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RBAF ready to face security challenges
By Sonia K.
In effectively fulfilling and executing both traditional tasks and emerging ones, the armed forces of today need to look at ways to further prepare, develop and enhance their capabilities.
This is made possible by the existence of various technological advances nowadays, of which, despite their complexities, the Deputy Minister of Defence, Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar said, have enabled some armed forces to transform themselves, not only to become more flexible and able to multitask, but also be more network-centric, thus able to perform more coordinated operations.
The Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, through the Ministry of Defence, has taken and is continuously taking steps in preparing its armed forces for these emerging and future security challenges.
He said this yesterday during the opening of a one-day international conference, prior to the commencement of the Second Brunei International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX) 2009 exhibition, at the BRIDEX Centre in Jerudong.
The deputy defence minister officiated the event and later a keynote address was delivered by the former Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Pakistan, General (rtd) Ehsan Ul Haq.
Pehin Yasmin said in the last two decades, the international community has witnessed a widening and deepening of the concept of security to include non-traditional security issues. Issues like natural disasters and environmental degradation such as tsunamis and climate change, economic turmoil and financial meltdown, international terrorism, deadly transnational diseases and crimes are posing real threats to our societies.
"Our borders are no longer impervious to these non-traditional security issues," the deputy defence minister added. They also pose new demands on a nation's defence force and homeland agencies to maintain security and stability. "Peacekeeping, peace-building and humanitarian disaster relief or operations other than war are becoming familiar tasks to our armed forces nowadays," said the Pehin.
A discussion about C4I was held during yesterday's conference, in the context of force transformation, homeland security, peacekeeping and humanitarian disaster relief. Some of these technologies will be showcased in today's (Aug 12) BRIDEX.
The deputy defence minister said Brunei is slowly spreading its wings in peace-monitoring and peacekeeping activities. "In 2004, we started to send our military personnel to take part in International Monitoring Teams in the Southern Philippines and recently in peacekeeping operations under the United Nations Interim Force (UNIFIL) in Lebanon. This is part of our contribution for a peaceful world," he added.
He also said the Ministry of Defence of Brunei Darussalam is currently preparing its next Defence White Paper which will be launched in 2011. It will include, among other things, the ministry's strategies and plans in addressing the non-traditional threats and challenges that we are facing and will be facing in the future, and in further enhancing the transformation process of the armed forces.
Transforming armed forces is not easy and it is filled with numerous pitfalls that would surely affect finite resources negatively if not managed properly, the deputy minister said. "This massive endeavour is further challenged by the inclusion of operations other than war in the long catalogue of required capabilities of modern armed forces," he added.
The BRIDEX conference is a collaborative between the Ministry of Defence and Jane's Information Group. The conference examined the full spectrum of emerging threats via a series of keynote addresses and panel discussions. The event focused on four key themes of relevance to defence forces and national security agencies in Southeast Asia's fast-changing defence and security environment, namely Emerging and future security threats in Southeast Asia; C4ISR and the Evolution of Network Centric Capabilities; Homeland Security and Border Protection; and Application of C4I to peacekeeping, humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
With an attendance of approximately 380 participants, the conference brought together high-level international government and defence and security officials, as well as leading defence and security industry experts. It also provided an ideal platform to network, exchange ideas, information and knowledge, and discuss technology advancements and industry developments.
The aims of the conference were to provide participants with a better understanding of defence and security priorities and challenges facing political and military leaders in Southeast Asia, as well as an appreciation of how to translate that understanding into actionable insights that will shape business plans in 2009 and beyond.
Prominent invited speakers enlightened the conference over three Sessions. For the first session, focusing on C4ISTAR and the Evolution of Network Centric Capabilities, the conference saw speakers like Mr Soh Kong Pheng, Chief Executive, Defence Science and Technology Agency, Singapore; Rear Admiral Chris A Snow, Flag Officer Sea Training, Royal Navy, UK; and Lieutenant General Johan Kihl, Former Chief of Staff, Swedish Armed Forces, Sweden.
At a luncheon, participants were enlightened with a presentation by Professor Dr Sarlito Wirawan Sarwono, Professor of Psychology, Head of Graduate Programme of Police Studies, Postgraduate Programmes, University of Indonesia, Jakarta.
After lunch, the second session touched on homeland security and border protection - trends, challenges and technologies, the speakers were Inspector General (Police) Dr Ito Sumardi, Expert Chief Advisor to Indonesian National Police Chief, Indonesia; Mr Nick Gibbons, Deputy Director, National Security Secretariat, Cabinet Office, UK; Mr Giles Noakes, Chief Maritime Security Officer, BIMCO, Denmark; and Mr Warren Prentice, Business Development Manager, Defence & Public Safety, APAC Microsoft, Singapore.
During the third and final Session, participants presented C4I in Peacekeeping Missions, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations. Speaking at this session were Mr Sudhir Mahara, Director, International Training Programs, BlueForce LLC, USA; Mr Michael Marx, Senior Civil-Military Coordination Advisor, United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN/OCHA), USA; General Boonsrang Niumpradit, Former Supreme Commander, Royal Thai Armed Forces and Former Force Commander, United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), 2000-2001. |
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Belait rural areas identified for Brunei's second airport
By Liza Mohd
The rural areas of Long Mayan/Merangking Ulu Mukim Bukit Sawat has been identified as a potential site for the construction of Brunei's second international airport, according to the Belait District Structure Plan 2025.
In addition to the ongoing construction of the Telisai-Lumut bypass, the Belait District Plan, unveiled during yesterday's exhibition at the Seria Oil and Gas Discovery Centre, also shows a viable plan of building a Labi-Kuala Balai road network that will lead to the proposed second airport.
Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the Ministry of Development Haji Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos was present at the launch of the four-day exhibition of the Belait District Plan.
In his speech, he said that one of the ideas which could bring about major and positive impact towards the development of the Belait District is identifying Sungai Liang as the regional centre apart from Bandar Seri Begawan for the purpose of balanced development among the four districts in the nation.
Apart from that, there are also ideas to restore the social and physical infrastructure, distribution of housing, schools, public facilities and others.
In the plan, the population of Belait is also expected to rise to 86,500 people in the year 2025 as compared to 63,900 people in 2006, the permanent secretary said.
"With that kind of growth, the need for housing will also increase by about 40 per cent from the existing numbers," he added.
As revealed in the plan, the demand for housing is expected to increase to 15,871 units by 2025.
In terms of rural development, the Belait District plan has also identified several villages such as Labi and Sungai Mau as rural centres that will be able to contribute to the economic development in their respective areas, the chief guest stated.
The district plan has also identified the main land usage towards ensuring a strategic development and maintenance or the preservation of the nation's forest reserves and environmentally sensitive areas, so that it would be continuously protected for the future generation, the permanent secretary said.
He expressed belief that a comprehensive planning on land usage is crucial towards a balanced and sustainable development.
Apart from that, the district plan also serves as a guideline for controlled development and preparations of infrastructure and coordinated general facilities.
The permanent secretary said the Town and Country Planning Department through a local engineering consultant has been preparing the Belait District Plan since April 2008 with the purpose of providing the strategic framework and directions of development for the district.
The plan has provided for four districts in the country including the Belait District. It has gone through four preparation stages starting from inception, sectoral, proposals and strategies and currently is in its final preparatory stage.
The public, government agencies and relevant stakeholders, particularly residents in the district, have been involved according to the stages of preparations. These include dialogue sessions, focus group discussion and now, the exhibition to disclose the planning for public members.
During the exhibition, residents in the Belait District are given opportunities to give their feedback through forms provided at the venue.
Haji Mohd Rozan also recalled attending a dialogue session with the residents of the Belait District on April 10 this year at the early level of the district plan preparations.
Now the district plan has reached its final stage and the permanent secretary expressed his pleasure in viewing the final results of the plan, which has taken several months in terms of information gathering, data analysis and the direction of the district's development.
He welcomed residents in the Belait District to observe and pay close attention to the plan, which will be available for viewing for four days, and provide their feedback towards improving it.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Town and Country Planning Mr Hong Kok Seng in his welcoming remarks said the exhibition is to introduce and provide exposure to public and residents in the district on land usage strategies and proposals, which has been drafted for the vision and direction of development and progress in the district.
He hoped that it would serve as an investment plan for the district towards continual planning for desired projects carried out by agencies in the district.
The exhibition among others unveiled the National Land Use Master Plan from 2006-2025; the natural resources in the Belait District; housing demand; distribution of squatter settlements, land uses and settlement; economic development and industry, tourism potential; natural environment, Belait roads, traffic and transport; infrastructure and utilities; community services and facilities and also main economic activities in the district.
In terms of agriculture development, the existing and potential future agriculture reserves in the district make it a strong contributor towards achieving national food security. Belait District has the largest area of land reserved for paddy production and accounts for more than 35 per cent of the national rice output and is currently focussed towards raising domestic rice production. |
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Exploring advanced defence technologies at Bridex 2009
By Narissa Noor
BRIDEX 2009 is a platform for educating the public on the importance of defence, the types of threats we face in this modern time and age and the defence technologies available to counter these threats.
This was highlighted by the Deputy Minister of Defence during the welcoming reception of BRIDEX delegates and exhibitors, Tuesday night, at the new Empire Banquet Hall in Jerudong.
"BRIDEX does not only give us the opportunity to put Brunei on the world map as a potential investment location and tourist-destination, but also as an important player of the global defence corporation," said the deputy minister.
He also noted its political advantage the exhibition has towards strengthening defence and diplomatic relations between participating countries through their representative defence and security officials as well as companies.
The deputy minister described the exhibition as the ideal opportunity to observe and explore the most advanced defence technologies, which may lead to procurement and joint venture possibilities.
"Technically and economically, this may lead to the transfer of technology to local companies and provide a platform for us to develop the local defence manufacturing industry," he said.
Besides networking and building or strengthening business rapports, delegates and exhibitors also enjoyed a spectacular fireworks display.
The 2009 Brunei Defence Exhibition continues today at the new BRIDEX complex in Jerudong as traders continue to pour in to explore possible ventures with the exhibitors |
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Set high standards to avoid mistakes
By Narissa Noor
Scientists were urged to abide by the Standard Operating Procedures and have their own personal minimum standards, which include quality control, quality assurance, personnel standards and proficiency testing to minimise laboratory mistakes as labs in the country ran as many as 4.3 million tests in 2008 alone.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health yesterday officiated the Brunei Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists' 6th Biennial General Meeting, as they gathered to re-elect new counsel members for 2009-2011.
Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Salam bin Abdul Momin commended work of fellow scientists whose role in the outbreaks of SARS, Avian Influenza, and more recently, Influenza A (H1N1) is significant.
"The number of tests run by our labs in 2008 totalled 4.3 million," revealed the permanent secretary. This, of course, excludes the number of H1N1 tests run by said labs since the outbreak began.
"Since June 2009, the department has run 4,200 tests for H1N1 using the latest methods of Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and with the reagents authorised by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, USA)," he said.
While cost and budget issues remain the dominant setback for health services around the world, the permanent secretary urged fellow scientists not to abandon the values of quality, effectiveness and the impact their clinical outcomes has on the lives of their patients.
"It is undeniable that as lab scientists, the most important aspect of their job is to protect and preserve patient safety," said the permanent secretary, suggesting that there be a continuous mechanism that allows for the certification and maintenance of certification for lab scientists and technicians as well as a continuing laboratory medicine education.
According to the National Patient Safety Foundation, 100 million Americans fall prey to medical mistakes at a cost of about US200billion a year.
The association had also invited guest speaker Dr Viroje Chongkolwatana, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the Siriraj Hospital in Thailand, who presented his keynote address on "The cost benefit of using Nucleic Acid Testing versus Enzyme Immunoassay in a blood bank setting".
With over 180 members, the BAMLS was formed in 1998 to provide diagnostic laboratory services for health through cooperation with professional bodies and affiliations with national, regional and international organisations. |
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Piracy flourishing in Brunei
By Waleed PD Mahdini & James Kon
"We mean business," was how Mr Tan Ngiap Foo, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Recording Industry Association (RIM), yesterday described the brusque launch of the country's anti-piracy campaign in a bid to illustrate Brunei's efforts in addressing the concerns that were raised by the US Trade Representative in its Special 301 Report this year, which placed the Sultanate in its priority watch list of rampant copyright piracy.
Pirated music products like CDs are currently flourishing in Brunei Darussalam and is costing the music industry some BND$5 million annually, according to Mr Tan.
Speaking to members of the media, with representatives from the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) and the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) present at the press conference that was held at the Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong, Mr Tan went on to emphasise his point further by stating, "RIM has extended its wing to Brunei permanently by opening up an office here and (RIM) officers will be visiting all pirate outlets daily because our joint overall objective is to reduce the level of music piracy by less than 10 per cent within three months."
The highlight of the event was the handing over of confidential reports of piracy details and activities in the country, which had been collected by the RBPF, by a representative from the AGC to Mr Tan.
"The RBPF will also be providing us with daily updates and reports regarding the activities of copyright piracy in Brunei and both the RBPF and AGC have promised us their 100 per cent support," Tan added.
With the objective of reducing piracy to 10 per cent in three months, RIM said it will extend its wing to Brunei permanently and officers will visit all the pirated music outlets every day, including weekends and public holidays, and will make police reports every day.
The CEO of RIM said, "12 years ago (1997), we were delighted with the Brunei market's annual sales which reached around BND$5.1 million and we estimated only five per cent of pirated music in the market.
"Last year (2008), we were shocked and saddened as the annual sales dropped to almost 'zero'. Our members informed us that there are no sales because people are buying pirated CDs. We estimated that piracy reached a staggering 99 per cent," he said.
Mr Tan also disclosed that 50 per cent of the pirated CDs came from a neighbouring country, while another 50 per cent is manufactured here through CD burners or duplicator tower which can produce one to 10 CDs at a time.
"As an industry, we have to take steps to curb piracy. Last November RIM sent warning letters to all shops selling pirated music CDs. And in May this year, we found that most shops were still unwilling to give up their illegal business and only about 10 per cent have stopped selling pirated stuff," he added.
Mr Tan said he visited 21 shops in 24 hours on August 10 and 11 and all the outlets were still displaying openly pirated music CDs. Test purchases were done in all the shops and a pirated disc was even found sold at BND$12 in KB.
To identify pirated CDs and legitimate ones, he said, "The original CD has a hologram which has six security features, and over the past six years we have not come across any imitation."
So far, according to the report published by the International Intellectual Property Alliance on February 17, the recommendation made by the world body was that "Brunei Darussalam should be placed on the Priority Watch List".
This was due to the underlying fact that "despite repeated requests by the legitimate industry for remedial action, authorities in Brunei have done little in response to the problem despite full knowledge of it".
Mr Tan reasoned with the media by asking them why, despite being able to afford the cost of original goods, the vast majority of local consumers still prefer to opt for the pirated version. "Isn't selling stolen goods considered 'Haram' under Islamic law?" he asked.
He spelled out further why such an action is criminal: "The copyright piracy industry is linked to international syndicated crime, which we suspect may include drugs, prostitution and even terrorism.
"Out of the five major syndicate groups that are operating in Brunei, only one is locally-operated and the rest are foreigners from Malaysia and Singapore," he further explained, "and the problem is growing, not just in Brunei, but also the whole world... which is why we have to put a stop to it now."
"It's not just music," explained a representative from the AGC. "We have also been approached by representatives from the international film industry, as well as the IT industry to try and curb the pirated distribution of their products and software. The problem is that we can only bring about legal action if the copyright owner has filed a complaint with us, here in Brunei Darussalam."
However, she added "The Brunei government will not hesitate to take all necessary action against those involved in piracy upon a complaint made by the copyright owner."
She further cited the country's Emergency (Copyright) Order of 1999, in which anyone found guilty of copyright offences relating to the sale and distribution of pirated music could face a two-year prison term, a fine or both.
With the firm stance in good governance and transparency that is currently being advocated by the government, the question whether yesterday's initial tangible step towards eradicating the country of copyright piracy will finally be determined by who really possesses the true will to mean "business". |
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Brunei poised if terrorism rears
By Azlan Othman
Brunei's security agencies are serious in tackling acts of terrorism, though there is now no credible threat based on intelligence-gathering, police said, despite the recent bombings in a neighbouring country.
And the level of preparedness of the agencies was tested with some 1,100 personnel involved in Wednesday's exercise which started in the afternoon and 'stood-down' at around 3am Thursday. The public was left in the dark with traffic jams and blockade of roads springing up in and around the capital.
"The plan to organise such an exercise dubbed "Condor" was activated through the national security committee members of the Prime Minister's Office along with the nation's enforcement agencies."
This was revealed by Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam DCP Hj Hasrin B Dato Paduka Hj Sabtu, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operation) to the media yesterday. Also present at the briefing was Acting Supt Sharazuddin B Hj Masri, Staff Officer 1, Operation Department.
The exercise involved four scenarios where a powdery substance was found at the tunnel in Yayasan, a hostage-taking drama in Sheraton Utama hotel, a vehicle packed with bombs at Teck Guan Plaza and the findings of weapons and home-made explosives in Kg Bebuloh near the border, following an interrogation of the suspects.
"We purposely conducted the exercise during peak hours. The main focus is to identify the extent of our capabilities and preparedness of the security agencies in facing terrorism threats for integrated interaction.
"From the exercise, the security forces were more than ready with a plan of action. The exercise also gives an avenue for the security agencies involved to find better resolution," Pehin Hj Hasrin added.
The exercise was also intended to identify the extent of the capabilities of the government agencies and standard operation procedures (SOP) and to test different agency interaction, integration and cooperation, to test action plans involving road traffic and busy routine of the public and to test the SOP of the hotels and public places.
It was also to identify the capability of the security agencies and to test their readiness in the action plan right from the time the call was received as well as to find out shortfalls to act in logistics and capabilities of all parties, to coordinate intelligence gathering among the security agencies and to generate an integrated action plan.
The exercise also creates awareness among the public mindset and to be more alert. The scene was created based on the experience of other countries and plans are afoot for another exercise in other areas with the oilfield not being spared.
Previously, police and agencies successfully conducted two table-top exercises which covered everything, Pehin Hj Hasrin said. At the press briefing, the anti-terror squad was seen escorting the two suspects along with weapons and explosives found in the hideouts in Kg Bebuloh.
Police on behalf of the national security committee chairman thanked the enforcement agencies such as Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Royal Brunei Customs and Excise Dept, Internal Security Department, Immigration Dept, Research Dept of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the media and public for their patience and perseverence to smoothen such an extensive exercise. |
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Briefing on study for Muara integrated oil refinery project
By Sonia K.
In support of the development of the downstream industry in Brunei, the BEDB (Brunei Economic Development Board) yesterday hosted a briefing on the findings of a feasibility study for an integrated oil refinery project on Pulau Muara Besar (PMB).
The detailed study conducted by Wood Mackenzie, a leading international consultant for energy companies, was to provide more concrete findings to further validate the economic viability of the project in Brunei. The briefing was delivered by the Head of Asia-Pacific Downstream Oil of Wood Mackenzie, Mr Satvinder Roopra.
Acting Chairman of BEDB Dato Paduka Timothy Ong said, "The BEDB would always welcome initiatives aimed at creating new centres of growth and new economic opportunities that would bring significant benefits to the country and its people."
He added that the establishment of an integrated oil refinery and storage facility in Brunei would provide another unique opportunity in the country's effort to extend the oil and gas industry chain, particularly in downstream.
Chief Executive Officer of PetroBru Mohd Zaman Noordin was also present to give an introductory background to the project. PetroBru is a private-owned Brunei company leading the refinery project. Mohd Zaman said the project would drive the development of petrochemical industry and also fulfil the growing demand for refinery products in both the regional and global markets.
Based upon the study's assessment of regional target markets where the demand for refinery products has been forecast to grow, Brunei is well-positioned to supply the regional market deficits by setting up an export-oriented refinery. This is because Brunei is strategically located on the East-West trade route, an ideal location for such a facility, targeting the increasing demand for energy security especially in the North Asia market.
According to a press release from BEDB, the oil refinery on Pulau Muara Besar, which is expected to attract an investment of US$4.3 billion, is targeted to begin construction as early as 2013, subject to approval of His Majesty's Government. It will produce a refinery capacity of 200,000 barrels per day with feedstock based on 100% imported crude, ie 50% Arab Light and 50% Seria Light.
Its target markets include China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. The project will not only complement the development of PMB as a dynamic logistics and industrial hub but will also bring significant economic benefits like employment, human resource development, business opportunities for local SMEs as well as spillover benefits to retail and tourism sectors, the press release added.
The briefing held at the Sheraton Utama Hotel concluded with a Q&A and an open forum. It was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Industry & Primary Resources and senior government officials from the Prime Minister's Office, Office of the Ministy of Energy, Petroleum Unit, Department of Electrical Services, Port, Marine as well as key members of the local business community. |
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Impressive 'A' Level results at JIS
Almost a third of entries at 'A' Level at Jerudong International School resulted in A grades and the percentage of A or B grades rose to 61.9 per cent from 61.1 per cent in 2008. The overall 'A' Level pass rate (A-E) was 99.2 per cent, according to a press release.
The principal, John Price, welcomed these results as maintaining the school's high standards and congratulated the following pupils on outstanding performances: Oliver Olney and Hafiz Yussof (five A grades at 'A' Level), Akram Umaima, Bakhtiar Bandial, Asher Khan, Liza Luke, Rasyid Rajak, Redhuan Rajak, Qawie Sabli, Lisa Thottacherry, Nathaniel Ting and Jayne Wong (four A grades at 'A' Level) and Sarah Booley, Syukrina Roselan, Carmen Leong, William Lim and Vanessa On (three A grades at 'A' Level). "Exams results are an important measure of our performance and it is good to see consistency with previous years," he added.
Two pupils also gained impressive results in the highly demanding AEA (Advanced Extension Award) examinations: Vanessa On gained a distinction in both English Language and Literature and Spanish and Nathaniel Ting earned a merit award in Physics.
For the second year running, 100 per cent of Further Mathematics students gained A grades. In Spanish, 100 per cent of students gained A grades this year. High percentages of students gained either A or B grades in Music (100 per cent), Music Technology (100 per cent), Economics (89 per cent), Mathematics (78 per cent), Accounting (77 per cent), English Literature (75 per cent), History (75 per cent), Art & Design (67 per cent), Physics (65 per cent), Biology (64 per cent), Chemistry (57 per cent), Psychology (52 per cent) and Sport & PE Studies (50 per cent).
Work on a new Arts Centre has recently begun at JIS. The new facility will contain a medium sized auditorium - 700 seats - with outstanding acoustic properties, a studio theatre and exhibition spaces as well as rehearsal and teaching rooms. Price added: "There is much more to education than exam results. We hope to turn out well rounded, confident, young people with an appreciation of art, music and drama as well as the core subjects of the curriculum. We see the new Arts Centre as a facility for the whole of Brunei, not just for the school, and we hope it will attract actors, musicians and artists from East and West." |
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Higher expectations for Bridex 2011
By Sonia K.
RBTS Chief Executive Officer Lt Col (Rtd) Amir Hamzah bin Haji Hanafi speaking to the media. - Sonia K
Visitors watching a military parachutist. - Jason Leong
Visitors taking pictures with a military vehicle on display at Bridex. - Jason Leong
Bridex packed with visitors on the first day the exhibition was open to the public. - Jason Leong
This year's Brunei Darussalam International Defence Exhibition and Conference (BRIDEX) has surpassed Royal Brunei Technical Services' (RBTS) expectations.
RBTS Chief Executive Officer, Lt Col (Rtd) Amir Hamzah bin Haji Hanafi, told the press yesterday that they have had a very successful show and people are looking forward to Bridex 2011.
As of yesterday, RBTS has started promoting the next Bridex, which will be held in 2011. "We have 34 companies registered with us for a total of nearly 3,000 square metres. That is already half of the space we have available here," Amir Hamzah said.
Whether or not the next show will be expanded, he said, the number of exhibitors will be limited to 200 or 250. This is because the organisers want to maintain the exclusivity of the show.
The size and space however may increase. "Right now we have 7,000 square metres and it may go up to about 10,000 square metres," the CEO of RBTS said. With this they are considering of building another hall.
The show in 2011 will be interesting as it is scheduled to be held back to back with the Golden Anniversary of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. On top of that, there will be a military tattoo lined up for the show. This year, besides air displays and vehicle demonstrations, there was a line-up of warships a few miles away from the shore. For the next show, Amir Hamzah said, there will be something different.
"We have received some commitment from several navies, whereby they will be bringing in the ships and one of the events that we will be organising is a special competition between the navies," he revealed.
"There will also be more air displays for the next one as well as vehicle demonstrations," he added.
He went on to provide some feedbacks he received.
He said the delegates were very impressed with the show. They found the event very well organised and all things had been well taken care off - from their visit programme to their travel, accommodation and more importantly to their courtesy calls.
Some of the exhibitors told him they were overwhelmed with how the event has been planned and organised. He received comments and praises that this year's Bridex is getting a huge delegates traffic from 40 countries and they were very happy and delighted to have delegates visit them.
Members of the public, of course, enjoyed themselves particularly with the demonstrations. |
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End to Belait water woes
By Liza Mohd
The new water treatment plant has started operating from July 28 this year. Photos: Liza Mohd
Acting Head Director Public Works Department Haji Suhaimi (C) visits the new water treatment plant in Kampong Agis-Agis, Mukim Liang
The new Sg Liang water treatment plant is capable of supplying 36 million litres of water per day to areas in Sg Liang, Lumut and Labi
Days of low water pressure and disruption will be things of the past as residents in and around areas of Sungai Liang and Labi can now benefit from the $95 million Sungai Liang water treatment plant, built to improve access to clean water for residents in the Belait District, that began operations from July 28, 2009.
Acting Head Director Public Works Department Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar said, water supply to areas in Sungai Liang have significantly improved. The full completion of the project by the end of this year will see the supply of 13 million litres of clean water per day to Lumut, 18 million litres to Sungai Liang and five million litres to Labi.
The new water treatment plant, built under the Eighth National Development Plan, will also be able to supply clean water to the Tutong District, Seria and Kuala Belait in any emergencies.
In addition to that, the new plant can further increase its output from 36 million litres to 80 million litres per day. It is currently supplying clean water to Brunei Methanol Company (BMC) at the Sungai Liang Industrial Park.
Previously, the supply of clean water to areas in Mukim Lumut/Sungai Liang, Mukim Bukit Sawat/Merangking/Sungai Mau came from the Seria water treatment plant and in the event of a blackout or disruption of water supply due to a burst pipe, the remote areas in Kampong Merangking and surrounding areas used to experience water disruption for two to three days, said the Acting Head Director.
As areas around Sungai Liang are located at a distance from the Seria water treatment plant, the water pressure pump at the plant had to work constantly at its maximum level. Due to this, several villages in the Mukim, parti-cularly houses in hilly areas, were constantly faced with low water pressure, particularly areas in Kampong Perumpong, Sungai Liang and Kampong Gana.
With the Sungai Liang water treatment plant coming into operation, water supply to Sungai Liang from the Seria water treatment plant has been stopped and it will now only channel clean water to Seria and Kuala Belait, providing adequate supply to the other parts of the district.
The Kampong Lumut 1 village leader, Awg Haji Mohd Shafiee bin Ahmad, said residents in areas of Mukim Sungai Liang, who used to experience constant water interruptions, are now thankful that their tap won't run dry anymore.
This is due to the convenient location of the new water treatment plant, which is close to the said Mukim and any disruption to the water supply will be set right in a shorter period.
Construction of the new plant began in March 2006 and it was divided into three phases. The first phase involved the construction of a raw water pump station able to pump 40 million litres of water per day and also the installation of 15 kilometres of water pipes capable of carrying 36 million litres of clean water per day.
Meanwhile, the second phase saw the laying of main water pipes to carry clean water to Telisai and pipes to carry raw water to the Seria water treatment plant spanning 20 kilometres. It was then followed with the laying of 40 kilometres of pipes to supply clean water to Mukim Labi and the final phase involved the construction of six water tanks.
Thirty-six staff will be manning the operation of the new water treatment plant, including supervisors, plant operators, technicians, laboratory assistants and also assistant workers.
The plant will be headed by a superintendent who will be responsible for the plant's daily operation including the building maintenance.
Haji Suhaimi also emphasised that the demand for clean water in Brunei is expected to rise to 427.9 million litres per day in 2010 and to accommodate the demand several water treatment plants have undergone upgrading and mitigation works, including the Air Bukut Barun water treatment plant, Sumbiling and also Temburong.
He added that the government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has prioritised the budget allocation in the interest of providing access to clean water for the population.
Noting that Brunei is ranked among the highest per capita water users compared to countries in Southeast Asia, he urged the population to avoid water wastage and use it sparingly as the water provided to the population is heavily subsidised by the government as the tariff is the lowest in the region.
According to statistics on water usages in the region, a Bruneian uses up to 450 litres of water per day compared to 167 litres per person per day in Singapore.
He advised the public to repair any damages due to leakages in their houses and report any leakages to the main pipes to the Water Services Department through the hotline 140.
By the end of the 2007-2012 National Development Plan and with the completion of all planned projects, Brunei's capacity to produce clean water for its people will increase up to 628 million litres per day. |
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Princess Masna sees need to prioritise areas of cooperation
HRH Princess Hjh Masna with other ministerial representatives of Asean member states. Courtesy MOFAT
Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, yesterday attended the first Asean Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC) meeting, which took place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.
The meeting was chaired by Kasit Piromya, Foreign Minister of Thailand, as the Chair of Asean, and was attended by ministerial representatives of the ASCC from Asean member states and the Secretary-General of Asean.
At the meeting, Her Royal Highness acknowledged the valuable work done by the various Asean bodies to carry out the activities under the socio-cultural community blueprint, which was adopted by the Asean heads of states/government in March 2009.
The blueprint aims to establish an Asean Community by 2015. Her Royal Highness emphasised the need for Asean to prioritise areas of cooperation in order to effectively implement the blueprint. In this regard, Her Royal Highness highlighted that education, health, the protection of the environment and social issues were important priority areas.
The meeting exchanged views on how the council can address the concerns of the people and contribute towards building the Asean community. The meeting agreed to recommend that education, the protection and promotion of the rights of women and children and the response to the social impact of the financial crisis be deliverables of the 15th Asean Summit in October 2009.
The meeting further agreed that the second Asean Socio-Cultural Community Council meeting will be held in Thailand, in October 2009.
Last night, Her Royal Highness attended a welcome dinner for the ministerial representatives of Asean member states, hosted by Madam Chompoonute Narkornthap, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, at the Four Seasons Hotel, Bangkok. |
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UBD invites top unis to use tropical research centre
By Azlan Othman
Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) has offered its Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre for possible use by Asian and African institutions as a venue for research on various aspects of the environment, including the effects of climate change on the tropical rainforest ecosystem, as was stated by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam during the Asean-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit in June this year.
Dr Hj Zulkarnain bin Hj Hanafi, the Vice-Chancellor of UBD extended the offer during the University Presidents' Forum On Climate Change and Sustainable Development in Asia and Africa which took place at Korea University, Republic of Korea recently. The forum was attended by 12 top universities from the two continents.
Situated in Ulu Temburong National Park, the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre was set up by UBD in 1991, and served as a base for a 15-month joint UBD-Royal Geographical Society research on biodiversity that ended in March 1992.
This year, UBD, the Centre for Tropical Forest Science of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute of Panama and Harvard University will collaborate in carrying out research projects to monitor the ecosystem of the rainforest and the effects of global climate change. Some 25 hectares of tropical rainforest surrounding the centre have been allocated for these projects.
The Vice-Chancellor also spoke about the changes that were taking place in UBD through the major review of its undergraduate programmes curricula, with three cross cutting themes of leadership and innovation, entrepreneurship and environmental awareness, embedded in all its broad-based trans-disciplinary "GenNEXT" programmes.
"We are already addressing the issue of climate change and sustainable development not just by offering special courses, but by integrating environmental awareness throughout the degree programmes," said Associate Professor Dr Azman Ahmad, the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Education & Internationalisation) of UBD who also accompanied the Vice-Chancellor along with Dr William Duane, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Arts and Social Science. "In UBD, we have come up with a research cluster and recently, with programmes that look at the effects of climate change on the tropical rainforest."
At the forum, Dr Hj Zulkarnian also supported the establishment of international networks which would allow student and staff exchanges, as well as joint academic programmes and research, in a bid to foster practical understanding of "real world" issues and to gain global perspectives
The forum brought together university leaders and top researchers from leading educational institutions in Asia and Africa, including UBD, to discuss the roles that universities can play in framing and understanding the debate and in addressing climate change and sustainable development from research and training perspectives.
The forum provided an opportunity to outline the relevant issues affecting the Asian and African regions, and enabled the creation and formation of a university network for the development of educational strategies in the future.
The forum concluded with the signing of the Seoul Declaration on Climate Change and Sustainable Development in Asia and Africa, which formed the Asia-Africa Education and Research Network for Climate Change and Sustainable Development.
In signing the declaration, UBD will be able to enhance its research activities on climate change and sustainable development and work in partnership with other leading universities in Asia and Africa, thus raising its profile as a research university in Brunei and in the region.
While in South Korea, UBD also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ewha Womans University, the largest women's university in the world. The MoU was signed by Dr Hj Zulkarnain, the Vice-Chancellor of UBD, and Prof Bae Yong Lee, President of Ewha Womans University.
The deal signifies UBD's interest in sending its male and female students to Ewha under UBD's Discovery Year which kicks off in 2011, and to Ewha's International Co-Ed Programmes.
Under the MoU, both universities agreed to provide partial scholarship to their students, in which tuition fees are waived and lodging is provided.
UBD is also keen to offer a short-term summer programme for Korean students from Ewha during the June-July period. The programme will include Bruneian studies, Islamic Finance and Tropical Rainforest and an immersion into the Bruneian culture and tradition through homestays and "ecotours" to the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre. |
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Ramadhan stalls give tourists true taste of Brunei
By Achong Tanjong
Tourists in the Sultanate are getting a true taste of Brunei with the Ramadhan stalls offering them a chance to sample the wide range of modern and traditional dishes whipped up for the fasting month.
Set up yearly for the convenience of Muslims in search of food to break their fast, the stalls are proving popular even among non-Muslims and tourists.
Said one local travel firm, "The Ramadhan market is listed as one of our calendar events as it is indeed unique and also one of the best places to check out."
With large crowds descending upon these markets, it allows visitors a chance to witness the celebration of the fasting month Brunei-style.
Despite the abundance of food promotions during Ramadhan, many tourists still opt to visit the stalls, seeing it as a once-a-year opportunity.
Meanwhile, the Sultanate is seeing an increase in the number of tourists ever since the establishment of the Cruise Ship Service Centre at Muara Port.
According to an officer, one cruise ship would ferry 2,000 tourists from Europe, Western countries as well as from Korea and Japan.
Before, only one or two cruise ships arrived at the port. Now, the number increases each month.
In 2006, the Ports Department recorded a total of six cruise ship arriving with a total of 1,540 visitors.
In 2007, the number increased to 24 cruise ships, bringing in a total of 13,879 tourists. In 2008, it recorded a total of 21 cruise ships, however, the number of tourists increased to 15,800.
As of March this year, three cruise ships have entered Brunei with more ships expected to come. |
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New pension scheme devised on findings and feedbacks
By James Kon
The Ministry of Finance began conducting its first research on the newly announced 'Supplemental Contributory Pension' in 2005 and also received consultations from two international institutions namely the World Bank and AIG.
This was highlighted by Awang Hj Mohd Roselan bin Hj Mohd Daud, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Administration) of Finance, in his presentation of the Supplemental Contributory Pension scheme to the staff of the Ministry of Health during an SCP roadshow yesterday morning at the Health Promotion Centre.
"Two working papers have been prepared by both the international institutions while two sessions of roundtables were also organised by the Ministry of Finance and the Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies to receive feedback from private and public sectors stakeholders.
"Based on the findings and feedbacks, a taskforce was formed by the Ministry of Finance to further re-examine the scheme. The completed proposal was presented to His Majesty this year.
"It was a very long process, however, in the end we came up with a complete scheme that covers not only government staff but also workers in the private and informal sectors.
"The new Supplemental Contributory Pension is realised based on four main principles namely sustainability, security, accessibility and affordability," he explained.
He said that the SCP is a pension scheme that is an addition to the Employees Trust Fund (TAP). Like the TAP scheme, it is mandatory for all citizens and permanent residents in the sultanate working for either the public or private and informal sectors to join the SCP scheme.
He said, "The SCP scheme's primary objective is to ensure that those who fulfill the set conditions, will receive a monthly minimum income payment (annuity) of $150 when they reach the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.
"With the SCP scheme, retirees at the age of 60 years old are guaranteed to receive annuity, which is a minimum of $150 on top of the Old Age Pension (OAP) payment of $250 allocated by the Government of His Majesty. At the end of the day, retirees will receive a minimum monthly income of as much as $400," he said
Awang Haji Roselan also gave details of Survivorship and Catch Up in the SCP Scheme.
The Supplemental Contributory Pension Scheme road show for the Ministry of Health, organised by the Ministry of Finance, was part of an ongoing effort to inform the public about the new Supplemental Contributory Pension.
Some 100 personnel from the Ministry of Health attended the roadshow.
The introduction of the SCP scheme was announced in a titah by His Majesty on July 14 in conjunction with His Majesty's 63rd birthday. The scheme will take effect on January 1, 2010.
The Ministry of Finance will continue to conduct SCP road shows from time to time in order to provide the public with a better understanding on the scheme.
Also in attendance at the briefing was the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Performance and Compliance) at the Ministry of Finance, Awang Haji Hisham bin Haji Mohd Hanifah. |
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Brunei may have found new fish species
By Danial Norjidi
Rig jacket used as an artificial reef. - COURTESY: DEPT OF FISHERIES
Marine life flourishing in a coral reef. - COURTESY: DEPT OF FISHERIES
Has Brunei's Department of Fisheries stumbled upon a new species of fish?
"It's highly likely," said Syah Haji Mohd Ibrahim, Research and Development at the Fisheries Department, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources.
"From a survey that we carried out last year and this year we actually found a fish that has not been identified worldwide - it's a new species, and does not have a name to it yet.
"We sent it for identification to make sure and be 100 per cent certain, so we're still waiting for it, but the experts that came down said that the probabilities are quite high that no one has identified this species before.
"If it is indeed a new species, then we have the right to name it," he added.
All this goes to show that Brunei possesses what seems to be an amazing array of reefs full of potential in many different fields, particularly science and even eco-tourism.
The Department of Fisheries continues to ensure the conservation of Brunei's reefs, and their efforts in setting up artificial reefs in the 1990s are paying rich dividends now.
According to a diver, "Brunei has some absolutely beautiful coral reef", and "the Fisheries Department has done an amazing job to preserve it.
"It's amazing when you dive down and see the reefs Brunei have," said another. "Clear blue waters, corals. It's fantastic."
Another diver said, "I like the reefs in Brunei, particularly the rigs reefs. Brunei is a great place for divers."
Syah said, "Basically, you have two types of reefs. You have the coral reef and the artificial reef. Coral reef naturally grows there. Artificial reef is put there by man, and can come in the form of concrete, metal, rubber and a few other mixtures."
Syah also shared information about the different sites in Brunei where reefs could be found.
Surveyed sites include Champion Oil field, Silk Rock, Brunei Patches, Victoria Patches and many more.
The artificial reefs include shipwrecks such as the Bolkiah Wreck, Australian Wreck and American Wreck.
The artificial reefs also include platforms and old rigs, as well as the pyramid reef.
According to information found on the Department of Fisheries website, the Department of Fisheries built the first artificial reef in Brunei Darussalam in 1985 under the Fifth National Development Project. It was made up of large number of modules of tyres tied to provide a pyramidal configuration. A total of 20,000 used vehicle tyres were used and the project was completed in 1990.
Encouraged by the success of the tyre reef, the department embarked on another artificial reef programme in 1988. Based on a mutual agreement between the department and Brunei Shell Petroleum Co Sdn Bhd (BSP), two redundant offshore oil platforms were placed on the seabed northwest of the original tyre reef at Two Fathom Rocks. This programme was the first in the Asian region where redundant oil platforms were made into intentionally built artificial rig reefs. A second "Rig Reef" made up of five redundant rig jackets was built at Two Fathom Rocks in 1994.
The programme continued in 1997 when the department constructed several artificial reefs made from galvanised pipes. The pipes were formed into pyramidal shape and deployed at several strategic locations.
"When you have artificial reefs, the coverage of corals on the reefs is mostly soft corals. You have hard and soft corals; that's basically how you divide them," Syah said.
"Soft corals colonise really fast. Hard corals have a calcium carbonate skeleton and grow really slow. Some take a year to grow, some take 10 years.
"So when you deploy any artificial reef, most probably 90 per cent of the reef will be inhabited by soft corals. The problem with soft corals is that they do not contribute to the growth of the reef, they just colonise.
"Hard corals grow, and once they die they leave their intact skeletons behind, and this forms a base which is sturdy, so new coral larvae can grow and that is how reefs are formed," he added.
Syah also spoke of reef conservation and the importance of preserving Brunei's reefs.
According to the Department of Fisheries website, "Reef conservation is of immediate concern and this is an area where Brunei is setting an example by establishing protected areas and marine parks and establishing artificial reefs to encourage marine growth and regenerate the coastal waters."
When asked about the marine life in Brunei, Syah said: "In Brunei patches alone there are over 200 species of marine life." |
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Dream come true for 256 people
By Azlan Othman
'Deluxe' (top) and 'Standard' houses for the Kg Rimba Gadong Housing Scheme. - PHOTOS: AZLAN OTHMAN
A lucky draw for some 256 successful applicants of the "Kg Lumapas A Landless" and "Kg Rimba National Housing" schemes was held yesterday to determine what type of accommodation they would get.
"The long wait is finally over," exclaimed one of the successful applicants. Some of them had been waiting for over 20 years for this joyous day.
The Minister of Development, Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, was among those who witnessed yesterday's lucky draw.
Forty-two people who applied for the "Kg Lumapas A Landless" scheme in 1993 will each get a three-room 'E Grade' house worth $50,000.
Under the "Kg Rimba National Housing" scheme, 66 people were each given a double-storey, three-room 'Deluxe' house worth $92,000. Forty-three others will each get a double-storey, three-room 'Standard Grade' house worth $83,000.
'Terrace' houses were also given to 105 people - units that are located in the middle of the terrace houses cost $43,000, while those that are located in the corners cost $45,000.
It was learnt that government officers and citizens who were awarded the houses yesterday applied for the national housing scheme between 1980 and 1990. Meanwhile, applications for the landless scheme were made between 1984 and 1990.
Awang Abdullah bin Ali, who works for the Forestry Department, said that he could not believe the day had finally arrived.
"It's finally a reality," said the 43-year-old man who applied for the scheme in 1989. "I can't wait to move into the my new home after Hari Raya."
Norazmi bin Hj Sulaiman, 42, who works for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, said that he was given two options - a plot of land or a house.
"As the waiting period for a land would take a longer time, I opted for a house instead," said the father of four.
Norazmi, who handed in his application in the 1990s, had successfully undergone two interview sessions with officials in the mid-1990s.
"The last time I called the Housing Development Department to enquire about the progress of my application was last year," he said.
Rajimi Hj Sulaiman, a father of eight who works for the Electrical Department, said that he had initially applied for either a deluxe or standard model house as he has a big family.
"Sadly, my application was rejected," he said, adding that the type of accommodation that people get was based on their salary scale.
"I'm confident that my sons and daughters would be able to help me pay for it," he said. |
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22sep09
Grand sale on grand scale
By James Kon
Forget about Malaysia Mega Sales or the Great Singapore Sale. The Department of Economic Planning and Development is working with the Brunei Tourism Development Board to put an international spin on the next Brunei Grand Sale.
Hj Zulkifle bin PADP Hj Abdullah, Director of Administration and ICT of Department of Economic Planning and Development, yesterday said, "We are planning ahead for the next BGS and will be working with Brunei Tourism Development Board on a bigger and 'international flavoured' Brunei Grand Sale next year in the hope of attracting shoppers from overseas like Malaysia Mega Sales and Great Singapore Sale do.
"This year we have already started working with the department and we have placed posters in the border areas. Next year, we may highlight about the Brunei Grand Sale onboard incoming flights," he added.
About the response of this year's Brunei Grand Sale, he said, "It's mixed for this year so far, some people say prices can go down even more while other were satisfied with the campaign. From our surveys on participating retailers, we have found that prices have been really slashed to entice locals to spend within the country.
"There has been no survey on sales among participating retailers during the period of BGS because many retailers would not disclose the figures," he said.
In order to improve this year's BGS, he said, "I am still hoping that more members of the public can provide suggestions or feedbacks to the department so that we can make improvements to the next Brunei Grand Sale.
"For feedback on this year's Brunei Grand Sale, the public can write to [email protected] or contact 2230223," he added.
He also highlighted the success of other activities during the Brunei Grand Sale namely shopping spree and the Jualan Besar and Ramadhan stalls. |
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Category: Negeri & Negara
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Post time 12-8-2009 04:19 PM
lun
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