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.

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

GOH DE NO
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

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

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

RACHEL THIEN
TUTONG

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
 

Shalani trip hagisan ng paputok ni Miriam

Dindo Matining

Gustung-gusto ni Senadora Miriam Defensor Santiago ang personalidad ng ex-girlfriend ni Pangulong Benigno Aquino III na si Valenzuela Councilor Shalani Soledad subalit minsan trip ng senadora na hagisan ng paputok ang mahinhing konsehala. “I like her (Shalani) personality, she is so demure,” ani Santiago. Ayon kay Santiago, hindi man siya madalas manuod ng programang Willing Willie kung saan co-host si Shalani, gusto niya ang ugali ng konsehala dahil sa pagiging humble o mababang loob nito. “I like her because she is humble. She does not show off. She’s not unne cessarily raising eyebrows but I just wish she is more assertive,” dagdag pa ng senadora. Pagkukuwento pa ng senadora, minsan ay biniro pa niya ang kanyang asawa na gusto niyang magtungo sa programa ni Shalani dahil masyadong mahinhin itong kumilos sa kanyang programa. “Sometimes I kid my husband, I should go to the studio and throw a firecracker at her to be a little more animated. But I like her,” kwento pa ni Santiago. Nang tanungin ang kanyang reaksyon sa love life ni Pangulong Aquino, sinabi ni Santiago na hindi na dapat itong pakialaman at bigyan na lamang ng privacy ang binatang lider ng bansa. “We should give the poor man a chance. I think being manipulated in this particular instance, in this particular aspect of his private life, we are being manipulated by certain people.” courtesy of-- Abante-Tonite

Be close to Allah and Islam

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddien Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam delivering his titah on the eve of Hari Raya Aidil Adha at Istana Nurul Iman yesterday.Picture: BT/Yusri Adanan

ZAREENA AMIRUDDIN
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Brunei celebrates Aidil Adha today

HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang DiPertuan of Brunei Darussalam in his Aidil Adha titah yesterday called upon all Muslims to strive together to be closer to Allah (SWT) and to Islam.

"This should happen to us all, that is to be close to Allah and His religion, Islam (taqarrub). But today's world does not leave much room for mankind to do this," said His Majesty. "The symptoms of life which engross us are enough to turn us from being close to Allah, and because of this it is no wonder when the world cries after being hit by disaster."

His Majesty said many people view disaster or tragedy as a normal occurrence and that it is based on luck or fortune. They do not consider the hikmah (wisdom) behind it.

"Is this correct?" asked His Majesty, "Of course not. Every occurrence happens by the will of Allah, not on its own accord."

He added, "According to the Quran, the earthly damage of disasters are due to the sins of mankind. If one is close to Allah, he will surely understand this."

Those who are close to Allah will have faith that flourishes, high awareness and an honourable character, said His Majesty.

"If there are many people like this, InsyaAllah (God willing) the country will be safe and the world will be tranquil."

One of the tests of our closeness to Allah is the practice of korban (sacrifice) and by practising korban, it is one step forward towards closeness to Allah.

"The animals we slaughter are for Allah, solely for Allah

courtesy of-- Brunei Times

Kg Belimbing's next attraction

Riadah Sarubing Lake Park at Kampung Belimbing Mukim Kota Batu is being groomed to become the village's main attraction. Picture: BT/Syed Rory Malai Hassan

SYED RORY MALAI HASSAN
AND WARDI BUNTAR
BRUNEI-MUARA

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

THE Kampung Belimbing community in Mukim Kota Batu is nearing the halfway mark in its development stages of the Taman Riadah Tasik Sarubing, a recreational park that would be the upcoming main attraction of the village.

The park, developed in mid- 2009, is the result of a combined financial and community effort towards beautifying the village and attracting visitors to boost the development of the country's eco-tourism initiative.

Two acres of the five-acre recreational park is currently is already complete with jogging tracks, rest huts, barbecue pits and so on.

In an interview with The Brunei Times, Kampung Belimbing village chief Hj Mohd Daud Karim said that the recreational park started off as a small community project that turned into a bigger production once the relevant government agencies got involved.

"We started off small with a community cleaning campaign in which after seeing the huge potential that the area had in becoming a beautiful recreational facility, we started enlisting the help of the government through the district office," said Hj Mohd Daud.

The lake is now slowly fulfilling its potential with crowds of people and families gathering at the park every afternoon and weekends.

The village chief said there is a lot more development which needs to be met before it can be fully commercialised as a recreational facility. "People are still welcome to come over and relax at the park even though its not yet complete," said the village chief.

"The second stage of our build will be to connect the park to our existing recreational park which is the Bukit Marakucing Recreational Park," he added.

A member of the Kg Belimbing Village Consultative Council pointed out that their latest project would be to build a proper walkway and bridge to connect the pond to a small island in the middle to complete the jogging path. Education officer Mafshah @ Shahrin Hj Majid said the recreational park has managed to attract a lot of attention.

One of the aims in building the park was so the village could have a proper catch and release fishing outlet but since many came to fish in the pond every day, we feared that the pond would run out of fish especially since they are so big, said Shahrin.

There is no fishing allowed at the recreational park unless the village consultative council organises a proper fishing competition. "Last year in December, we held our first activity of the park which was a fishing contest, however when so many came to participate we feared that it would run out and we would actually lose that attraction once the fish are gone," said the village head.

One major development for the park would be to provide visitors with a proper parking area the district office can assist the village with, said the officer.

"People may park at the side of the roads but attracting a large crowd may pose problems such as safety issues since the visitors would mostly be families," said Shahrin.

Aside from the development, the projects catered around the building of Tasik Sarubing Recreational Park, has also helped to bring the community closer, said Shahrin.

Next month, the village has plans to organise an array of festivals such as consumer fairs, fishing competitions and family outings.

courtesy of-- The Brunei Times

To be truly rich, your wealth and spirituality should align

A vendor selling jewellery at a charity bazaar raising money for the National Association of the Deaf. Picture: BT file

SOPIAH HUSAINI
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, November 14, 2010

I HAVE lost money.

I felt anguish, anxiety, agony and frustration all rolled into one when I realised the extent of my loss.

It was a long process for me to understand my inner software about money. There have been many economic opportunities that passed my door, which made me rethink my programming about money.

My mission is to free myself from wrong perceptions about money because I believe 90 per cent of money problems come from mind problems.

One of my issues when it comes to money is a sense I do not really want to be rich as unconsciously, I feel that 'money is the root of all evil'. In fact, I believe money begets greed, upheaval, stinginess and love for materialism.

Another issue not only for me but other married women is relying on our husbands to take charge of money matters. Yes, in some cases it saves us from money headaches. On the other hand, it can make us financially illiterate. We end up not knowing how money works and grows.

I believe in the saying, "be grateful for what you have" and in not being greedy. As a result, I insist on taking a stroll down the money lane instead of running to wealth.

Another issue concerns what my mother had drummed into me, "You cannot share what you do not have." But this raises the question: How do we now commit to be wealthy so that we can help more people and make their lives better and happier? I promise myself to face all these issues and hopefully solve them.

The bottom line is I want to align my financial life with my spiritual vision. I do not believe in solely gaining material wealth, without gaining spiritual wealth at the same time. I know that in order to move on, the next level is to understand the co-relation between the powers of money and spirit, so they work in tandem, shifting economic systems to serve the greater good rather than to benefit the few.

I hope this answers my prayers, determine solutions to my financial woes because this is not just about organising finances better, nor is it about the ways to contribute more for the good of others it is really about the way we look at money to shift our personal perspective from a material base to a spiritual base, from consumption to generosity, from bettering our own world to bettering everyone's world.

The idea of seeing money through a spiritual lens is compelling and meaningful to me. Women, money and spirituality will be the three driving pillars in this journey of change and transformation.

Let's make a personal and strong commitment together, to understand our personal financial facts and go deeper into our soul and uncover our feelings that these facts bring up.

As we seek to align these facts and feelings, we connect with our core desires and intentions. To do this, I always ask myself, "Where does my financial life intersect with my spiritual life? Do I ever connect the use of money to my soul?

My responses to these questions have been mixed, therein lies the need to write, to connect the dots, to make the links, to develop a clear understanding of how the power of money illustrates and magnifies my individual core values and spirituality.

It is really about my unfinished business with money and until then, like most women, I am in a constant financial dilemma of looking at where money comes from, where it is right now, where it goes, and how and why it leaves you.

Let's follow the money trail through reading and doing some simple exercises. Take a moment to follow the money.

First, follow the money with attention to detail. Then follow the trail where your money goes in the wider world as well. Start to think about questions such as "Where does your money go?" "Who benefits from your money?", "What does money mean to you?", "What is the ultimate message of money for you?"

Bring these questions into your soul and reflect, connect with your spiritual self, spiritual practice and growing consciousness about money.

Follow your money through the messages you have received, through your own personal history, and through your chequebook and bank statements until you follow the money right out your front door, into your career, your business and your life activities, and all the way into your dreams, about what you really want in your life, about what you really want to do with your gifts and talents.

Just expand yourself and your world and feel at the deepest levels the purpose in your life.

I invite you to prepare yourself for the exciting adventure of exploring your own personal beliefs and behaviours on money.

We take control of our finances, so do not waste it or give up control of our money. And we do it because of the peace and tranquility that come with living a life that is both meaningful and inspiring.

There will be questions to reflect: Am I a generous person? How do I give to myself? How do I give my money and possessions to others? How much are my economic transactions influenced by my values? How much are they motivated by habits? Do I work for the money? Is money very important to me? Am I always careful with money?

You may want to seek the guidance of your spiritual mentor in order to access your own spiritual core self. As Muslims, set aside 10 to 15 minutes after each obligatory prayer to quiet and calm ourselves, to reflect, to allow inspiration in, to pray and seek guidance from the Almighty Allah SWT, to align our financial beliefs with our spiritual values. Aim high to be wealthy in the true sense of the word.

The author is general manager of consulting firm A&A Management and Training Services. She used to be president of Brunei's Women Business Council. 

courtesy of--The Brunei Times

Donating blood to save lives

Some of the Indian community members donating blood at the blood donation campaign at The Mall, Gadong. Picture: BT/Rasidah Bakar

RASIDAH HAB
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Monday, November 15, 2010

BLOOD donation campaigns can bring in donors with rare blood groups needed in emergency cases, Dr Ajmal Khan from the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (Ripas) Hospital yesterday said.

Speaking at the blood donation campaign at The Mall in Gadong, Dr Ajmal said, "The advantage of such campaign is that we are able to bring out the rare blood group donors in the country. The rare blood groups are A, A-, AB- ( and all the negative blood groups)".

Finding the rare blood groups is not only the reason behind this yearly blood donation campaign. The doctor explained that since blood can only be kept for three months, this is why it was important to have enough supply of blood.

Mohd Kassim Abdul Wahab, a 33-year-old physiotherapist at Ripas Hospital, said they expected about 100 to 150 donors yesterday.

Kassim said some people are afraid to donate blood. "This is why we talk and explain to them what blood donation is all about," he said.

Ripas Hospital personnel also took the time to increase the public's awareness on the significance of giving blood.

"We also went around the Gadong area and talk with the people on the importance of donating blood and its benefits," Dr Ajmal said.

Dr Ajmal said, "Many of the people who donate are working class people. This is why we held the blood donation campaign on a Sunday, so that they can come."

Dr Ajmal added that they have not decided yet where to organise the campaign next year. "Usually we just discussed among friends on where we want to hold the campaign," he said.

This is the fourth year that they conducted the blood donation campaign.

"We hold the campaign annually, usually we select several places. The first was in Muara, then Serusop and today at The Mall," Kassim said.

The blood donation began at first as a way for the Indian community to contribute to the country, he added.

"Our group of friends wants to bring together the Indian community and contribute. Blood donation is one of the ways to contribute," he said.

"The Indian community are scattered all over Brunei, that is why we chose to organise the campaign in several places. We also provide transportation for them," Kassim added.

"We want to contribute to Brunei, and by organising this blood donation campaign, we are providing the platform for our Indian community to do so," Kassim added.

The campaign not only saw the participation of the Indian community, but also from other communities in the Sultanate.

Hj Taha Maidin from Kg Negalang Temburong heard about the campaign during his medical check-up the day before in Ripas hospital. His donation yesterday marked his 29th.

Hj Taha donates blood four times a year, and now at 59 years old, he still donates whenever the opportunity arises.

"Donating blood is important as our blood can help save lives," he said.

An Indian national, Sheikh Allaudeen Abd Rashid Allaudeen, said: " Islam teaches us to help one another. This is one form of help that I can give."

Sheikh Allaudeen who has the blood type O, was at the campaign with 10 of his friends, all Indian nationals.

He said, "Dr Ajmal told us that there is a blood donation campaign so we all come to donate. We also talked with the Indian nationals around this area and encourage them to donate blood together with us".

The 40-year-old employee of a courier service company resides in Menglait, and it was his third time donating blood.

courtesy of--The Brunei Times

Pacquiao wins 8th World Boxing Title

November 14, 2010, 1:46pm

Manny Pacquiao, right, lands a punch against Antonio Margarito (AP file)

Manila, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao took Mexican fighter Antonio Margarito to school after giving the “Tijuana Tornado” a sound beating and thus winning his record 8th world boxing title in their scheduled 12-round WBC super welterweight championship at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

Pacquiao was aggressive all throughout, throwing punching combinations which Margarito failed to dodge.

At one point all Margarito could do was smile, believing that the Pac-Man was indeed fast and for real.

However, Margarito would just not go down. Despite fighting with a clear handicap and impaired vision due to the beating he took, Margarito held his ground and would not give Pacquiao a knockout.

For Pacquiao, the win was a record 8th world boxing title, a feat that will truly be hard to surpass by any boxer. 

The score cards showed 120-108, 118-110, 119-109, all for Manny Pacquiao en route to a unanimous decision victory.

___________________

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) – Manny Pacquiao used both speed and power in a dominating performance Saturday night to beat Antonio Margarito and win their 150-pound showdown.

Pacquiao landed early and often, bloodying Margarito's face, closing his right eye and nearly closing his left. Pacquiao seemed on the verge of stopping Margarito in the late rounds, but had to settle for a lopsided decision.

It was the eighth different title won by Pacquiao, the Filipino star who also is a congressman in his native land. And it was a magnificent performance against a tough opponent who both outweighed him by nearly 20 pounds and towered over him.

Margarito tried gamely but he simply had no answer as Pacquiao landed punches in flurries from the opening bell, snapping Margarito's head back time and time again. By the middle rounds his face was a bloody mess as Pacquiao landed punches seemingly at will.

People key to Apec success: HM

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam (L) being welcomed by His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo yesterday. Picture: BT/Ubaidillah Masli

UBAIDILLAH MASLI
YOKOHAMA

Sunday, November 14, 2010

PEOPLE are the "key" to the success of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation's (Apec) growth strategy and therefore, their future should be protected, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam highlighted here yesterday at a meeting with regional counterparts.

During a titah delivered at the first session of the Apec Economic Leaders' Retreat with the theme "Sustaining Prosperity in the Asia Pacific Region", the monarch expressed his happiness that the 21-member economies were cooperating to develop a growth strategy that would integrate human resource development, structural reform, green growth, knowledge-based economy and human security.

"His Majesty said that it is important to have economic, social and environmental policies that are coordinated in laying the path to growth that is balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative and secure," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.

His Majesty, who was addressing leaders in a room with a virtual Koi fish pond at its centre in the InterContinental Yokohama Grand hotel, also noted that the formulation of the growth strategy would also allow economies to share best practices and to learn from each other through the exchange of experiences.

As a consequence of this, the sovereign pointed out that economies would be able to draw up a "menu of options" in the region's pursuit of long-term growth.

His Majesty was also content with the aspect of "secure growth" included in the regional growth strategy.

His Majesty also welcomed the recent adoption of an action plan to develop human resources, "vigourously" promote employment and achieve inclusive growth across the region.

"The action plan complements the commitment of Brunei Darussalam to bring about better employment opportunities and long-term economic security of its people," said the Prime Minister's Office.

In securing the people's future, His Majesty stressed the importance of addressing the impacts of natural disasters, threats of terrorism, disease pandemics, and food and energy crises, on economic development. The monarch added that Apec had shown that it was capable of dealing with such issues in the past, especially with the regional response to the Sars pandemic and to the Indian Ocean tsunami.

His Majesty highlighted that this was what Apec "must continue to do".

The retreat session was one of many meetings His Majesty yesterday attended with heads of state and government, as well as regional business leaders, as part of the 18th Apec Leaders' Summit Meetings held in Yokohama. 

courtesy of--The Brunei Times
 

HM meets Emperor Akihito, Canada PM

His Majesty (L) with with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper during a bilateral meeting yesterday.Picture: BT/Ubaidillah Masli

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam (L), US President Barack Obama (C) and Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan (R) pose for the Apec Summit group photo in Yokohama yesterday. Picture: BT/Ubaidillah Masli

UBAIDILLAH MASLI
YOKOHAMA

Sunday, November 14, 2010

HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday met with leaders of the Pacific Rim economies, as well as the Emperor of Japan and the Prime Minister of Canada, in a day of meetings hoped to spur growth and further relations in the region.

His Majesty started the day by paying a courtesy call on His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

Arriving by royal motorcade at the public park- and moat-surrounded residence of the Japanese Imperial family, His Majesty was welcomed by the emperor at the entrance of the 163-metre long Chowa-Den building of the palace.

Their Majesties then proceeded to the Take-no-Ma (Bamboo Room) for half-an-hour's discussions on bilateral issues as well as international issues of mutual concern, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) of Brunei said in a press release.

Taking a short break before travelling some 45 minutes to the port city of Yokohama, His Majesty attended a welcoming working lunch at noon with other leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec Economies) member economies.

Welcoming His Majesty at the InterContinental Yokohama Grand was Apec 2010 host Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan.

Following lunch with the leaders, His Majesty attended the first session of the Apec Economic Leaders' retreat at the same venue, where the monarch and other Apec Heads of State and Government exchanged views under the theme of "Sustaining Prosperity in the Asia Pacific Region". At the convention centre of the Pacifico Yokohama, in which the InterContinental is situated in, the Apec leaders then met with the Apec Business Advisory Council (Abac). Brunei's three representatives to Abac: Javed Ahmad of Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, Fauziah DSP Hj Talib of IQ Quest Company and Haslina Taib of BAG Networks were among those present for the dialogue session to relay Abac's recommendations on improving regional business and achieving Apec objectives. His Majesty then held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, who called for similar sessions with other Asia Pacific nations. Media were allowed briefly in the bilateral meet, which the PMO said discussed the leaders' views on "bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual concern". During the Brunei-Canada meeting, His Majesty was accompanied by Second Minister of Finance Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Hj Abd Rahman Hj Ibrahim and Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng.

To conclude the day of meetings, His Majesty and other Apec leaders were treated to a cultural event involving a kabuki performance, or a traditional Japanese musical, at the InterContinental, where an official dinner was also held for the esteemed guests.

Today His Majesty is scheduled to attend the second Apec Economic Leaders' Retreat Session, a meeting on the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the "Leaders' Declaration", following a closing lunch.

courtesy of--The Brunei Times