ABOVE & BELOW: Acting Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu during the special religious lecture; and Assistant Religious Officer from Islamic Da’wah Centre Muhammad Syahirul Syafiq bin Rashid delivers the lecture. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
Assistant Religious Officer from the Islamic Da’wah Centre Muhammad Syahirul Syafiq bin Rashid during a lecture touched on the importance of Maqasid Syariah (Objectives of Islamic Law) which emphasises on the preservation of intellect in accordance with sunnah and therefore is a gift from Allah the Almighty that must be maintained in instilling noble values and knowledge as commanded.
He said this during a special religious lecture titled ‘Memelihara Akal Berpandukan Sunnah Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wassallam’ or ‘Preserving the Mind Based on the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh)’ at a ceremony by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and its departments to commemorate Maulidur Rasul, the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) at the Banquet Hall of the PMO building.
The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by Ash-Shaliheen Mosque’s Mosque Affairs Officer Haji Mohammad Izzat Izzuddin bin Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Emran.
It proceeded with the reading of the verses of Al-Quran by a Higher Diploma student of ‘Aliyah Qiraat from the Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Zainal Mustapa bin Jaluddin.
The event proceeded with a Dikir Syarafil Anam led by the male dikir team of the Royal Brunei Police Force. Acting Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu was the guest of honour.
The event, organised by the Department of Energy at the PMO in collaboration with the Public Service Department and Brunei Research Department, is part of the PMO’s annual activities to celebrate the significance of Maulidur Rasul and seek syafaat (assistance) from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
The deputy minister, permanent secretaries, acting permanent secretary, acting deputy permanent secretary, special invitees, heads of departments and divisions, officers and staff of the PMO and its departments were also in attendance. – Azlan Othman
ABOVE & BELOW: Acting Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu during the special religious lecture; and Assistant Religious Officer from Islamic Da’wah Centre Muhammad Syahirul Syafiq bin Rashid delivers the lecture. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLIPHOTO: RAFI ROSLIThe attendees during the event. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
ABOVE & BELOW: The Royal Bees and the visiting Sri Lankan team in a group photo; and a Royal Bees member takes a selfie. PHOTO: JAMES KON
The Sri Lanka State Services Team arrived in the Sultanate yesterday to participate in training sessions and a seven-match test series, including two exhibition matches against the Royal Bees.
The exhibition matches are scheduled for October 4 at 3pm and October 5 at 9am, both to be held at the multipurpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex. Entrance is free for the matches. The Sri Lanka State Services Team comprises players who have represented Sri Lanka at the Netball World Cup and led by a former World Cup player and ex-president of the Sri Lanka Netball Association Trixie Jayantha Nanayakkara.
The team was welcomed by members of the Brunei Netball Association (BNA), the Royal Bees and National netball coach Thilaka Jinadasa.
In an interview, Trixie said, “I would like to thank the BNA, especially Thilaka, for inviting us. We were invited to play friendly matches with the Royal Bees, aimed at gaining exposure and experience. The visit will further strengthen the relationship between Brunei and Sri Lanka through sports exchanges.” She added, “This is not our first time visiting Brunei. The Sri Lanka netball team first came here in 2016.” Team captain Thilini Waththegedara expressed, “I look forward to sharing my experience with the Royal Bees and playing competitive matches.” Thilaka said, “The Royal Bees are preparing for the Asian Championship next month, and this test series will serve as valuable preparation for the team. Playing against a top Sri Lankan team will offer us invaluable experience.” – James Kon
National netball coach Thilaka Jinadasa and a Royal Bees member welcome the Sri Lankan team. PHOTO: JAMES KONABOVE & BELOW: The Royal Bees and the visiting Sri Lankan team in a group photo; and a Royal Bees member takes a selfie. PHOTO: JAMES KONPHOTO: JAMES KON
ABOVE & BELOW; Photos above show Tunas Jaya PGGMB School students during a performance. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
Tunas Jaya PGGMB School celebrated Teacher’s Day at its premises yesterday.
Over 130 students from kindergarten to Year 6 participated in the event. The celebration saw several performances to celebrate the teachers for their effort in supporting the students.
The event also saw a poem recitation by the students.
Principal Fazziah binti Kamis was present. – Daniel Lim
ABOVE & BELOW; Photos above show Tunas Jaya PGGMB School students during a performance. PHOTO: DANIEL LIMPHOTO: DANIEL LIM
Brunei Darussalam and Iraq under-20 national team players during their Group ‘H’ tie in the 2025 Asian Football Confederation Under-20 Asian Cup qualification. PHOTO: AFC
The Brunei Darussalam national under-20 team were humbled in a 15-0 to Iraq in their opening Group ‘H’ match in the 2025 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-20 Asian Cup qualification at the Buriram City Stadium in Buriram, Thailand yesterday.
Iraq under-20 midfielder Mustafa Nawaf and Aymen Luay were the stars of the show after scoring a hat-trick.
Mustafa bagged a treble in the opening half before his teammate Aymen emulated his exploits after the break to share the match ball.
The trio of Sidid Haji, Karrar Jaafar, Amoori Faisal bagged a brace with Halgwrd Qays and Ahmed Jasim also in the score-sheet. Brunei under-20 team defender Danish Firdaus scored an unfortunate own goal to add to his team’s wounds.
The Young Wasps will next face Thailand in their second group match tomorrow. – Fadhil Yunus
Brunei Darussalam and Iraq under-20 national team players during their Group ‘H’ tie in the 2025 Asian Football Confederation Under-20 Asian Cup qualification. PHOTO: AFC
Some of the tents set up during the retreat. PHOTO: GHB CAMPERS
Geng Healing Bergumbira (GHB Campers) organised a camp retreat dubbed ‘Healing Bergumbira’, in conjunction with the 34th Teacher’s Day celebration, at the Berakas Forest Reserve Campsite from September 21 to 23.
Twenty participants and their families, most of whom were teachers, joined the retreat.
The retreat aimed to celebrate Teacher’s Day through a fun and relaxing camping experience, fostering cooperation and strengthening bonds among participants, as well as appreciating the dedication of teachers by providing refreshing activities that revitalised both the body and mind.
The camp offered teachers and their families a break from their daily routines and allowed them to reconnect with nature while engaging in activities, including morning aerobics and brisk walk. – Fadley Faisal
The participants of the ‘Healing Bergumbira’ camp retreat in a group photo. PHOTO: GHB CAMPERSSome of the tents set up during the retreat. PHOTO: GHB CAMPERS
Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Ajman bin Haji Meludin; Deputy Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Governance) at the PMO Pengiran Haji Raffizanna bin Pengiran Haji Razali; and Director of Civil Service Institute Dr Hajah Noor Maya binti Haji Md Salleh as well as Adjunct Assistant Professor and representative from Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore Caroline Brassard in a group photo with the participants. PHOTO: IPA
Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Ajman bin Haji Meludin encouraged 25 participants of the 31st Executive Development Programme for Senior Government Officers (EDPSGO) to strengthen their leadership skills towards becoming leaders who are resilient, forward-thinking, and able to deal with growing challenges such as climate change.
He said this during the programme’s opening ceremony at the Civil Service Institute (IPA) yesterday.
Since its inception in 1996, this marks the second EDPSGO conducted and organised by the IPA in collaboration with Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore.
The 13-week programme aims to enhance participants’ leadership capabilities, analytical skills in the field of public policy and strategic management as well as stakeholder analysis and engagement. EDPSGO is a flagship programme under the Civil Service Leadership Pipeline (CSLP) initiative created to support Brunei Vision 2035 aspirations through the Institutional Development Strategy under the Public Service Framework.
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Governance) at the PMO Pengiran Haji Raffizanna bin Pengiran Haji Razali; and Director of IPA Dr Hajah Noor Maya binti Haji Md Salleh as well as Adjunct Assistant Professor and representative from Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore Caroline Brassard were present.
Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Ajman bin Haji Meludin; Deputy Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Governance) at the PMO Pengiran Haji Raffizanna bin Pengiran Haji Razali; and Director of Civil Service Institute Dr Hajah Noor Maya binti Haji Md Salleh as well as Adjunct Assistant Professor and representative from Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore Caroline Brassard in a group photo with the participants. PHOTO: IPA
Local cueists in a group photo. PHOTO: FADHIL YUNUS
Seven local cueists will compete in the Labuan 2024 Invitational Nine-Ball Tournament at the David’s Pool Labuan in Malaysia being held from today to September 29.
The cueists comprise Ahmad Taufiq Murni, Haji Muhammad Khairuddin bin Haji Hasnan, Haji Haironi Hamizin Haji Awang Salleh, Mohd Hamdi Hasnan, Awangku Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Haslini, Mohd Qusyairi bin Zainuddin and Razzi Salman Shariff.
The tournament will commence with the preliminary round with a double elimination format.
The knock-out matches will feature the last 48 players which will then be played down to a winner. – Fadhil Yunus
Local cueists in a group photo. PHOTO: FADHIL YUNUS
Walid Lachkar and Abel Wee Yuen Lim during the boy’s duilian ‘A’ event.
PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
Brunei Darussalam wushu exponent Walid Lachkar secured his country’s first medal in the 9th World Junior Wushu Championships after bagging silver in the Boy’s Changquan A event at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas yesterday.
The Sultanate’s medal hopeful amassed a total of 9.220 points behind China’s gold medallist Yanling Wang who recorded a total of 9.300 points.
Macau’s Man Lok Ip completed the podium with bronze after amassing a total of 9.206 points.
The silver medal represents another major honour to his collection for Walid in what has already been a fine season so far this year.
Last month, he secured a gold medal for his country in the Malaysian Games (SUKMA) to add to his bronze which he won days earlier. The internationally-diverse field comprised a total of 36 participants involving Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, United States of America, Egypt, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, France, Canada and Ukraine among others.
Meanwhile, his compatriot Abel Wee Yuen Lim was placed sixth in the boy’s nanquan ‘A’ event after amassing a total of 9.040 points.
China’s Zijian Fang took gold with 9.200 points while Malaysia’s Guan Sheng Sing settled with silver after totalling 9.126 points. Singapore’s Joel Ng claimed bronze after recording a total of 9.093 points.
Chairman of the 9th World Junior Wushu Championships Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan presented medals to the winners in the boy’s changquan ‘A’ event. – Fadhil Yunus
Walid Lachkar and Abel Wee Yuen Lim during the boy’s duilian ‘A’ event. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the athletes in action. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIPHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIPHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
Jaguar vehicles at the Indera Motors Sdn Bhd showroom. PHOTO: INDERA MOTORS SDN BHD
Indera Motors Sdn Bhd, the sole authorised retailer and service centre for Jaguar vehicles in Brunei Darussalam, has announced Jaguar’s global transition into an all-electric, ultra-luxury brand.
This transformation highlights Jaguar’s focus on modern luxury and sustainability.
Starting from October 7, Indera Motors showroom will no longer display Jaguar vehicles. The public will be informed once the new electric models are available in the Brunei market.
The showroom’s facade will also undergo changes to reflect this new direction.
Despite these changes, Indera Motors remains committed to providing top-tier service for all Jaguar vehicles.
As the only authorised service centre in Brunei, its JLR-trained technicians will continue delivering comprehensive aftersales services with the same level of expertise. “While change can sometimes be unsettling, Jaguar’s transformation into a fully electric brand marks an exciting new chapter.
“We encourage our clients and the public to embrace this era of luxury and sustainability, and we assure them that our commitment to exceptional service remains stronger than ever,” said General Manager of Indera Motors Alfred Yong.
Jaguar vehicles at the Indera Motors Sdn Bhd showroom. PHOTO: INDERA MOTORS SDN BHD
Tips on cutting expenses around shopping and groceries to help reduce your spending or increase your cash flow.
QUALITY VS QUANTITY
When it comes to shopping, sometimes consideration needs to be taken on whether one prefers quality over quantity. Buying higher quality items could equate to savings for the long run if you want the items to last you a longer period of time like a good pair of shoes, luggage, home appliances, good quality cook pots and so on.
In instances where you are planning to buy an item that is expected to last a while, it would be more advisable to save up for a better quality item that is still realistically within your goal to have.
Say for example, instead of a lower quality cookpot costing BND20, you could wait till you’d saved up enough to buy a BND60 cookpot instead. Items like these that are used often and for longer term are worth spending a little extra on as the quality will ensure that you get more mileage use out of the item as opposed to having to buy a new one sooner due to wear and tear.
Items that you could spend less on would be items whose quality would have less impact on how you need to use the item, for example, paper towels, tissues, dish washing liquids and so on. Balancing your need for quality over quantity could not only help you save for the long run but also contributes to quality of living as well.
PHOTO: ENVATOPHOTO: ENVATOPHOTO: ENVATO
LOCAL MARKETS VS SUPERMARKETS
When it comes to fresh local produce, local markets have the best offerings in terms of freshness and price. Larger families would benefit greatly from being able to buy larger quantities at local markets as opposed to buying the same items from supermarkets. With savings made from buying local, you could then spend on better quality foods that supermarkets like tinned foods, beverages and healthier snacks.
COLLECT STAMPS, COUPONS OR DISCOUNT CARDS
Some supermarkets have special offers on purchasing with stamps and these usually work out to be very good value offers on items that are of better quality. Look out also for special offers on items like toiletries that can work out to be quite expensive especially when you would like to use better quality goods.
Some shops also give out discount cards so if you are a regular shopper at a particular store, find out how you can get their discount card to save on your purchases at the shop.
UTILISE YOUR CREDIT CARD REWARDS POINTS
If you are a credit card user, use your credit card points to redeem for supermarket vouchers to redeem with your purchases. Rewards are given to you free when you use your credit card so all the better to use them before they expire.
MAKE A SHOPPING LIST
The next time you need to do your grocery shopping, make a list of the items you need.
With a physical list you will be more likely to stick to purchasing what you need and avoid loading your cart with items that you wouldn’t need. You could even go so far as to compare prices of between shops and make a note to purchase specific items from specific shops if the cost savings make sense.
DON’T SHOP WHEN YOU’RE HUNGRY
Always go shopping when you are full. Studies have shown that you tend to make more compulsive purchases on food items that you usually wouldn’t purchase because you were hungry. It also helps to keep you healthier so you wouldn’t be tempted to reach out for a candy bar.
LOOK FOR FREE SHIPPING ONLINE SITES
These days online shopping is alot easier and is fairly safe with online security measures as well as consumer protection measures. Look for online shopping sites that offer free shipping or free shipping over a certain purchase amount.
Bear in mind that certain items are taxable when received in country such as shoes, jewellery and some electronics so be sure to find out locally how much the tax is first before you collect your items.
SAVE UP FOR LARGE PURCHASE OR MAKE USE OF INSTALMENT PLAN OPTIONS
When it comes to furnishing your home, the cost of furniture can range far and wide. With items such as these with long term use, it is advisable to save up to buy the piece of furniture that you really want as opposed to buying a piece of furniture that just suit yours budget but ends up being something that you dislike over the years and therefore feel like replacing which would mean spending more money.
So in this aspect, again, quality over quantity should be considered.
This article is for general information purposes only and whilst the information in it is believed to be reliable, it has not been independently verified by us. You are advised to exercise your own independent judgement with the contents in this article. – Standard Chartered Bank
