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ROCBN records over 100 company withdrawals

Azlan Othman

Over 100 companies have withdrawn their registration from the Registrar of Companies and Business Names (ROCBN) from January until November period due to the COVID-19 pandemic impact.

This was announced by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah at the daily press conference yesterday.

Some 50 companies de-registered from ROCBN in the first and second quarter of the year, which is before the second wave of COVID-19 outbreak.

“We do not know the reasons why those companies de-registered. It could be that they are inactive,” the minister said.

“Statistics have also shown that in the third quarter (July to September) this year, over 10 companies have also de-registered. For October and November this year, some 61 companies have de-registered,” he added.

Figures for the third quarter of the year will be released soon, while figures for the fourth quarter has been monitored.

Despite losing a significant number of businesses, Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew said that the Sultanate recorded positive gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the non-oil and gas sector, especially in agriculture.

However, the oil and gas sector has shown a downward trend in the first and second quarter of the year.

The minister said, “The oil and gas sector is affected due to restrictions following COVID-19 pandemic, especially in manpower, thus affecting operations.

“With the nation in the early Endemic Phase and businesses starting to re-open, we hope to see encouraging recovery in the GDP growth.”

Meanwhile, over 240 companies have applied for wage subsidy during the second wave of COVID-19 outbreak. Out of the number, over 80 per cent or around 1,500 employees were granted approval for the wage subsidy, while the rest of the applicants did not meet the criteria.

The minister added that 426 individuals, who were affected with having to take unpaid leaves during restrictions, had been paid with some 480 applications were approved.

After almost two years, water park re-opens at Disney World

ORLANDO, FLORIDA (AP) – The big waves are returning to Walt Disney World.

The theme park resort said on Tuesday that it will re-open its Typhoon Lagoon water park after an almost two-year hiatus.

The water park closed in March 2020 as the coronavirus started spreading throughout the United States (US). While Disney World’s other theme parks re-opened in summer 2020 with virus safety protocols in place, the water park stayed closed.

Visitors to Typhoon Lagoon will be able to swim in its massive wave pool, slide down its water coaster and meander down its lazy river starting on Sunday.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse perform during a parade as they pass by the Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. FILE PHOTO: AP

Walk down memory lane for Class of ‘64

James Kon

Eleven members of Class of 1964 of Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) College walked down memory lane during their Alumni 64 Reunion at the college’s Class of ‘64 Library yesterday.

The attendees were Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin, Pengiran Indera Perkasa Pengiran Haji Hamdan bin Pengiran Haji Ismail, Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Ahmad bin Dato Paduka Matnor, Dato Seri Paduka Haji Eusoff Agaki bin Haji Ismail, Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Haji Sharbini bin Haji Sunggoh, Pengiran Datin Hajah Siti Mariam binti PRW Pengiran Haji Metussin, Hajah Noriah binti Haji Mohd Abbas, Hajah Nellie binti Dato Paduka Haji Sunny, Tan Mai Lin, Tan Chui Gee, Haji Nordin bin Dato Paduka Haji Wahab and Robert Lee Fook Ping.

The alumni reminisced fond memories, shared laughter and caught up on one another’s latest development. The ceremony started with a recitation of Tahlil, followed by a luncheon.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah are also members of Alumni 64 of SOAS College.

Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong is also part of the Class of ‘64.

The Class of ‘64 Library is a dedication from the Alumni of Form 4 Arts 1964 SOAS College to His Majesty on the occasion of His Majesty’s 60th birthday celebration. It serves as a leading library in providing information and resources relating to His Majesty.

The library features His Majesty’s gallery, books, journals, Class of ‘64 publications and other materials.

ABOVE & BELOW: A photo showing His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a group photo with the SOAS College Class of ‘64 in 2002; and alumni members viewing photos during the reunion. PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR

Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin and the alumni members during the reunion

Cases surge across Australia as Omicron explodes

SYDNEY (AP) – Coronavirus cases surged across Australia yesterday as an outbreak of the Omicron variant exploded, prompting Prime Minister Scott Morrison to schedule an emergency national Cabinet meeting.

The surge has already overwhelmed testing stations, prompted new vaccine mandates and caused at least one state to cut back on elective surgeries.

New infections in Sydney and surrounding parts of New South Wales state skyrocketed to more than 11,000, up from 6,000 a day earlier. Victoria state also reported a record 3,700 cases, up by more than 1,000 from the previous record set on Tuesday.

Morrison said the nation’s leaders would meet ahead of schedule today.

“As Omicron continues to go forward we will see further pressures, but states and territories are working very closely on their plans to deal with those challenges,” Morrison told reporters.

Cars line up at a drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic at Bondi Beach in Sydney. PHOTO: AP

He said he hoped the meeting would help give a clearer definition on what constituted a close contact and which tests should be used in different circumstances as case numbers ballooned.

Other states also reported surging numbers, with more than 1,500 new infections in Queensland, 1,400 in South Australia, 138 in the Australian Capital Territory and 55 in Tasmania. Queensland health officials said about 80 per cent of cases were the
Omicron variant.

Neighbouring New Zealand also reported its first case of possible community exposure to Omicron, when a returning traveller tested positive after leaving quarantine. However, health authorities said the traveller wasn’t considered highly infectious and there was no evidence yet of any community spread.

South Australia announced it would place limits on elective surgery and mandate vaccine booster shots for frontline healthcare workers.

State Premier Steven Marshall said South Australia would no longer be conducting screening tests for interstate travel because it doesn’t have the capacity.

“Omicron is moving too quickly,” Marshall said, adding that resources needed to be focused on the “very imminent” increase in hospitalisations.

More than three-quarters of Australians are fully vaccinated, and just how deadly the latest outbreak will prove remains to be seen.

Brunei drawn in Group ‘A’ in under-23 meet

Fadhil Yunus

The national football team will be expected to make their debut appearance in the upcoming Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-23 Championship 2022 following an official draw ceremony in Singapore yesterday.

The young Wasps are poised to meet Cambodia, Timor Leste and Philippines in Group ‘A’ while Group B pit Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia and Laos. Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore complete Group C.

Teams were ranked based on the previous edition of the tournament in 2019.

The premier tournament for under-23 national teams in Southeast Asia will see Cambodia play host for the second consecutive time from February 14 to 26 next year. Matches will take centre stage at the Morodok Techno Stadium and Prince Stadium.

Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (FABD) President Pengiran Haji Matusin bin Pengiran Haji Matasan said, “As a member of AFF, it is obligatory to participate in this tournament.”

He added, “It was earlier informed to all members that this tournament is used as a warm-up and trial for Cambodia hosting the Southeast Asian Games.”

AFF officials draw names for the groups in the upcoming AFF Under-23 Championship 2022. PHOTO: AFF

He said preparations had commenced and officials and players had been called up.

“However, with the current situation, it had thrown preparations into chaos to the extent that FABD had to withdraw from the Suzuki Cup.”

“While other teams are in full preparations, we are in a dilemma. We’ll keep trying to maximise whatever can be done.

He concluded, “We’ll do our best and we have to be realistic. Our players deserve more and let’s hope we can prepare and train properly.”

Meanwhile, AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth said, “In just over a month from now, the AFF Under-23s will kick off and fans in our region will again be on their toes cheering on their favourite national under-23 teams.

He added, “We are all eagerly looking forward to this exciting competition that will feature the region’s future stars.”

The president highlighted that the AFF Under-23 Championship will be a permanent fixture in the competition calendar.

“This age-group competition will complement the existing programmes of the Southeast Asian teams and help them prepare for key competitions including the Olympics, Asian Games and SEA Games.”

AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth and AFF Vice President Dato’ Sri Francisco Kalbuadi Lay conducted the draw.

37 students complete Al-Quran virtual programme

Azlan Othman

A total of 37 students of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) completed the ‘Quranic Journey: Quranic Mates’ programme for the first intake held for three months from September 19.

The ‘Quranic Journey: Quranic Mates’ programme is jointly organised by the Spirituality and Community Service Unit (UKKM), Student Affairs Division (HEP) and the Religious and Spiritual Executive Alumni (EKK Alumni), UBD.

It is an initiative to train prospective Al-Quran mentors comprising UBD students to cover the shortage of mentors faced every year, and indirectly help students instill a habit of reading Al-Quran.

Two workshops were also organised by EKK Alumni during the three-month period to further strengthen participants’ knowledge. The first workshop, a Tajwid workshop titled Al-Fatihah Basic Clinic was presented by Najib Latif from Al-Muyassar Group on October 13.

The second workshop, a communication workshop titled VaQcine, was presented by a certified speaker from the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) Muhammad Yadiy bin Haji Mat Yassin on November 21.

The workshops aimed to make full use of time during the pandemic by reciting Al-Quran, and bridging ukhuwah among participants and the facilitator.

An appreciation ceremony was held on December 19, attended by Religious and Spiritual Officer at UKKM HEP UBD Dayangku Siti Norainul Fathni binti Pengiran Haji Tajuddin.

EKK Alumni chairman Muhammad Azib bin Alias expressed hopes that the programme has showed participants how to appreciate and love Al-Quran.

Participants during the programme. PHOTO: UKKM HEP UBD

Liverpool beaten by Leicester after Salah’s penalty miss

LEICESTER, ENGLAND (AP) – Liverpool lost 1-0 at Leicester in a big blow to its Premier League title hopes after Mohamed Salah missed a first-half penalty early yesterday.

Ademola Lookman’s 59th-minute goal consigned Liverpool to its second loss in the league – and in all competitions this season – and left the Reds six points behind leader Manchester City after 19 games of the 38-round season.

City, riding a nine-match winning run in the league, could be 12 points clear of Liverpool by the time Jürgen Klopp’s team next plays, at Chelsea on January 2.

A big turning point in the game came when Salah had a penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel in the 16th minute after he had been tripped by Wilfred Ndidi.

The Egypt forward had converted his previous 15 spot kicks in the league.

Sadio Mane also missed a big chance in the 55th when played clean through on goal by Diogo Jota’s pass and, four minutes later, substitute Lookman glided between Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk and fired a shot inside the near post.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah reacts after missing a chance to score from penalty. PHOTO: AP

It was the only shot on target by Leicester, which started with a midfielder in Ndidi and a reserve midfielder/full back in Daniel Amartey as an emergency center-back partnership amid a defensive crisis.

Leicester had also played two days earlier, in a 6-3 loss at Man City, while Liverpool was fresh after its match against Leeds – scheduled for the same day – was postponed.

“It is so hard to put it into words – to play Manchester City and Liverpool within 48 hours… It’s an absolutely heroic performance,” said Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers, who used to coach Liverpool.

“We knew we’d have to defend well at times but we knew we could play football as well. An amazing result for us with everything we’re going through against one of the best teams in the world.”

Klopp said too many of his players delivered performances “below normal level”.

“It was a very strange game,” Klopp said. “We were just not good enough. We still had enough chances. What we did with the balls was just not right. We played a really bad game, so it was well deserved (for Leicester).”

Brunei-India ties special, says outgoing envoy

Lyna Mohamad

The ties between India and Brunei Darussalam is special and the Sultanate plays an important role in strengthening India’s relationship with ASEAN, particularly from 2012 to 2015 when Brunei was the country coordinator for India.

This was said by Indian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Ajaneesh Kumar during a farewell lunch hosted the Indian High Commission in Brunei Darussalam at a restaurant in Gadong.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Health were present at the event.

The diplomat – leaving Brunei next month at the end of his three-year tenure – also shared highlights of bilateral ties and cooperation between both nations, particularly in defence and economy.

The high commissioner said, “The mission has taken some initiatives to strengthen our economic engagements. To help develop collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector, the mission is in contact with both Indian and local pharmaceutical companies to facilitate linkages including investments in the sector.”

Indian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Ajaneesh Kumar speaks during the farewell lunch. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD

He also noted that culture plays an important role in bringing the people from both the countries closer. He endeavoured to foster closer cultural relations between the two countries and increase people to people linkages.

Citing an example, the Indian High Commission has opened registration for the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) Quiz – taking place from January 1-31, 2022 – for all nationals between 16-35 years.

Registration can be made through www.akamquiz.in and the mission encourage participation from Brunei in the spirit of bilateral relations between the Sultanate and India.

Amrit Mahotsav is a series of cultural events and digital initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India’s independence and was launched by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in March this year, exactly 75 weeks before the 75th anniversary of India’s independence on August 15, 2022.

Celebrations during the Amrit Mahotsav will be inspired by the five pillars of ‘freedom struggle’; ‘achievements at 75’; ‘ideas at 75’; ‘actions at 75’; and ‘resolves at 75’ as the guiding force.

Following the launch, the high commission here has been organising various events including blood donation campaigns, beach cleaning drive, free health camp, book donations and painting competition.

China urges US to protect its space station from satellites

BEIJING (AP) – China is calling on the United States (US) to protect a Chinese space station and its three-member crew after Beijing complained that satellites launched by Elon Musk’s SpaceX nearly struck the station.

A Foreign Ministry spokesman accused Washington on Tuesday of ignoring its treaty obligations to protect the safety of the Tiangong station’s three-member crew following the July 1 and October 21 incidents.

The Tiangong performed “evasive manoeuvers” to “prevent a potential collision” with Starlink satellites launched by Space Exploration Technologies Corp., the government said in a December 6 complaint to the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

The US should “take immediate measures to prevent such incidents from happening again,” said the spokesman Zhao Lijian.

Zhao accused Washington of failing to carry out its obligations to “protect the safety of astronauts” under a 1967 treaty on the peaceful use of space.

The American Embassy in Beijing didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Musk also is chairman of electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla, Inc. The company opened its first factory outside the US in Shanghai in 2019.

The Tiangong, however, is a prestige project for the ruling Communist Party, making it unlikely Beijing would tolerate disruption even by a major foreign investor in China.

The main module of the Tiangong was launched in April. Its first crew returned to Earth in September following a 90-day mission. The second crew of two men and one woman arrived on October 16 for a six-month mission.

SpaceX plans to launch some 2,000 Starlink satellites as part of a global Internet system to bring Internet access to underserved areas. In its 34th and latest launch, SpaceX sent 52 satellites into orbit aboard a rocket on December 18.

SpaceX owner and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. PHOTO: AP

Vietnam’s growth slides to new 30-year low

HANOI (AFP) – Vietnam reported economic growth for 2021 of just 2.58 per cent yesterday, beating a 30-year low set last year as the pandemic continues to take a toll.

The communist state has long been a success story among Asian economies, posting growth of seven per cent in 2019.

But shutdowns caused by coronavirus have battered the export-reliant economy, sending gross domestic product (GDP) growth plunging to 2.91 per cent in 2020 – the lowest reported in three decades.

The General Statistics Office (GSO) in Hanoi said fourth quarter growth was at 5.22-per-cent, but the annual figure was dragged down by a contraction of 6.02 per cent in the third quarter.

“The complicated situation of the Covid-19 pandemic since the end of April seriously impacted commercial and service activities… pulling down the growth of the service sector and the whole economy,” GSO said in a statement.

For at least three months, almost the entire country was in complete lockdown, with a huge impact on production, supply chains and businesses.

GSO Head Nguyen Thi Huong gave an upbeat gloss, saying that achieving even the modest growth under such difficult circumstances was a “huge success” in remarks reported by state media.

Vietnam is now trying to re-open by shifting away from its strict “zero-covid” policy. Around 88 per cent of adults in Vietnam have been fully vaccinated, the country’s Health Ministry said.

Employees working at a factory belonging to Maxport Vietnam in Hanoi. PHOTO: AFP
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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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