Lights Up

I applaud His Majesty's decision to push back all events and ceremonies planned to mark His Majesty's 63rd birthday celebrations, in the wake of the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak. It shows how caring our Monarch is for the welfare of his people. For the first time in the history of his reign, there will be no major celebrations in the capital on this year's 15th of July.

Business School Welcomes Fifth Intake

Orientation 09, The Classic Signature Hunt
The Business School has come to its fourth year this year with new students coming in to fill the vacancies left by us. After our huge graduation day a couple of months back, I thought I would never see the new faces of students enrolling this year. Fortunately, I was assigned to cover for the school's yearly orientation programme. As a fresh graduate, I had a slightly awkward feeling heading back there and felt like a stranger to them (though the current seniors still do recognize me, but I guess that's probably the last).

With the fifth intake coming in, its no surprise that familiarization and ice-breaking sessions were held on their first week. It's been a tradition for generations (in Business School years). A time to actually encourage them to open up and build the foundation of their confidence, while having a great time through it. Sure made me recall those sweet moments I've had with my fellow friends on our very first week some four years ago.

Looks like I'll be reporting on the school's activities that'll be going on for the next few months and on. It's good to be back, though no longer as the student I used to be, but as a fresh graduate with his new-found career. And I'd like to say, welcome juniors!

Night Blaze

A fireman puts out a fire which took down a quarry building in Bunut last night. The fire reportedly started at around 8.15 PM. No one was hurt. Further investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.

Touchscreen Fever

The Memorial

Watched this late last night via live-feed. It was a really sad moment in entertainment history.

Let's Do Our Part

As of yesterday, there has been a total of 164 cases of H1N1 infected reported by the Ministry in our country, and that number seems to be gradually rising. Now, I am against promoting scare, but I strongly support the authorities to fight this plague that's engulfed in our beloved nation. So let's do our part in whatever we can to minimize the spreading of the virus by following the guidelines prepared by the health authorities. We can do it!

Prevention is better than cure. Apply those hand sanitizers and put on those masks. Maintain good hygiene. Boost your immune system by eating a well-balance meal rich in vitamins. Minimize social gatherings or being in crowded places. Postpone traveling overseas (unless if there are important businesses to attend to). Lastly, don't panic, always keep a positive mind, and pray.

More information and updates of H1N1 in Brunei can be obtained here.

The Proper Use of Masks During These Troubled Times

From the WHO: Proper use and disposal of masks is essential to ensure they are potentially effective and to avoid any increase in risk of transmission associated with the incorrect use of masks. The following information on correct use of masks derives from the practices in health-care settings:

• place mask carefully to cover mouth and nose and tie securely to minimise any gaps between the face and the mask
• while in use, avoid touching the mask − whenever you touch a used mask, for example when removing or washing, clean hands by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based handrub
• replace masks with a new clean, dry mask as soon as they become damp/humid
• do not re-use single-use masks − discard single-use masks after each use and dispose of them immediately upon removing.

Although some alternative barriers to standard medical masks are frequently used (e.g. cloth mask, scarf, paper masks, rags tied over the nose and mouth), there is insufficient information available on their effectiveness. If such alternative barriers are used, they should only be used once or, in the case of cloth masks, should be cleaned thoroughly between each use (i.e. wash with normal household detergent at normal temperature). They should be removed immediately after caring for the ill. Hands should be washed immediately after removal of the mask.

Commemorative

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The Future of The Newspaper

The Brunei Times is proud to introduce to you its latest product, the innovative internet newspaper called the e-Paper. Launched in conjunction with the Brunei Times third anniversary yesterday, the e-Paper initiative provides the complete version of the newspaper online so readers can get the news faster than a paperboy could say "EXTRA!"

Experience the appearance of the physical newspaper on your computer by clicking here now!