Minister of Religious Affairs heaps praise Islamic College (BB-14/5/07)

The Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Hj Awg Md Zain Hj Serudin praised Brunei Islamic College for their enormous efforts to empower students in ensuring they performed practical religious duties diligently and put a deeper emphasizes on Arabic language studies. However, a comprehensive goal must begin at root levels and limitations should not become a hindrance by working out collectively between pertinent agencies, the minister pointed out.

Pehin Dr Ustaz Hj Md Zain at the event

The remarks was made during the minister’s working visit to the college in Tutong on Saturday (12/5/07) to seek the knowledge how far the students have achieved in performing the practical obligations and the effectiveness of Arabic language studies taught at the college.

In her address, the principal of the college, Ustazah Hjh Omi Hj Md Noor highlighted the achievements of PSR, PBM, SPUB and O ‘level’ examinations which showed a significant increase in the number of passes every year.

She is also happy to note that the students’ performance have been very encouraging every year although some shortcomings are still prevalent such as a lack of parental support and transportation. In Arabic language studies, there is a growing tendency students began to value Arabic speaking language by making it a habit to practice Muhadasah (informal daily conversation).

To facilitate deeper understanding of the importance of Arabic language among students, workshops, seminars and visits are being held periodically supported by relevant government agencies, she added.

Accompanying the minister is the Deputy Permanent Secretary, Dato Paduka Hj Ishaaq Hj Abdullah and other senior officials of the ministry. Later, the minister toured several classes before rounding off the working visit with a luncheon and perform a noon prayer at the college’s surau.

SMMHT bags futsal titles (BB-9/5/07)

Muda Hashim Secondary School Tutong (SMMHT) bagged both honors in a futsal tournament for schools and colleges for Tutong District. SMMHT captured the medals in Category B (below 15 years) and Category C (16-17 years) by beating the opposing teams from Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Secondary School. It was held at Tutong Sports Complex on Tuesday (8/5/07).

In Category B, the score has to be settled in extra time when both teams were deadlocked at 2-2 in normal time and the final score line stood at 3-2 in favor of SMMHT. Meanwhile in Category C, the game was evenly contested and both teams played quick counter attack leaving their defenses caught off guard. At half time, SMMHT scored two goals and the game was over when SMMHT scored the third against RIPAS Secondary School in the final minutes of the game to claim the title.

Medals were presented by the chief guest, Cikgu Ali Haji Ismail, Acting Assistant Director of Co-curriculum Education Department, Ministry of Education.

The tournament is organized by the Department of Co-curriculum Education and coordinated by Brunei Islamic College. Nine teams representing schools and colleges in the Tutong District took part in the tournament. SMMHT will represent Tutong District for Zone 3 in the final later.

Cikgu Ali presenting a medal to SMMHT

Sekolah Menengah Muda Hashim juara pertandingan Futsal (MP-8/5/07)

TUTONG, Selasa – Sekolah Menengah Muda Hashim Tutong (SMMHT) menjuarai pertandingan Futsal Sekolah-Sekolah Menengah dan Maktab-Maktab Zon 3 bagi Daerah Tutong yang berlangsung di Kompleks Sukan Daerah Tutong petang tadi.

SMMHT menggondol 2 kejuaraan iaitu dalam kategori B bagi mereka yang berumur 15 tahun kebawah dan Kategori C bagi lingkungan umur 16-17 tahun dengan menewaskan lawan masing-masing dari Sekolah Menengah Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS).

Dalam perlawanan akhir itu, SMMHT (Kategori B) berjaya mengalahkan Sekolah Menengah RIPAS dengan gol kemenangan dijaringkan dimasa tambahan setelah terikat dengan jaringan 2-2 dalam masa sebenar untuk menjadikan kedudukan akhir 3-2. Manakala, SMMHT (Kategori C) menang mudah terhadap lawan mereka juga dari Sekolah Menengah RIPAS dengan jaringan 3-0.

Hadiah-hadiah disampaikan oleh tetamu kehormat, Pemangku Penolong Pengarah, Jabatan Pendidikan Kokurikulum, Kementerian Pendidikan, Cikgu Ali Haji Ismail diakhir pertandingan. Pertandingan dikelolakan oleh Mahad Islam Brunei Tutong yang menyaksikan penyertaan sembilan buah sekolah dan maktab di Daerah Tutong. Para pemenang akan mewakili Daerah Tutong diperingkat akhir dalam kategori masing-masing yang akan diadakan kemudian.

SMMHT menjaringkan gol ketiga dalam Kategori C

Dialogue brings constructive ideas and suggestions (BB-7/5/07)

THE rapid changes in global business growth have seen co-operatives entity transforms and diversifies their activities to a whole new concept and different approach. Gone are the days when co-operatives are limited to traditional type of activities and they now have taken their strides to new heights in business undertakings to remain sustainable. Co-operatives should be proud of their achievements notably in hotel industry, fisheries, agricultures, transportation and filling station.

This was highlighted during a speech by the Acting Minister of Industries and Primary Resources, Dato Paduka Haji Hamdillah Haji Abd Wahab at a dialogue ceremony with co-operative board of directors’ members which was held at BINA headquarters in Gadong on Saturday (5/5/07).

Dato Hamdillah presidng over the dialogue

He added, co-operative sector in Brunei Darussalam has been recognized as the third most important engine of growth after the public and private sectors in Brunei’s national economy. Therefore, Brunei will continue to undertake efforts to making co-operatives more competitive and grow them into a real and significant contributor to national economy.

To realize this objective, co-operatives must not let their rearguards down by equipping and adapting to the ever changing business. Continuous learning process must be in the minds of every single co-operative to ensure they are fully prepared and proactively adapted to changes. In this context, he pointed out, the Government of His Majesty is continuously supporting co-operatives and SMEs with priority is given to bumiputeras to ensure an effective participation in national economic activities.

In this regards, he said the ministry is lending support for several financial loan scheme, infrastructures, industrial lands, training and education as well as overseas visit offered to both co-operatives and entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, BINA have taken an initiative in stressing the underpinning importance of adhering to laws governing the co-operatives, updated account statement, enhanced co-operative understanding and stick to core principles which must be managed professionally like any other global corporations. Forming strategic alliances with foreign establishments is another area of growth that will lead up to entrepreneurship and business expansion, the acting minister added.

An atendee posing a question (standing)

On the establishment of Brunei National Co-operative Federation (BNFC) which will be launched this year, it would unify and guide all co-operatives from various activities into one united national movement. As an apex organization for co-operatives movement in Brunei, BNFC will champion the aspirations and rights of the movement, propagate co-operative concepts and principles amongst co-operators and Brunei in general through educational programs as well as to assist the development of co-operatives.

A number of subjects were raised during the dialogue in areas of financial support, licensing matters, competitiveness and management issues as well as product exports. Currently, the total number of registered co-operatives with BINA is 204, 160 of them is still registered and 44 have been deregistered. Out of 160 registered co-operatives, 51 (32 %) is operational; non-active stands at 69 (43 %) while not yet operational is 40 (25 %). Based on this figure, MIPR has set its objective to achieve a 60 % target in the number of operational co-operatives by 2010.

The dialogue ceremony was also attended by Deputy Permanent Secretary, Pg Hjh Mariana PDNLRDP Pg Haji Abd Momin, Acting Director of BINA, Pg Sharifuddin Pg Hj Matali, senior officials and co-operative leaders from the four districts. More than 100 people attended the ceremony.

First co-operative establishment to run private school (BB-7/5/07)

Co-operative establishments in the sultanate are venturing out into new business sectors. This latest development is a boost for co-operative circles as they are no longer bound by traditional activities which have become a trademark in the past to stay competitive and sustainable.

Located at Kg Rimba, Gadong, Kesuma Mekar School is one clear example for others to emulate. Built on a plot of 2 acre land with a lease period of 30 year, it is the first school owned and operated by Koperasi Kesuma Mekar Berhad. The cost of constructing the building is estimated at $600,000 and it starts operational January 3, 2007. It has 11 administration and teaching staffs and currently 82 pupils study at the school from kindergartens to primary 1 and 2.

On 4/5/07 (Thursday), a group of officers led by Acting Director of BINA, Pg Sharifuddin Pg Hj Matali paid a working visit to the school. Chairman of the co-operative, Datin Paduka Hjh Misli Hj Awang briefed the entourage and followed by a question and answer session before they were taken on tour of the classes. Also present were members of the board and school administrative officials.

Pg Sharifuddin touring one of the classes

Pleasantries with Tun Dr Mahathir

“It is always my dream to meet Tun Dr Mahathir. He is my inspiration and mentor,” said cancer survivor Lawrence Loh ecstatically upon having a chance to meet the former premier of Malaysia recently.

Lawrence Loh, 50 the author of an inspiring book, “Thank Goodness I Have Cancer” presented a copy of his book to Tun Dr Mahatir Mohammed on the sideline while promoting his book at the current Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLBIF) 2007 at PWTC in Kuala Lumpur which ends tomorrow (6/5/07).

His book hogged the limelight last March at Brunei Book Fair 2007 and he has since participating at the Bangkok International Book Fair (BIBF) 2007 in Thailand last month. He has set up his mind to take part in another major event in publishing’s calendar, the upcoming World Book Fair 2007 at Suntec City in Singapore from May 25 to June 3.

According to Lawrence, it took him 4 years to write the book which is based on his real life experience combating the deadly disease (colon cancer). He believes, a continuous consumption of a multitude of ailment-treated sources such as medicinal and traditional herbs helps him to quick recovery and now in his sixth years of remission.

Lawrence shares a light moment with his mentor, Tun Dr Mahathir

Deputy Minister made a surprise visit at KL Book Fair

Brunei exhibitors at KL Book Fair 2007 were taken by surprise when the Deputy Minister of Education, Pengiran Dato Paduka Dr. Haji Mohammad made a stop over at the fair after ending his official oversea trips on the third day of the 10 day exhibition at PWTC in Kuala Lumpur.

An avid book reader and a writer himself, the deputy minister had written many books and some of his works are showcased at the fair. He himself bought books and spent some times mingled with Brunei officials manning the booths which run until May 6.

Pg Dato Paduka Dr Hj Mohammad (3R) with Brunei exhibitors and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd representative based in Kl (2L)

Besides visiting Language and Literature Bureau, State Mufti Department and History Centre Booths, the deputy minister also visited Asean Book Publishers Association (ABPA) in which Brunei Darussalam is an affiliated member under the auspicious of language and literature departments of Asean nations. Brunei is being represented by its director, Dr. Mataim Bakar.

Dr Mataim (center) with his Asean ABPA counterparts

Brunei exhibitors at KLBIF 2007

THE launching ceremony of the International Kuala Lumpur Book Fair (KLBIF) 2007 is officiated by the Malaysian Deputy Minister of Education, Dato’ Noh Omar at a ceremony held yesterday (28/4/07) at Putra World Trade Center (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur.

Dato Noh Omar officiating the ceremony

Since its inauguration 26 years ago, the premier event has been an annual affair widely anticipated by public, local publishers as well as international book industries from the USA, UK and other European and Arab countries, Australia, China, India and the ASEAN community. This year, one million visitors are expected to throng the pavilion. For the record, last year, it attracts 700,000 visitors and in 2005, 500,000 visitors turned up at the event.

Brunei Darussalam is being represented by three government agencies namely the Language and Literature Bureau, Brunei History Centre and State Mufti Department and a regular feature at book arena, Mr Lawrence Loh. According to him, his inspiring book has been making waves abroad since making its debut in the International Brunei Book Fair 2007 held last March at Berakas Indoor Stadium.

The book entitled “Thank God I Have Cancer” chronicled his unrelenting pursuit to cure himself from colon cancer since diagnosed with the deadly disease in 2001 and recovered in 2006. He hopes to see more aspiring local writers to take part in international scene and he thanks Brunei Government through the Language and Literature Bureau for giving him a logistic support to showcase his book.

Local enthusiast at DBP booth

ABPA to adopt Blue Ocean strategy

THE concept of “Blue Ocean” has been adopted by some companies worldwide as it proves successful to market their products, services or delivery system. The concept is referred to the market or industry which is yet to be untapped and contested since the markets are not crowding whereby bringing companies little or no competition. In contrast, “Red Ocean” refers to a saturated market where there is fierce competition and overcrowded where the same type of services or producing the same kind of goods.

This observation was made during a seminar of heads of Asean Book Publishers Association (ABPA) at a second day of the International Kuala Lumpur Book Fair (KLBIF) 2007 which is being held at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) from April 27 – May 6 in the Malaysian capital.

Every member countries presented their observation and remarks at the one day seminar on how to go about in formulating strategies to avoid fierce competition in the current thriving publishing industries. An idea in mind is in area of books translation from Malay to English languages or vice versa.

Presenting Brunei Darussalam at the seminar was the Director of Language and Literature Bureau, Dr. Mataim Bakar. In his speech, Dr Mataim agreed and timely for APBA members to go for Blue Ocean concept in an endeavor to produce something that no one has yet seen or practiced as Blue Ocean strategy draws an essential element of varying Innovation to raise and create value for the market while simultaneously reducing or eliminating features or services that are less valued by the current or future market.

Dr Mataim delivering his speeech

The International Kuala Lumpur Book Fair (KLIBF) 2007 opens

The 26th International Kuala Lumpur Book Fair (KLIBF) 2007 gets underway from April 26 – 10 May 2007 at Putra World Trade centre (PWTC) in Malaysia. The Language and Literature Bureau, Brunei History Centre and State Mufti Department will each have a booth at the fair while publications from the Sultanate will also be exhibited at the pavilion of Asean Book Publishers Association (ABPA). IT is being organized by Malaysia's Ministry of Education, a major event in the global publishing calendar. The fair will be officially opened today (28/4/07) which a theme “Book Empowers.” Lawrence Loh, the author of his book “Thanks God I Have Cancer” is also participating in the 10 day fair. Also participating are United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Egypt, Germany, Hong Kong, Thailand, India, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore. Last year, during the 25th Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIB 2006), 530 booths were taken up by 150 exhibitors to promote their books, magazines and journals. Some exhibitors also offered educational audio-visual aids for students and teachers. More than 500,000 eager book enthusiasts thronged KLIBF 2006.

Brunei exhibitors at PWTC