Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam officials in a group photo. PHOTO: BIBD
Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) re-opened its Gadong branch to enhance the banking experience for its customers.
The upgraded branch now offers financing, credit card applications, account opening, and other related services, in addition to 24-hour access to self service machines such as automated teller machines, cash deposit machines, and cheque deposit machines.
BIBD Deputy Managing Director II Irwan bin Haji Lamit officiated the branch re-opening.
The re-opening of the Gadong branch is a testament to BIBD’s ongoing efforts to bring financial services closer to the public, ensuring that everyone can access essential banking services with greater ease. The community-centric approach reaffirms BIBD’s dedication to supporting the financial well-being of all customers.
It also highlights BIBD’s commitment to service excellence, accessibility, and providing greater convenience to members of the public. With a focus on improving customer experience, the newly reopened branch is designed to cater to the evolving needs of its clients by offering comprehensive suite of services.
BIBD Deputy Managing Director I Hajah Noraini binti Haji Sulaiman along with senior management and staff of BIBD were also in attendance.
Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam officials in a group photo. PHOTO: BIBD
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 and Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abaang Johari Tun Openg in a group photo with the signatories and the signed documents.
PHOTO: YEAB
The Young Entrepreneurs Association of Brunei (YEAB) and the Sarawak Entrepreneur Association (SEA) formalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday at Pavo Point, Kianggeh, marking the inauguration of the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office (STATOB) in Bandar Seri Begawan.
“The signing of this MoU underscores a shared commitment to enhancing business opportunities and strengthening ties in trade and tourism between the two regions,” the YEAB said in a press release.
“This partnership is expected to create a platform for entrepreneurs from both Brunei and Sarawak to collaborate, exchange ideas, and develop mutually beneficial initiatives in various sectors, including tourism, trade, and investment.” YEAB was represented by its assistant secretary Awangku Abdul Azim bin Pengiran Yusof, who also stood in for YEAB President Goh Chai Li.
SEA was represented by its president Khairulnizam Mohamed Khalid.
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 and Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abaang Johari Tun Openg were present at the ceremony.
“This collaboration will open up significant opportunities for young entrepreneurs to share experiences, knowledge, and best practices in building a more dynamic and innovative entrepreneurial community,” Khairulnizam Mohamed Khalid said.
He added, “SEA is always committed to providing a platform for young entrepreneurs in Sarawak, and through our partnership with YEAB, our entrepreneurial agenda will be further strengthened with various joint projects and initiatives.”
He also highlighted the importance of networking and mentorship in the development of young entrepreneurs.
“Through this collaboration, we hope to offer better support and opportunities for our members to maximise their potential, especially in a global economy that is increasingly challenging.”
Meanwhile, the YEAB said, “The establishment of STATOB in Bandar Seri Begawan is expected to further enhance collaboration between Brunei and Sarawak, particularly in terms of trade and tourism, while this MoU serves as a catalyst for future joint projects and entrepreneurial initiatives between YEAB and SEA.”
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 and Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abaang Johari Tun Openg in a group photo with the signatories and the signed documents. PHOTO: YEAB
Standard Chartered Bank is participating in the Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2024, which ends tomorrow, at Booth 27 at the Arena Hall, Indoor Stadium, Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.
In conjunction with the travel fair, Standard Chartered is offering exclusive promotions and discounts for its Visa and Mastercard Credit Cardholders during the event. Standard Chartered Visa and Mastercard Credit Cardholders who purchase air tickets or travel packages during the fair will be eligible for upfront discounts.
The first 25 who spend a minimum of BND1,000 in a single receipt at Freme Travel Services Sdn Bhd today, and at Pan Bright Travel Service Sdn Bhd tomorrow, will receive an immediate discount of BND100 at the point of purchase.
Additionally, Standard Chartered credit cardholders who spend a minimum of BND500 in a single receipt at any participating travel agency during the fair will be eligible for one instant lucky dip, with prizes including vouchers and exclusive merchandise. Head of Retail Products and Digital Aisah Razali said, “We’re delighted to be part of the Sabre Brunei Travel Fair and provide our credit cardholders unparalleled financial flexibility but also bring unmatched value to our customers with exclusive benefits, rewards and security features that enhance their experiences.”
Standard Chartered is also running a promotion for new credit card applicants, in which successful application, activation and spending of their new credit cards will be entitled to an SC luggage bag, limited to the first 300 clients.
New SC credit card holders will also be entitled to a four-year annual fee waiver.
Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan attaching the rank insignia on an RBAF senior officer at a promotion ceremony yesterday. Nineteen officers of the RBAF were promoted to higher ranks at the Officers’ Mess, Bolkiah Garrison. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
With the consent of 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, 19 senior officers of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) have been promoted.
RBAF Commander Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan presented the insignias at the Officers’ Mess, Bolkiah Garrison yesterday. The ceremony saw four officers promoted to the rank of Substantive Colonel/Captain (RBN); one officer climbed the rank Substantive Lieutenant Colonel; and 14 officers promoted to Acting Lieutenant Colonel/Commander (RBN).
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof was also present at the ceremony. – Rokiah Mahmud
Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan attaching the rank insignia on an RBAF senior officer at a promotion ceremony yesterday. Nineteen officers of the RBAF were promoted to higher ranks at the Officers’ Mess, Bolkiah Garrison. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIABOVE & BELOW: Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof; and attendees at the event. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIPHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIABOVE & BELOW: Royal Brunei Armed Forces Commander Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan presents insignias to the senior officers. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIPHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIPHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIPHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIPHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIPHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
ABOVE & BELOW: Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Haji Mohammad Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim during the 14th Pejuang Fajr programme; and a group photo of female attendees. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
Some 150 people attended the 14th Pejuang Fajr programme, organised by the Da’ie Youth Volunteer Body, with the support of the Youth Religious Programme Secretariat at the Islamic Da’wah Centre (PDI) at the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Silver Jubilee Mosque yesterday.
The programme began with the Sunnat Tahajjud prayer followed by the Subuh prayer.
A tazkirah, ‘Akhlak Rasulullah, Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin’, was presented by Mosque Affairs Officer Pengiran Ahmad Faris Ramadhani bin Pengiran Haji Sellahuddin.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Haji Mohammad Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim attended the programme. Acting Director of Mosque Affairs Haji Amir Hisham bin Haji Masri, Acting Village Head of Kampong Kilanas and Village Head of Kampong Tasek Meradun and Kampong Bunut Hussaini bin Haji Mohsin and PDI Assistant Director Haji Ahmad Abdussalam bin Haji Abdul Rahman were also present.
The objective of the programme was to enhance the role of youth religious preachers within a youth organisation. – Azlan Othman
ABOVE & BELOW: Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Haji Mohammad Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim during the 14th Pejuang Fajr programme; and a group photo of female attendees. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMANPHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
An individual spotted disposing used woods in Kampong Dadap, Kilanas. PHOTO: JASTRE
An individual found disposing used wood in Kampong Dadap, Kilanas recently was fined BND1,000 by the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe).
The fine was issued under the Miscellaneous Offences Act (Amendment) 2021, where the individual has seven days to pay the fine or face court action. If convicted in court, the fines will range from BND1,000 to BND3,000 for the first offence, and up to BND9,000 or six months in prison for repeat offences.
The public can report about littering via the Darussalam hotline 123 or JASTRe’s hotline. The department urged everyone to help keep the environment clean. – Daniel Lim
An individual spotted disposing used woods in Kampong Dadap, Kilanas. PHOTO: JASTRE
The national netball team Royal Bees and the Sri Lanka State Services netball team in a group photo. PHOTO: FADHIL YUNUS
The national netball team enhanced their preparations ahead of their participation in the Asian Netball Championships (ANC) with a morale-boosting 66-52 victory over the Sri Lanka State Services netball team at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex yesterday.
The national team, also popularly known as the Royal Bees, showed neat exchanges between wing attack Zuraidah and either of both goal shooter Nurhafizah and goal attack Nur Ady Elzza.
The Sri Lanka-based team threatened to run away with the score-line as goal attack Dulanga demonstrated her strength when they led 9-6 but the Bruneians levelled the tie.
The visitors eventually closed the first-quarter 17-14 but Royal Bees showed their clinical finishing as they successfully overturned the deficit.
The Sri Lanka State Services team are currently in the Sultanate as part of a match series hosted by the Brunei Netball Association (BNA). The match series aims to prepare the national netball team in skill adaptability, mental resilience and overall performance by simulating diverse competitive environments and challenging scenarios.
The national netball team Royal Bees and the Sri Lanka State Services netball team in a group photo. PHOTO: FADHIL YUNUS
It also helps strengthen the relationship between Brunei Darussalam and Sri Lanka especially through the sport of netball.
The Royal Bees have been recently boosted with the return of head coach Thilaka Jinadasa, who took over the helm from Nurhafizah who then returned in the playing roster.
The 13-day series features a total of seven friendly matches held at multiple venues including police headquarters stadium, Tutong Sports Complex and Mumong Court as well as a few training sessions across Brunei.
Brunei, who finished sixth in the previous edition in Singapore and are ranked sixth according to Asia Netball, will look to better their ranking.
Prior to the start of the exhibition match, President of BNA Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Hajah Wan Shahlimar binti Haji Suhaili presented tokens of appreciation to partners and sponsors.
Permanent Secretary (Community) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari; Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Poh Kui Choon; and Director of Youth and Sports Department Hajah Umi Kalthum binti Haji Abdul Karim were present during the event.
The national netball team are scheduled to play their final match against the Sri Lanka State Services team today. – Fadhil Yunus
French Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Eve Lubin and Alliance Française de Brunei Darussalam President Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah in a group photo with the recipients of the Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française. PHOTO: JAMES KON
Twelve individuals on Thursday received their Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française (DELF) from the Alliance Française de Brunei Darussalam (AFBD) after passing their French language proficiency examination.
The ceremony took place at the official residence of French Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Eve Lubin in Kota Batu.
The ambassador congratulated the recipients of the diploma.
She added that the DELF certificate is an acknowledgement of their dedication to improve their proficiency in French language.
Several DELF recipients shared their insights on the benefits of learning French and how it can open new career opportunities.
Muhammad Aniq Najwa bin Ariffin from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) said, “After receiving the certificate, I am more motivated to learn more about the French language and expand my teaching opportunities. If I can achieve a B2 level in the DELF diploma, I can become a French language teacher.”
He added, “I enjoy French because it complements English well. It’s an easy language to learn, and I have a passion for acquiring new knowledge, even though I am majoring in Mathematics at UBD.”
He recalled his high school experience, saying, “I learnt French from a Bruneian teacher with valid certifications. At UBD, I found a module allowing me to enroll in the French language class from levels one to six. If I can complete level six, I will be able to attain a minor in my degree.” He noted, however, that pronunciation can be challenging: “While many English words are similar to French, they often sound fancier.”
His advice for others interested in learning French is clear, “If you have a passion for learning French, go for it. It’s not a waste of time. Learning another language can significantly expand your job opportunities.” Meanwhile, Valerie Chui Moi Shang, who works in healthcare, shared her enthusiasm for the French language, saying, “Learning French is a hobby for me, and I believe it can expand my opportunities in my field of work. English is usually the first language, followed by French. Knowing the language can enhance my career prospects.” She added, “Learning French is not hard if you have interest. It’s enjoyable, so I don’t feel stressed.”
Expressing her joy upon receiving the DELF diploma, Valerie stated, “I am very happy and motivated to pursue the next level of the DELF. I continue to learn by listening to French music and reading French books and articles.” Her advice for those starting to learn French is, “Learning a new language like French can broaden your horizons and enhance your skills.”
The DELF is a recognised qualification that certifies the French language proficiency of non-native speakers, highlighting the importance of linguistic and cultural exchange.
AFBD President Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah and Alliance Française Director Guillaume Graff were present.
The Alliance Française looks forward to nurturing more language enthusiasts with upcoming courses and events aimed at promoting French language and culture in the community. – James Kon
French Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Eve Lubin and Alliance Française de Brunei Darussalam President Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah in a group photo with the recipients of the Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française. PHOTO: JAMES KONABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the ambassador presenting the diploma to recipients. PHOTO: JAMES KONPHOTO: JAMES KONPHOTO: JAMES KONMuhammad Aniq Najwa Bin Ariffin receiving his certificate from the French AmbassdorValerie Chui Moi Shang and her husband
What strikes me as strange is how many companies are looking for young candidates with a vast amount of work experience. A 25-year-old university graduate would not have the opportunity or the time to accumulate that level of work experience. Not only do these positions demand the newly-employed to hit the ground running, the salary is measly at best.
But judging from the current job market, it is not surprising that these companies are trimming the fat in the back of jobseekers’ desperation. With universities churning out more and more graduates each year, the market is simply not robust enough to accommodate them. Every job opening seems to attract hundreds of applicants. More often than not, hardly anyone qualifies, because what the company would be looking for is someone under the age of 30 with a Bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of relevant work experience.
I recently spoke with a friend in recruitment, who complained that most young people lack work ethics. I can’t help but wonder how much of it is because today’s youth are naturally ‘lazy’ and not due to a portion of companies doing away with training and support in an attempt to cut costs. Companies are concerned about their bottom lines, which is fair. The last thing they want is to hire a person, train them up only to have them move to a green pasture. Yet, without training, employees are left learning the ropes on their own and getting called out when things go sideways. It surely can’t be good for the morale, especially if they are also making minimum wage.
The question becomes: when these companies post up a job opening, do they know how unrealistic their expectations are? Or are they purposely squeezing as many responsibilities as they can into the role in the hope of finding someone desperate enough to accept it, despite the entry-level wage?
For the economy to flourish, the country needs a skilled workforce. A person who works for a company that invests in their staff has more skills and experience than one who has simply been left to work blindly. I fear that the no-training policy would soon become a norm, and very soon, there would be no one left with any discernible skills.
As the world moves towards cleaner energy solutions, Brunei must not be left behind. Electric vehicles (EVs) represent an essential step in the global transition to sustainable transportation.
With zero tailpipe emissions, EVs help to reduce air pollution, improve public health and contribute to the fight against climate change, an issue that increasingly impacts all nations, including Brunei.
While EVs offer long-term economic and environmental benefits, their higher upfront costs remain a barrier for many. This is where government intervention, in the form of subsidies, becomes critical. By offering subsidies for EV purchases, the authorities can incentivise citizens to adopt this cleaner technology, speeding up the transition away from fossil-powered vehicles. Such subsidies would not only make EVs more affordable for the average consumer, but also demonstrate the national commitment to environmental sustainability.
Moreover, investing in EVs aligns with our goals of diversifying its economy and reducing its reliance on oil. As global oil demand shifts, fostering a domestic EV market would position us as a leader in clean energy, attracting investment and creating new economic opportunities. It is time for the country to drive towards a greener, more sustainable future by supporting the adoption of EVs.
