✰ Brunei Darussalam ~ NEWS & HILITES ✰

holmes

musti ubat2 dari China atau Indon...

TheHawk

up up and away

TheHawk

One Dead In Collision With Garbage Truck
By Haji Minor Absah

Tutong - Two deaths were reported yesterday in the Tutong District involving a local and a foreign man.

The first was during an accident which happened during the early hours of Saturday morning involving a vehicle and a garbage truck at the vicinity of Bukit Udal, Tutong.

The police have identified the local as Mohammad Nazri bin Siahad, 25, from Kg Lugu.

The driver of the garbage truck escaped unhurt but Mohammad Nazri received a heavy blow on his head and on parts of his body after the car he was driving slammed into the back of the truck.

He was rushed to the Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital in Tutong but succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital.

In light of the accident, the police would like to remind Tutong/Seria highway road users to be extra vigilant, especially during the night and in heavy downpour where slippery road conditions could pose danger to vehicles.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident, a 31-year-old Indonesian was found dead in his establishment at Kg Telisai. According to his friends, he had just recently came to Brunei to work.

It was believed that he died in his sleep around midnight.

The police came to the scene and brought the body to the hospital in Tutong and was then brought to the RIPAS hospital for an autopsy.

According to police, the incident is still being investigated and awaiting the results of the autopsy. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

UNISSA To Offer More Masters Of Arts Programmes
By Jon Tampoi

Bandar Seri Begawan - Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA) hopes to offer more Masters of Arts (MA) programmes in the near future. Qualified candidates will also have the opportunity to pursue their Doctorate (PhD) studies at the Islamic university.

This observation was made by Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad bin Pg Hj Abd Rahman, the Acting Minister of Education cum Rector of UNISSA, who was speaking during the last day of orientation for new 2008/2009 intakes on Saturday.

During the orientation, he told the new intakes that the Islamic university does not open its doors only to Muslim students.

"All students will be accepted as long as they fulfil the qualifications and requirements of the Islamic university," Pg Dato Dr Hj Mohammad said.

He also pointed out that the Islamic university will be producing two commemorative books

TheHawk

Crown Prince Attends Dinner, Visits Military College & Sports School

Kuala Lumpur - His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Sarah, consented to attend the official dinner hosted by Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the Prime Minister of Malaysia at the JW Marriott Hotel, Kuala Lumpur in the evening of the second day of HRH's official visit.

Upon viva' at the hotel, His Royal Highness and Her Rtyal Highness were greeted by Datuk Seri Abdullah and Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, spouse of the Prime Minister.

Accompanying Their Royal Highnesses at the official dinner was Prince Abdul Qawi.

Among the dignitaries attending the dinner were Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Hj Abdul Razak, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and Datin Sri Rosmah bte Mansor; Dato' Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia and Datin Seri Utama Masnah; and Datuk Wira Abu Seman bin Hj Yusop, Deputy Minister of Defence.

Also attending the dinner was Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin, the High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Malaysia. The official dinner hosted by the Malaysian Prime Minister was in honour of Their Royal Highnesses who are currently on a four-day official visit to Malaysia.

Meanwhile, on Friday afternoon, His Royal Highness Prince General Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, visited the Royal Military College at Sg Besi.

The arrival of His Royal Highness at the Royal Military College was greeted by Lt General Datuk Hj Sharon bin Hj Ibrahim, Chief of Staff Malaysian Armed Forces and Capt Alias bin Baharuddin, Commandant of the Royal Military College.

The itinerary of HRH's visit to the college began with the showing of the college's corporate video followed by a briefing on the mission, structure, and facilities provided at the college presented by Capt Alias.

HRH later proceeded to tour several of the facilities available at the college, which include the college library and the computer-aided design laboratory. HRH also observed a physical exercise presentation conducted by trainees of the college, which took place at the marching square of the college.

At the end of the visit, HRH exchanged souvenirs with the Commandant of the college. Accompanying HRH throughout the visit was Prince Abdul Qawi.

The Royal Military College set up in 1952 was formerly known as Federal Military College. In 1966, the then Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia conferred the title 'Royal' to the college and has since become known as the Royal Military College.

The college covers an area of 1,200 acres at Sg Besi town and is situated 16 km from Kuala Lumpur.

Yesterday morning, Their Royal Highnesses continued the third day of the official visit to Bukit Jalil Sports School at Bukit Jalil National Sports Complex in Kuala Lumpur.

The arrival of Their Royal Highnesses at the school were greeted by Dato' Sri Hishammuddin bin Tun Hussein, the Malaysian Education Minister, and spouse Datin Seri Tengku Marsilla binti Tengku Abdullah.

The itinerary of the visit began with various sports activities and martial art training demonstrations at the Olympic Hall and followed by an exhibition of the school's sporting achievements.

Their Royal Highnesses then proceeded to the Commonwealth Hall for a corporate video presentation and followed by a briefing on the Sports School presented by Puan Marina Chin, the school's principal.

Accompanying Their Royal Highnesses throughout the visit was Prince Abdul Qawi.

The Bukit Jalil Sports School was established on January 1, 1996 and covers an area of 5.7 hectares. The Sports School is currently enrolling 600 students and offers both secondary and pre-university education levels. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Target For Excellent Youths
By Arnie PDH Ishak

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam underlined the need for the nation's youths to be more determined to be the next generation that can contribute to the development of the country and further called upon the need for today's youths to reach for the goal of becoming 態runei's Excellent Youth

TheHawk

Brunei Ready To Become Arbitration Hub
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam, with its neutral ground and safe jurisdiction, is ready to become a hub for the resolution of any arbitration disputes.

This was said by Deputy Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Dato Paduka Haji Hamdillah bin Haji Abdul Wahab in his keynote speech on the second day of the International Arbitration Conference and 2nd Regional Arbitral Institute Forum yesterday.

The deputy minister recalled his first taste of the alternative resolution process when he was BLNG Chief Executive Officer.

"We were actively rejuvenating the 20-year-old LNG plant in preparation for the 2nd 20-Year Contract Extension with our LNG Japanese customer Tokyo Electric, Tokyo Gas and Osaka Gas.

"The international contractor building BLNG's new mid-ship loading facility made a claim for alleged double-digit cost escalation and attributed it to the BLNG's failure to perform its end of the bargain.

"Both parties agreed to settle after a series of negotiation supported by QCs on both sides in Singapore. The dispute was resolved after one year and concluded with a final landing: a single digit, in a hotel in Singapore.

"Two lessons came to mind. We could not do it in Brunei because we wanted a hotel in a neutral ground with easy access, plus the necessary teleconferencing facilities.

"Secondly, both parties - a Dutch company and a Bruneian company - negotiated in goodwill, and we were able to keep the conflict under wraps, because we were just two parties with long-term interest in a common industry.

"No newspaper coverage, no press release... enabling both parties to quietly exercise common business sense while engaging and aligning the interest of our respective stakeholders effectively."

The deputy minister added that Brunei "could offer exactly the same facilities and services that Singapore did 15 years ago".

He also noted that according to Arbitration Association Brunei Darussalam (AABD) President Dr Colin Ong, the proceedings for the first and only Asean investment treaty arbitration took place in the country in 2003.

"I am very hopeful that this decision to hold arbitration proceedings in Brunei Darussalam can be repeated in the future by members from Asean or the RAIF member countries, should they require a neutral and safe jurisdiction to resolve any arbitration disputes."

Dato Paduka Haji Hamdillah, who is also AABD profession coordinator, said, "1 am very keen on encouraging leading individuals from each of the main professions in the country to work together to develop a good local pool of talents. I know that this requires governmental assistance in working hand-in-hand with the AABD in developing Brunei to become a good local arbitration centre that will be able to take care of all domestic arbitrations."

Meanwhile, Attorney General of Brunei Darussalam Dato Seri Paduka Haji Kifrawi bin Dato Haji Kifli, in his opening speech on Saturday, said, "My chambers have been working closely with the AABD. And we have observed the latest developments in international arbitration that is being adopted throughout our region and beyond.

"I am happy to say that we have drafted two new sets of arbitration orders that deal respectively with domestic arbitration and international arbitration.

"We have based our draft arbitration laws on the UNCITRAL model law and Brunei is both a signatory to the New York convention as well as the ICSID convention."

On Brunei's advantage as an arbitration hub, he said, "Brunei Darussalam is a reliable, safe and neutral country that could serve well in the role of being a hub of arbitration for investors in other countries who may not agree to entering into arbitration agreements and conducting arbitration before the host country." -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin[/font

TheHawk

慦onder Seed

TheHawk

Thumbs Up For Halal Academy
By Amin Hosni

Bandar Seri Begawan - Panelists and participants of the International Halal Market Conference (IHME 2008), which concluded yesterday, gave their unanimous support for Brunei to set up the Halal Products Academy.
Haji AbdulHamid Evans, Managing Director's of Imarat Consultants and who was the consultant for the IHMC 2008, said the final session of the conference put forward hew and fresh ideas that could be added to the proposal of the Halal Products Academy.

"A report will be sent to the ministry for its approval."

He added that discussions during the IHMC 2008 provided opportunities to share ideas between the government, State Mufti's Office, scientists and those relevant with the industry on the idea of establishing the halal academy, which will be beneficial to the community and the global halal market.

Haji AbdulHamid believes that the establishment of the academy will definitely provide the Sultanate with an opportunity to upgrade its standard and become an important market leader not only in business but also in providing service to Muslims worldwide.

Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Hamid Haji Mohd Jaafar, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, said that the Mufti's Department and Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources have been working together in getting ideas and suggestions from the IMHC panel and participants for the proposed academy.

Dato Haji Mohd Hamid added that the establishment of the academy will be a stepping stone that will provide interaction between scientists and religious scholars on issues concerning halal products, to increase the use of applications of science and technology in the field of halal products, prepare the country as a centre for international researchers, minimise issues and doubts on consuming halal products, as well as to widen the research in the halal products field.

Meanwhile, Hajah Asmah binti Haji Saman, Director of Promotion and Facilitation Services Division and Chairperson of the Exhibition Committee, said that they have received a good response from the expo, which saw up to 64 potential negotiations among the exhibitors to pursue future businesses.

The four-day event also managed to generate $21,000 in sales, which is an increase of 11 per cent from the previous year, while international traders saw an increase from 39 per cent in 2007 to 64 per cent this year.

"We have definitely seen an increase in participation since the first expo in 2006 and this shows that we have managed to create awareness. This has created more confidence among participants to join the IHPE," she said.

Haji Abdul Hamid stressed that Brunei has placed itself in a better position among global players in this field, adding that the conference was a valuable exercise that has benefited Brunei.

"The feedback from the conference has exceeded my expectations, especially with the participation of some good speakers." Jason Tee, Event Manager for I HP E 2008, said the expo this year has managed to attract more visitors.

"IHPE 2007 had 34,000 visitors, and this year (as of 6pm) the expo has attracted 44,000 visitors." He expected the number to reach 50,000 before the expo closed last evening. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

More Houses for the 'Rakyat'

Bandar Seri Begawan - Over a hundred people under the 'Tanah Kurnia Rakyat Jati' scheme were filled with joy yesterday morning after they received keys to their new homes from the caring monarch, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, during a ceremony at Rimba Secondary School.
A total of 117 people had successfully applied for either houses and plots of land under the National Housing Programmed for the iralryat' (Bruneians). The scheme, which was initiated in 1985, also gives civil servants the opportunity to apply for a plot of land on which they can build a house through government housing loans.

Out of the 117, two were granted plots of land. Most of the recipients (113) were awarded Class 'D' houses in STKRJ Kampong Mata-Mata (Katok B), while two other received Class 'E' accommodations in STKRJ Kampong Tungku (Katok A).

One of the successful applicants was Napsiah Metussin, who had been waiting patiently for about 16 years. She could not contain her joy, as she would finally be able to move out of her rented house in Subok. The 52-year-old woman said that she was proud to finally say that she now has a house of her own.

After presenting keys and land grants to the 'rakyat' in the morning, His Majesty toured Rimba Secondary School and Kesuma Mekar School, where he took a closer look at the schools' facilities and mingled with students and teachers.

His Majesty also made stops at the residence of Village Head of STKRJ Kg Rimba, Abdul Wahab bin Timbang rd Rosli, and Haji Ismail bin Haji Rahab, the Village Head of both Kg Tungku and Kg Katok. Later in the day, six recipients of the Class 'D' houses welcomed the benevolent monarch to their new home. One of them was Hj Afineh bin Hj Mohd Ali, a Customs Officer from the Department of Royal Customs and Excise, who had applied for a house under the scheme nearly 17 years ago.

"My family and I would like to convey our deepest gratitude to His Majesty," the father of four said.

Meanwhile, another successful applicant, Awg Mahmud bin Hj Ahmad, said that life would be much easier now for him now that he has a house to call his own. The father of 12 previously lived in government housing in Gadong.

As a token of appreciation, he presented a "pesambah" of a photograph of the wife of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin, the 27th Sultan of Brunei, to His Majesty. Other residences that His Majesty visited were those belonging to Rais Hj Johar, Hj Suhaimi Hj Ahmat and Matjin Hj Jahamat.

His Majesty also visited some business establishments around the neighborhood including Maju Motors SDN BHD, where His Majesty unveiled the new Volkswagen Passat R36, and Sumbangsih Mulia at the Beribi Industrial Area.

In the afternoon, His Majesty toured Delima Square in Kg Delima Satu, and walked into one of the branches of DST, where he was greeted by the Chairman and CEO of DST Communications, Dr Haji Mohd Amin Abdullah.

Aside from visiting Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB) at Delima Satu, His Majesty made a brief visit to Hua Ho Department Store, where he was welcomed by its Managing Director, Lau How Teck, and HSBC in Kampong Serusop, where he was greeted by the CEO of HSBC Brunei, Tareeq Muhmood.

Among those who accompanied the monarch was the Minister of Development, Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

慔alal

holmes

hom missed the Halal Food Fair

TheHawk

Three Nabbed For Gang Robberies
By Azlan Othman & Rol Ezam

Bandar Seri Begawan

TheHawk

Police Solve Biggest Theft Case In Belait
By Liza Mohd

Kuala Belait - The Sungai Liang police last Thursday arrested two locals for their alleged involvement in one of the biggest housebreaking and theft cases in the Belait District. The police recovered over $100,000 worth of stolen goods including a vehicle.

The two locals in the 30s were arrested in Kuala Belait when police received a complaint about a break-in at a house in Sungai Liang around 1pm on September 3. The house owner reported a missing vehicle, while four laptops, three mobile phones and two digital cameras were also stolen among other valuable items.

The arrest of the locals Thursday led police to the discovery of more stolen possessions including five laptops, two projectors, two digital cameras, 20 mobile phones, phone and camera accessories, jewellery and foreign currencies among others.

Police have also recovered the stolen vehicle with a different registration number. With the retrieval of more stolen goods, police now believe that the suspects could have been involved in more cases of housebreaking and thefts.

The two men were brought to the Magistrate's Court and have been remanded to facilitate police investigation.

According to the police, the suspects could be charged under Section 380 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum imprisonment term of seven years or Section 379 for a lower charge of theft, which carries a maximum punishment of three years in jail.

Since most of the stolen items are still unaccounted for, the police have urged members of the public who have lost their valuables to come to the Sungai Liang police station to identify their belongings, if any. They should produce receipts or any proof of purchase to claim the items. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Bruneians Prefer To Buy Genuine Products Online
By DK Roslina

Kuala Belait - Bruneians have to opt for online purchases and overseas for genuine products as there is lack of local retailers selling original products in the country.

Ak Zaini Pg Ali, an employee from a private company, said that as he is fond of genuine products he has to make purchases online or overseas especially Singapore to get his hands on the items he desired. Buying and wearing genuine products like shoes, clothes and mobile phones give a sense of self satisfaction and confidence to the wearer, according to Ak Zaini were some of the reasons why he like to purchase only genuine products.

Especially for sports equipment, he said not only it is quality assured but long lasting as well.

Being a fan of Jeremy WarMer, a gold medalist at the World Outdoor Championships in 2007 at Osaka, Japan, drives him to be a fan of Adidas products as well. He said it is a form of self fulfillment to imitate his idol.

"Even though it might seem costly ordering it from overseas or online, it's worth it," said this 25-year-old who recently spent US$130 for a pair of sport shoes.

He added, it is up to the individuals themselves if they are willing to buy genuine or fake products according to their preference and financial status.

Another fan of genuine products, Aziz Hj Ahmad from Belait, said majority of his accessories purchased like clothes, shoes even stockings are genuine.

Especially for sports equipment, he said, like skipping rope, and sport shoes to name a few.

Even though an original Nike shoes selling prices might range from $300 to $500 each, it is worthwhile as the quality is assured and to prevent sports injuries.

Though due to a lack of original sports equipment sold in the country or the unavailability of the desired items, he told The Brunei Times that he usually goes to Miri, Sarawak to get that item.

Abdul Haqim Yahya, a student who is going to further his studies at Leeds University, told The Brunei Times that though he prefers to purchase the genuine products it is sometime difficult to differentiate between the genuine and the fake ones.

As a rule of thumb, he said he and his friends always check online to find out whether the products are indeed original.

"One of the most pirated sports equipments is perhaps the football jersey, which is easily differentiated by comparing its selling price," said the 20-year-old.

Even though the price gap between the original and counterfeit products are huge, the quality is much better as the material used to manufacture the original items that might cost up to $105 are designed especially for sport.

Lisa Ng, a staff member of the Ministry of Health, said that she does not mind purchasing ungenuine products for her clothes, watches and other fashion accessories.

"I don't see anything wrong buying counterfeit products, as long its quality is good," said Lisa. "Furthermore it is difficult to buy genuine products like handbags in this country."

As the quality of this ungenuine products improved, it is difficult to judge its originality. For instance even though a branded handbag looks original and cost expensive it still does not give assurance that it's genuine.

Ak Zaini Pg Ali hopes there will be more retailers selling genuine products in this country "so as to save time and cost from having to purchase them overseas". -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

TheHawk

Diabetic Muslims Advised To Consider Risks Of Fasting
By Qistina Rangga

Bandar Seri Begawan - Diabetic Muslims in the country must weigh the benefits versus risks of fasting, said a dietitian from the Dietetic Services Department of the Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC).

According to Rozanna M Rosly, all diabetic individuals should obtain advice from medical physicians regarding dose adjustment and changes in medications or fluid requirements, if they wish to fast during Ramadhan. To meet nutritional requirements and eating adequately to control blood sugar levels, they should seek a dietitian's advice, she said.

This would usually include avoiding an excessive intake of oily and fried food. Instead, they should keep to a balanced diet consisting of enough energy in the form of high-fibre food, carbohydrates and protein, the dietitian added.


In her guidelines, she said that if on diet alone, one must not over-indulge at night. However, fasting might benefit overweight individuals. In some cases, weight gain will occur in some diabetic individuals due to poor food choices, or when the total amount of food eaten remains the same, and there is a reduction in the level of physical activity.

If a diabetic individual is on an oral medication, morning dose should be taken after the breaking of fast and evening dose in smaller dosage taken after sahur, or pre-dawn meal.

All patients should understand that they are to break fast at any time if hypoglycaemia occurs.

Hypoglycaemia is a condition where the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood drops below a certain point - about 3.0mmol/L. Symptoms includes dizziness, sweating and fatigue that usually go away 10 to 15 minutes after eating sugar.

In addition, frequent monitoring of blood sugar is essential among diabetic patients. They should check their blood glucose level multiple times daily, especially during the breaking of fast, two hours after breaking of fast, before sahur, two-four hours after sahur, mid to late afternoon and other times especially if hypo symptoms are experienced.

She further encouraged all diabetics to be familiar with the warning symptoms of dehydration (weight fluctuations, lethargy), hypoglycaemia, other possible complications, including kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart problems and changes in mental alertness.

It is necessary to adjust sleep and physical activity levels. Normal levels of physical activity may be maintained. However, excessive physical activity may lead to higher risk of hypoglycemia and should be avoided, particularly during the few hours before the sunset meal.

Rozanna also advised diabetic individuals to have a close communication and strict monitoring with a medical physician and dietitian. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

TheHawk

24-Hour Petrol Stations Needed

Bandar Seri Begawan - Amid soaring global fuel prices, Brunei is relatively safe from paying large amounts of cash for fuel, thanks to government subsidies.

However, the demand for fuel remains high as customers flock to petrol stations late at night, sometimes after closing time. "There should at least be one or two 24-hour petrol stations placed at strategic areas or open for 24 hours only during the weekends," said a customer who wished to remain unnamed.

Ilham, who commutes from Muara to Bandar Seri Begawan everyday, said that petrol stations should extend their working hours at least once a week since there are several events such as tadarus and tahlil that occur during Ramadhan which ends very late.


"Also especially during the weekends when a lot of young people go out to attend a relative's function or watch late night movies," he added. According to a supervisor at a Gadong petrol station, a similar venture was made by the petrol station in Bunut which used to operate for 24 hours.

"The petrol station operated for 24 hours for only two months a couple of years ago, but due to the underwhelming response from the public, they soon called it quits and continued with normal working hours," said the supervisor.

He revealed that currently most of the customers queueing during the late evening are those coming back from the Istana after attending religious events whereas on normal days in Ramadhan the queues are smooth flowing.

The supervisor added that it is only during the weekends when a lot of people are out and about that they start to refuel their vehicles.

The opening hours for petrol stations vary in different areas during the Ramadhan month.

Some petrol stations begin as early as 6.30am, while some operate as late as 12 midnight. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

TheHawk

Another Life Lost To Drowning In Kg Ayer
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan

holmes

Originally posted by TheHawk at 9-9-2008 11:10 PM
24-Hour Petrol Stations Needed

Bandar Seri Begawan - Amid soaring global fuel prices, Brunei is relatively safe from paying large amounts of cash for fuel, thanks to government subsidies.

...

Agree with the proposal... there should be at least some 24/7 Petrol Stations namely at those strategic areas ...

fatz2

Singapura : 11 September 2008         

PEGAWAI BRUNEI CATAT SEJARAH SAF

Wanita antarabangsa pertama ikuti Kursus Pemerintahan dan Kakitangan

Oleh
Nadzri Eunos

SEORANG pegawai wanita Brunei, Mejar Hajah Wan Shahlimar Haji Suhaili, mencatat sejarah sebagai pegawai wanita antarabangsa pertama mengikuti Kursus Pemerintahan dan Kakitangan (CSC), Angkatan Bersenjata Singapura (SAF), tahun ini.

Pegawai berpengalaman 24 tahun dengan Tentera Udara Diraja Brunei (TUDB) itu adalah antara lima pegawai Melayu/Islam yang menyertai kursus sembilan bulan itu.

Mejar Hajah Shahlimar, 42 tahun, menerima sijil tamat kursus bersama 124 lulusan lain daripada Menteri Pertahanan, Encik Teo Chee Hean, dalam satu majlis di Istana semalam.

Ketika ditemui, Mejar Hajah Shahlimar berkata kursus bertaraf antarabangsa itu sangat mencabar.

'Sebelum ini, saya diberitahu betapa mencabarnya CSC dan saya membuat persiapan awal. Alhamdulillah, saya mampu melaluinya. Saya amat bangga menjadi pegawai wanita antarabangsa pertama mengikuti kursus ini,' kata beliau sambil tersenyum.

Namun, cabaran lebih berat yang dilalui ibu tiga anak itu ialah berjauhan daripada keluarganya.

'Saya rapat dengan anakanak dan semasa menjalani kursus ini saya cuba bersama mereka setiap bulan pada hujung minggu, sama ada saya ke Brunei atau mereka ke sini.

'Walaupun berat, ia satu pengorbanan yang perlu saya lakukan. Saya amat berterima kasih di atas sokongan suami dan anak-anak,' kata Mejar Hajah Shahlimar.

Antara modul CSC yang paling menarik baginya ialah pemikiran kreatif.

'Saya akan cuba amalkan apa yang saya pelajari sejurus pulang ke TUDB,' tambah beliau.

Salah seorang daripada dua pegawai Melayu/Islam SAF yang mengikuti CSC tahun ini, Mejar Mohammed Salleh Mohammed Anuar, 34 tahun, pula berkata beliau menghargai peluang berkursus dengan para pegawai berbilang bangsa dan negara.

Graduan CSC tahun ini terdiri daripada 110 pegawai SAF, seorang daripada Pasukan Polis Singapura dan 14 pegawai antarabangsa dari negara seperti Brunei, China, Jerman dan Amerika Syarikat.