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Manassero looks to cap career revival in Dubai; McIlroy eyes season-ending title

Rory McIlroy. PHOTO: AP

AP – Matteo Manassero quit golf five years ago at the age of 26, tormented by a sport which gave him so many highs but was no longer making him feel happy.

On Sunday, he could punch a ticket to play across the Atlantic on the lucrative PGA Tour and be back in the big time, where so many think his game belongs.

The 31-year-old Italian will look to cap his career revival this week by becoming one of 10 players from the European tour to be eligible to claim dual membership and a PGA Tour card for the 2025 season.

The season-ending World Tour Championship starts tomorrow in Dubai and only an unlikely turn of events will deny Rory McIlroy from being crowned as the European tour’s best player for a sixth time, leaving him two off Colin Montgomerie’s record haul.

There will be more suspense elsewhere, though, notably in that race for those PGA Tour cards – a structural tweak created in 2022 in the wake of the so-called strategic alliance between the European tour and PGA Tour in the face of mounting pressure from the breakaway LIV Golf series.

The presence of Manassero in the 10-man list, as it stands, only elevates the interest levels.

Blessed with a smooth swing and a deft touch, Manassero was a golfing prodigy, winning the British Amateur in 2009, the silver medal at the British Open for low amateur the same year, and also becoming number one amateur in the world.

By 2013, he’d won four events on the European tour – including the BMW PGA Championship, the flagship event on the tour, to move into the world’s top 25.

Then came the career dip, which plunged him into self-doubt and ultimately retirement – albeit for only a few months while he assessed where to go with his life. He eventually decided to give golf another go, beginning his rebuild on the lowly Nordic Golf League and the Alps Tour, which is on the third tier of European golf.

His talent shone through and last year he sealed a return to the European tour, with a win at the Jonsson Workwear Open in March being universally celebrated in the golf fraternity.

That helped to put him in a strong position to claim the end-of-season bonus of a PGA Tour card, and he headed to Dubai in fifth place among non-exempt players, behind Thriston Lawrence, Rasmus Hojgaard, Paul Waring – the winner in Abu Dhabi last week – and Niklas Norgaard.

Jesper Svensson, Thorbjørn Olesen, Rikuya Hoshino, Sebastian Söderberg and Jordan Smith make up the list, though the tour says any non-exempt player in the 50-man field can, statistically, break into the top 10.

Robert MacIntyre is living proof of how life-changing that can be. He was one of the 10 to claim a PGA Tour card after last year’s World Tour Championship and he has blossomed, winning two big PGA events – the Canadian Open and the Scottish Open – and rising to a career-high 15th in the world in August. He is number 16.

Rory McIlroy. PHOTO: AP
Matteo Manassero during a practice round for the men’s golf event at the 2024 Summer Olympics. PHOTO: AP

Global shares mostly decline, shrugging off Wall Street’s rally

Currency traders at the foreign exchange dealing room of the KEB Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. PHOTO: AP

TOKYO (AP) – Global shares mostly fell yesterday, despite a rally on Wall Street in stocks seen as benefiting the most from Donald Trump’s reelection as United States (US) president.

France’s CAC 40 declined 0.9 per cent in early trading to 7,358.92, while Germany’s DAX fell 0.8 per cent to 19,296.75. Britain’s FTSE 100 shed 0.7 per cent to 8,066.66. US shares were set to drift higher with Dow futures slipping nearly 0.1 per cent to 44,412.00. S&P 500 futures fell less than 0.1 per cent to 6,028.25.

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 reversed early gains to decline 0.4 per cent and finish at 39,376.09, weighed down by uncertainty about how Trump’s policies, including tariffs, may affect local industries.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.1 per cent to 8,255.60. South Korea’s Kospi declined 1.9 per cent to 2,482.57.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 2.8 per cent to 19,846.88, the first time the index fell below 20,000 points since China announced a stimulus package in September. The Shanghai Composite lost 1.4 per cent to 3,421.97.

Several pieces of what’s known as the ‘Trump trade’ has helped drive the market, as investors try to identify which companies will be winners under a second Trump term.

Stocks of companies more focused on the US economy were also rising because they’re seen as benefiting more from Trump’s America First policies than big multinational companies.

In energy trading, benchmark US crude rose 17 cents to USD68.21 a barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, gained 20 cents to USD72.03 a barrel.

Currency traders at the foreign exchange dealing room of the KEB Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. PHOTO: AP

His Majesty sends congratulatory message to Japan

PHOTO: FREEPIK

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 has consented to send a congratulatory message to Prime Minister of Japan Shigeru Ishiba on the occasion of his re-appointment as the Prime Minister of Japan recently.

PHOTO: FREEPIK

Brunei’s history explored at book festival

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show students participating in activities at the Brunei Book Festival 2024. PHOTO: BRUNEI HISTORY CENTRE

In a bid to further enliven the atmosphere of Brunei Book Festival 2024, the Brunei History Centre (PSB) hosted a History Exhibition and Quiz, alongside the Brunei History Musical Theatre: Sultan Bolkiah.

The activities aimed to promote an appreciation of history across all levels of society through various engaging mediums.

The History Exhibition and Quiz at Surambi Budaya during the festival, offered visitors a chance to participate in interactive quizzes about Brunei’s history, presented in multiple-choice format.

A key highlight was the exhibition on the Brunei State Constitution 1959, showcased digitally from the latest book published by the PSB, Brunei State Constitution 1959: Dalam Ristaan.

Additionally, visitors had the opportunity to explore historical sites in Brunei Darussalam through virtual reality.

The Brunei History Musical Theatre: Sultan Bolkiah, performed on the main stage, told the story of the glorious era of Sultan Bolkiah, the fifth Sultan of Brunei. The collaboration with Lakap Lagor Entertainment and Services adapted the story from the PSB’s book Sultan Bolkiah.

The initiatives aim to enhance public understanding and appreciation of Brunei’s rich history, fostering deeper engagement with the nation’s cultural heritage. – Fadhil Yunus

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show students participating in activities at the Brunei Book Festival 2024. PHOTO: BRUNEI HISTORY CENTRE
PHOTO: BRUNEI HISTORY CENTRE
A performance at the festival. PHOTO: BRUNEI HISTORY CENTRE

Certificate ceremony celebrates students’ hard work

Sabli Food Industries (B) Sdn Bhd Manager Haji Mohd Nooh bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Dinda Haji Saman with teachers and students in a group photo. PHOTO: DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOLS

A certificate presentation ceremony was held at Sufri Bolkiah Secondary School to recognise students who completed the packaging of spices for Sabli Food Industries (B) Sdn Bhd.

Manager of Sabli Food Industries (B) Haji Mohd Nooh bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Dinda Haji Saman, the guest of honour, presented certificates of participation to nine students from the BTEC Programme and one student from the Pre-Vocational Programme. Certificates of appreciation were also awarded to the BTEC and Pre-Vocational Programme teachers.

In her speech, Principal of Sufri Bolkiah Secondary School Krestina binti Haji Daud expressed gratitude to Sabli Food Industries (B) and the Department of Schools for their ongoing collaboration on the packaging project since 2015.

Krestina also presented a token of appreciation to Haji Mohd Nooh for his contribution to the project.

Officers from the Department of Schools at the Ministry of Education (MoE), the Special Education Department, deputy principals, teachers, members of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), and students’ families were also present.

Sufri Bolkiah Secondary School is the second government secondary school to participate in the initiative.

Sayyidina Abu Bakar Secondary School, Sufri Bolkiah Secondary School, Katok Secondary School, and Pengiran Isteri Hajah Mariam Secondary School are currently involved in the project. 

Sabli Food Industries (B) Sdn Bhd Manager Haji Mohd Nooh bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Dinda Haji Saman with teachers and students in a group photo. PHOTO: DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOLS

Students gain insights at ASEAN mobility programme in Singapore

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show students receiving certificates during the NYP-ROK TVET ASEAN Mobility Programme. PHOTO: KIGS

Three students from the Faculty of Information Technology at Kolej International Graduate Studies (KIGS) participated in the NYP-ROK TVET ASEAN Mobility Programme in Singapore from October 9 to November 6.

The experience has left a lasting impact on Asyura Fadhilah binti Mohammad Jefry, Mechelle anak Begal and Muhammad Haziq Zulfadli bin Othman’s academic and professional development.

The trio collaborated with peers from ASEAN member countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia and Brunei to explore the integration of business and information technology.

The diverse interaction broadened their understanding of how technology supports modern business solutions.

Industry visits to CWT, IMPixel, and Belive provided real-world insights, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how leading organisations leverage technology to enhance operations and tackle business challenges.

The visits reinforced the practical applications of their coursework.

The programme also included modules on Business Process Engineering and Design Thinking, sharpening the students’ problem-solving abilities. Emphasising creative and analytical thinking, the sessions prepared the participants to address real-world challenges effectively.

The cultural diversity of the programme enhanced their adaptability and intercultural competence, making the experience even more enriching.

Reflecting on the programme, Asyura Fadhilah, speaking on behalf of the group, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. She highlighted how the programme equipped them with knowledge, lasting friendships, and a renewed commitment to contributing meaningfully to their communities. – Lyna Mohamad

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show students receiving certificates during the NYP-ROK TVET ASEAN Mobility Programme. PHOTO: KIGS
PHOTO: KIGS
PHOTO: KIGS

Families bond at beach fiesta

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Kampong Lambak Youth Association PERBEKAL President Pengiran Haji Nordin bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud with members and their families at the event. PHOTO: PERBEKAL

Green House (Kitang Fish) emerged as the overall champion at the Kampong Lambak Youth Association (PERBEKAL) Family Beach Fiesta, a family bonding event organised by the PERBEKAL for its members and their families at Muara Beach on Sunday.

The event saw over 100 members and their families participating in a day filled with sports and leisure activities.

Besides strengthening family ties, the event aimed to offer a relaxing weekend activity in line with the theme ‘My Family, My Future’.

With a focus on a clean environment, three huts were decorated according to each group’s creativity.

Members were divided into three house teams: Green House (Kitang Fish), Blue House (Bebatik Fish), and Red House (Grouper Fish).

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Kampong Lambak Youth Association PERBEKAL President Pengiran Haji Nordin bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud with members and their families at the event. PHOTO: PERBEKAL
PHOTO: PERBEKAL
PHOTO: PERBEKAL

A lineup of 20 activities was organised, catering to senior citizens, youth leaders, youth and young children.

PERBEKAL President Pengiran Haji Nordin bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud, the guest of honour, launched the programme and presented prizes to the winners.

The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and a Doa led by Permanent Chairman Haji Zakaria bin Haji Liman, followed by a competition briefing by Deputy President Pengiran Mahari bin Pengiran Haji Md Tahir, who also chaired the organising committee.

Executive committee members Pengiran Jofri bin Pengiran Haji Zaidi, Siti Seriana binti Haji Mohd Yusof, and Pengiran Abd Aziz bin Pengiran Haji Md Tahir were present. – Lyna Mohamad

Fun for all at Family Day

Brunei-Muara District Senior Citizens Activity Centre members during an activity. PHOTO: PKWE

More than 80 families gathered at the Community Hall in RPN Kampong Lambak Kanan for the third annual Family Day celebration organised by the Brunei-Muara District Senior Citizens Activity Centre (PKWE).

PKWE Manager Haji Mohd Yussof bin Mohd Salleh officiated the event, which was also attended by community leaders and former centre managers, including RPN Kampong Lambak Kanan Area 2 Village Head Haji Omar bin Haji Sapar, along with former PKWE managers Haji Hambali bin Haji Tengah and Haji Hussin bin Haji Yussof.

The event began with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by a light exercise session led by Haji Amit bin Burut, creating a lively atmosphere.

A range of traditional and recreational games were organised by PKWE’s Sports Committee to engage participants of all ages, aiming to strengthen family bonds and promote community cohesion.

The morning session offered games for different age groups, including ball and ring toss challenges for men, bottle fishing and ping pong activities for women, and partner events for couples such as three-legged races and vegetable-peeling contests. Children enjoyed colouring and motor-skill games like marble-in-bottle.

The day concluded with a lucky draw and an awards ceremony, with prizes presented by the PKWE manager and assistant manager. – Lyna Mohamad & Fadley Faisal

Brunei-Muara District Senior Citizens Activity Centre members during an activity. PHOTO: PKWE

Malaysian seniors savour Brunei’s heritage

Senior citizens from Selangor, Malaysia during the tour. PHOTO: HAMDAN HAJI ABU

A group of 20 senior citizens from Selangor, Malaysia, visited Brunei Darussalam last week as part of a senior citizens’ tour package.

The tour, which also included stops in Miri, Sarawak offered participants a two-day exploration of Brunei’s rich cultural and historical sites.

The group visited prominent attractions such as the historic oil well monument in Seria, the Brunei Museum, Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah and the Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Bridge.The seniors also enjoyed a boat ride along the Brunei River, experiencing the unique mangrove ecosystem and visiting Kampong Ayer.

The group was also introduced to ambuyat, a traditional Bruneian dish.

In addition to the capital, the group explored the Muara, Belait, Tutong, and Temburong districts, joining Friday prayers at Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah.

The visit concluded with souvenir shopping before they continued to Miri, Sarawak, via the Sungai Tujoh Immigration Control Post in Kuala Belait. – Fadley Faisal

Senior citizens from Selangor, Malaysia during the tour. PHOTO: HAMDAN HAJI ABU

Over 100 join Big Kem Family Run

Head of Youth and Sports at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Haji Mohamad Mariswanddy bin Haji Omar in a group photo with the participants. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM

More than 110 runners nationwide took part in a family outing at the Big Kem Family Run on November 10 held at the Mumong Sports Complex in Kuala Belait.

The event aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle, strengthen family bonds and foster community spirit through an inclusive running event for all ages.

The run featured three categories, including a 10-kilometre (km) and a 5km run, offering challenges for both seasoned runners and families alike.

Additionally, a 2km fun run was held as part of the event.

Head of Youth and Sports at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Haji Mohamad Mariswanddy bin Haji Omar, the guest of honour, presented prizes and medals to the top three runners in the 5km and 10km categories. – Daniel Lim

Head of Youth and Sports at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Haji Mohamad Mariswanddy bin Haji Omar in a group photo with the participants. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
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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.

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