Attention all Giordano and Ego Shop in Brunei,, Please take note that one of News paper reporter in Brunei is using her " REPORTER POWER " to threaten our staff,, please make sure that you must not give any discount or favor to these person even her VIP card was terminated since yesterday.
she said she will ruin our shop and she will make sure that the shop in charge will be send back home she will report to prime minister and she know a lot of high post people,,,, sorry we in the shop just follow what our company rules,,,, she is sick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
New flood reported in Belait, 7 families affected
The flooded stretch along Jln Laid Lakang. The man in black is Belait District Officer Matusin Orang Kaya Sura Hj Tuba. Picture: BT/Chua Guan Cheong
Sunday, December 12, 2010
JALAN Kecil Singap in Merangking became the latest road to be hit by floodwaters in the Belait District when residents from the area reported worsening flood conditions to the Incident Command Post (ICP) yesterday morning.On a day when flood level in Bukit Puan was stabilising at 0.65m, water in Sukang all but subsided, and Badas flood level also lowered from 1.8m to 1.7m, the news came as a surprise for the personnel in the ICP.
With rain continuing to pound the district at various hours, residents from the Singap area found themselves restricted from getting out of the roads as water level on Jalan Kecil Singap rose to 0.55m.
Another road leading to the area, Jalan Laid Lakang, was also badly flooded, and appeared to be totally impassable by vehicles. Some residents near the area estimated the water level to be at one metre, but the information remain unconfirmed at press time.
There are reportedly seven families with a total of 20 members affected by the new flood point, which is located approximately one kilometre from Merangking.
Belait District Officer Matusin Orang Kaya Sura Hj Tuba, accompanied by Community Development Department (Japem) personnel, braved the rain to check on the well-being of the residents after learning of the new development in his district. Japem also provided lunch boxes to residents in the area.
After the visit, Matusin told reporters that his office will make plans to upgrade Jalan Kecil Singap to raise the road level.
"This (upgrading the road) will be one of the top agendas for our office next year, and we'll be allocating a budget for it," said the district officer.
Asked for specific timing on when the project will take off, Matusin said, "As soon as next year's budget is approved."
Following a meeting with regards to the situation in Jalan Kecil Singap, the ICP has confirmed that Japem will first provide one week's worth of rations to the families in the area, while continuing to observe the situation.
courtesy of--The Brunei Times
Merimbun Heritage Park's new jetty to lure more tourists
MCYS Permanent Secretary Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid (C), YAM Pengiran Muda Omar Ali (L), Curator of Natural History and Manager of Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park and Director of Museums Department Bantong Antaran (R) looking at the map of the park during the launching of Pangkalan Bungsu Jetty yesterday. Picture: BT/Hj Md Ali
Sunday, December 12, 2010
EFFORTS to lure tourists to Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park, the largest black water lake in Brunei, is still a challengedue to its inadequate infrastructure and public facilities.
To resolve the problem, the Brunei Museums Department with the help of Public Works Department has build jetties called Pangkalan Bungsu, to provide easy access for tourists to go to the lake and back.
The facility was launched yesterday by Permanent Secretary of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid Hj Mohd Jaafar.
Present at the event was Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Omar Ali, Curator of Natural History, who is also is also the manager of Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park and Acting Deputy Director of Museums Department cum Curator of Archaeology Pg Dr Karim Pg Hj Osman.
"With this new jetty, it is expected that number of tourists from both domestic and foreign to the heritage park will be increased," said Director of Museums Department Bantong Antaran.
Bantong said that the management of Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park was currently reviewing the project on providing more boats with the Local Consultative Council of Merimbun.
The project is part of the continuation of eco-tourism project to increase the number of tourists to Tasek Merimbun.
Tourists can take a tour around the lakes for 30 to 75 minutes which will cost them $30 to $60.
A 1,000-meter walkway was also built that connects the jetty to the multi-purpose hall known as Balai Purun. On each sides of the walkway, people can enjoy various flora.
Bantong said that to attract the tourists to visit the park was uneasy as there were other recreational parks in the country, besides other contender recreational parks abroad.
"I encourage the people to visit Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park to enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of the park which was declared as one of the Asean National Heritage Sites on November 29, 1984. The park is suitable for the family," he said.
Penghulu of Mukim Rambai, Khairul Nurul Arsyad said that the improvement of infrastructure in the area is needed.
"For example the roads, accommodation and places to eat," Khairul told The Brunei Times.
Besides, he added, the involvement of the community surrounding was also important to help increasing the number of the tourists.
He said that the community could help in term sof giving information about the place.
He said that currently about 20 tourists have visited the Park weekly.
"With the launching of the jetty, it is hoped that more tourists will be visiting the park," Khairul said.
Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park, which is some 70 km from the capital, has a total area of 7,800 hectares, is managed under the Brunei Museums Department, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
courtesy of--The Brunei Times
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Crocodile sighted along Sg Mau
Teenagers playing in the waters along the flooded Jalan Bukit Puan yesterday afternoon. Crocodiles were sighted by army personnel yesterday morning along Sungai Mau, about 2km from the flooded stretch of Jalan Bukit Puan.Picture: Belait Fire and Rescue Department
A vehicle attempting to cross the flooded stretch of Jalan Bukit Puan in Belait yesterday afternoon. Pictures: BT/Chua Guan Cheong , Belait Fire and Rescue Department Friday, December 10, 2010
A CROCODILE was sighted by the Royal Brunei Land Forces personnel along Sungai Mau during a regular morning boat patrol on the river yesterday.
Speaking to The Brunei Times, Lt Khairul Azme confirmed that they saw a crocodile floating for a moment on the river, before submerging into the waters.
"It was floating for a moment, but went into the water shortly, probably due to our presence," said Khairul.
"The location that we spotted the crocodile is about two kilometres from our camp here (near the Incident Command Post (ICP) in Sungai Mau), and quite far away from the nearest residence," added the army officer.
ICP Commander Hj Ahmad Hj Mohd Daud reminded residents of the area on Tuesday not to swim in the river or flooded areas due to the risk of attack from wild animals and reptiles, and the sighting of the crocodile confirmed his worry.
Despite the warnings, locals are still regularly seen swimming or playing in the water around the area, seemingly unconcerned by the potential danger.
The water level at Jalan Bukit Puan rose further yesterday from 0.55m to 0.6m, probably due to the overnight rain and water flowing over from upstream. Water level at Sukang receded slightly to 0.9m yesterday from 1.2m the day before.
courtesy of--The Brunei Times
HM: Govt 's duty to help people realise goals, be responsible
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, delivering his 'titah' during the Bali Democracy Forum in Nusa Dua on Indonesia's resort island of Bali on December 9, 2010. Picture: Infofoto
Friday, December 10, 2010
HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday underscored the government's duty to empower the people to achieve what they want to do with their lives in order to sustain peace and stability in the country.
In a largely buoyant titah talking about the Brunei experience and was delivered during the 3rd Bali Democracy Forum (BDF), the monarch outlined two ways to measure success in sustaining peace and stability within the Sultanate — by the way it empowers Bruneians in realising their hopes and dreams, and how it helps them take responsibility for their personal decisions and choices.
"The world's political landscape is still darkened by 20th century legacies" which have damaged and threatened the world's political, natural and social landscape. Such destructive elements are a reminder that they cannot be eliminated by anything governments seeks to impose on their own, said His Majesty.
"We believe that it can only be dispelled by the people themselves. And therefore, it is the government's duty to help each of them gain the capacity to do this."
The Sultan said his government is aware that personal empowerment among Bruneians would only come when all the people have reached the highest possible levels of education, health and when the country has fully met the immediate challenges of the new century in the environment, security and biodiversity.
The monarch stressed in his titah that the "collective will of our people" is the government's "powerful source of energy ... far more lasting than oil and gas" to reach the abovementioned goals.
"We are a small country and of course that has many limitations. But one great advantage is the closeness it develops among us all. I meet our people from all walks of life almost daily. And the constant request they have for the government is to give them the means to enjoy modern life well and benefit from its opportunities", said the monarch.
"Not as anonymous masses, but personally as distinct individuals, families, and communities and specifically in accordance with their values, customs and beliefs. In other words specific, personal empowerment."
The monarch noted improvements in "universal healthcare, education and a dramatic increase in women's opportunities and employment", which he referred to as "real targets" set out in the country's short-and long-term economic and social plans.
However, Brunei "is in no position to fulfil all (its) hopes alone", he said, remarking that Brunei's diligence in being a part of regional and world community such as the United Nations and Asean is due in part to its limited population, small domestic market and finite natural resources.
"That is why I find it encouraging that a decade into this new century, there seems to be an approach that matches our own in the great organisations to which we belong,"he said, exemplifying his point with growing efforts in Asean to reach development targets set for the next decade and the "Non-Aligned Movement being increasingly aligned with the Commonwealth to bring development to the southern hemisphere".
"Certainly, there are still disagreements and even disputes to settle but I see far less direct confrontation and far more attempts at dialogue," he told the audience.
Following a general debate, His Majesty attended an official lunch hosted by Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The monarch is scheduled to depart Bali with his entourage this afternoon.
courtesy of--The Brunei Times
Man found hanging at Telbru tower
Friday, December 10, 2010
A 51-YEAR-OLD man working at Brunei Shell Petroleum is thought to have committed suicide by hanging from a Telbru tower with a 1.5-metre electric cable yesterday morning.
Suspended on the tower located 15 kilometres into Jalan Kuala Balai in Belait, the hanging body was discovered by Telbru personnel at about 9.45am, and he immediately contacted the police.
Personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department were also contacted to help remove the body from the tower.
According to information from the Kuala Belait Police Station, the tower is about 55 metres tall and the man was found hanging about 3 to 4 metres above ground. The firefighters scaled the tower using ropes, and it took them several hours to dismantle the cable and remove the body so as not cause further damage to the body.
The man was pronounced dead by medical officers soon after arriving at the hospital.
The deceased was last seen the night before at the site and the police officer said there has been no police report made by family members of his whereabouts earlier. According to the Kuala Belait police, foul play is not suspected at the moment, but they will need to wait for the autopsy report to ascertain the cause of death, before investigating the motive behind the case.
The body was sent to RIPAS hospital, and an autopsy was scheduled for yesterday evening.
courtesy of--The Brunei Times
Indonesia warns of gap in Asian political development
(Front L-R) His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, and Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao posing for a group photo during the Bali Democracy Forum III in Nusa dua, Bali, Indonesia, yesterday.Picture: EPA Friday, December 10, 2010
INDONESIAN President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono warned yesterday that uneven political development posed a threat to Asian security, as he opened the third annual Bali Democracy Forum.
He said regional cooperation had focused almost exclusively on economic development but there was an "urgent need to overcome the 'political development' gap" as well.
"If we don't handle this carefully, this political development gap could cause trouble for development, create political instability and become a security threat to the region," he said in a speech.
"It is important that we have a better understanding of peace and democracy which must become part of regional cooperation."
Indonesia is a founding member of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), which includes democracies like Thailand and the Philippines alongside communist states like Vietnam and junta-ruled Myanmar, which has recently organised elections.
As the bloc's biggest economy, it has been keen to advance principles of democracy and human rights which it has championed since the fall of military strongman Suharto in 1998 after more than three decades in power.
The democracy forum, being held as usual in the plush surrounds of a luxury resort on the holiday island of Bali, is an initiative of Yudhoyono's to encourage open discussion of democracy among the region's disparate states.
This year's forum is being co-chaired by Yudhoyono and South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak, who is no stranger to the gap of political development between his country and the neighbouring North.
"Asia has emerged as an axis of world change, that's why we have to cooperate across a number of responsibilities so that democracy and our economies can grow together," Lee said in remarks translated from Korean.
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and representatives of some 69 other countries including Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao and Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd are attending the two-day meeting.
courtesy of--AFP
He said regional cooperation had focused almost exclusively on economic development but there was an "urgent need to overcome the 'political development' gap" as well.
"If we don't handle this carefully, this political development gap could cause trouble for development, create political instability and become a security threat to the region," he said in a speech.
"It is important that we have a better understanding of peace and democracy which must become part of regional cooperation."
Indonesia is a founding member of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), which includes democracies like Thailand and the Philippines alongside communist states like Vietnam and junta-ruled Myanmar, which has recently organised elections.
As the bloc's biggest economy, it has been keen to advance principles of democracy and human rights which it has championed since the fall of military strongman Suharto in 1998 after more than three decades in power.
The democracy forum, being held as usual in the plush surrounds of a luxury resort on the holiday island of Bali, is an initiative of Yudhoyono's to encourage open discussion of democracy among the region's disparate states.
This year's forum is being co-chaired by Yudhoyono and South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak, who is no stranger to the gap of political development between his country and the neighbouring North.
"Asia has emerged as an axis of world change, that's why we have to cooperate across a number of responsibilities so that democracy and our economies can grow together," Lee said in remarks translated from Korean.
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and representatives of some 69 other countries including Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao and Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd are attending the two-day meeting.
courtesy of--AFP
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Knowledge about Aids needs to be put into practice
A file photo of the Ministry of Health-distributed information card containing World Aids Day health messages, taken on Dec 2. Picture: BT/Yusri Adanan
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
PUTTING the knowledge and information gained from various agencies into practice is the next step in the prevention of HIV/Aids in the country, according to a public health specialist from the Ministry of Health.
Dr Ong Sok King, acting specialist (Public Health) and head of Disease Control at the ministry's Health Department, said that the HIV cases in Brunei were transmitted through sexual activities. According to Dr Ong, awareness was already there among the youth, so actively practising the values and knowledge given to the public is the next step forward.
"The younger generation are the most at risk," said Dr Ong, citing the fact that their behaviour and lifestyle can be influenced easily.
Recent published statistics from the Ministry of Health show that for the last five years, 95 per cent of the cases were transmitted sexually. The largest group of those infected was in the 20-to-29-year-old range.
Dr Ong said that transmission through intravenous drug use is not common in Brunei, and that possibility of transmission from mother to child and contaminated blood products has nearly been eliminated.
"Previously, we have had two cases where a mother living with HIV gave birth to children free from the disease," she said, adding that it was possible with the current technology available. "We also routinely screen all blood products for the virus."
She said that in their efforts to prevent the spread of the disease, imparting HIV life skills-based education to youths is one of the most important measures in the endeavour. "We encourage abstinence or loyalty to one's spouse," Dr Ong said, and reiterated the ABCDs (Abstinence, Be Faithful, Condoms, Don't abuse Drugs) for prevention of HIV/Aids.
She also said that the ministry is actively trying to reduce stigmatisation. Dr Ong believes that there is always going to be some prejudice towards those people living with HIV/Aids, "not just in Brunei, but throughout the world."
"It is important for those people who think they may have been in risky situations to come forward to be tested," she said, adding that with reduced stigmatisation, it would be easier for people to come forward.
The nature of HIV/Aids treatment highlights the necessity of coming forward early. "If detected in the later stages, the treatment has a lot more complications," said Dr Ong.
She also said that some of the people living with HIV were actually victims of circumstances.
"We need to support these people," she said, pointing out that people should have no fear of having coffee or a meal with someone living with HIV.
Dr Ong said that the Ministry of Health offers counselling to people before and after they are tested for HIV.
"We would offer them counselling before they take the test, so that they are prepared for the results," she said.
If they were unfortunate enough to be tested positive for HIV, they would be given further counselling, to let them know what their options are and to provide moral support, she added.
She also believes that there is no reason to be complacent about the situation in Brunei.
"We have done a lot of good work towards prevention, towards awareness," she said. "We can always do a lot more." The Brunei Times
Dr Ong Sok King, acting specialist (Public Health) and head of Disease Control at the ministry's Health Department, said that the HIV cases in Brunei were transmitted through sexual activities. According to Dr Ong, awareness was already there among the youth, so actively practising the values and knowledge given to the public is the next step forward.
"The younger generation are the most at risk," said Dr Ong, citing the fact that their behaviour and lifestyle can be influenced easily.
Recent published statistics from the Ministry of Health show that for the last five years, 95 per cent of the cases were transmitted sexually. The largest group of those infected was in the 20-to-29-year-old range.
Dr Ong said that transmission through intravenous drug use is not common in Brunei, and that possibility of transmission from mother to child and contaminated blood products has nearly been eliminated.
"Previously, we have had two cases where a mother living with HIV gave birth to children free from the disease," she said, adding that it was possible with the current technology available. "We also routinely screen all blood products for the virus."
She said that in their efforts to prevent the spread of the disease, imparting HIV life skills-based education to youths is one of the most important measures in the endeavour. "We encourage abstinence or loyalty to one's spouse," Dr Ong said, and reiterated the ABCDs (Abstinence, Be Faithful, Condoms, Don't abuse Drugs) for prevention of HIV/Aids.
She also said that the ministry is actively trying to reduce stigmatisation. Dr Ong believes that there is always going to be some prejudice towards those people living with HIV/Aids, "not just in Brunei, but throughout the world."
"It is important for those people who think they may have been in risky situations to come forward to be tested," she said, adding that with reduced stigmatisation, it would be easier for people to come forward.
The nature of HIV/Aids treatment highlights the necessity of coming forward early. "If detected in the later stages, the treatment has a lot more complications," said Dr Ong.
She also said that some of the people living with HIV were actually victims of circumstances.
"We need to support these people," she said, pointing out that people should have no fear of having coffee or a meal with someone living with HIV.
Dr Ong said that the Ministry of Health offers counselling to people before and after they are tested for HIV.
"We would offer them counselling before they take the test, so that they are prepared for the results," she said.
If they were unfortunate enough to be tested positive for HIV, they would be given further counselling, to let them know what their options are and to provide moral support, she added.
She also believes that there is no reason to be complacent about the situation in Brunei.
"We have done a lot of good work towards prevention, towards awareness," she said. "We can always do a lot more." The Brunei Times
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
NE monsoon heralds more storms
The main road at Kg Sungai Liang covered with water affected by flood in 2009. Picture: BT
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
THE yearly Northeast monsoon wave has arrived expecting to usher in more thunderstorms over the next two months, making the season a time for vigilance and caution, according to the Meteorological Service duty forecaster.
When contacted by The Brunei Times, the duty forecaster explained, "we are expecting more of the same weather conditions thunderstorms to come over the next couple of days, months but it depends on the intensity and duration of the daily weather patterns".
Asked if there are any advisory warnings in particular for the next two months, the duty forecaster said the public must be aware, cautious and vigilant, and to pay attention to mass media on weather updates or warnings.
As the "weather intensity will vary from day to day," the forecaster advised the public to contact the weather hotline 114 or to check online updates at www.bruneiweather.com.bn if they have any concerns about poor weather conditions. Yesterday's weather trend from 1pm onwards showed that thundershowers originated, and were concentrated in and around Brunei-Muara and Temburong before shifting westward to Tutong and Belait to cover the whole country. He added that as a general view however, December and January are the wettest months of the year in the Sultanate. "It is the norm for Brunei, the NE monsoon to be precise."
Over the next three to four days, sea conditions will be tame as the duty forecaster explained that the prevailing winds will be light, however he stressed that the conditions are subject to sudden changes and cannot be read beyond four days.
courtesy of--The Brunei Times
Belait floodwaters continue to rise
Residents in Bukit Puan swimming in the waters. Picture: BT/Chua Guan Cheong
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
FOLLOWING yesterday's heavy downpour, the flooding situation in the Belait district worsened while floodwaters in Tutong receded slightly.
According to the Public Works Department (PWD), flood monitoring in Tutong showed that there was a "reduction (in the) flood levels at most areas".
However, the road to Bukit Puan in Belait rose from 0.4 metre on Sunday to 0.5 metre on Monday without rain. With yesterday's thundershowers, a 0.52-metre water level recorded at 3pm rose to 1.3 metres by 6.30pm.
The PWD also disclosed that Seria in the Belait district suffered some flash floods during the heavy downpour and added that the National Disaster Management Centre recorded a flood level of one metre in Sukang, Belait by 3pm and 1.3 metres by 6.30pm.
The record-high flood levels at Sukang were expected to reach areas in Bukit Sawat in 38 hours and areas in Bukit Puan in 48 hours from eight o'clock last night.
The PWD said that "more rain will push floodwaters downstream to Badas and Kuala Balai in three to five days".
Asked why flood waters had receded in Tutong and risen in Belait, Pg Azman Pg Badaruddin, senior executive engineer and head of the Drainage Section at PWD, said it might be due to less rainfall over the interior of the district, although the department did not know for sure as it has yet to install rain gauges in remote areas within the interior.
In the same statement, the Incident Command Post said it expected the Rampayoh padi field to be flooded by late evening yesterday.
The Temburong district experienced heavy downpour at 3pm yesterday but authorities have yet to obtain comprehensive information on the rainfall and flooding situation in thearea.
Entering the heavy monsoon season of December and January, the Sultanate has already experienced a taste of the challenges brought by floods through heavy rainfall and high tide.
Tutong, the country's lowest lying district, has been seeing an influx of floodwaters in many places along the Tutong River since December 2 while the Belait district, specifically in Bukit Puan and Luagan Lalak, saw water rising to at least 0.4 metre, overflowing riverbanks.
On December 1, a PWD station at Kampung Belaban had reported 126.5 millimetres of rainfall, "the highest recorded," for that station. The statement further stated that upstream from the station along the Tutong River and Belait River, the rainfall records were much higher.
Another statement from PWD said water levels are expected to recede within a week if no heavy downpour further swells the rivers.
courtesy of--The Brunei Times
TIME hails Cory as among most powerful women of past century
By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ
December 4, 2010, 2:34pm
MANILA, Philippines — The legacy of the late Philippine President Corazon “Cory” Aquino continues with her inclusion in TIME Magazine’s “The 25 Most Powerful Women of the Past Century” list.
Cory, the mother of incumbent President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and controversial TV host-actress Kris Aquino, is hailed as the country’s mother of democracy. She is the only Filipino (and one of three Asians) who made it to the list released last Nov. 18.
TIME writer Rachelle Dragani recalled how Cory, “initially had no political ambitions of her own,” until the assassination of her husband, former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., in 1983.
“Almost instantly, she became a unifying force against the autocratic President Ferdinand Marcos and ran in the 1986 presidential election. Her sudden ascension as the first female President of the Philippines was the battered islands' first step toward democracy,” Dragani wrote.
Dragani ended her piece on Cory by recalling the impact she made.
“Weathering both coup attempts and corruption charges, Aquino was unable to push through much of the social reform that her supporters had hoped for. But when she stepped down in 1992, she still stood tall as the people's choice,” she stated.
The prestigious list also includes Asians Indira Gandhi (dubbed as “the longest-serving Prime Minister"), and Jiang Qing (wife of China’s communist leader Mao Zedong); as well as media mogul Oprah Winfrey, Queen of Pop Madonna, US senator Hillary Clinton, beatified nun Mother Theresa, and Britain’s “Iron Lady” Margaret Thatcher.
Cory, who died at 76, graced the cover of the magazine's international edition four times. She appeared thrice in 1986, in its Feb. 3, Feb. 24, and Mar. 10 issues. The same year, TIME named Cory its “Woman of the Year,” for which she was put back on the cover of its Jan. 5, 1987 issue.
Prior to this recent recognition by TIME, Cory was named one of the international publication’s “60 Asian Heroes” in 2006.
And following her death in 2009 due to colon cancer, TIME Asia put her on their cover for the first time with the title, “the woman who changed Asia.” She concurrently appeared anew on the international edition in the same month that came with a special report.
“Whenever the country appeared to be in a crisis, Cory Aquino rose above the bureaucratic procrastination that had always bogged it down, reminding her people that they once astonished the world with their bravery — and that they could do it again,” read a part of Time Asia's cover story on Cory called “The Death of Corazon Aquino, Saint of People Power.”
courtesy of-- Manila Bulletin
Liz Uy's family indifferent to intrigues
(Photo from Liz Uy's Twitter account)
By ALEX VALENTIN BROSAS
December 7, 2010, 3:08pm
MANILA, Philippines - In wake of Liz Uy’s much publicized romantic link to President Noynoy Aquino, the celebrity stylist’s sister, Laureen Uy, revealed that she and her family just take the rumors with a grain of salt.
“Liz is quiet naman about it. It doesn’t affect her work. Kung ganoon ‘yung case, kung ganoon ang scenario, hindi na lang kami nagpapa-affect,” Laureen declared on “Showbiz Central,” Dec. 5.
Sharing some background information on her family, Laureen disclosed that “we were raised very conservatively.”
“We studied in a Chinese school. And then she (Liz) went to college in CSB. She took up Hotel Management, HRM. She worked at Linden for a while and then Pauline (Juan, Preview editor-in-chief) asked her if she could style. After that, that’s where her passion for fashion grew," Laureen shared.
It had been a complete turn around for her sister, Laureen recalled.
“From there, everything’s [become] super nice. Parang lahat ng tao hiningi ‘yung number niya because she’s styling so well. I think in a span of a year or two years, she became the fashion editor na right away.”
She went on to share how her popular stylist sister lavished her with all the love and affection.
“She’s a super loving sister to the point na sa sobrang mahal niya ako... sobra na niyang overprotective.”
Isabel Daza, one of Liz’s closest friends, meanwhile, attested to the stylist’s professionalism.
“As someone to work with, she’s very professional. Nakasama ko na siya sa maraming shoots. Masaya siya. People love being around her because napapatawa niya lahat,” Isabel shared.
“She’s very caring, generous siya. Whenever I need to borrow clothes or I need an outfit idea, she’s there,” she added.
Liz gained more prominence when she entered into a relationship with actor John Lloyd Cruz. Their romance went high profile but ended on a sour note.
And when handpicked to be President Noynoy’s stylist, Liz found herself enmeshed in an even bigger controversy; more so, when reports surfaced that P-Noy was courting her.
“When she heard na she’s going to be the presidential stylist, siyempre parang it’s such an honor to everyone. We’re all super proud of her. Noong nalaman niya, na-overwhelm din siya,” Laureen shared.
Laureen shed light on the dating issue that beset her sister and the President.
“It’s not naman as if, you know, they’re dating. I guess nali-link siya because she’s always with everyone--with Kris, the make-up artist, the designer, the President. ‘Yun,” she explained.
When pressed to answer if Liz turned down P-Noy’s romantic overtures, Laureen gave a safe reply.
“I don’t know. I really don’t know. I haven’t talk to her since then but I’ll talk to her soon.”
With various gossips going around, people have wondered why Liz’s voice has not been heard.
“I guess as much as she wants, she wasn’t really minding the whole issue. Ayaw na rin lang niyang isipin,” Laureen said.
Still, Isabel stressed that her friend is “single, very much single right now.”
“But of course she’s open to dating.”
courtesy of-- Manila Bulletin
India-Brunei FTA to benefit construction companies
File photo of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (R) and His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam (L) at the Presidential palace in New Delhi on May 20, 2008. Picture: AFP
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
THE Oxford Business Group (OBG) said the first successes of the recently established free trade agreement (FTA) between Brunei and India have become evident and could spell opportunities for local construction firms.
In a paper, OBG cited the interests shown by an Indian trade mission in the Sultanate's construction sector during a recent visit. The mission had identified the Sultanate's construction sector as a promising area for trade expansion. "The sector offers Indian firms a chance to tap into one of the Bruneian economy's major growth drivers, with a swathe of major construction projects either under way or on the drawing board," OBG said in a paper.
"The FTA is thus likely to benefit many Bruneian companies, such as local construction outfits. Domestic companies may also benefit in terms of developing niche products that larger construction giants are obliged to subcontract fulfilling Brunei's development goal of creating a more knowledge-based and higher-value-added economy," OBG said.
The free trade deal between India and Brunei Darussalam is part of the wider FTA between the subcontinent and the Asean states.
New Delhi has had to individually ratify the deal for each of the 10 member states of the association, with Brunei joining at the start of November to become the seventh participating Asean member.
Cambodia, Laos and the Philippines have yet to enter the agreement, with the Indian government saying that these countries will likely be approved in the coming few months, OBG said.
In the report, it said trade between India and Brunei stood at some $453 million in 2009, citing Indian Ministry of Commerce data. This represents only around one per cent of the total $435 billion in trade between India and Asean that year.
The Sultanate's construction sector has been expanding in recent years, OBG said citing government data.
According to the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE), at constant prices the construction sector was worth B$488.9 million in 2007, B$497.6 million in 2008 and a provisional B$477.4 million in 2009. Over this period, the sector contributed around four per cent of GDP, the group said.
OBG said major construction projects under way currently include the Ministry of Development's National Housing Programme, which aims to provide low-cost housing for 30,000 Bruneians.
There is also major work being carried out to construct an integrated waste-management system (IWMS), and a new dam at Ulu Tutong, estimated to cost about B$120 million.
A complete refurbishment of Brunei International Airport is ongoing.
In addition, there is the Pulau Muara Besar (PMB) deepwater port project, which when completed will also house a manufacturing complex, including an aluminium smelter and an export processing zone for halal food on its 955ha site, it said.
There are plans for lifestyle and tourism, economic, and community zones.
Meanwhile, the 271ha Sungai Liang Industrial Park (Spark) will also be expanded with the construction of Spark Zone Village, which will house amenities and facilities such as conference and meeting rooms, open office spaces for rent, a multi-purpose hall, an exhibition hall, banks, a pharmacy, eateries and retail shops.
"All of these are major attractions for construction companies around the world and Indian outfits are among the firms interested in winning contracts," OBG said.
"Yet while many of the large construction projects in Brunei attract overseas bidders, the picture is not always so clear for domestic companies," OBG opined.
"Few locals can match giant internationals when it comes to bidding wars, meaning that Bruneian firms tend to end up serving as subcontractors for the larger international enterprises. Yet advocates of free trade policies argue that while FTAs allow overseas enterprises better access, they also oblige locals to raise their game and open up opportunities overseas.
"Bruneian companies now have much greater access to Indian markets as well, and the rapidly growing Indian economy is a potentially massive money-spinner," the OBG report said.
In a paper, OBG cited the interests shown by an Indian trade mission in the Sultanate's construction sector during a recent visit. The mission had identified the Sultanate's construction sector as a promising area for trade expansion. "The sector offers Indian firms a chance to tap into one of the Bruneian economy's major growth drivers, with a swathe of major construction projects either under way or on the drawing board," OBG said in a paper.
"The FTA is thus likely to benefit many Bruneian companies, such as local construction outfits. Domestic companies may also benefit in terms of developing niche products that larger construction giants are obliged to subcontract fulfilling Brunei's development goal of creating a more knowledge-based and higher-value-added economy," OBG said.
The free trade deal between India and Brunei Darussalam is part of the wider FTA between the subcontinent and the Asean states.
New Delhi has had to individually ratify the deal for each of the 10 member states of the association, with Brunei joining at the start of November to become the seventh participating Asean member.
Cambodia, Laos and the Philippines have yet to enter the agreement, with the Indian government saying that these countries will likely be approved in the coming few months, OBG said.
In the report, it said trade between India and Brunei stood at some $453 million in 2009, citing Indian Ministry of Commerce data. This represents only around one per cent of the total $435 billion in trade between India and Asean that year.
The Sultanate's construction sector has been expanding in recent years, OBG said citing government data.
According to the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE), at constant prices the construction sector was worth B$488.9 million in 2007, B$497.6 million in 2008 and a provisional B$477.4 million in 2009. Over this period, the sector contributed around four per cent of GDP, the group said.
OBG said major construction projects under way currently include the Ministry of Development's National Housing Programme, which aims to provide low-cost housing for 30,000 Bruneians.
There is also major work being carried out to construct an integrated waste-management system (IWMS), and a new dam at Ulu Tutong, estimated to cost about B$120 million.
A complete refurbishment of Brunei International Airport is ongoing.
In addition, there is the Pulau Muara Besar (PMB) deepwater port project, which when completed will also house a manufacturing complex, including an aluminium smelter and an export processing zone for halal food on its 955ha site, it said.
There are plans for lifestyle and tourism, economic, and community zones.
Meanwhile, the 271ha Sungai Liang Industrial Park (Spark) will also be expanded with the construction of Spark Zone Village, which will house amenities and facilities such as conference and meeting rooms, open office spaces for rent, a multi-purpose hall, an exhibition hall, banks, a pharmacy, eateries and retail shops.
"All of these are major attractions for construction companies around the world and Indian outfits are among the firms interested in winning contracts," OBG said.
"Yet while many of the large construction projects in Brunei attract overseas bidders, the picture is not always so clear for domestic companies," OBG opined.
"Few locals can match giant internationals when it comes to bidding wars, meaning that Bruneian firms tend to end up serving as subcontractors for the larger international enterprises. Yet advocates of free trade policies argue that while FTAs allow overseas enterprises better access, they also oblige locals to raise their game and open up opportunities overseas.
"Bruneian companies now have much greater access to Indian markets as well, and the rapidly growing Indian economy is a potentially massive money-spinner," the OBG report said.
courtesy of--The Brunei Times
HM: Aspire for betterment
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, delivering his 'titah' in conjunction with the new Islamic year of Hijrah 1432 at Istana Nurul Iman. Picture: BT/Zamri Zainal
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Monarch expresses nation's gratefulness to Allah
HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in his titah yesterday said the nation should aspire to make important changes towards betterment in all aspects of life.
In welcoming the new Islamic year Hijrah 1432, the monarch expressed gratefulness for Allah (SWT) that the country has entered into the new Islamic year with ease and harmony.
"Hijrah also brings about change, as change does not have an end," said His Majesty, adding that "today we make change, as well as for tomorrow, (where we) still yearn for change. In fact, at any given time, we would nevertheless desire to change, this is the instinct for change. In short, the attraction for change is extraordinary,"said His Majesty.
However, said His Majesty, as Muslims it is not only the desire just to change, but that it must also be towards "betterment".
"Thus the policy that we should use, not just for the sake of change, but to make changes that are aimed towards progression," he said, adding that "Islam encourages pursuit of change. It does not want us to wait for change, but encourages us to pursue change".
Islam, said His Majesty, aspires us to be at the forefront in producing change; His Majesty referred to al-Waqi'ah verse 10, whereby the text described successful people in their pursuit of bringing benefits to the world and afterwards they would successfully become the pioneers of receiving rewards in the Hereafter.
"This is how we continuously pursue change," said His Majesty.
The caring monarch further gave an example in economic terms whereby a person could save $5 this month, but in the next, the person change, and increase the value to $10, not by decreasing it from $5 to $2.
This, said His Majesty, could be applied to any other matter, specifically in the life of piety.
We are asked to implement changes steadily and not regress meaning increasing practice and not lessening it.
These are among the secrets and the objective of Hijrah — "to give birth to important transitions, and not just ordinary change", said His Majesty.
His Majesty referred to historical events and the lessons obtained from there, whereby Hijrah is a great sacrifice as those who took the journey had to leave everything behind; their families, their wealth and their homeland.
However, it was immaterial to them as they left in order to achieve the purpose of the journey: to safeguard akidah (faith) and spread Islam, as it has been endowed by Allah (SWT).
"We must be grateful now as both akidah and Islam are ours to keep, " said His Majesty.
He went on to say that the responsibility of safeguarding and implementing it should be continued.
"If we still feel that we are lacking or still weak in safeguarding and implementation, we must rise towards perfecting it, this is therefore the true change that is being sought after, which is the precise concept of Hijrah," he said.
This is the approach that must be understood and embraced, only then will Hijrah celebration be seen as possessing important goals that would bring meaningful changes to the ummah.
The monarch also expressed best wishes to the nation on behalf of the Royal Family for the new Hijrah year and hoped that it would deepen the awareness of servitude to Allah (SWT) in producing benefits to the country.
courtesy of--The Brunei Times
HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in his titah yesterday said the nation should aspire to make important changes towards betterment in all aspects of life.
In welcoming the new Islamic year Hijrah 1432, the monarch expressed gratefulness for Allah (SWT) that the country has entered into the new Islamic year with ease and harmony.
"Hijrah also brings about change, as change does not have an end," said His Majesty, adding that "today we make change, as well as for tomorrow, (where we) still yearn for change. In fact, at any given time, we would nevertheless desire to change, this is the instinct for change. In short, the attraction for change is extraordinary,"said His Majesty.
However, said His Majesty, as Muslims it is not only the desire just to change, but that it must also be towards "betterment".
"Thus the policy that we should use, not just for the sake of change, but to make changes that are aimed towards progression," he said, adding that "Islam encourages pursuit of change. It does not want us to wait for change, but encourages us to pursue change".
Islam, said His Majesty, aspires us to be at the forefront in producing change; His Majesty referred to al-Waqi'ah verse 10, whereby the text described successful people in their pursuit of bringing benefits to the world and afterwards they would successfully become the pioneers of receiving rewards in the Hereafter.
"This is how we continuously pursue change," said His Majesty.
The caring monarch further gave an example in economic terms whereby a person could save $5 this month, but in the next, the person change, and increase the value to $10, not by decreasing it from $5 to $2.
This, said His Majesty, could be applied to any other matter, specifically in the life of piety.
We are asked to implement changes steadily and not regress meaning increasing practice and not lessening it.
These are among the secrets and the objective of Hijrah — "to give birth to important transitions, and not just ordinary change", said His Majesty.
His Majesty referred to historical events and the lessons obtained from there, whereby Hijrah is a great sacrifice as those who took the journey had to leave everything behind; their families, their wealth and their homeland.
However, it was immaterial to them as they left in order to achieve the purpose of the journey: to safeguard akidah (faith) and spread Islam, as it has been endowed by Allah (SWT).
"We must be grateful now as both akidah and Islam are ours to keep, " said His Majesty.
He went on to say that the responsibility of safeguarding and implementing it should be continued.
"If we still feel that we are lacking or still weak in safeguarding and implementation, we must rise towards perfecting it, this is therefore the true change that is being sought after, which is the precise concept of Hijrah," he said.
This is the approach that must be understood and embraced, only then will Hijrah celebration be seen as possessing important goals that would bring meaningful changes to the ummah.
The monarch also expressed best wishes to the nation on behalf of the Royal Family for the new Hijrah year and hoped that it would deepen the awareness of servitude to Allah (SWT) in producing benefits to the country.
courtesy of--The Brunei Times
Monday, December 6, 2010
Brunei's rich culture, heritage impress visitors from Pahang
Sunday, December 5, 2010
BRUNEI's rich culture and heritage had left a positive impression on visitors from Pahang Telok Ira International School, who for the last two days, visited cultural sites in Bandar Seri Begawan.
They spent the first day travelling through Kampung Ayer, visiting the Royal Regalia Building and taking the time to pray at the Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosque and a tour around Bandar Seri Begawan.
"Brunei has a very strong cultural heritage," said Dr Syed Abdullah Syed Sulaiman, a senior lecturer from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), who is leading the delegation in an interview with The Brunei Times.
"There's a lot places in Brunei with great artistic value," he said, citing the mosques as a specific example.
The senior lecturer with the Faculty of Creative Technology and Heritage, believes that Brunei is a strong nation as a result of its heritage and culture. He said that the national philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) is one of the strong driving forces behind its strength.
"I will love to come back here again with some of my students from the university," he said, stating that Brunei is a good place to learn about Malay culture.
One of the people whose only regret was the short amount of time they spent in the country was Sharifah Elly Nadia Syed Abdullah, the professor's daughter who accompanied him on the trip. She wished she had more time to see life in Kampong Ayer.
"We only spent a short time travelling through the water village," she said.
She shared that she enjoyed the visit and has learned quite a bit about Bruneian culture and was impressed about the strength of the Islamic belief here in Brunei.
"The people here are also very friendly, and the culture is quite unique."
Sharifah said she was more then willing to come visit Brunei again, bringing her friends and stay longer just to learn more about the country's culture.
The delegation, which comprised not just students, but their parents as well as other administrative officials and teachers from the school ended their visit yesterday at the Information Department.
They were welcomed on arrival at the department by Dr Muhd Hadi Muhd Melayong, Director of Information Department and other senior officials from the department.
The visitors were taken to see the operations of information department upclose, and were given an in-depth documentary on the history of Brunei.
courtesy of--The Brunei Times
HM sends birthday greetings to the King of Thailand
Sunday, December 5, 2010
HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam (picture), has sent a congratulatory message to the King of Thailand, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, on the occasion of his 83rd birthday.
In the message, His Majesty expressed his great appreciation for the leadership and commitment of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in enhancing the warm and friendly relations between the two countries and looked forward to continue strengthening this friendship and cooperation for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries.
His Majesty also conveyed his very best wishes for the good health, prosperity and happiness of HIs Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and members of the Royal Family.
Meanwhile His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade also sent a congratulatory message to his Thai counterpart Kasit Piromya, on the occasion of the King of Thailand His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej 83rd birthday.
In the message, His Royal Highness congratulated the foreign minister as well as the government and people of Thailand on the occasion.
"I have greatly appreciated working closely with you to strengthen our much valued bilateral relations and our partnership in Asean," His Royal Highness said in a statement yesterday.
"I wish you much success in hosting the 3rd Asia- Middle East Dialogue Ministerial Meeting (AMED III) later this month and I send my kindest regards to you and your family and all Thai nationals, both at home and overseas," His Royal Highness added.
courtesy of— Rasidah HABThe Brunei Times
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Environmental Education Centre in plan for proposed Blue Flag beach
A quiet evening stroll on Meragang beach. Picture: BT file
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
PLANNERS behind the bid to develop one of Brunei's public beaches to be worthy of an internationally-recognised "eco-label" by the end of next year are considering the construction of an information centre that will derive some of its power from the sun, wind and biogas.
The incorporation of such renewable energy technology in Meragang beach's proposed Environmental Information Centre is hoped to complement one of the main components of the Blue Flag programme for beaches and marinas, said the president of Beach Bunch, the non-government environmental organisation leading the local initiative.
"The Blue Flag Environmental Information Centre (EIC) is hoped to promote environmental education to the beach users through passive/ active participation, training activities, publication and media," said Rizan Latif in an email to The Brunei Times yesterday.
This was in line with the stringent standards put in place by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a United Nations linked non-profit, non-governmental organisation that owns and runs the Blue Flag programme worldwide.
"The Blue Flag works towards sustainable development at beaches and marinas through publicly awarding sites that meet strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services. A few of the issues covered in the criteria include cleanliness, provisions for waste and recycling, zoning of activities, and environmental education activities for a variety of people," the FEE said in one of its websites.
The Beach Bunch president said that once opened, the EIC would serve the purpose of disseminating environmental education issues as well as information on the Blue Flag to visitors of Meragang beach.
"Such a centre or place offers both activities and exhibitions and provides environmental and nature information in order to qualify as an environmental interpretation or education centre," said RizanAlthough the size of the centre has yet to be decided, its establishment is expected to cost under a million of the roughly $2 million budget that Beach Bunch is currently trying to raise through sponsorships.
The volunteer group is also working on the feasibility studies and conceptual design for the Blue Flag bid for Meragang beach which are anticipated to be completed by the end of this month.
The information will be showcased during a national workshop now postponed to midJanuary, when relevant government agencies such as the Ministry of Development and the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources will be invited to hear out Beach Bunch's pitch on the Blue Flag. Government approval and support is needed for the initiative to proceed.
Renewable energy and "clean energy" technology has been a feature in existing Blue Flag beaches and marinas.
According to its website, the Marina Chiavari in Italy has photovoltaic solar panels installed along its dock.
"The energy produced by the panels can satisfy a great part of the port's facilities' energy requirements. The ports staff uses electric cars and bicycles to move around the port and in Chiavari without pollution," the website said.
Exploring alternate and renewable energy sources has become a focus in Brunei, particularly as the government leads efforts to decrease national energy consumption and works on promoting energy efficiency and conservation.
The Brunei Economic Development Board's Knowledge Hub in Anggerek Desa, reportedly Brunei's first "green building", was completed near the beginning of this year. The building features solar power generation and incorporates energy-saving technologies such as motion sensors for lighting and energy-saving elevators.
The Sultanate is also home to one of the largest solar power demonstration projects in Asia. The 1.2 Megawatt Tenaga Suria Brunei project is already supplying some of the household electricity demand in Seria.
courtesy of--The Brunei Times
The days of 'Duit Kerabau' notes
(Above) A 1925 Straits Settlement currency. Picture: Rozan Yunos
Monday, November 29,2010
BRUNEIANS who were born in the 1950s or earlier would remember the famous red $10 note use in Brunei known as "duit kerabau" or "buffalo money". In the front of the $10 note was a buffalo plowing a paddy field. Its junior counterpart was a greenish $1 note known as "duit kapal" or "boat money" as it depicted a sailing boat at the front and a similar boat being dragged in to the shore at the back.
At the back of these notes, one can see all the national and state crests of countries and states using these notes including the Brunei crest. These two currency notes were used in Brunei as well as in Singapore and the rest of the Malaysian states until 1967.
In June 1967, Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore each issued her own currency and with it came the end of the usage of the "duit kerabau" and "duit kapal" as well as other currency notes issued by the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya and British Borneo.
When the new currency notes came out, not many held on to these $1 and $10 notes. Mostly everyone changed their old currency notes to the new ones.
People in Brunei changed theirs with the new Sultan Omar Ali currency notes, those in Singapore to the new Orchid notes and those in Malaysia to the the first Agung, Tunku Abdul Rahman notes.
When the British pound was devalued in November of that same year, the $1 and $10 were devalued. Even those who at first wanted to hold on to the older notes gave in afraid that these notes would be worthless. The older notes were exchanged at about 15 per cent lower than face value. So many notes must have been changed to the new ones that not many were left in private hands.
So much so that fifty years later when this writer wanted to acquire the $10 duit kerabau; it was indeed very difficult to find. One of his junior colleagues happened to have three pieces of the $10 note refused to sell a single one citing that he wanted to keep the notes as heirlooms for his children.
Eventually one was found sold by an old lady at the Tamu in Kianggeh. Her selling price for the used $10 note despite it has been devalued in November 1967 was now an astounding $230.
Despite the best efforts of the writer, she did not budge from the price and she did get her $230. According to her, the price was comparable to the selling price on the internet. Indeed, on the internet auction websites today, the note can sell for as much as $1,000 for one in an uncirculated condition and the $1 note for as much as $100 or more.
How did Brunei come to use these $1 and $10 notes? For the answer to that question, one would have to go back in time all the way to 1906.
In 1906, when the first British Resident took control of the first modern government in Brunei Darussalam, he found that Brunei had no currency of its own. The people in the market were using a hotchpotch combination of anything, coins from the past such as the pitis and the star coin issued by Sultan Hashim, coins from Sabah and Sarawak and coins from Mexico.
The British Resident's first act was to outlaw every other currency and only accept the currency of the Straits Settlement government for use in Brunei.
The Straits Settlement states were originally under the rule of the British East India Company. The Indian Rupee was originally intended to be used but by 1844, the British East India Company decided to issue special coinages for use in Straits Settlement. In 1858, when the Straits Settlements became part of the British India, the coinages issued in 1862 bore the inscription "India Straits" reflecting the nature of the two states.
In 1867, the Straits Settlements was transferred from the Indian Government to the Imperial Government. The Straits Settlements became a Crown Colony. With this new status, new coins bearing the inscription "Straits Settlements" were first issued in 1871; and the Straits Settlements currency notes were first issued in 1898. The first note of the Straits Settlements was the $5 note bearing the year date of 1898.
The first notes did not depict any portrait of the British Kings until 1931 but showed scenes of the villages such as huts, coconut trees, sailing boats, buffaloes and tigers. Though from 1916, King George V was depicted in the high value notes but it was not until 1931 when his portrait became the prime feature of all the notes.
It was not until 1939 that the Straits Settlement currency notes were replaced. The Malayan currency was under review in September 1933 and in October 1938, the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya was formed to issue a Pan Malayan currency. The currency and coinages issued bore the effigy of King George VI.
However on December 8, 1941, the Japanese attacked Malaya and started issuing their "Duit Pisang" or "Banana Money". The Japanese notes were used until 1945 after which time, it had no value whatsoever. The King George VI currency notes were used immediately after the war.
The end of World War Two in 1945 also meant the dissolution of the Straits Settlements government. Penang and Malacca were transferred to the Malayan Union and Singapore was designated as a British Crown Colony. The Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya, ceased to exist on January 1, 1951, and a new agreement was negotiated with the governments of the Federation of Malaya, the colonies of Singapore, Sarawak, North Borneo (Sabah) and the State of Brunei.
The Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya and British Borneo was established on 1 January 1952 as the sole currency issuing authority for the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Brunei, British North Borneo and Sarawak. With the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne, all currency notes and coins issued by this Board bore her portrait. These notes bore the year-date 21 March 1953.
The Federation of Malaya gained its independence on August 31, 1957, while Singapore achieved self-government on June 3, 1959. With these changes, the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya and British Borneo issued new $1 (in 1959) and $10 notes (in 1961). A 1 coin was also released. The currency notes bearing the portrait of Queen Elizabeth continued to be in use together with the new $1 and $10 notes.
On 12 June 1967, the currency union which had been operating for 29 years came to an end, and the three participating countries, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei each issued her own currency.
However the currencies of the three countries remained interchangeable with each other at par value under the Interchangeability Agreement until 8 May 1973 when the Malaysian government decided to terminate it. Brunei and Singapore however continue with the Agreement until the present day.
The writer of "The Golden Legacy" column the longest running column on The Brunei Times runs a website on Brunei at bruneiresources.com.
courtesy of--The Brunei Times
At the back of these notes, one can see all the national and state crests of countries and states using these notes including the Brunei crest. These two currency notes were used in Brunei as well as in Singapore and the rest of the Malaysian states until 1967.
In June 1967, Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore each issued her own currency and with it came the end of the usage of the "duit kerabau" and "duit kapal" as well as other currency notes issued by the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya and British Borneo.
When the new currency notes came out, not many held on to these $1 and $10 notes. Mostly everyone changed their old currency notes to the new ones.
People in Brunei changed theirs with the new Sultan Omar Ali currency notes, those in Singapore to the new Orchid notes and those in Malaysia to the the first Agung, Tunku Abdul Rahman notes.
When the British pound was devalued in November of that same year, the $1 and $10 were devalued. Even those who at first wanted to hold on to the older notes gave in afraid that these notes would be worthless. The older notes were exchanged at about 15 per cent lower than face value. So many notes must have been changed to the new ones that not many were left in private hands.
So much so that fifty years later when this writer wanted to acquire the $10 duit kerabau; it was indeed very difficult to find. One of his junior colleagues happened to have three pieces of the $10 note refused to sell a single one citing that he wanted to keep the notes as heirlooms for his children.
Eventually one was found sold by an old lady at the Tamu in Kianggeh. Her selling price for the used $10 note despite it has been devalued in November 1967 was now an astounding $230.
Despite the best efforts of the writer, she did not budge from the price and she did get her $230. According to her, the price was comparable to the selling price on the internet. Indeed, on the internet auction websites today, the note can sell for as much as $1,000 for one in an uncirculated condition and the $1 note for as much as $100 or more.
How did Brunei come to use these $1 and $10 notes? For the answer to that question, one would have to go back in time all the way to 1906.
In 1906, when the first British Resident took control of the first modern government in Brunei Darussalam, he found that Brunei had no currency of its own. The people in the market were using a hotchpotch combination of anything, coins from the past such as the pitis and the star coin issued by Sultan Hashim, coins from Sabah and Sarawak and coins from Mexico.
The British Resident's first act was to outlaw every other currency and only accept the currency of the Straits Settlement government for use in Brunei.
The Straits Settlement states were originally under the rule of the British East India Company. The Indian Rupee was originally intended to be used but by 1844, the British East India Company decided to issue special coinages for use in Straits Settlement. In 1858, when the Straits Settlements became part of the British India, the coinages issued in 1862 bore the inscription "India Straits" reflecting the nature of the two states.
In 1867, the Straits Settlements was transferred from the Indian Government to the Imperial Government. The Straits Settlements became a Crown Colony. With this new status, new coins bearing the inscription "Straits Settlements" were first issued in 1871; and the Straits Settlements currency notes were first issued in 1898. The first note of the Straits Settlements was the $5 note bearing the year date of 1898.
The first notes did not depict any portrait of the British Kings until 1931 but showed scenes of the villages such as huts, coconut trees, sailing boats, buffaloes and tigers. Though from 1916, King George V was depicted in the high value notes but it was not until 1931 when his portrait became the prime feature of all the notes.
It was not until 1939 that the Straits Settlement currency notes were replaced. The Malayan currency was under review in September 1933 and in October 1938, the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya was formed to issue a Pan Malayan currency. The currency and coinages issued bore the effigy of King George VI.
However on December 8, 1941, the Japanese attacked Malaya and started issuing their "Duit Pisang" or "Banana Money". The Japanese notes were used until 1945 after which time, it had no value whatsoever. The King George VI currency notes were used immediately after the war.
The end of World War Two in 1945 also meant the dissolution of the Straits Settlements government. Penang and Malacca were transferred to the Malayan Union and Singapore was designated as a British Crown Colony. The Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya, ceased to exist on January 1, 1951, and a new agreement was negotiated with the governments of the Federation of Malaya, the colonies of Singapore, Sarawak, North Borneo (Sabah) and the State of Brunei.
The Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya and British Borneo was established on 1 January 1952 as the sole currency issuing authority for the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Brunei, British North Borneo and Sarawak. With the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne, all currency notes and coins issued by this Board bore her portrait. These notes bore the year-date 21 March 1953.
The Federation of Malaya gained its independence on August 31, 1957, while Singapore achieved self-government on June 3, 1959. With these changes, the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya and British Borneo issued new $1 (in 1959) and $10 notes (in 1961). A 1 coin was also released. The currency notes bearing the portrait of Queen Elizabeth continued to be in use together with the new $1 and $10 notes.
On 12 June 1967, the currency union which had been operating for 29 years came to an end, and the three participating countries, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei each issued her own currency.
However the currencies of the three countries remained interchangeable with each other at par value under the Interchangeability Agreement until 8 May 1973 when the Malaysian government decided to terminate it. Brunei and Singapore however continue with the Agreement until the present day.
The writer of "The Golden Legacy" column the longest running column on The Brunei Times runs a website on Brunei at bruneiresources.com.
courtesy of--The Brunei Times
Survey urged to improve Brunei's customer service
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
CUSTOMER service in Brunei is lacking, indicating a need for a national suvey that would look at how to improve the system, according to a consultancy group, which cited the results of an initial and "indicative" poll on the Sultanate's customer service.
BerSaMa Jaya Education and Management Sdn Bhd (BEaM) hopes to get government backing, particularly from the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) and the Brunei Tourism Board, in undertaking a national survey to improve the level of customer service in the country.
"I would like to undertake a fully constructed Brunei Customer Service Index survey, along the lines of the Singapore and Malaysia surveys (that have already been conducted). This would form the comprehensive baseline of the true state of service and business excellence in Brunei (and) this information will then form the basis of action plans to move things forward," said Mark Grieves, BEaM Services principal.
He said the survey would ideally be "owned" by the government, and that Brunei Tourism would seem the most appropriate owner as such, if not one of the stakeholders involved.
He said the indicative survey meant to give an indication of the type of questions to ask in a more scientific and demographically fair survey.
The survey polled 60 random people, 17 expatriates and 45 Bruneians, said Grieves. He said he also tried to obtain a 50-50 split in the male and female respondents for fairness of response.
"It's more of a dipstick, I think; testing the waters and to give an indication of the direction in which one needs to go. In the jargon you say, it's directionally indicative, statistically, totally 100 per cent, the truth."
The initial survey showed interesting results and destroyed some common preconceptions of Bruneians' priorities in respect to customer service.
Questions on the indicative sample survey included prioritising of customer service elements, which saw sample respondents identifying personalised service, price and value for money, and reliability and consistency as their top three priorities in customer service.
While these results are not incredibly shocking, said Grieves, it is notable that "the perception is that price is what is most important to Bruneians. It is not. It is one of the most important things but it is not the most important thing."
Results also indicated that according to Bruneians, their customer service needs or priorities are only met "some of the time", while responses on whether it was expected of the government or public sector to be better than the private sector (in terms of service levels) indicated that approximately three-quarters expected it to be the same level of service excellence between the two sectors. Respondents were also asked on whether they found local service providers "going the extra mile".
He said personally that "there is a woeful lack of education on customer service. There is no service culture in Brunei (but) that's not to say, they aren't well-trained in the functional side of customer service".
In fact, he said, positive comments pulled off travel sites such as Tripadvisor.com, emphasised the friendliness and generosity of locals.
He also noted that there is a lack of major investment in service training, "even the basic of 'Greet, Smile, Thank' functional level of customer service is regarded as a cost here, it's not regarded as an investment".
Results thus also indicate not only foreign respondents, but also Bruneians, are not feeling well-served by their service providers here with the majority of respondents (almost 50 per cent) stating that only 'some of the time' do they experience customer service that goes the extra mile.
Grieves said the results have "formed the basis of several discussions I'm having with the folks at Brunei Tourism and Ministry of Education and the Technical Education Department, with a view to sort of creating vocational training programmes in customer service."
Most overseas counterparts actually have vocational training programmes geared towards teaching customer service, he added. "This is the point of what (Beam) is trying to do. If you look at our surrounding countries all of our neighbours, even Cambodia, even Laos, relatively significantly poor countries are investing in the service industry for three reasons. The first one is, irrespective of whatever industrial sector you are in these days, service is fundamental, particularly if we're talking about the tourism sector getting foreign investment, foreign folks, that kind of thing. The service industry is crucial, however you want to define that.
"Secondly, (and) most importantly, the service industry is a very, very good employer of people (and) is essentially people focused." Within the service industry, young people essentially work at the front line, which Grieves observed as "creating an industry that is underpinned by service that is very, very good. That's what places like Cambodia, Vietnam and what have you, are doing because they've got a lot of youth that they need to employ. They've also got a lot of tourists there and they're competing with each other."
Asked if he saw this happening in Brunei, Grieves said, "No, we don't see that here. Singapore is undoubtedly the leader in this. So Singapore has invested hugely in repositioning itself from a production tiger of the 1990's and 2000's, to a service-based economy and since 2007, has been using a thing called the Customer Service Index, which is a national survey done across the whole of the economy, to each sector everything from the kopitiam to Alexander Hospital and all of the universities. (This) is to see what their measure of service is."
They use the American version of the American Customer Service Index which has been used for about 20 years, he added, so it's a macroeconomic indicator.
Malaysia, he added, is pursuing something similar albeit not as rigorous, with its "Malaysia, Truly Asia" campaign, as are Cambodia, Laos and Indonesia.
"The whole of this part of the world is investing massively in the service industry and my view is that there is an opportunity to do that here in Brunei, but we're not at the moment."
Comparisons collated by Grieves of the major hotels advertised online on popular travel sites such as Tripadvisor.com and Wego.com, show that the level of customer satisfaction drops off very quickly when comparing from highest ranking to lowest (in hotel star rating).
"More importantly, the level of recommendation drops off very quickly as well and even The Empire Hotel & Country Club is not immune from criticism.'
That's why, he said, the indicative survey was created with positive questions.
As criticism is a very emotional response and is very subjective, said Grieves, people will question how many people had actually said such critical comments. "At this stage, because the sample was not constructed in that way, it was a purely random sample, I pitched the questions in such as way that it had a positive sense. That, in a way, is a construct of the methodology.
"I wanted to get a feel for what's going on in Brunei simply because, there are a lot of pre-conceived notions about Brunei," he said.
The next stage would be mounting a more scientific survey he added, noting that "again, the whole essence of people-based research is you need to know what question you are asking. If you're just doing a census, asking everybody about everything, that's fine but then you just get overwhelmed with data.
"You've got to really focus on whether you're going to focus on a deep dive into the construct of what people think of customer service in Brunei vis-a-vis their expectations of customer service.
courtesy of----" The Brunei Times
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Manny Pac quiao Back to Phil
Sakay ng PAL PR 103, lalapag nga yong uma ga sa Centen nial Terminal n g Ninoy Aqui no Interna tional Airport a n g tinaguriang `Boxing Immortal' na si Congressman Manny Pac quiao mula sa Los An geles, California. Kasamang dara ting ni Pacquiao ang asawang si Jinkee at ilan pa sa Team Pacquiao at mga kaibigan.Nauna nang dumating sa bansa ang ina nitong si Aling Dionisia kahapon.
Magbabalik ang Pambansang Ka mao mula sa isa na namang matagumpay na paghablot ng titulo ang kanyang ikawalong world title nang bugbugin ang mas malaking si Antonio Margarito ng Mexico, sa Cowboys Stadium sa Arlington, Texas noong nakaraang Linggo.
Wagi ang kongresista mula sa Sa rangani Province sa pamamagitan ng unanimous decision at isinuot ang World Boxing Council (WBC) superwelter weight crown.
Bago umuwi si Pacquiao, dalawang concert muna ang tinupad nito isa sa Lake Tahoe sa Ne vada at Vallejo, Ca.
kung saan dinumog pareho ng mga fans, lalo na ng mga Pinoy na naninirahan doon. Sa kanyang pagbabalik sa Pilipinas, nakalinya na rin ang mga aktibidad ni Pacquiao, tulad ng 11 a.m. courtesy call kay Pangulong Noynoy Aquino sa Malakanyang, pati na ang show sa MOA mamayang hapon.
Ilang buwang magpapahinga sa boksing si Pacquiao upang harapin ang mga naiwang trabaho sa Kongreso. Habang pinagiisipan naman ng promoter niyang si Bob Arum ng Top Rank ang susunod nitong makakasagupa. Samantala, kung si Aling Dionisia ang masusunod, ayaw na niyang payagang lumaban muli ang anak.
Mas gusto aniyang makitang nasa Kongreso ang anak, o `di kaya naman ay inaasikaso ang mga negosyo.
"Marami naman silang negosyo ni Jinkee, yon na lang pagtuunan niya ng pansin, wag na ang boksing," pahayag ni Aling Dionisia.
Ayon kay Aling Dionisia, kung lalaban pa uli ang anak, hindi na umano siya sasama at mananatili na lamang sa Pilipinas at ipagdarasal na lang ang kaligtasan ni Manny.
Magbabalik ang Pambansang Ka mao mula sa isa na namang matagumpay na paghablot ng titulo ang kanyang ikawalong world title nang bugbugin ang mas malaking si Antonio Margarito ng Mexico, sa Cowboys Stadium sa Arlington, Texas noong nakaraang Linggo.
Wagi ang kongresista mula sa Sa rangani Province sa pamamagitan ng unanimous decision at isinuot ang World Boxing Council (WBC) superwelter weight crown.
Bago umuwi si Pacquiao, dalawang concert muna ang tinupad nito isa sa Lake Tahoe sa Ne vada at Vallejo, Ca.
kung saan dinumog pareho ng mga fans, lalo na ng mga Pinoy na naninirahan doon. Sa kanyang pagbabalik sa Pilipinas, nakalinya na rin ang mga aktibidad ni Pacquiao, tulad ng 11 a.m. courtesy call kay Pangulong Noynoy Aquino sa Malakanyang, pati na ang show sa MOA mamayang hapon.
Ilang buwang magpapahinga sa boksing si Pacquiao upang harapin ang mga naiwang trabaho sa Kongreso. Habang pinagiisipan naman ng promoter niyang si Bob Arum ng Top Rank ang susunod nitong makakasagupa. Samantala, kung si Aling Dionisia ang masusunod, ayaw na niyang payagang lumaban muli ang anak.
Mas gusto aniyang makitang nasa Kongreso ang anak, o `di kaya naman ay inaasikaso ang mga negosyo.
"Marami naman silang negosyo ni Jinkee, yon na lang pagtuunan niya ng pansin, wag na ang boksing," pahayag ni Aling Dionisia.
Ayon kay Aling Dionisia, kung lalaban pa uli ang anak, hindi na umano siya sasama at mananatili na lamang sa Pilipinas at ipagdarasal na lang ang kaligtasan ni Manny.
Strong demand for CEB flights to Manila
Passengers queue to check-in for a Cebu Pacific (CEB) flight to Manila at Brunei International Airport in this August 21, 2010 file photo. Picture: BT file
Thursday, November 18, 2010
SINCE its inauguration until September, Cebu Pacific (CEB) has already flown 3,177 passengers with its twice-weekly Manila-Brunei-Manila service.
Candice Iyog, vice president for Marketing and Distribution, said there is strong demand for CEB's low fares and great value flights among travellers to and from Brunei, which has prompted the airline to introduce a third weekly flight.
"Our trademark low fares have stimulated travel and tourism between Manila and Bandar Seri Begawan. Hence, with the arrival of another brand-new Airbus A320 aircraft last October 30, it has given us an opportunity to mount extra flights to Brunei because of our increased seat capacity," said Iyog in an e-mail interview with The Brunei Times.
The additional flight will be on a Thursday from Manila to Brunei and departs for Manila on Friday.
Iyog previously mentioned that they have the green light from Bruneian authorities to fly four times weekly and when asked if they are already considering introducing the fourth flight, the vice president said they are definitely reviewing the load performance and will monitor the third weekly frequency closely.
"We are hopeful that the service will continue to be strong and allow us to add another frequency for this route. We only launched our Manila-Brunei-Manila service in August and we are already increasing frequency because we see the strong potential to further grow this market and stimulate travel throughout low fares," she explained.
With the announcement of the third weekly flight, CEB also began a seat sale to select domestic and international destination for travel from January 1 to March 31, 2011, where customers can book seats from Manila to Brunei at a promotional rate of P1,499 ($44.90).
"Those with plans to travel to Singapore, Brunei, Kuala Lumpur and Bicol early next year can book in advance with this seat sale, which further lowers our trademark low fares as much as 50 per cent," said Iyog in a previous release.
"They can also take advantage of our additional international flights. These are in line with our long-standing commitment to promote trade and tourism in the destinations we fly to," she added.
The low-cost carrier has posted a 37 per cent year-on-year increase in international passenger numbers from January to September this year and is increasing flight frequencies to Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta and Brunei come December.
The airlines recorded 1.61 million international passengers for the first nine months of 2010, compared to approximately 1.17 million last year.
CEB operates the youngest aircraft fleet in the Philippines and on October 30, received the first of 22 more brand-new Airbus aircraft deliveries until 2014.
The youngest fleet in the country is now composed of 10 Airbus A319, 12 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR 72-500 aircraft, giving them an average fleet age of 3.21 years.
courtesy of--The Brunei Times
Candice Iyog, vice president for Marketing and Distribution, said there is strong demand for CEB's low fares and great value flights among travellers to and from Brunei, which has prompted the airline to introduce a third weekly flight.
"Our trademark low fares have stimulated travel and tourism between Manila and Bandar Seri Begawan. Hence, with the arrival of another brand-new Airbus A320 aircraft last October 30, it has given us an opportunity to mount extra flights to Brunei because of our increased seat capacity," said Iyog in an e-mail interview with The Brunei Times.
The additional flight will be on a Thursday from Manila to Brunei and departs for Manila on Friday.
Iyog previously mentioned that they have the green light from Bruneian authorities to fly four times weekly and when asked if they are already considering introducing the fourth flight, the vice president said they are definitely reviewing the load performance and will monitor the third weekly frequency closely.
"We are hopeful that the service will continue to be strong and allow us to add another frequency for this route. We only launched our Manila-Brunei-Manila service in August and we are already increasing frequency because we see the strong potential to further grow this market and stimulate travel throughout low fares," she explained.
With the announcement of the third weekly flight, CEB also began a seat sale to select domestic and international destination for travel from January 1 to March 31, 2011, where customers can book seats from Manila to Brunei at a promotional rate of P1,499 ($44.90).
"Those with plans to travel to Singapore, Brunei, Kuala Lumpur and Bicol early next year can book in advance with this seat sale, which further lowers our trademark low fares as much as 50 per cent," said Iyog in a previous release.
"They can also take advantage of our additional international flights. These are in line with our long-standing commitment to promote trade and tourism in the destinations we fly to," she added.
The low-cost carrier has posted a 37 per cent year-on-year increase in international passenger numbers from January to September this year and is increasing flight frequencies to Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta and Brunei come December.
The airlines recorded 1.61 million international passengers for the first nine months of 2010, compared to approximately 1.17 million last year.
CEB operates the youngest aircraft fleet in the Philippines and on October 30, received the first of 22 more brand-new Airbus aircraft deliveries until 2014.
The youngest fleet in the country is now composed of 10 Airbus A319, 12 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR 72-500 aircraft, giving them an average fleet age of 3.21 years.
courtesy of--The Brunei Times
A better life for Dyg Sunnah
Dayang Sunnah showing The Brunei Times the new aluminium roof that has been placed by Walter Boyd and his volunteers. Picture: BT/Zamri Zainal
Dayang Sunnah showing The Brunei Times two pieces of left over fish that she can now store in her fridge without having to depend on her neighbour's. Picture: BT/Zamri Zainal
Friday, November 19, 2010
Volunteers have also built her an indoor toilet and bath
AFTER weeks of renovations undertaken by a group of volunteers at elderly Dayang Sunnah Jambol's wooden stilt house in Kg Lugu, Tutong, works have finally been completed and she can even enjoy the convenience of having her own toilet and bathroom inside the house now.
Previously, Dayang Sunnah, 66, had to walk across the road to her relative's house, whenever she needed to use the toilet or take a bath.
Most of the floorboards in the main hall and kitchen area were previously decaying, and the aluminium roof shading the house was rusting and deteriorating.
The voluntary campaign, spearheaded by Walter D Boyd, said it took the group of about 18 volunteers and carpenters 10 weeks to complete the project.
"We completed the project on October 10, and it took us a total of about 10 weeks to complete it, including the prior assessment and evaluation process. However, this was not done on a daily basis, as most of us could only get together and carry out the works on Sundays," he told The Brunei Times.
Boyd explained works that were carried out included the construction of a toilet, replacing and installing floor boards in the kitchen, replacing the roof on top of her kitchen, and even replacing some of the floorboards in the main hall of her house.
He added the group of volunteers even constructed a drain beneath her house so that water flowing down from the hill behind could now flow into the drain, and then into the main drain.
"The construction of a drain was also carried out so that water will not stagnate under her house. I am pleased to note that the government has undertaken the construction of a main drainage system, which passes through her house and surrounding areas. Once the drain is fully operational, then there should be no problem with flooding under her house as well," Boyd said.
Last Thursday evening, a doa selamat and get-together was held at her residence to celebrate the completion of renovation works.
Boyd said, "A good number of people attended and we were very pleased that the village head also came and expressed his personal thanks to the group for work undertaken. During the informal gathering at her house on October 11, the group was touched because Dayang Sunnah said at least she could now invite her friends over."
He added the volunteers were "very happy" they were able to execute the project without any major obstacles.
"We will continue to keep our ears open for such cases in the future, and if we do come across any, we will make it a point to evaluate the problem and raise help," he said.
Boyd also relayed this appreciation to the Loughborough Students Union Brunei Society, Borneo United Sdn Bhd and Hj Azis from Sengkurong for their help throughout the project.
"Without their help, the job would have taken us a little longer to complete. To our group members, I would like to say that with determination and commitment, almost anything is possible. Let this pioneer project be the first of the many more that we hope to see," he said.
During a visit to Dayang Sunnah's residence yesterday afternoon, she said, "I feel very happy for all the volunteers who have helped me. They have worked very hard."
She explained with a newly constructed toilet in her house, she did not need to walk across the road to her relative's house to use theirs anymore. "Now it is very easy for me because I have my own toilet in my house."
The 66-year-old added with a brand new fridge in her kitchen area, she is now able to store her fish in it.
"Last time when I bought fish, I had to put it at my neighbour's house.
"But now syukur alhamdullilah, I have my own fridge," she said, adding she was grateful for whoever the volunteer was who bought her the fridge.
In previous reports, they said she had to walk about two kilometres to a bus station from her house to get to the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha hospital (Ripas) thrice a week for dialysis treatment, due to kidney failure.
Dayang Sunnah has been undergoing dialysis treatment for the past 15 years.
courtesy of--The Brunei Times
AFTER weeks of renovations undertaken by a group of volunteers at elderly Dayang Sunnah Jambol's wooden stilt house in Kg Lugu, Tutong, works have finally been completed and she can even enjoy the convenience of having her own toilet and bathroom inside the house now.
Previously, Dayang Sunnah, 66, had to walk across the road to her relative's house, whenever she needed to use the toilet or take a bath.
Most of the floorboards in the main hall and kitchen area were previously decaying, and the aluminium roof shading the house was rusting and deteriorating.
The voluntary campaign, spearheaded by Walter D Boyd, said it took the group of about 18 volunteers and carpenters 10 weeks to complete the project.
"We completed the project on October 10, and it took us a total of about 10 weeks to complete it, including the prior assessment and evaluation process. However, this was not done on a daily basis, as most of us could only get together and carry out the works on Sundays," he told The Brunei Times.
Boyd explained works that were carried out included the construction of a toilet, replacing and installing floor boards in the kitchen, replacing the roof on top of her kitchen, and even replacing some of the floorboards in the main hall of her house.
He added the group of volunteers even constructed a drain beneath her house so that water flowing down from the hill behind could now flow into the drain, and then into the main drain.
"The construction of a drain was also carried out so that water will not stagnate under her house. I am pleased to note that the government has undertaken the construction of a main drainage system, which passes through her house and surrounding areas. Once the drain is fully operational, then there should be no problem with flooding under her house as well," Boyd said.
Last Thursday evening, a doa selamat and get-together was held at her residence to celebrate the completion of renovation works.
Boyd said, "A good number of people attended and we were very pleased that the village head also came and expressed his personal thanks to the group for work undertaken. During the informal gathering at her house on October 11, the group was touched because Dayang Sunnah said at least she could now invite her friends over."
He added the volunteers were "very happy" they were able to execute the project without any major obstacles.
"We will continue to keep our ears open for such cases in the future, and if we do come across any, we will make it a point to evaluate the problem and raise help," he said.
Boyd also relayed this appreciation to the Loughborough Students Union Brunei Society, Borneo United Sdn Bhd and Hj Azis from Sengkurong for their help throughout the project.
"Without their help, the job would have taken us a little longer to complete. To our group members, I would like to say that with determination and commitment, almost anything is possible. Let this pioneer project be the first of the many more that we hope to see," he said.
During a visit to Dayang Sunnah's residence yesterday afternoon, she said, "I feel very happy for all the volunteers who have helped me. They have worked very hard."
She explained with a newly constructed toilet in her house, she did not need to walk across the road to her relative's house to use theirs anymore. "Now it is very easy for me because I have my own toilet in my house."
The 66-year-old added with a brand new fridge in her kitchen area, she is now able to store her fish in it.
"Last time when I bought fish, I had to put it at my neighbour's house.
"But now syukur alhamdullilah, I have my own fridge," she said, adding she was grateful for whoever the volunteer was who bought her the fridge.
In previous reports, they said she had to walk about two kilometres to a bus station from her house to get to the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha hospital (Ripas) thrice a week for dialysis treatment, due to kidney failure.
Dayang Sunnah has been undergoing dialysis treatment for the past 15 years.
courtesy of--The Brunei Times
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