Graduan Brunei terima ijazah dari UK (mp-23/7/07)

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, AHAD - 14 graduan dari Brunei Darussalam yang menamatkan pengajian ijazah pertama dalam jurusan Perakaunan dan Pengurusan Kewangan dari Universiti Sheffield telah menerima ijazah masing-masing dalam satu majlis yang diadakan di Dewan Konvokesyen, Pusat Octagon di universiti berkenaan yang terletak di bahagian utara England.

Mereka ini adalah sekumpulan mahasiswa dan mahasiswi yang mengikuti pengajian selama 4 tahun melalui program berkembar yand dimeterai di antara Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) dan Universiti Sheffield. Menerusi program ini, mereka menghabiskan masa dua tahun di UBD manakala dua tahun lagi di Universiti Sheffield.

Majlis konvokesyen tersebut diadakan berturut-turut selama 5 hari yang melibatkan penyertaan semua fakulti bermula 16-20 Julai. Kira-kira 200 graduan dari Fakulti Sosial Sains menerima ijazah mereka pada 19 Julai termasuk 14 graduan dari negara ini.

Para graduan ialah: Noramaliah Hj Yahya, Hjh Fadhlina Maryati Hj Ya’akub, Yusbazilah Hj Yusof, Norhalizah Hj Serudin, Ang Siow Quan, Azalinawaty Jaini, Nurul Fariha Hj Jalim, Dk Nurul Hawa Hanani Pg Abd Wahab, Md Deddy Erwan Shah Hj Mutalib, Md Sukri Nur Hj Jais, Dazlina Hj Matahir, Hj Azrul Azrin Hj Md Ain and Liew Fung Kiaw.

Sementara itu, Noorulhaya bte Haji Ghafor@Md Daud (6 dari kiri) diisytiharkan sebagai graduan terbaik dari Brunei dalam jurusan yang sama. Beliau menerima anugerah berbentuk kemudahan atau skim galakkan kerana pencapaianya memperolehi ijazah kepujian kelas pertama.

Graduan bangga menerima sijil ijazah selepas majlis konveksyen

Cream of the crops receive honors (bb-3/7/07)

The eagerly-awaited event reached a pinnacle for a group of undergraduates from Brunei Darussalam studying at the University of Sheffield when they were awarded with degrees in Bachelor of Arts in a lavish ceremony held at the Convocation Hall, Octagon Centre of the university, located in the northern part of England.

They are a batch of 14 graduates who successfully completed a four year twinning programme in Accounting and Financial Management made possible by a link up between Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Sheffield University. The group spend their first two years at UBD while the final two remaining years at Sheffield University.

The ceremonies were held consecutively and grouped into different faculties from July 16-20. Some 200 graduates from Faculty of Social Sciences received their degrees on July 19 (Thursday) including 14 from the sultanate. The graduates are: Noramaliah Hj Yahya, Hjh Fadhlina Maryati Hj Ya’akub, Yusbazilah Hj Yusof, Norhalizah Hj Serudin, Ang Siow Quan, Azalinawaty Jaini, Nurul Fariha Hj Jalim, Dk Nurul Hawa Hanani Pg Abd Wahab, Md Deddy Erwan Shah Hj Mutalib, Md Sukri Nur Hj Jais, Dazlina Hj Matahir, Hj Azrul Azrin Hj Md Ain and Liew Fung Kiaw.

Meanwhile, Noorulhaya bte Haji Ghafor@Md Daud (6th from left) emerged as the top awardee from Brunei where she received incentives for achieving a first class honor’s degree in the same course.

The institution is also awarded a Sheffield-born actor Sean Bean with a honorary Doctors of Letters, LittD (Arts) as an actor and his ongoing commitment to the city of Sheffield. Actor Sean Bean achieved worldwide fame for his roles in Hollywood blockbuster movies including The Lord of the Rings, Patriot Games, James Bond’s Golden Eye and Troy.

MoU tied up a boost for Brunei Co-ops (bb-17/7/07)

THE formalization of MoU between Brunei Industrial Development Authority (BINA) and Co-operative College of Malaysia (CCM) has signaled a dawn of new era of cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia in co-operative sector. The MoU will not only benefit BINA in particular but co-operative community in the sultanate will be given a fair share of opportunities to undergo a range of educational and training courses offered at CCM. Other areas of interests as a result of MoU tied up include research, consultation, attachment program, exchange of co-operative development information and Study or working visits to CCM and other related institutions.

Both Ministers of MIPR and MECD posing for a group photo

The idea of joint cooperation was mooted when the visiting CCM officials made a 5 day working visit to the sultanate in Dec last year led by Hjh Hayati Mohd Salleh. While in the country, the delegation also conducted case studies on several co-operative establishments to collect relevant information on co-operative movement in the country. They were hosted by BINA and made a courtesy call to Deputy Permanent Secretary at MIPR, Pg Hjh Mariana PDNLDR Pg Hj Momin.

Hjh Hayati delevering her talk

Further development started to gather momentum when the Minister of MIPR, Pehin Dr. Hj Ahmad bin Hj Jumat and Dato Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin met at the 8th Minister's Conference on Co-operative Legislation and Policy held in Kuala Lumpur March this year where both ministries agreed to forge a MoU cooperation.

“I must be the happiest person today,” a gleeful Hjh Hayati, 54, who plays an instrumental role in BINA-CCM partnership when she was speaking during a talk after the MoU signing in the presence of GKN (National Co-operative Alliance) board of directors, co-operative leaders and BINA officials. She praised BINA for sheer commitment and dynamism for making the common goal achievable. Currently she serves as Head centre for Administration, Law and Leadership at CCM. Before holding her presence post, she was the former director of CCM, Sarawak branch.

A dynamic and well-liked figure in his native state of Johor and Malaysia, Hjh Hayati has more than 30 years of experience in co-operative business and she made frequent visits to the sultanate in 80’s to give assistance and guidance to co-operative officials especially matters pertaining to administration and management of co-operatives. Previously since the late 1970s, officials from the then Jabatan Kemajuan Kerjasama, (now known as BINA in 1996 after merging with Industrial Unit, MIPR) are frequently invited to attend courses funded by CCM such as through Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP) to help Brunei streamlining its fledgling co-operative department which was established in 1974. A year later, Co-operative Act governing co-operative matters was introduced and reinforced.

Group photo with Koperasi BKSS

As for CCM, it specializes in co-operative studies and it is placed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development (MECD). The discussions and planning to establish the Co-operative College of Malaya began in 1948 but due to lack of funds, the proposal was temporarily shelved and was revived in 1953. Its construction was financed from various funds; the Colonial Welfare and Development Fund, Singapore Government and 2 % profits remitted by each co-operative.

In 13hb November 1956, the college’s campus was officially opened and last year, CCM reaches a historic milestone when it celebrated 50 years of its existence. In its strategic planning program, CCM is committed to accomplish a world class co-operative training institution in Malaysia by the year 2010.

Group photo with Koperasi SETENAGA

While their stay in Brunei, the delegation made a visit to Koperasi Badan Kebajikan, Sukan dan Sosial (BKSS), Ministry of Health and Koperasi SETENAGA, Kg Tanjung Nangka.

My version wasn't appear in BB since I was 'intercepted' by BB reporters. However, I managed to post it for the Malay version, Media Permata. I have a distraughting photo of the sullen and visibly shaken mother hugging her lifeless son but I wont publish it here, I have to show full respect to the aggrieving family of the victims.

I managed to extract some details of her two sons background when I have a chance to initiate a little conversation with her at the beach; the eldest one is 18 years of age and a form 4 student, I don't remember where his school was and the 12 year old (still missing-2/7/07) was schooling at St Georges in Form 1. The victims have another two sibilings, both female. My heart and condolences goes to the bereaved family. Al-Fatihah Here is my version of the story:

Weekend outing turned tragic

A weekend outing turned out to be a tragedy for five members of a closely linked relative when two of them were drowned while swimming at sea and another one was feared dead as the body of the youngest victim has yet to be found as this news went to press. The tragedy occurred at Tungku Beach Yesterday afternoon (1/7/07). The first body was spotted at around 1pm while the second victim was found at about 2.15pm at the vicinity of the sea.

The second body was discovered at about 2.15 pm

A lifeless body of the second body being stretched away

The victims were siblings aged 18 and 12 while the other victim was the sibling’s cousin aged 21. The distraught mother, a Lambak Kanan Resettlement Housing Scheme resident when met at the scene said she never expected anything terrible happened to her sons until a family member informed her of the tragic news. She said both her two sons (she has 4 children; the victims are her 1st and 3rd sons while the other two are female) and the victim’s cousin camped out overnight with their uncle and a relative for a weekend’s trip. She and her husband were expected to visit them in the late afternoon of the day.

Police force diving team ready for deployment

According to eye witnesses who were at the beach at the time of the incident, they only realized the victims were seemingly in trouble after he and other colleagues heard a commotion coming from the direction of the victims after a big wave apparently came crashing on them while they were still out at sea. Seconds after the wave hit the shore; three of them went missing while the other two managed to scramble to safety.

The Royal Brunei Police Force, Fire and Rescue Department and Royal Brunei Armed Forces Naval personnel were involved in the search and rescue mission immediately after they received an emergency call. Diving teams and jet skies were also dispatched to reinforce the mission to locate the missing victims.

Percutian hujung minggu berakhir dengan tragedi (mp-2/7/07)

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Ahad – Percutian hujung minggu bagi lima saudara berakhir dengan tragedi apabila dua daripada mereka mati lemas ketika bermandi-manda di pantai manakala seorang lagi masih hilang. Kejadian yang menyedihkan itu berlaku di Pantai Tungku tengahari tadi (1/7/07). Mayat pertama dijumpai sekitar jam 1 petang manakala mayat kedua ditemui sekitar jam 2.15 petang tidak jauh dari mayat pertama dijumpai.

Mangsa adalah sepasang adik-beradik berusia 18 and 12 tahun sementara mangsa ketiga adalah sepupu kepada pasangan adik-beradik itu yang berusia 21 tahun. Ibu kepada mangsa yang malang itu, berasal dari Skim Perpindahan Lambak Kanan ketika dijumpai ditempat kejadian memberitahu pihak media yang beliau tidak menyangka sama sekali sesuatu perkara buruk telah terjadi kepada kedua-dua anaknya ketika menerima panggilan dari ahli keluarga terdekat tentang kejadian itu.

Keluarga sabar menanti' kepulangan' orang yang tersayang

Beliau berkata kedua-dua anaknya (beliau mempunyai 4 orang anak; para mangsa adalah anak pertama dan ketiga; disamping itu beliau ada 2 orang anak perempuan) berserta sepupu mereka, 21 tahun (mayat pertama ditemui) mengambil keputusan menyertai bapa saudara dan seorang lagi ahli keluarga lain berkemah di pantai pada malam minggu bagi menghabiskan cuti hujung minggu. Beliau dan suaminya bercadang untuk melawat kedua-dua anaknya pada petang hari yang sama tetapi hajat mereka tidak kesampaian apabila anak sulung mereka menemui ajalnya manakala adiknya belum dijumpai lagi sehingga berita ini ditulis.

Mengikut para saksi yang berada ditempat kejadian berkata mereka hanya menyedari sesuatu tidak baik berlaku apabila mereka terdengar suara riuh rendah yang datangnya dari arah laut. Sebelum kejadian itu, ombak besar dilihat menghempas pantai dan para mangsa dipercayai dipukul ombak itu ketika mereka leka mandi. Mereka menganggarkan lima orang mandi ketika itu dan beberapa saat selepas ombak menghempas pantai, hanya dua orang kelihatan berjaya menyelamatkan diri manakala tiga orang lagi hilang dan dipercayai dihanyutkan arus deras.

Pasukan jet ski Bomba dan Penyelamat dikerah membantu

Pasukan keselamatan sedang menggiatkan usaha mencari dan menyelamat dimana ketiga-tiga mangsa dilaporkan mandi manda

Pasukan Polis DiRaja Brunei, Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat dan juga sepasukan anggota dari Angkatan Bersenjata DiRaja Brunei telah terlibat dalam usaha mencari dan menyelamat para mangsa sejurus menerima panggilan kecemasan. Pasukan menyelam dan anggota jet ski juga dikerah untuk membantu bagi mengesan mereka yang hilang.

Blogs making headway in Brunei (bb-30/6/07)

Khairil, 39 is a veterinarian employed at a local farm. Mak, 22, an IT technician at government agency and Jamila, 22, a student. They may come from a different background and profession but they have one obsession in common; they are bloggers.

“Blogging is a new subject to me. I have just started a month ago but I find it very encouraging when I started getting comments from friends and visitors on the quality of photos I posted in my blog,” said Khairil after discovering a new way to reach out apart from other conventional communications. “My blog is all about my personal routine and interest,” Jamilah said. The statement is echoed by her colleague, Mak, an affectionate photographer. “By blogging, I able to promote my interest and feedbacks from visitors allow me to improve my techniques of capturing pictures”.

Kairil's blog; a passionate photographer dedicating to his 'masterpiece' collections (khairilfa.blogspot.com)

Rightly so, this novel technological advancement has transcended beyond our imagination and helped people around the globe to interconnect thereby providing a new mean of communication for millions of bloggers since the first-hand made blog is said to appear in 1999 created by Evan Williams.

Historically, in his quest to find the solution to an updating issue leads Williams to discover a flexible way to reduce time and hassle by inventing a suitable software or program to deal with webpage contents. Normally, to update a website, we must use an HTML editor, edit the text and add HTML formatting, use FTP to upload it and the page is then available. But his new method allowed him to open a webpage, type into a text box, clicks submit and it is instantly accessible as a webpage.

Jamila' blog; "its all about my daily routine and interest" (stars-light.blogspot.com)

What is blog anyway which has taken the internet by storm? It is basically a journal or a diary that is available on the website. Blogs by their nature are short spontaneous entries, a series of observations, comments, notes and so on. They are frequently written in a personal tone where the writer or blogger will write in different themes or provide links to useful websites. Blogs or weblogs can offer RSS feeds and are interactive where users can post comments on the content.

During my attachment at a local IT company in the mid 90’s, blog is virtually unheard off. Webpage or homepage was the newest mode of advertising at that time. As part of an assignment, I was given a task to create a homepage of the company to replace the out of date one. Given the fact that HTM editors are scarce and books are the only reference, I have to rely heavily on HTML codes. For instance, if I mistyped ‘#3299CC’ instead of ‘#3232CC’, my intended background color is turned to sky blue from medium blue. Sadly, my ‘masterpiece’ never materialized because of some other technical difficulties linking it externally to a web host.

I doubt even die-hard ones would bother to stretch off their fingers with HTML codes. The once and the only predominantly old guards in the old days have been pushed out of the limelight with the availability of advanced internet-friendly HTML editing tools flooding the internet market.

Nonetheless, blogs didn’t really start to take off until the late 90’s; they gained in popularity only after 2000. Early blogs were mostly lists of recommended links with some commentaries. Since then, they have evolved to something different. Now anyone without technical or minimal knowledge could fancy blogging. For some, blogs are strictly self-importance projects as they ramble on about their daily observations to family and friends. For others, blogs take on a deeper meaning. Blogs can be used to make political statements, promote products, provide research information and give tutorial services.

Thanks to its convenience of use, blogs have turned a website into an active information distribution and many people actually have a blog as a subset of their website. This subculture which sprung up around the blogsphere giving rise to much more interactive websites for organizations, small companies, divisions within companies, clubs, schools, associations and others. In a way, blogs also allow collaborative publishing. A small group of experts can discuss an issue and it can be read by thousands. A blog can also be opened and allowed anyone to create new topics and start discussions.

Mak's blog; dedicated to his personal collection of photos (hanshen135photo.blogspot.com)

But there's more to blogs. The advanced blog tools are in fact content management and distribution tools. These can be used for business. Blogs aren't just public either; there are private blogs as well. These can be internal newsletters for a family, a group of friends, a school class, a project team and so forth. They can share daily information, such as major family events, like new babies, updates on an upcoming wedding or get-together, collection of personal photos and ubiquitous topics.

To run and maintain the blog, a blogger usually updates his blogs daily using simply and easy-to-use software such as Blogger.com, Wordpress.com and many other more innovative software. Postings on a blog are always arranged in chronological order with the most recent additions features most prominently. In laymen’s term, it is a public way for people of speaking over the internet, share what they are thinking and what is on their mind. Simple blogs are mostly just diaries but the advanced blog tools can distribute information to a greater effect and reach wider audiences. Blogs tools are normally easier to use and its unparalleled power may someday replace chat lists, mailing lists and email newsletters.

It is not surprising though, everyone seems to hook up and jump on the blogging bandwagon with Brunei without an exception. Blogs have gained a strong foothold and an instant craze in this country. Seemingly a large number of bloggers making the airwaves with a diverse interest in food, education, business, economics, personal, photo journalists, tech, travel, lifestyles and hobbies. Blogs could be simple and straightforward to a more appealing content with beautifully crafted design and flashy. Hundreds of blogs have sprung up as more individuals or groups found it convenient and fastest to share their opinions, views and complaints and promoting or advertising their products and services. Nevertheless, keep away from writing defamatory statements or raising controversial issues to avoid infringing the applicable terms and conditions.

Realizing the importance of bloggers in promoting the local tourism industry, a local internet service provider has come up with an idea by organizing the first ever ‘Blog Competition’ for bloggers in support of Brunei Tourism’s Year long ‘Kenali Negara Kitani’ (Get to know our country) campaign in the run up to Visit Brunei Year 2008 by blogging about any place worth visiting in Brunei. Cool prizes are up for grabs and I predict blogs will overtake the ‘conventional’ websites largely due to its phenomenal power of ease and flexibility.

Will blogs replace books and other forms of information? In comparison, books are organized writing which means a unified multi-page document, constructed with a central idea, table of contents, introduction, chapters, summaries, index and others. Organized writing includes reviewers, editors and often publishers. On the other hand, blogs are good for making observations but the nature of blog tools (a serial collection of entries) is not good for writing a document and naturally places a limit on blogs.

But for now, it appears that blogging is here to stay. If you are considered a blog, you will be happy to learn that many services to create your own blog as easy as typing and clicking. Why not start your own blog now!

Accident topples truck (bb-30/6/07)

A burst tire is believed to be the cause of a mishap when a sand-laden truck skidded and landed on its side along the heavily congested intersection along Jalan Jerudong late yesterday afternoon (29/6/07).

According to an eye witness, the driver of the truck seemed to having a difficulty negotiating his vehicle apparently when one of its rear tires punctured. As a result of the self-accident, a load of sand and some amount of black oily liquid apparently oozing out from the engine deposited on the surface of the road.

The driver suffered minor injuries and police personnel were immediately deployed to attend the injured driver and control the flow of traffic.

Canteen handlers attend healthy talks (bb-2/7/07)

THE Community Nutrition Services Division, Health Services Department of Ministry of Health with the cooperation of Koperasi BKSS of the same ministry is proactively embarking on a project to educate food handlers and public on the importance of maintaining a healthy way of life by reducing the intake of unhealthy food or sugar-sweetened beverages.

For a start, a canteen run by Koperasi BKSS at RIPAS Hospital is chosen as a modal for the pilot project. Officers has made some visits to the canteen and taken samples of a variety of drinks for a laboratory test. Initially, the division focuses their target on beverages popularly ordered by customers to check their calorie contents and the amount of sugar added to the drinks. With the findings, the division will be able to come up with general ideas, solutions and advises to canteen handlers to limit an excessive intake of sugar that would pose a healthy risk along with other harmful additives.

Hjh Roseyati giving a talk

In the long run, the scope of the project will be extended to food consumption and it will involve the participation of other canteen handlers in other ministries. The initiative being implemented by the division would in a way helps to fend off the alarming increase of obesity and other health-related illnesses among the population in the country. It is hoped the project will generate an interest and awareness especially from the public (customers) on the values of maintaining a healthy lifestyles through a good and balanced-diet intake of food and drink.

The talk was conducted by two officers from the division; Hjh Roseyati DP Hj Yakub and Nur Asma Aini Hj Mat Yassin. It was attended by members of Koperasi BKSS Board of Directors, canteen handlers and public. It was held yesterday (29/6/07) at RIPAS Hospital.

Pengendali kantin hadiri ceramah kesihatan (mp-30/6/07)

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Jumaat – Bahagian Perkhidmatan Pemakanan Masyarakat, Jabatan Perkhidmatan Kesihatan, Kementerian Kesihatan dengan kerjasama Koperasi BKSS telah secara proaktif menggiatkan satu projek bagi memberi pendidikan yang berterusan kepada pengendali makanan dan orang ramai tentang mustahaknya sentiasa menjaga kesihatan dengan mengurangkan pengambilan makanan berlebihan yang boleh memudaratkan kepada kesihatan tubuh badan atau pengambilan minuman yang banyak mengandungi gula.

Mengikut perancangan asal, kantin yang dijalankan oleh Koperasi BKSS yang terletak di Hospital RIPAS telah dijadikan sebagai projek perintis bagi rancangan itu. Beberapa orang pegawai dari bahagian berkenaan telah melakukan lawatan dan mengambil contoh minuman bagi tujuan ujian makmal. Buat permulaan, bahagian ini mengkaji beberapa jenis minuman popular yang sering dipesan oleh pelanggan bagi mengenal pasti kandungan sebenar kalori dan gula. Melalui kajian itu, bahagian pemakanan dapat membuat kesimpulan yang kemudiannya akan dijadikan sebagai panduan berguna kepada pengendali kantin dan juga orang ramai.

Hjh Roseyati DP H Yakub

Untuk jangka panjang, skop projek ini akan dilaratkan kepada pengendalian makanan yang akan melibatkan penyertaan kantin-kantin di kementerian dan jabatan lain. Inisiatif yang sedang diungkayahkan oleh bahagian ini adalah diharap akan dapat mengurangkan pengingkatan kadar kegemukan dan penyakit-penyakit lain di kalangan penduduk di negara ini. Melalui kajian ini juga, orang ramai selaku pelanggan akan lebih menyedari akan pentingnya mengamalkan cara hidup sihat melalui pengambilan makanan yang berkhasiat dan seimbang.

Ceramah itu telah diselenggarakan oleh dua orang pegawai dari bahagian berkenaan iaitu Hjh Roseyati DP Hj Yakub and Nur Asma Aini Hj Mat Yassin. Majlis dihadiri oleh ahli lembaga pengarah Koperasi BKSS, pengendali kantin dan orang ramai. Ia berlangsung pagi tadi di Hospital RIPAS (29/6/07).

Thanksgiving ceremony for new converts (bb-2/7/07)

A thanksgiving ceremony to welcome new converts from the PMMPMHAMB Hospital was held yesterday (28/6/07). The ceremony was for two nurses from the hospital who embraced the Islamic faith recently. It was held at the lobby of the Radiology Unit of the hospital in Tutong. The two converts are Nur Diyana Abdullah Sauk and Aziati Alia Abdullah Engkap. Currently, both nurses work at the female and male wards respectively.

Aziati Alia dan Nurdiyana

The Acting Chief Executive Officer, Awang Mohmad Hj Abd Hamid in his speech said in the last five years in the history of the hospital, there were 11 new faces comprising of officers and staff who have converted the Islamic belief. He said the sacrifices shown by the new converts could be translated and practiced by all employees by fully committing themselves in whatever projects or events undertaken by the hospital in any forms to achieve excellence in a trajectory of success.

Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya Hj Osman menyampaikan cederhati

Also present at the event were the State Legislative Council member, Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya Hj Osman bin Abdullah Uking and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dato Paduka Haji Serbini Ali.

A special talk was delivered by Ustaz Hj Tarof bin Padri entitled “A responsibility as a Muslim”. This was followed by a Dikir Marhaban presented by An Nur group of the hospital and later by a souvenir presentation to the new converts by the State Legislative Council member. A thanksgiving prayer was read by Ustaz Ibrahim bin Alikhan to bless the event.

Doa kesyukuran bagi saudara baru (mp-29/6/07)

TUTONG, Khamis – Satu majlis doa kesyukuran bagi menyambut dua orang saudara baru dari Rumah Sakit PMMPMHAMB Tutong berlangsung petang tadi (28/6/07). Mereka yang diraikan ialah Nur Diyana Abdullah Sauk dan Aziati Alia Abdullah Engkap yang mana ketika ini masing-masing bertugas sebagai jururawat di bahagian wad perempuan dan wad lelaki di rumah sakit tersebut.

Pemangku Pegawai Eksekutif, Awang Mohmad Hj Abd Hamid dalam ucapannya berkata dalam tempoh lima tahun kebelakangan ini, seramai 11 orang pegawai dan kakitangan rumah sakit berkenaan telah memilih Islam sebagai pegangan hidup mereka.

Katanya, pengorbannnya yang mereka tunjukkan boleh diterjemahkan dalam perkerjaan harian bagi setiap pegawai dan kakitangan untuk sentiasa bersedia untuk berkorban sama ada dalam bentuk tenaga, buah fikiran atau harta benda dalam sama-sama mencapai kecemerlangan dalam pekerjaan kerana melalui pengorbanan itu akan dapat melahirkan rasa komitmen dan bertanggungjawab.

Hadir di majlis itu ialah Ahli Majlis Mesyuarat Negeri, Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya Hj Osman bin Abdullah Uking and Setiausaha Tetap di Kementerian Kesihatan, Dato Paduka Haji Serbini Ali serta pegawai dan kakitangan rumah sakit berkenaan.

Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya Hj Osman (2 dari kiri) dan Dato Paduka Hj Serbini Ali (3 dari kanan)

Majlis diserikan lagi dengan ceramah yang disampaikan oleh Ustaz Hj Tarof bin Padri bertajuk “Tanggungjawab sebagai orang Islam”. Ini diikuti kemudian dengan persembahan Dikir Marhaban dari Kumpulan An Nur dan penyampaian cenderhati kepada mereka yang diraikan. Majlis diakhiri dengan bacaan doa selamat oleh Ustaz Ibrahim bin Alikhan.

Dua pakar universiti perguruan lawat Mahad Islam Brunei

TUTONG, Rabu - Dua panel pakar dari Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPUSB) telah mengadakan lawatan kerja ke Mahad Islam Brunei Tutong hari ini. Rombongan itu diketuai oleh Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Safie. Ikut sama dalam rombongan ialah Dr Ghazali Basri dan beberapa orang pegawai dari kolej universiti berkenaan. Tujuan lawatan adalah untuk mengetahui secara lebih dekat lagi akan struktur dan latabelakang pengurusan sekolah-sekolah Arab di negara ini.

Dr Ghazali (kanan) dalam sesi dialog

Ketibaan rombongan dialu-alukan oleh Pemangku Pengetua, Ustazah Hjh Hamdiah Hj Awg Salleh dan pegawai-pegawai kanan maktab. Disusuli kemudian dengan penerangan ringkas disampaikan oleh Timbalan Pengetua (Pentadbiran), Ustaz Hj Hamdan Omar mengenai peranan dan tugas maktab dalam membimbing dan membentuk golongan kanak-kanak dan remaja terutama sekali dalam penerapan nilai-nilai pendidikan agama yang kukuh dan pembelajaran bahasa Arab sedari awal lagi. Beliau juga menyentuh tentang pencapaian yang telah dikecapi oleh maktab sejak ditubuhkan 17 tahun yang lalu dalam taklimatnya.

Belia menambah bahawa ketika ini seramai 382 pelajar sedang menjalani pengajian mereka di maktab dan mereka ini dibahagikan kepada tujuh buah kelas dari darjah 1 hingga peringkat menengah 5 sementara 114 orang lagi menjadi tulang belakang kepada jentera pengurusan maktab yang mana terdiri daripada pegawai, tenaga pengajar, kakitangan dan guru-guru kontrak. Majlis itu diakhiri dengan sesi soal jawab dan rombongan kemudiannya beredar untuk melakukan lawatan ke salah sebuah sekolah Arab di ibu negara.

Mahad Islam Brunei ditubuhkan pada Julai 1990 dan adalah merupakan satu-satunya maktab atau sekolah yang mengajar bahasa Arab di Daerah Tutong manakala enam buah lagi terletak di daerah-daerah lain. Kolej perguruan pula telah dinaik taraf menjadi kolej universiti sejak Januari tahun ini dengan Titah perkenan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang DiPertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam semasa sambutan Tahun Baru Hijrah 1428. Maktab berkenaan telah wujud sejak lebih 30 tahun yang lalu.

Working visit by teacher’s university college to Islamic college (bb-29/6/07)

TWO experts panel from the newly upgraded Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College made a working visit to Brunei Islamic College in Tutong yesterday (27/6/07). The entourage was led by Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Safie. Accompanying him was Dr Ghazali Basri and other senior officials from the university college. The purpose of their visit is to have a general overview of the structure and background of Arabic schools being run in the sultanate.

Datuk Mokhtar (left) in a dialogue session

On hand to receive the visitors was the Acting Principal, Ustazah Hjh Hamdiah Hj Awg Salleh and other senior administrators of the college. The Deputy Principal (Administration), Ustaz Hj Hamdan Omar gave some insights into the role and function the college has endeavored in nurturing and shaping Bruneians especially in Arabic and religious education at their young age. He also touched on the progress the college has achieved in its 17 years of establishments in his briefing.

He added, currently 382 students are studying in seven classes from primary 1 to secondary 5 while another 114 making up the workforce thrust of the college comprising of teaching and administration officers and personnel including contract officers. The event ended with a question and answer session. Later, the delegation continued their working visit to another Arabic school in the capital.

Group photo with Islamic College officials

The college is established in July 1990 and is the only Arabic college or school in Tutong District out of seven built nationwide while the religious teacher’s college has been upgraded to university status in January this year by command of His Majesty The Sultan during his speech marking the celebration of New Year of Hijrah 1428. The college has been in existence for more than 30 years.

Serpia LP emerged champion in futsal tournament (bb-26/6/07)

Competing team before the match

The Youth Bureau of Kg Tanjung Bunut in collaboration with Takmir Committee and Village Consultative Council of the village has organized a five a-side football (futsal) tournament on Sunday (24/6/07). It took place at OKSB School field in Kilanas.

In the thick of action

10 teams representing youths from the village took part in the one day tournament. Serpia LP emerged as the champion with Sri Tanjong Star and Kumando Sanak came second and third respectively. Witnessing the event as the chief guest was the village head of Kg Tanjong Bunut, Awg Hj Apong Hj Puteh. The prize presentation ceremony for the winners will take place on July, 5.

Chief guest shaking hand with one of team members

Hospital Tutong terima sumbangan alat perubatan (mp-22/6/07)

Satu majlis penyampaian sumbangan yang berupa peralatan untuk kegunaan perubataan telah diterima hari ini (21/6/07) oleh Hospital Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah (PMMPMHALB), Daerah Tutong.

Sumbangan pertama yang merupakan sebelas buah peralatan dan perkakas perubatan telah diterima dari Koperasi Badan Kebajikan, Sukan dan Sosial (BKSS). Koperasi BKSS diwakili oleh pengerusi koperasi berkenaan bagi Daerah Tutong, Awg Haji Mun Taha bin BPKDP Hj Md Said.

Sementara itu, sumbangan kedua berupa mesin pernafasan telah diserahkan oleh Dyg Norsiah bte Abg Hj Daud, Pembantu Pegawai Kebajikan Perubatan bagi mewakili Dyg Zainaltul Ihsan bte Tujuh yang mana ianya adalah sumbangan dari keluarga mendiang Dyg Rusiati bte Tinggi bagi kegunaan hospital tersebut.

Kedua-dua sumbangan telah diterima oleh Pemangku Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Hospital PMMPMHALB, Awg Mohmad bin Hj Abd Hamid.

Dyg Norsiah (kiri) menyampaikan sumbangan

Tutong Hospital receives generous contributions (bb-22/6/07)

TWO generous contributions in the form of medical equipments and apparatus for hospital use were handed over to Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah (PMMPMHALB) Hospital. The event took place at the hospital in Tutong yesterday (21/6/07).

Representing the co-operative body of the Welfare, Sports and Social (BKSS) of the Ministry of Health was Awg Haji Mun Taha bin BPKDP Hj Md Said, chairman for the co-op in Tutong District. The body donated eleven equipments and apparatus to the hospital. Meanwhile, Dyg Norsiah Abg Hj Daud, Assistant Medicine Welfare Officer of the hospital handing over an oxygen concentrator equipment on behalf of Dyg Zainaltul Ihsan bte Tujuh. The machine was donated by the family of the late Dyg Rusiati bte Tinggi.

The two donations were received by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Tutong’s Hospital, Awg Mohmad bin Hj Abd Hamid.

Hj Mun Taha(left) donating medical apparatus and equipment to Awg Mohmad

School holiday a perfect time for family get-together (bb-19/6/07)

When comes to school holiday, children will be cheering a lot. For majority of them, it is a fun-filled occasion and an opportunity to mingle with their peers and friends with at least one extra benefit; they have a longer period of excitement compare with any other normal days as they could ‘shield’ themselves away from a mountain of books at least momentarily. When the school reopens, the have the freshest mind and body to cope with the new lessons and to certain extent, rejuvenates themselves to greater heights.

Lifting a water-filled plastic bottle with a fishing rod

However, the social gathering is not limited to younger lives alone. Parents usually use the occasion for a family get-together or reunion as they quite often too preoccupied with office assignments and daily household chores. By holding such event, parents make full use of the platform to bridge the differences and further bond and cement a parents-children relationship through informal gathering such as celebrating one’s birthday or marriage anniversary.

Blowing a balloon

A kid trying hard to bite a cracker

The atmosphere is by far livelier if held at open spaces such as a beach. A prearranged hive of family activities is definitely awaiting and adding up to the merriment of the day’s at the beach.

running in a sack

Appreciation dinner for committee members (bb-18/6/07)

Committee members of the National Co-operative Seminar held last month were congratulated and praised for their sheer commitment in ensuring the event a great success.

This was stated by the Acting Director of Brunei Industrial Development Authority (BINA), Pg Sharifuddin Pg Hj Matali at an appreciation dinner hosted by the department held at a hotel in Gadong recently (16/6/07). He said team effort is always on the forefront and the driving force behind the successful implementation of the seminar being organized by BINA only for the second time in 8 years since 1999.

He was also happy to note that their efforts also received compliments not just from co-operative communities but from other business players, individuals and other related agencies who were participating in the two day seminar held from May 22-23. The seminar entitles ‘Empowering co-operative movement towards entrepreneurship’ brings together some 500 participants from the host county including from Sabah and Sarawak.

As a fitting tribute to officials of the department who were either transferred or retired from government services, Pg Sharifuddin presented them with souvenirs and wished them well and every success in their future undertakings. About 150 officers, staff and invited guests attended the event.

A former staff of BINA receiving a souvenior fro Pg Sharifuddin

Photography in the eye of a beholder (bb-16/6/07)

WHEN I was first introduced to a digital camera technology several years ago, I could hardly envisage that I would be more than a casual photographer let alone taking it seriously. With minimal basic knowledge of photography, flipping through an instruction manual is rather tedious and cumbersome to get accustomed with jargons and acronyms of photography.

Sticking to the default settings and exposures was an obvious solution for a novice like me. Shooting numerous practices was not without a hiccup right on the onset but gradually I began to capitalize the basic features quite comfortably. I was in cloud nine and appreciating the values of my newly found ‘fame’. However, it was not long before I encountered some bad patches filling most of the photos. One brighter day or outdoor activities, they are perfect but when it comes to gloomy or dark surroundings, the problems prevailed with the likes of dark crescent-shaped shadow and evil glowing red satanic eye effect (red-eye).

My best buddy

Consulting a colleague (who is a photoblogger), he says there are a host of reasons particularly when a flash is deployed. A point and shoot camera (the one that I have) is vulnerable partly since they tend to be used in low-light situations like restaurants and living rooms and its onboard flash unit (non-removable) is located very close to the lens. The best solutions for avoiding redeye are either to abandon flash altogether or, if I have to use it, to move the flash unit as far away as possible from the lens. Unfortunately, neither bounce flash nor moving the flash is possible with a camera’s built-in flash.

One of my many shots using the basic menu; close-up photography

Then he came up with a suggestion to switch to DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) as most of the shortcomings could be fixed or minimized. I presume moving to another format is a pretty good idea but it is not a necessity unless for competition or money-spinning endeavor. On the other hand, I duly believe producing decent photos is an added advantage especially for a freelance journalist. Soon rather than later, I come to a realization that by integrating photographic skill with the composition of my script or article is paramount to preserve its values and effectiveness of the information being delivered to readers.

He touted further if I were to capture super quality pictures with artistic values such as blurred background or macro photography, DSLR is the best option since it employs interchangeable lens, meaning to say that I have a total freedom to choose either wide, normal or telephoto lenses to get the desired outcomes. Not to discredit me, he added owning both a point and shoot digital camera and DSLR are pretty fine since they compliment each other and suited for different situations. For quality preference, DSLR is the perfect choice but for convenience (occasional photographing), the point and shoot sometimes wins out.

Well, with prices for digital cameras falling and within reach of the average digital photographer’s budget, it could not have been a better time to get into the world of DSLR. But what brand and specs should I choose? In my pursuit to find the solution, I come across an over-repeated question overwhelming the net which says “which manufacturer makes system best suits my particular photographic needs?” The author says it is too vague to answer without knowing more about our needs and budget.

Really, though, it comes down to personal choice. He advises prospect buyers to make a list of the type of features they need to suit his photographic requirements and work out a basic budget. Browse online or go to a camera store, check out the various cameras and lenses that fit their budget and decide if they feel right or play with the camera controls - do they make sense, does the camera grip feel comfortable or does the maker offer the equipment they want at prices they can afford?

After weighing in the pros and cons of DSLR, I narrow down my selection and finally end up with EOS (electro-optical system) Canon. As a novice with a big appetite to venture out into serious hobby or career in the future, sadly, my dream model was out of stock and as enthusiasm got the better of me, I fork out a beginner’s set (350D) instead. I admit this is not the best model that I intent to own in the first place but based on the author’s experience, why going for the mid or specialized models if the features are underutilized unless if it fits the budget? However, mid or high end models are sought after models among photojournalists or professional photographers as they consider their endeavors challenging and worth investing on high value ends.

That’s lead me to another issue, do I need the complete set or just the body alone? The good thing about purchasing DSLR is the liberty either to purchase body or just lens kit. First of all, the whole point of a camera with interchangeable lenses is we can attach whatever lens we need. Unlike a simple point and shoot camera with its non-removable lens, we aren’t limited to whatever the manufacturer builds into the camera. Second, everyone has different needs and budgets. So it’s usually desirable not to include a lens so we can choose the lens or lenses which are right for us, not some generic lens. Third, what if we were to buy another camera? Then we would have two of the same lenses, unless we are camera savvy, we could own two or more cameras of different manufacturers.

A beginner's version of sunset

Other factor benefiting the owners is the compatibility of third-party lenses made by lens manufacturers such as Tamron, Tokina and Sigma. These lenses are affordable and I have one from Sigma nicely fitted with my 350D. It works out be a sensible investment since the price is reasonable but offers the same convenience and quality in comparison with other lens maker. Third party makers also produce lenses in a variety of market categories (not limited to specific categories) and choosing the higher end of the product line is the best solution.

A runner is silhouetted against the sun's ray

Having said that, Canon do sell many EOS cameras bundled with lenses. Such lenses are called kit lenses, but frankly not all kit lenses are of a particularly high quality. We are often best off buying the camera body which suits our needs and finding a good lens to match it. They are so many lenses in the market and in the case of Canon products, they are classified as consumer lenses, midrange zooms, prime lens and specialized lenses. The biggest deciding factor is, as always, money because photography is fairly an expensive endeavor. Only we can decide what our priority is; low initial purchase price, mechanical reliability, compatibility, user interface or optical quality. My take? I’d go for the complete set and stuff it with other lens for variation and greater coverage range.

Since I consider myself an advanced beginner and giving the fact the new digital economy is constantly revolving, best off buying an expensive lens and attaching it to a cheap camera rather than the other way around. And not entirely coincidental, this approach will also result in better photographs. Quality lenses, of course would produce desirable results but other imperative factors worth considering in producing quality and creative photos such as focal length variation, proper selection of ISO speed and correct application of shutter speed and aperture (f-stops).

I recall a statement from a photographic expert which is still echoing through the back of my mind; “Whoever the person behind the camera, he will be the one who determines the overall quality shoots.”

Child Development Centre nearly engulfed by fire (bb-29/6/07)

A walkway shading project linking a cluster of child development centers went awry when an overloaded electrical wiring may have been the cause of the mishap which nearly damaged one of the centers housing special need children at Beribi on 9/6/07.

Some quick action manned by personnel from Beribi Fire and Rescue Department who rushed to the scene immediately upon receiving a distress call managed to douse off the affected switchboard from sparking a fire.

A gutted switchboard

According to staff at the center, the children have already finished the day’s lesson at 10 am when the electricity supply went off at about 11.20 am. They managed to scramble to safety after realizing something must have gone wrong when her colleague rushed back inside and alerted them that she noticed smoke billowing from the roof of the single storey bungalow after fetching her belongings from her car parked at the vicinity of the building.

Deputy Minister of Health, Pehin Dato Hj Hazair (centre) arriving at the scene

Another witness from a nearby center said, he heard a minor explosion apparently from coming from the switchboard before the building was partially engulfed by smoke and in a few minutes later, the fire and rescue personnel arrived and managed to control the situation. The cause of the mishap is still under investigation.

Among present at the scene were the Deputy Minister of Health, Pehin Dato Hj Hazair and other senior officials of the ministry.

NCA a platform for entrepreneurial opportunities (bb-29/5/07)

THE recently concluded co-operative seminar has generated a wave of enthusiasm not just within co-operative circles but to other business players in the country. The two day congregation drew the participation of some 500 representatives comprising of co-operators, chambers of commerce, SMEs, youth councils and agencies engaged in co-operative development activities.

The second of such kind being held at national level since 1999, it is not surprising though the long gap is attracting a wider attention especially after co-operative sector has been recognized as the third engine of growth in the sultanate’s economy.

With a theme ‘Empowering co-operative movement towards entrepreneurship’, the seminar assembled some of the best experts from Malaysia and co-operative advocates from the host country delivering on a wide range of topics on how to develop, stimulate and diversify business activities that will lead to entrepreneurship culture among co-operators. Co-operatives are also urged to form strategic alliances between private and government entities to remain sustainable and competitive.

In his opening speech, the Minister of Industries and Primary Resources, Pehin Dr. Hj Ahmad Hj Jumat stressed the importance of striking a right balance between a ‘producer society’ and a ‘consumer society’ which is notably lacking in the country’s community. He said if this ‘threat’ is not addressed seriously, the trends will imbalance the wealth patterns and jeopardize the nation future economy.

Madam Hjh Hayati stressing an important point during while presenting her working paper

The minister also underlined the imperativeness of co-operative sector as the third economy generating source after public and private sectors. In this regards, co-operatives have shown their relevancy and its competitive capabilities comparable with commercial sectors, the minister pointed out.

On the reactivation of National Co-operative Alliance (NCA), he said the apex body will play an active role of unifying and steering the co-operative movement on par with other co-operatives’ alliances. The alliance will provide a platform for affiliates to voice out their ideas, thoughts and concerns and members could take advantage of the various entrepreneurial opportunities available to them once it is affiliated with the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA).

Members of rapportteur finalizing a seminar resolution

Meanwhile, Dato Paduka Hj Hamdillah Hj Abd Wahab, the deputy minister outlined some opportunities and progress achieved by other government agencies within the ministry. He also touched on a cost saving practice through the concept of ‘economy of scale’ and the need for co-operatives to explore ‘supply value chain’ for products and services either for domestic or export-oriented market.

Members of press at work

He touted co-operatives to undertake new business approach to compete with other players in this era of economic globalization. To achieve this, co-operatives must equip themselves with trained management workforce, knowledgably skillful and adopt professional methods if they want to venture out into non-traditional activities without compromising on the solid attributes laid out in co-operative’s philosophy, principles and values, he added.

On the final day of the seminar, a 10 point resolution was adopted and handed over to Dato Paduka Hj Hamdillah by the head of the rapporteuer, Pg Ahmad Pg Hj Metassan. The essentiality of solid understanding of co-operative is the main prerequisite embedded in the resolution before entrepreneurship could be infused on individuals or organizations. To speed up entrepreneurship among co-operatives, training and education must be taught continuously. Collective supports from all parties are also indispensable reaching out to all levels within co-operative communities to guarantee its effectiveness.

Co-operatives must be innovative and adopt ‘best practices’ from renowned and established co-operatives. Forming a strategic alliance, technological acquisition and professional management are among factors that would determine the success of co-operatives. Students must be exposed to entrepreneurship and integrate it into school’s activity so that this culture takes root in their earlier stages of learning. For future leaders, youths are advised to join co-operatives and learn to be more responsible by contributing to the nation’s economic growth.

BINA organizing committee members in a group photo

ANGKASA extends support to NCA (bb-25/5/07)

Without having updated accounts, a co-operative is not able to know its financial status, delaying the development of the co-operative and its ability to move forward and excel as an entrepreneur. In this respect, the Pre-Audit service has been offered to Malaysian co-operatives by ANGKASA for free to enable them to complete their accounts as required by the Malaysian Co-operative Act. Through the service and maintenance approach, the team helps co-operatives to tidy up their records and prepare statements quickly and efficiently in line with the act.

This was stated during a dialogue between Malaysian-co-operative apex body (ANGKASA) and a revitalized National Co-operative Alliance (NCA) Berhad of Brunei Darussalam. The ceremony was chaired by the head of NCA, Pehin Orang Kaya Dewa Pahlawan Dato Paduka Awg Hj Dani Hj Ibrahim and ANGKASA was represented by two of its vice-presidents, Associate Professor Hj Mohamad Ali Hassan and Hjh Armi Hj Zainuddin. They were in the sultanate to attend and present working papers in the just concluded 2nd Co-operative National Seminar held from 22-23 May in Centrepoint Gadong organized by BINA.

Other fundamental attributes emphasized by the vice-presidents are the inculcation of in-depth awareness and the spirit of self belonging among members to their respective co-operative bodies. Since co-operatives are based on equality, solidarity, self-responsible and honesty, the organization is theirs and every member must actively participate in all activities to reach its objectives, benefits and the socio-economic being of its members.

Pehin Hj Dani with Prof Mohd Ali (far left) and Madam Armi (right)

The dialogue is timely held and it is in line with the body’s objective to unify co-operatives under an umbrella of NCA. The session is also used to explore the possibility both bodies could co-operate and ANGKASA is willing to assist NCA especially in areas of education, training and information dissemination. ANGKASA is also extending an invitation to NCA to visit their establishment in Kelana Jaya, Selangor.

ANGKASA is a member of the Geneva-based International Co-operative Alliance (ICA). Since its establishment in 1971, it has 3,184 affiliated co-operatives with over 4 millions individual members.

Other services offered by ANGKASA are salary deduction for co-op members and government personnel, SEKKOP software, SOLA online and rehabilitation service while its future direction among others, to continue focus on the development of young co-operators, promote integration of co-operatives in specific areas for a synergetic effect and continue to enlarge its membership base.

The function which took place at BINA’s headquarters in Gadong on 24/5/07 was also attended by NCA affiliates and BINA officials.

National Co-operative Seminar starts tomorrow (bb-21/5/07)

THE 2nd National Co-operative Seminar themed “Empowering Co-operative Movement towards entrepreneurship” will be held at Goldstone Conference Hall, Centrepoint Gadong starting tomorrow, 22 May till May 23, 2007. The two day conference is expected to gather co-operative experts and lecturers from Malaysia and the host country deliberating diverse topics on how to spur economic growth through co-operative business enterprise.

A keynote address will dominate the proceeding on the opening day which will also see four papers being presented and three more on the following day. A forum is also due to take place in the last day of the seminar entitled “Diversifying activities empowers co-operative economy.”

Some 500 participants are expected to attend the seminar represented by co-operative leaders, business persons, agencies involved in co-operative movement development, chambers of commerce, SMEs and youths council including participants from Sabah and Sarawak.

The opening ceremony will be graced by Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Hj Ahmad bin Hj Jumat, Minister of Industries and Primary Resources while the closing ceremony is expected to be officiated by his deputy, Dato Paduka Hj Hamdillah bin Hj Abd Wahab.

Meanwhile, a dinner gathering scheduled on May 23 is to take place on May 22 instead. The venue remains unchanged and it will take place at Songket Ballroom, The Rizqun International Hotel, The Mall, Gadong.

Among the objectives of the seminar are to spur co-operatives to proactively involve in businesses which will lead them to entrepreneurship, enhancing capabilities towards a more professionally managed co-operatives, sustainable, competitive as well as encouraging co-operative entity to venture out into other profitable investments. –

A cultural rehearsal took place at Songket Ballroom, The International Hotel for a dinner gathering

Muhammad Adi emerged champion in al-Quran reading competition (bb-20/5/07)

A representative from the Brunei Islamic College, Muhammad Adi Adham bin Ramlan emerged as the champion in the al-Quran reading competition in Category B (under 12 years) for boys’ section for religious and Arabic preparatory schools in the Tutong District. He beat Muhammad Mu’adz bin Ramlee from Penanjong Religious School and Mohammad Hadiyuddin bin Januddin into second and third respectively.

In the girls’ section, Nurul Syakirah bte Azmey representing Penanjong Religious School captured the honour beating her compatriots Noor Azimah bte Ali Rahman from Sinaut Religious School into second place while An Nur Bazilah bte Hj Haslan from Tumpuan Telisai Religious School was placed third.

The competition was held separately at Brunei Islamic College yesterday (19/5/07) with boys’ section held at religious hall while in the girls’ section took place at the gathering hall. The competition drew a participation of 23 contestants from religious and preparatory schools in the Tutong District and was held for two days.

Prizes to the winners were generously co-sponsored by the host school, Jim Print Sdn Bhd, City Vision Sdn Bhd and Pustaka Remaja. They were presented by the college’s principal, Ustazah Hjh Omi Kslum Hj Mohd Noor and Mohd Zameri Hj Nayan, Students’ Affairs official. The winner from each section will represent Tutong District in the semi-final level which will ebe held in a later date.

Ustazah Hjh Omi Klsum presenting the prize to a winner