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Signing, award ceremony for Chancellor’s Scholar

Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh witnessing the exchange of the Chancellor’s Scholar 2024/2025 between Universiti Brunei Darussalam Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle and Dayangku Siti Nurkhairina binti Pengiran Metusin. PHOTO: JAMES KON
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 consented to award the Chancellor’s Scholar for the 2024/2025 academic session to outstanding student Dayangku Siti Nurkhairina binti Pengiran Metusin.
 
Dayangku Siti Nurkhairina is a First Class Honours graduate from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) with a Bachelor degree in Usuluddin, majoring in Tafsir and Hadith and minoring in Information and Communication Technology. She also holds a Master of Usuluddin with Distinction where her research focus was on Tafsir and its development in Brunei Darussalam.
 
She was also the Vice-President II of the UNISSA Student Representative Council (2017/2018) and has led various other student development programmes under the council.
 
The signing and award ceremony for the Chancellor’s Scholar took place at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) yesterday.
 
Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, the guest of honour, presented the award certificate to Dayangku Siti Nurkhairina.
 
Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh witnessing the exchange of the Chancellor’s Scholar 2024/2025 between Universiti Brunei Darussalam Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle and Dayangku Siti Nurkhairina binti Pengiran Metusin. PHOTO: JAMES KON
UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle signed on behalf of UBD with the minister as the witness, for the Chancellor’s Scholar recipient who will pursue a career as a university academic at UBD upon completing her studies.
 
Acting Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education Dr Chin Wei Keh was also present.
 
The Chancellor’s Scholar is a prestigious scholarship awarded annually to outstanding youth with genuine interest in pursuing careers in academia at UBD.
 
The holders of the scholarship will receive education at the graduate level, up to a PhD at first-class universities worldwide.
 
Scholars will be nurtured with personal development programmes, mentorship and placements with academics at UBD and overseas. The Chancellor’s Scholar was first introduced in 2012. To date, 15 students have received the award. – James Kon

Scholar to pursue PhD in Jordan

Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh presents the Chancellor’s Scholar 2024/2025 award to Dayangku Siti Nurkhairina binti Pengiran Metusin. PHOTO: JAMES KON

Dayangku Siti Nurkhairina binti Pengiran Metusin, the recipient of the Chancellor’s Scholar for the 2024/2025 academic session, will be pursuing a PhD in Quranic Exegesis (Tafsir) and Sciences (Ulum Al-Quran) at the University of Jordan.

Her field of study is relevant to Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), where she will contribute to contemporary Islamic studies at the Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Centre for Islamic Studies.

In an interview, the 26-year-old said, “I hope to study more about Quranic Exegesis, especially on mental health and Al-Quran, to help address mental health issues in the country. My passion for Quranic Exegesis came from my background in Arabic school, where I developed an interest in Tafsir and how Al-Quran relates to lifestyle and situations.”

She also shared her excitement about receiving the award, “When I heard the news, I was really excited but now feeling a bit nervous as there are many responsibilities ahead. I will do my best to graduate with excellent results.”

Dayangku Siti Nurkhairina expressed gratitude to her parents, siblings and friends for their support, and thanked 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 UBD for trusting her to become a Chancellor’s Scholar and pursue further studies. – James Kon

Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh presents the Chancellor’s Scholar 2024/2025 award to Dayangku Siti Nurkhairina binti Pengiran Metusin. PHOTO: JAMES KON

Permanent secretary calls for regional cooperation

Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad in a group picture with senior officials from the MoE and Universiti Teknologi Brunei during the Asia-Pacific Digital Talent Summit 2024 in Nanning, China. PHOTO: MOE

Fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within Asia-Pacific, through sharing best practices, innovative solutions and lessons learned can accelerate progress for the region, said Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad.

He said this in a keynote address during the Asia-Pacific Digital Talent Summit 2024 in Nanning, China on Monday.

The permanent secretary shared the MoE’s effort in advancing its digital transformation by focusing on nurturing digital talent and aligning its education system with global trends. He also highlighted key efforts by the education sector that support the Sultanate’s Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to create a skilled workforce and foster leadership in the digital economy.

“The establishment of active platforms for collaboration between academic institutions, industry partners and governments across the region will not only enhance the region’s digital capabilities, but also ensures a collective effort in developing a digitally skilled workforce that can drive sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific,” he added.

The summit, themed ‘Commitment to Youth Empowerment for the Future’, was organised by Huawei, in partnership with the ASEAN Foundation and the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO).

It marks the beginning of an initiative that brought together over 140 selected youth from the region for a one-week tour in China, to gain insights on China, digital learning and today’s key technologies.

The summit gathered policymakers, industry leaders and academicians to celebrate the participants and highlight the importance of nurturing young talent to unlock the region’s digital potential.

Senior officials from the MoE and Universiti Teknologi Brunei accompanied the permanent secretary. – James Kon

Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad in a group picture with senior officials from the MoE and Universiti Teknologi Brunei during the Asia-Pacific Digital Talent Summit 2024 in Nanning, China. PHOTO: MOE
Dr Haji Azman delivers a keynote address. PHOTO: MOE

Saudi embassy hosts reception to mark 94th National Day

Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman with Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Mohammed Abdullah Al-Buraithin during a reception to mark Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day yesterday. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI

The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Brunei Darussalam hosted a reception at Tarindak D’Polo in Kampong Jerudong to mark Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day yesterday.

The reception commenced with the national anthems of Brunei Darussalam and Saudi Arabia, followed by the recitation of Al-Quran verses by Ahmad Mufrih Azzawani bin Haji Mohd Zainul Arifin Lubis.

A highlight of the event was a video showcasing Saudi Arabia’s haj and umrah pilgrim programme, part of its Saudi Vision 2030 plan, along with the Saudi Green Initiative, Riyadh Expo 2030 and Saudi 2034, where the country will host the FIFA World Cup in 2034.

Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Mohammed Abdullah Al-Buraithin welcomed the guests. Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman was the guest of honour, representing the government 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. The minister’s spouse Datin Hajah Nahriah binti Haji Awang Asbi was also present. – Azlan Othman

Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman with Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Mohammed Abdullah Al-Buraithin during a reception to mark Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day yesterday. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show attendees at the reception. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI

Wushu promotes solidarity and sport diplomacy, says minister

Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid delivers a speech at the welcoming dinner yesterday. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI

Wushu is more than just a martial arts sport. It is a bridge that connects cultures, fosters understanding and promotes solidarity and sport diplomacy, said Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid.

He said this during a welcoming dinner last night, in conjunction with the 9th World Junior Wushu Championships.

“Over the next few days, we will witness the performance of the athletes which is a reminder that despite of our backgrounds, differences and culture, we all share a common passion and purpose; which is to be united in diversity through sport,” the minister added.

The minister also highlighted that the event serves as an opportunity for collaboration among stakeholders in the sports community to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.

He also acknowledged the athletes as an inspiration and ambassadors of peace and unity, showcasing the potential of sports to transcend borders while building lasting friendships.

Meanwhile, Wushu Federation of Brunei Darussalam President Lim Boom Hwa, in his welcoming speech, noted that the event marks the second time Sanda has been competed in Brunei Darussalam since the federation’s founding in 2003.

“We are grateful to the International Wushu Federation (IWUF) for entrusting us with hosting the 9th World Junior Wushu Championships, the biggest wushu event Brunei Darussalam has ever organised.”

He further added, “Under the guidance and assistance of IWUF and support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council and other government agencies, the federation has progressed steadily and smoothly.”

The event also saw the minister presenting souvenirs to the team leaders of the 50 participating countries.

The 9th World Junior Wushu Championships marks the second time the Sultanate has hosted an international event on the wushu calendar. The country hosted the 10th Asian Junior Wushu Championships in 2019.

The world meet at junior level involves the participation of 313 boys and 188 girls, marking a 37 per cent participation of female athletes in the field of play.

The competition will begin today following an opening ceremony until September 29 at the Indoor Stadium, Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex and the Multi-purpose Hall, Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex. – Fadhil Yunus

Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid delivers a speech at the welcoming dinner yesterday. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
ABOVE & BELOW; Photos show the minister presenting souvenirs to team leaders. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show wushu athletes at the welcoming dinner. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI

Blood donation drive collects 64 pints

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show donors during the blood donation drive at GHK Motors Sdn Bhd Beribi showroom yesterday. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI

Sixty four pints of blood were collected during a blood donation drive at GHK Motors Sdn Bhd Beribi showroom yesterday.

The event was organised in collaboration with Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital Blood Donation Centre.

The event aimed at raising awareness on the need for donors and to encourage individuals to consider becoming regular blood donors.

Educational material were also provided, and representatives from RIPAS Hospital were on hand to answer questions and share information on the blood donation process and its impact.

“We extend our gratitude to staff members from RIPAS Hospital for their professionalism and support. Their expertise and commitment played a crucial role in ensuring a smooth operation,” said GHK Motors Director Jake Goh, who led his staff members to donate blood.

“GHK Motors believes in the importance of community engagement and social responsibility. This blood donation drive is part of our ongoing efforts to contribute positively to the health and well-being of the community. We look forward to organising more events in the future,” he added. – Lyna Mohamad

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show donors during the blood donation drive at GHK Motors Sdn Bhd Beribi showroom yesterday. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI

One pint at a time: Donors share their blood donation journey

ABOVE & BELOW: Mohd Azizi bin Haji Awang Ariffin; Amaliah binti Haji Narudin; Junny bin Bulat; Pengiran Hasminor bin Pengiran Hashim; Sullvina binti Sirul; and Ahmad Adamat at the blood donation drive at GHK Motors Sdn Bhd Beribi showroom yesterday. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI

It was an amazing show of support from not only the management and staff of GHK Motors Sdn Bhd but also public servants and the public who took time out to donate blood.

GHK staff member Mohd Azizi bin Haji Awang Ariffin marked his second time replenishing the blood stock for Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital’s blood bank.

Initially he was a bit sceptical but was encouraged by his colleagues to donate blood as it not only save lives but is also beneficial to his well-being. “After the donation, I have made it a point to donate as long as I am fit and capable. For those who have never donated out of fear of needles or others, push that fear away and give it a try for once, you will know how good the after feeling is.”

“Fifty-eight-year-old Jamaliah binti Haji Narudin from the Municipal Department has been an active blood donor, having donated a total of 17 times to date.”

“One positive change is that, unlike before when you had to wait six months to donate blood again, you can now donate every three months.

“This allows me more opportunities to help save lives. I hope more people will come out to support this initiative, wherever it may take place.”

Junny bin Bulat, a 44-year-old self-employed Malaysian, has been actively donating blood since 2022 and has made a total of seven donations. His blood donation journey started when he visited a blood donation campaign at a shopping mall, and since then, he has become an active donor.

He applauded GHK Motors’s active engagement in blood donation drives and hopes they can organise it more frequently.

Junny also called on the community to come forward and donate. Pengiran Hasminor bin Pengiran Hashim has been working with GHK Motors for the past 17 years. However, he was only able to participate after a few years with the company upon realising the demand of blood supply needed for critical patients shared through the social media.

Since then, he has started donating blood and has made over 10 donations.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of,” said Pengiran Hasminor, who added that living in fear of needles will prevent one from ever experiencing the benefits of donating blood.

He also expressed that the sense of satisfaction from knowing that a pint of blood will go to someone in need is invaluable.

Public servant Sullvina binti Sirul, who is working at the Treasury Department, shared this was her first experience donating blood.

“Thankfully I passed the health screening and I was a bit nervous. I felt a sense of relief once I got through and I am definitely going to donate again,” said Sullvina.

Meanwhile, Sales Manager Ahmad Adam mentioned that in addition to the company’s corporate social responsibility, the initiative aims to highlight the importance of health screenings and check-ups among employees.

It also helps them identify which blood types are needed or in short supply through their Bloodkad app. – Lyna Mohamad

ABOVE & BELOW: Mohd Azizi bin Haji Awang Ariffin; Amaliah binti Haji Narudin; Junny bin Bulat; Pengiran Hasminor bin Pengiran Hashim; Sullvina binti Sirul; and Ahmad Adamat at the blood donation drive at GHK Motors Sdn Bhd Beribi showroom yesterday. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI

Visit strengthens legal cooperation

ABOVE & BELOW: Brunei Darussalam Arbitration Centre (BDAC) Chairman Radin Safiee bin Radin Mas Basiuni in a group photo with Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Paul Lam SC; and Brunei Darussalam Supreme Court Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong with Lam during the visit. PHOTO: BDAC & SUPREME COURT

Brunei Darussalam Arbitration Centre (BDAC) Chairman Radin Safiee bin Radin Mas Basiuni received a courtesy call from Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Paul Lam SC on Monday.

Accompanying Lam were officers from the Department of Justice (DoJ), Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Matters on exploring potential areas of cooperation between BDAC and the Department of Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) on promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Brunei Darussalam and Hong Kong were discussed during the courtesy call.

Both parties also discussed capacity-building in legal and dispute resolution, to increase the numbers of local arbitrators through collaborations with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) and other established institutions.

BDAC Board of Directors and management were also in attendance. The visit concluded with an exchange of gifts between the two parties, followed by a group photo session.

Meanwhile, Brunei Darussalam Supreme Court Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong also welcomed Lam during his first working visit to the Sultanate on Monday.

Lam’s visit came in the wake of a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) signed between the Brunei Darussalam Supreme Court and the Hong Kong DoJ in May 2023. The landmark agreement, signed in Hong Kong, seeks to enhance collaboration between the two jurisdictions, particularly in dispute avoidance and resolution.

During the meeting, both the Brunei chief justice and the Hong Kong secretary for justice reiterated their commitment to advancing the goals of the MoC. They discussed further opportunities for cooperation aimed at developing robust dispute avoidance and resolution mechanisms within Brunei and Hong Kong SAR.

The visit, along with the signing of the MoC, underscores the longstanding relationship between Brunei and Hong Kong SAR. It also highlights the growing economic, trade, and cultural ties, reinforcing their shared commitment to fostering a harmonious legal and economic environment.

The visit by Lam and his delegation marks another step in strengthening the strong relationship between the two regions, with legal cooperation taking centre stage as both sides work to enhance mutual benefits in law. – Azlan Othman & Fadley Faisal

ABOVE & BELOW: Brunei Darussalam Arbitration Centre (BDAC) Chairman Radin Safiee bin Radin Mas Basiuni in a group photo with Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Paul Lam SC; and Brunei Darussalam Supreme Court Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong with Lam during the visit. PHOTO: BDAC & SUPREME COURT
PHOTO: BDAC & SUPREME COURT

Two companies fined BND2K each for improper rubbish disposal

ABOVE & BELOW: The improperly disposed rubbish. PHOTO: BRUNEI-MUARA DISTRICT OFFICE

The Licensing and Enforcement Division, Brunei-Muara District Office fined two companies in Kampong Serasa and around Pekan Muara BND2,000 each for the improper disposal of rubbish in public places. Business owners, managers and individuals are reminded not to take the offences lightly and are urged to pay the fines and clean up the area.

The failure to pay will result in the case being brought to court under the Miscellaneous Offences Act (Amendment 2021).

If convicted, a penalty of no more than BND3,000 will be imposed for an individual, while for companies no more than BND30,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 12 months or both. – Azlan Othman

ABOVE & BELOW: The improperly disposed rubbish. PHOTO: BRUNEI-MUARA DISTRICT OFFICE
PHOTO: BRUNEI-MUARA DISTRICT OFFICE

Freight company manager sentenced to two years in jail for corruption

PHOTO: ENVATO

The High Court yesterday sentenced a 55-year-old permanent resident to 24 months in prison, following the reversal of his acquittal on corruption charges. The decision came after an appeal by the Public Prosecutor against the initial ruling of the Senior Magistrate’s Court on September 11.

Chin Chee Vun, who was the General Manager of Sivli Logistics Sdn Bhd at the time, is convicted of instigating his subordinate to bribe a Customs inspection officer in the Royal Customs and Excise Department, Ministry of Finance and Economy, in October 2021.

The bribe was intended to induce the officer to overlook violations concerning Customs declarations. Judicial Commissioner Haji Abdullah Soefri bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, who handed the sentence yesterday and presided over the appeal earlier, ruled that the Senior Magistrate’s findings in the original trial were against the weight of the evidence presented. Deputy Public Prosecutor Hajah Rozaimah binti Haji Abdul Rahman successfully argued that the Senior Magistrate had erred in both law and fact by misinterpreting the charge and failing to adequately consider the prosecution’s evidence. The court was reminded that Chin’s subordinate had already pleaded guilty in July 2022 to offering a BND20 bribe to the Customs officer at the Muara Port Customs Guardhouse. The subordinate was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, reduced from 12 months due to mitigating factors.

The High Court found that Chin’s defence of a “bare denial” lacked credibility in light of the evidence against him.

The prosecution emphasised that corruption erodes trust in public institutions, damages the economy and harms society at large. Severe penalties serve not only as a deterrent but also send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated and those involved will face significant consequences. This was reflected in the court’s sentence. – Fadley Faisal

PHOTO: ENVATO