Public feedback sought as BSB masterplan enters final stage

Visitors of the BSB Development Masterplan public forum looking at a model of the capital
THE Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) Planning Information Centre opened its doors to the public for a two-day forum, where visitors were updated on the BSB Development Masterplan and shared ideas with the consultants as the masterplan is set to enter its final stages.

HOK Planning Group consultants presented their proposals and strategies for the masterplan to representatives from several government agencies and the public. A question and answer session was also held to raise any issues or concerns. Yesterday's public consultation was the second of two major consultation exercises. The outcomes will shape the masterplan for the capital city of BSB.

The public workshop continues today with discussions on different study areas of the masterplan. This will be followed by a two-week public exhibition at the centre which will be open from June 25 to July 8. Full story here.

Brunei, Thai relations withstand test of time

Minister of Development Pehin Dato Hj Abdullah (2nd L) and Thai Ambassador to Brunei Phithak Phrombubpha (2nd R) cutting the cake to commemorate King of Thailand's 82nd birthday, while their respective spouses, Datin Hjh Hasiah (L) and Prapassorn Phrombubpha (R), look on.
SINCE the establishment of the diplomatic relations in 1983, Brunei and Thailand have enjoyed close and cordial relations, which have continued to be intensified over the years. These bonds of affinities have been strengthened and have so well withstood the test of time.

This was said by Phithak Phrombubpha, Ambassador of Thailand to Brunei, during a reception to mark His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand's 82nd birthday anniversary.

The celebration held at the Grand Ballroom of The Empire Hotel & Country Club last night, was an annual activity hosted by the Thailand Embassy since its establishment in the Sultanate in 1983.

The ambassador expresses hopes that Brunei Darussalam and Thailand will continue on the decades of diplomatic relationship between the two nations.

"Thailand stands firm in cooperation with Brunei in all areas for the mutual benefits of our two countries and people, as well as the peace, prosperity and security of our two region as a whole," said Phithak.

He went on to say that, with the support from the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, he looked forward to continue working to further strengthen the cordial bilateral ties of friendship and cooperation between the two nations in the years to come.

He also took the opportunity to convey his sincere best wishes for the continuing good health and happiness of His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Members of the Royal Family and the people of Brunei.

The Thai Ambassador expressed his sincere gratitude and deep appreciation for all who attended the gracious occasion to honour the Thai King, which also marked as the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand.

"For the past 64 years on the throne, millions of Thais from all walks of life have witnessed and can attest to His Majesty the King's dedication to his people through all sorts of activities and initiatives that has endeared His Majesty to the hearts of Thais as a highly esteemed and caring monarch who tirelessly works for the continued well-being of his people," he said adding that the Thai monarch has provided leadership, inspiration, comfort and wisdom to all his people, reaching out to the poorest and the most vulnerable in Thailand, listening to their problems and finding practical solutions for them.

He went to say that King Bhumibol Adulyadej is he "Soul of the Nation" and always in the hearts and minds of the Thai people.

Present as guest of honour at the event was Minister of Development Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdullah Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar, who was accompanied by his wife, Datin Hjh Hasiah Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Setia Dato Paduka Hj Hashim. They were welcomed by the ambassador and his wife Prapassorn Phrombubpha.

Among those who attended the reception were selected members of various government agencies and foreign dignitaries.

Thailand and Brunei have enjoyed cordial relations which have progressed steadily at bilateral, regional, and international levels.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties on January 1, 1983, the two nations have cooperated in various areas such as in trade, education, air services, labour, defence and broadcasting.

Brunei bats for food self-sufficiency

Meeting in session: Ibrahim Hj Abdul Rahman (L), Assistant Director of Technical Education and board member of the 57th SEARCA Governing Board Meeting at SEAMEO VOCTECH.
SERIOUS attention should be given to Agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors since they contribute one per cent of Brunei's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and determine the country's ability to reach self-sufficiency in foods.This was stated by Hj Suhaila Hj Abdul Karim, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) of the Ministry of Education (MoE) in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 57th Governing Board meeting of the Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) yesterday.

"Brunei Darussalam has oil and gas-based national income, to the extent it depends on imports to meet the local demand for a variety of agro-based products."

He added that the desire for the country to achieve a significantly higher percentage of self sufficiency in agricultural products, especially staple food, has been harboured for a long time and that the government has relentlessly been making careful plans to fulfill those intentions. "Currently, Brunei is putting in place a long-term plan stipulating various plans to diversify its economy."

The deputy permanent Secretary further said that the recently established exchange programme for technological transfer on rice production with the Philippines, shows an example of a serious and concrete plan which is taken by the government through the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources.

"Our concern for food security is also very much related and relevant to plans and initiatives in agricultural activities. A need to attract the youth group of our population points to a need for modern farming and technology-based agricultural activities."

At the moment, forestry, fisheries and agriculture sectors only engage around 1,000 workers. "This present an opportunity for Brunei to look at SEARCA assistance in enhancing and addressing related issues pertinent to this sector of our economy."

He shared that his imperative view that that SEARCA has a role to play and should have a deep feeling for concern and should therefore pave the way for strengthening and enhancing collaborative undertakings and cooperation of ASEAN member states through SEARCA.

He spoke of two major initiatives that Brunei has taken the Kuala Belalong Research Field on bio-diversity and the conservation of rainforest, popularly known as Heart of Borneo Project.

"Our efforts to ensure food security through agriculture and our desire to promote conservation of our rainforest will need a wise and carefully worked out steps to be taken to strike a balance between these projects so that truly sustainable development is achievable. "The three-day meeting which began yesterday at the SEAMEO VOCTECH in Gadong, is organised by MoE and is the second tine Brunei is hosting since it joined the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO), the mother organisation of SEARCA, in 1984.

Clearing Off Cigarette Butts From The Streets

It's the 1st of June already. As imposed by the Ministry of Health, we are now prohibited to smoke in all public places. Every premises will be banned from smokers, especially restaurants and cafes, where smokers have been proned to hang out there. We can't even smoke in our own cars now. So where does that leave us? Well, in the privacy of our own home, of course.

It's really a surprising move by the authorities, but I wanna look at it at the positive side. This might be an opportunity for me to reduce the number of cigarette consumption as I tend to smoke whenever everyone else around me smokes. Yes I'm a smoker, but that doesn't mean that I wanna stay a smoker for the rest of my life. I am fully aware of the dangers of it in the long run. If this move is effective enough to encourage me to full abstinence, I'd be happy to accept that.

In addition, this move is a great step in reducing, if not eliminating, the number of child and teenage smokers below 18. Patrons will now be asked for identification cards from the attendants on the counter should they wish to purchase a pack of cigarettes. By barricading access to young smokers to purchase cigarettes with their pocket money, this will encourage the youngsters to realize that they're not legal to smoke at their age.

On the downside, its really tough for every smokers to swallow, and most restaurant and cafe owners will feel the pinch because smokers bring money to them.

Let's face it. At least I get better ventilation indoors from now on.

ICC Job Fair

I crashed to the International Convention Centre yesterday afternoon for the Annual Job Fair. Lots of graduates and youths flocked into the the event to sign up for a career talk and walk-in interview, an opportunity for the unemployed.


According to a UBD friend, statistics have shown that around 8000 locals are currently unemployed, among them are graduates. I suppose this event will help reduce the unemployment issue facing the nation, and a chance for the youth to unleash their talents.


Throughout my visit, I've seen potential SMEs showcasing their company booth and encouraging locals to apply for jobs in their organizations. Along the way, I've met several familiar faces.














Caught on CCTV!