then, progress was slow, with procrastination contributing to delays.
“I had a rough idea. I knew I wanted it to be a card game featuring cute little kueh, but turning that idea into something playable took time,” she shared.
Months of refining the gameplay followed and Shannon eventually began testing it — all by herself at first.
“I played the game by myself first — literally sitting in all the seats, rotating and playing as everyone. Once I had something more solid, I invited friends to playtest it.”
For Shannon, however, this humble card game is far more than just a commercial venture. Despite its success, it remains a deeply personal project that underscores the significance of play and its potential to be leveraged not only commercially but culturally, creating an experience that honours the average Bruneian’s favourite pastime.
“Food is such an integral part of our culture,” continued the budding tabletop game designer. This cultural element forms the heart of her scrumptious one-off passion project, recalling a memory from her primary school days, when a special lesson was taught on a fateful day in 2004.
“Back then, ‘Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB)’ classes were still called Sivik and for this lesson, our teacher asked every student to bring in kueh. We all pushed our tables together and laid out the different kueh we had brought, like a little potluck.”
Shannon confessed that this was the first time she took any real interest in local delicacies or culture. Instead of learning about them from a textbook, she found greater joy and insight by mingling with her classmates and asking about their kueh.
Given how deeply kueh is woven into our culture, everyone has a story about it — whether it’s one passed down through generations, a modern twist on a classic, or perhaps a kueh you haven’t seen or tasted in a while.
“This teacher’s simple yet creative approach transformed an ordinary class into a memorable experience for all of us.
“This memory also reminds me that learning about culture should never feel boring. Culture is one of the most fascinating things you can learn about,” she added, noting that culture and community can both benefit from the element of play.
Furthermore, the card game offers an avenue for Bruneian creatives to showcase their talent, even in a relatively new field such as tabletop games.
While Shannon is the creator of the game, she collaborated with a number of Bruneian artists to bring the deck of culinary delights tolife.
“I didn’t do any of the artwork myself. Alfi Sufinah worked on the character designs, Liyana Hanif created the booklet, Jo Lin Ong handled the polishing, final clean-up and colouring and Qifah Abdullah designed the back of the cards and the box for both editions.”
She is also supported by Just Bruneians, a creative movement aimed at inspiring, admiring and empowering local talent in Brunei.
“One of the greatest potentials we have is in our creative industry,” Shannon said. “Bruneians have some truly talented artists and I’m really passionate about that. That’s one of the core factors behind the game: it’s another platform to spread our culture and give recognition to our local artists.”
Beyond the cultural sentiment, which fosters nostalgia and pride, the card game also helps pave the way for commercialising creativity in Brunei.
“Art doesn’t have to sit in a gallery — it can be functional, playful and enjoyed,” she added.
Looking ahead, Shannon is already planning her next steps as a tabletop game designer. She hopes to work on a new game while also creating Malay translations of her current card game to make it accessible to new audiences.
Eventually, she envisions penetrating the regional market and positioning her game as a Brunei tourism product. – Wardi Wasil
The TikTok logo is displayed at the social media app company offices in Culver City, California.
PHOTO: AFP
The TikTok logo is displayed at the social media app company offices in Culver City, California.
PHOTO: AFP
TIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania’s prime minister said Saturday the government will shut down the video service TikTok for one year, blaming it for inciting violence and bullying, especially among children.
Albanian authorities held 1,300 meetings with teachers and parents following the stabbing death of a teenager in mid-November by another teen after a quarrel that started on TikTok.
Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking at a meeting with teachers and parents, said TikTok “would be fully closed for all. … There will be no TikTok in the Republic of Albania.” Rama said the shutdown would begin sometime next year.
It was not immediately clear if TikTok has a contact in Albania.
TikTok in an email response Saturday to a request for comment asked for “urgent clarity from the Albanian government” on the case of the stabbed teenager. The company said it had “found no evidence that the perpetrator or victim had TikTok accounts, and multiple reports have in fact confirmed videos leading up to this incident were being posted on another platform, not TikTok.”
Albanian children comprise the largest group of TikTok users in the country, according to domestic researchers.
There has been increasing concern from Albanian parents after reports of children taking knives and other objects to school to use in quarrels or cases of bullying promoted by stories they see on TikTok.
TikTok’s operations in China, where its parent company is based, are different, “promoting how to better study, how to preserve nature … and so on,” according to Rama.
Albania is too small a country to impose on TikTok a change of its algorithm so that it does not promote “the reproduction of the unending hell of the language of hatred, violence, bullying and so on,” Rama’s office wrote in an email response to The Associated Press’ request for comment. Rama’s office said that in China TikTok “prevents children from being sucked into this abyss.”
Authorities have set up a series of protective measures at schools, starting with an increased police presence, training programs and closer cooperation with parents.
Rama said Albania would follow how the company and other countries react to the one-year shutdown before deciding whether to allow the company to resume operations in Albania.
Not everyone agreed with Rama’s decision to close TikTok.
“The dictatorial decision to close the social media platform TikTok … is a grave act against freedom of speech and democracy,” said Ina Zhupa, a lawmaker of the main opposition Democratic Party. “It is a pure electoral act and abuse of power to suppress freedoms.”
NEW YORK (AP) — We all know the stressors: Social obligations. Family discord. Political rifts. Financial stress. And the desire to stay cheery and big-hearted throughout.
So here’s a reminder about how to banish your inner perfectionist and truly enjoy the holiday season:
“It really helps to let go of some of the ‘shoulds’,” says Lynn F. Bufka, head of practice for the American Psychological Association. “Decide on the one thing that matters most, and the things that bring you the most joy, and let go of other things.”
Traditions can shift and change, and the more flexible things are the easier it is for everybody, Bufka says.
“Focus your energy on creating a warm space for the people you love to gather and relax, catch up and celebrate one another. That’s literally all that matters,” agrees Lauren Iannotti, editor in chief of Real Simple.
Some tips:
Throw yourself into the parts of the holiday that make you happy
You could decide that conversation is your main goal, and not worry at all about the decor, says Bufka. Or if table decoration is what you love, spend your energy there and don’t worry as much about other aspects.
“Ideally, it should be about focusing on love, and that doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone,” says Bufka.
Don’t hesitate to outsource some of that other stuff.
“People want to help — let them!” says Iannotti. “If you don’t LOVE cooking all those sides, or are strapped for time, there is zero shame in accepting your sister’s offer to do the stuffing. Or enlist help from the pros — support a local restaurant by ordering some catering platters.”
A potluck can be your friend.
“Have everyone bring one signature dish,” says Ianotti. “You’ll save time and money on prep and cooking and your guests can show off their skills.”
Give yourself permission to cut corners
“It’s OK if the house is a little messy or dinner is on the table a few minutes late,” says Iannotti. “If the people you’ve invited are more interested in grading your performance than having a good time, they can take that up with their therapist to sort through.”
(They’re not, by the way — “something to maybe take up with your therapist,” she adds.)
And don’t hesitate to let people help themselves, when possible. “If you don’t have time to play bartender, create a signature drink ahead of time that can serve all of your guests. You can also just leave out a few mixers so guests can serve themselves and make their own creations,” suggests Caroline Utz, editorial and strategy director at The Spruce.
It’s OK to step away for alone time
Things will run well enough if you’re not overseeing it all, so take care of yourself. Take breathers or walks if that helps you stay centered.
“Although mindfulness is becoming an overused term in society today, there is something of value we can take from this and apply to the holiday season,” says Brook Choulet, a concierge sports and performance psychiatrist and founder of Choulet Performance Psychiatry.
She recommends “scheduling intentional micro-breaks” to do something you enjoy.
“For example, you may schedule a phone call with a friend out of state, take a 15-minute walk outside, or even set the timer and take a 15-minute bath uninterrupted,” she said.
Expect some discord, and don’t get freaked about it
“If you’re worried about the polarisation and getting into uncomfortable conversations, try to think about ways you can end a conversation, or shift it in another direction,” Bufka says.
She recommends preparing a few lines in advance to help end the conversation or shift it in another direction.
So, aiming for a less-than-perfect holiday season may just be the sweet spot.
JAKARTA (BERNAMA) – Indonesian police have detained 18 personnel suspected of extorting Malaysian nationals who attended the Djakarta Warehouse Project (DWP) concert in Kemayoran, North Jakarta.
Public information bureau head, Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, confirmed that the personnel are from the Metro Jaya District Police, Central Jakarta Metro Police, and the Kemayoran Police Station.
“These personnel have been detained by the Professional and Security Division (Propam) for further investigation,” he said in a statement.
The detentions followed several complaints from Malaysian nationals who took to social media, alleging they were mistreated and extorted during the event.
“We will not tolerate any misconduct by our members,” Trunoyudo emphasised, adding that updates will be provided soon.
According to the claims, the Malaysian nationals were forced to undergo urine tests, asked to show their passports, and pressured to pay money, even though their drug test results were negative.
The three-day DWP concert at the Jakarta International Expo, organised by Ismaya Live, a part of Ismaya Group, concluded on Dec 15 and is one of Asia’s largest electronic music festivals.
In a statement, the DWP expressed regret over the challenges faced by those affected, acknowledging that while some issues were beyond their control, they understood the impact it had.
The DWP also further assured that they were actively working with the relevant authorities and government bodies to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
The incident has drawn attention from House of Representatives (DPR) Commission III chief, Habiburokhman, who expressed confidence that Propam would address the alleged extortion fairly.
“If extortion did occur, those involved should be punished,” he said.
The National Police Commission (Kompolnas) has also called for decisive action against the officers involved, urging ethical hearings and criminal penalties if a crime is confirmed.
“If it’s a criminal matter, they should be prosecuted. We support Propam’s investigation,” Commissioner Muhammad Choirul Anam stated, according to Kumparan news portal.
FILE - Spain's Aitana Bonmati celebrates after scoring a goal, during the women's Group C match between Spain and Japan, at La Beaujoire Stadium, during the 2024 Summer Olympics Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Nantes, France. (AP Photo/Jeremias Gonzalez, File)
FILE – Spain’s Aitana Bonmati celebrates after scoring a goal, during the women’s Group C match between Spain and Japan, at La Beaujoire Stadium, during the 2024 Summer Olympics Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Nantes, France. PHOTO: AP
GENEVA (AP) — Netflix has secured the US broadcasting rights to the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 as the streaming giant continues its push into live sports.
The deal announced Friday is the most significant FIFA has signed with a streaming service for a major tournament. The value was not given, though international competitions in women’s soccer have struggled to draw high-value offers.
“Bringing this iconic tournament to Netflix isn’t just about streaming matches,” its chief content officer Bela Bajaria said in a statement. “It’s also about celebrating the players, the culture and the passion driving the global rise of women’s sport.”
Netflix dipped into live sports last month with more than 60 million households watching a heavily hyped boxing match between retired heavyweight legend Mike Tyson and social media personality Jake Paul. Some viewers reported streaming problems, however.
Netflix also will broadcast two NFL games on Christmas Day: the Kansas City Chiefs at the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens at the Houston Texans. That’s part of a three-year deal announced in May.
World Cups are typically broadcast on free-to-air public networks to reach the biggest audiences, and the last women’s edition in 2023 earned FIFA less than 10 per cent of the men’s 2022 World Cup.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino had publicly criticised public broadcasters, especially in Europe, for undervaluing offers to broadcast the 2023 tournament that was played in Australia and New Zealand. That tournament was broadcast by Fox in the US
“This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game,” Infantino said.
The World Cup rights mark another major step in Netflix’s push into live programming. It’s recipe that Netflix has cooked up to help sell more advertising, a top priority for the company since it introduced a low-priced version of its streaming service that includes commercials two years ago. The ad-supported version is now the fastest growing part of Netflix’s service, although most of its 283 million worldwide subscribers till pay for higher-priced options without commercial.
But Netflix is still trying to sell more ads to boost its revenue, which is expected to be about USD30 billion. Netflix executives have predicted it might take two or three years before its ad sales become a major part of its revenue.
Netflix expects to spend about USD17 billion on programming this year — a budget that the Los Gatos, California, company once funneled almost entirely into scripted TV series and movies. But Netflix is now allocating a significant chunk of that money to sports and live events, a shift that has made it a formidable competitor to traditional media bidding for the same rights.
FIFA will likely use the Netflix deal to drive talks with European broadcasters that likely will be hardball negotiations.
Soccer finance expert Kieran Maguire, a co-host of The Price of Football podcast, suggested the deal was “a bit of a gamble” for FIFA and “saber-rattling” by Infantino.
“(Netflix) get experience of football broadcasting, FIFA can say, ‘we are now partnering with a blue chip organisation, so watch out you nasty Europeans,'” Maguire, an academic at the University of Liverpool, said in a telephone interview.
FIFA and Infantino also want to raise the price of broadcast deals to help fund increased prize money and close the gender pay gap on the men’s World Cup.
At the men’s 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 32 team federations shared USD440 million in prize money. For the women’s 2023 tournament, FIFA had a USD152 million total fund for prize money, contributions to teams’ preparation costs and payments to players’ clubs.
In FIFA’s financial accounts for 2023, the soccer body reported total broadcasting revenue of USD244 million. In the year of the men’s 2022 World Cup it was almost USD2.9 billion.
The next Women’s World Cup will be a 32-team, 64-game tournament in 2027, played in Brazil from June 24-July 25. The US originally bid jointly with Mexico.
The 2031 host has not been decided, though the US likely will bid for a tournament which FIFA is expected to try to expand to 48 teams. That would match the size of the 104-game format of the men’s World Cup that debuts in 2026 in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Spain won the 2023 Women’s World Cup after the US won the two previous titles — in France in 2019 and Canada in 2015.
More than 25 million viewers in the US watched the 2015 World Cup final, a 5-2 win over Japan, played in Vancouver, Canada, in a time zone similarly favorable to Brazil.
FIFA tried to sign Apple+ to an exclusive global deal to broadcast the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup which is being played in 11 US cities next June and July.
Broadcast networks showed little interest in the FIFA club event that will now be broadcast for free on streaming service DAZN, which is building closer business ties to Saudi Arabia.
Ahead of the next Women’s World Cup, Netflix will “produce exclusive documentary series in the lead-up to both tournaments, spotlighting the world’s top players, their journeys and the global growth of women’s football,” FIFA said.
