Monday, October 7, 2024
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Brunei Town

Brunei’s coffee culture flourishes

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Jack Simpson during his visit for the Brunei Coffee Convention 2024. PHOTO: TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Jack Simpson from Axil Coffee, crowned recently the 2024 Australian Barista Champion by the Australian Specialty Coffee Association, visited Brunei Darussalam for the Brunei Coffee Convention 2024, in conjunction with International Coffee Day.

The annual event celebrates local and global coffee culture, bringing together coffee lovers, industry experts and international guests. Simpson’s attendance offered a unique chance for coffee enthusiasts to connect with a top barista.

During his trip, the two-time champion explored Brunei’s growing coffee scene via the Brunei Coffee Trail, featuring 50 top cafes near landmarks including the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque and mangroves.

Simpson said, “It’s been incredible to see how Brunei is embracing specialty coffee. The Coffee Trail is a fantastic way to promote local cafes and connect coffee culture with the country’s rich heritage and natural beauty.

“I’ve enjoyed visiting these cafes and discovering how local baristas are pushing the boundaries in coffee craftsmanship.”

His visit also strengthened ties between Brunei and Australia, a nation known for its exceptional coffee culture. Australia’s influence is helping to enhance the Sultanate’s hospitality industry and develop a more dynamic coffee scene, highlighting potential collaboration in coffee, tourism and hospitality between the two countries.

The initiative also promotes sustainable tourism by blending cultural appreciation with support for local businesses.

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Jack Simpson during his visit for the Brunei Coffee Convention 2024. PHOTO: TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
PHOTO: TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
PHOTO: TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

The ideal workout partner

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar in a group photo with the Boeffi team during the launch of the F1 ULTRA+. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI

Boeffi launched its latest fitness machine, the F1 ULTRA+, at the Brunei Run 2024 during Bandarku Ceria yesterday.

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar officiated the launch.

The F1 ULTRA+ is designed to revolutionise home workouts with advanced features, high performance, and ease of use.

It caters to all fitness levels, offering speeds up to 20 kilometres per hour and a 20-per-cent incline. Powered by a 2.0HP motor, it supports up to 140 kilogrammes (kg) and adjusts speed and incline to suit personal goals, making it ideal for anyone looking to improve their fitness.

With 29 programme modes, including 17 workouts and 12 challenges such as ‘Olympic Games’ and ‘Special Force’, users can stay engaged and motivated.

The 15.6-inch multimedia tablet provides access to Google, Netflix, YouTube and more, while Bluetooth, USB charging, and the FitShow app allow users to track progress. The F1 ULTRA+ emphasises safety with heart rate sensors, oxygen monitoring, anti-slip tread and an electronic control system. Its adjustable tilt and control panel offer easy customisation, and built-in lubrication ensures durability.

Designed for a professional home workout, it balances comfort and quality. Available in stores now, Boeffi continues to promote health and wellness.

For those looking to challenge themselves, the F1 ULTRA+ is the ideal workout partner. – Fadley Faisal

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar in a group photo with the Boeffi team during the launch of the F1 ULTRA+. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI

Religious events mark Her Majesty’s birthday

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar during the Doa Kesyukuran ceremony. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI

Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health (MoH) celebrated the birthday of Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam with a Doa Kesyukuran ceremony at Surau Nuurul ‘Inayah, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital yesterday.

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar was the guest of honour.

The ceremony commenced with the mass Maghrib and Sunnat Hajat prayers, led by Haji Mohd Emmarul bin Haji Azamain.

This was followed by the recitation of Surah Yaasiin and the Doa Kesyukuran to commemorate Her Majesty’s birthday, led by Head Religious Teacher of the Religious Services Unit at RIPAS Hospital Ahmad Syuja’iee bin Begawan Mudim Haji Metassim.

The ceremony concluded with the reading of Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Permanent Secretary at the MoH Haji Maswadi bin Haji Mohsin, along with heads of departments and staff from the ministry were also present at the event. – James Kon

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar during the Doa Kesyukuran ceremony. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
Guests at the ceremony. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI


Group of Wives of Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, and Affiliated members

A Khatam Al-Quran, Doa Kesyukuran and Sunnat Hajat prayers ceremony were held yesterday in conjunction with the birthday celebration of Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam. The ceremony was organised by the Group of Wives of Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, and Affiliated members (KI) at Dar Al-Intishar, Jerudong Sports Complex.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Sayyidul Istighfar and Surah Al-Fatihah, led by spouse of the Minister of Religious Affairs Datin Hajah Nahriah binti Haji Awang Asbi, who serves as Chairperson II of the Steering Committee and Head of the Religious Committee for the group. – Rokiah Mahmud

Spouse of the Minister of Religious Affairs Datin Hajah Nahriah binti Haji Awang Asbi at the ceremony. PHOTO: ROKIAH MAHMUD

The Brunei Darussalam Nurses Association (PENJURU)

A Khatam Al-Quran and Doa Kesyukuran ceremony was held yesterday at Al-’Afiah Hall, Ministry of Health (MoH), in conjunction with the birthday celebration of Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam. The event was organised by Brunei Darussalam Nurses Association (PENJURU).

In her welcoming remarks, PENJURU President Datin Paduka Hajah Suraya Noraidah binti Abdullah stated, “As the patron of PENJURU, Her Majesty has been a source of inspiration for all members. We express our sincere gratitude for Her Majesty’s support for the development of the nursing and midwifery profession, which enables us to provide excellent services to the community.”

Datin Paduka Hajah Suraya highlighted that PENJURU, as a professional body for nurses, midwives and all health workers registered with the Brunei Nursing Board, plays an important role in supporting the MoH’s objectives to deliver the best services to the community.

Some 40 PENJURU members participated in the ceremony, which was also attended by the acting director of nursing and nurses from all four districts. – James Kon

Participants at the Khatam Al-Quran ceremony. PHOTO: JAMES KON

Course highlights communication skills

Participants joining the Human Capital Development course. PHOTO: PDI

Asy-Syahadah Youth under the Youth Religious Programme Secretariat (PKB) organised a human capital development course at the Islamic Da’wah Centre (PDI), Ministry of Religious Affairs yesterday.

The course aimed to equip participants, known as Muallaf Icons, with essential skills for effective interaction as well as to enhance their understanding of emotional intelligence.

The course featured two sessions, which were ‘Effective Communication Skills’, led by Assistant Training Officer from the Civil Service Institute (IPA) Haji Noor Husseini bin Haji Mohd Hussein and ‘Wise Emotion Management’, delivered by Secretary-General of the KESAN Sarah binti Haji Abdul Mutalif. – Rokiah Mahmud

Participants joining the Human Capital Development course. PHOTO: PDI

Religious teachers join fun walk celebrating Teacher’s Day

Participants during the warm-up session at the fun walk yesterday. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN

Approximately 300 religious teachers from Brunei IV Zone joined a fun walk yesterday at Kampong Parit Recreational Park, Pengkalan Batu to mark the 34th Teacher’s Day celebration.

The 2.5-kilometre walk began with a warm-up session. Islamic Studies Officer of Brunei Zone IV at the Islamic Studies Department at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Hajah Mu’izzah binti Kefli was the guest of honour.

The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by a health talk in conjunction with the Mental Health Awareness Month by Acting Assistant Director of the People with Different Abilities Division (BOKU) at the Community Development Department of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Irnawati binti Haji Mahir.

The event also featured a lucky draw and a group photo session, aimed at fostering camaraderie and unity among the religious school teachers.

The event aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle as well as maintain the mental and physical well-being of the teachers, while appreciating their contributions under the Department of Islamic Studies, through the School Leaders Committee of Religious Schools of Brunei Zone IV. – Azlan Othman

Participants during the warm-up session at the fun walk yesterday. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN

Teachers, civil servants urged to uphold integrity

Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman during the Munajat night. PHOTO: MORA

The role of a teacher and civil servant should not be seen just as a job but as a noble responsibility, requiring sidq (honesty), trust and integrity, as demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who upheld truth even in difficult times, said lecturer at Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Centre for Islamic Studies (SOASCIS), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Dr Haji Muhammad Majdey bin Haji Zawawi.

He said this delivering a tazkirah during the 154th Munajat night on Saturday.

He added, “As teachers, we must lead by example with integrity, teaching honestly and sincerely, knowing we are accountable to Allah the Almighty for what we teach.

“A teacher’s responsibility is to guide students not just in knowledge but also in morals.

“For public servants, the responsibility is to serve the society with honesty and fairness.”

The Munajat night, organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), invited UBD’s Student Association president from the University Mosque Muhd Zulkhairi Jifli bin Jainudin to lead the recitation of Sayyidul Istighfar and Surah Al-Fatihah.

UBD’s Student Association members; Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah alumni members and students; Tahfiz and Qira’at students of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali; SOASCIS members; takmir committee members and congregants of Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Mateen Mosque in Kampong Mulaut, Kampong Mata-Mata Religious Hall in Gadong and 63 other mosques, suraus and religious halls nationwide; and the MoRA workforce participated.

The event also saw the recitation of Surah Al-Mulk, Doa Munajat, Selawat Tafrijiyyah and Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Munajat night invites the public to enhance their spiritual practices, seek forgiveness from Allah the Almighty, read Al-Quran verses and collectively pray for the Sultanate to be protected from calamities, disasters and diseases.

The public can participate virtually every Saturday night through the link: https://tiny.cc/munajatkheu, or https://www.facebook.com/pdi.kheu. – Azlan Othman

Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman during the Munajat night. PHOTO: MORA

Religious teachers’ walk promotes health, mental well-being

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show participants during a leisure activity for religious teachers at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium area in Berakas. PHOTO: JPI

The Islamic Studies Department (JPI), through the Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK) Division, held a leisure activity for religious teachers at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium area in Berakas yesterday.

The event commenced with a warm-up session, followed by a 1.5-kilometre walk.

The activity aimed to promote a healthy and active lifestyle and mental well-being, as well as strengthen ties between teachers.

JPI acting director Hajah Mariana binti Haji Jamil, as well as officials and teachers from secondary, primary, technical, vocational and private schools were present. – Azlan Othman

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show participants during a leisure activity for religious teachers at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium area in Berakas. PHOTO: JPI
PHOTO: JPI

Recognised for excellence

PHOTO: MDPMAMB

Some 37 tutors of Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College received the 100-per-cent Achievement Award, while eight received the Productivity Champion Leader Award during a Teacher’s Incentive Award Day on Saturday. – Azlan Othman

PHOTO: MDPMAMB

Down memory lane

PHOTO: HAJI MUSTAFA BIN HAJI AHMAD

Former students and teachers of Muhammad Alam Malay School and Anthony Abell College in Seria of the 1963-1966 intake held a reunion on Saturday, in conjunction with the 34th Teacher’s Day celebration.

Dato Haji Beelie Tengah, Haji Mustafa bin Haji Ahmad, Haji Karim Tuah and Hajah Sukarni binti Kadir were among those present. – Azlan Othman

PHOTO: HAJI MUSTAFA BIN HAJI AHMAD

Alumni celebrates Teacher’s Day with reunion

Muhammad Alam Primary School alumni cut a cake at the Teacher’s Day celebration at a café in Panaga Club, Seria. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM

Muhammad Alam Primary School alumni celebrated Teacher’s Day with a gathering at a café in Panaga Club, Seria on Saturday.

In his opening speech, celebration chairman Hassan bin Haji Masri welcomed former students and teachers from 1953 to 1988, allowing everyone to reminisce and share their experiences at the school.

“Though we’ve all grown and started our own lives and families, we’ve come together to not only rekindle old friendships but also honour the efforts of our teachers,” he said.

He also mentioned that the alumni visited the school in late September to donate to students in need and orphans, supporting the school’s mission.

Meanwhile, Sabtu bin Timbang, who taught at the school for two years, invited to share his memories of teaching, recalled his time and memories with his students and the school.

The event featured fun activities, including singing of ‘Guru Oh Guru’, a cake-cutting ceremony, and a lucky draw with prizes for attendees. – Daniel Lim

Celebration chairman Hassan bin Haji Masri delivers a speech. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
Muhammad Alam Primary School alumni cut a cake at the Teacher’s Day celebration at a café in Panaga Club, Seria. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM