Tourism sector improves services to Korean tourists

Adele Kim, Director of PROMAC Partnership, briefing participants of the workshop.
A TRAINING programme is being held to help professionals in Brunei's tourism industry to to further improve services to Korean tourists visiting the country.

Jointly organised by the Asean-Korea Centre and the Brunei Tourism Board, the three-day "Asean Tourism Human Resource Development Programme" provides participants an insight into Korean tourism, culture and manners, and basic Korean language by four experts from South Korea.

Some 40 participants comprised tourism professionals from government and private sector such as hoteliers, travel agents and NTO official are attending the programme.

"The Asean-Korea Centre has been organising Asean Tourism HRD Programme to help build the capacity of tourism professionals of Asean countries in providing tailored service to Korean tourists," said Jae Hyun CHO, the Centre's Director of Development Planning and General Affairs Unit. He said that four such programmes have already been organised in the Mekong Sub-region including Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand. "In the fiscal year of 2010, the Centre will organise the same programmes in BIMP-Eaga countries and Singapore," he added.

"It is hoped that this programme will be of help to all participants in deepening understanding of the Korean tourists and their culture and also in learning Korean language so that tourism professionals could provide services closely attuned with the needs of Korean tourists, thereby further promoting Korean tourism to the Sultanate," said Jae Hyun CHO.

Present to officiate the launch of the workshop was Brunei Tourism CEO Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed.

Republic of Korea Ambassador to Brunei Kim Dae-Sik said that the programme would provide a useful opportunity for the stakeholders in the tourism sector to learn from Korean experience and expertise.

He said that Korea is an important market for Asean tourism, as statistics have shown that the number of Koreans travelling to Asean countries is increasing every year.

"Despite a temporary hike in 2008 with charter operations from Seoul to Bandar Seri Begawan by a Korean travel agency, it is still hard to say that we are seeing steady increase of Korean travellers in Brunei," said the ambassador

"The task ahead is how to turn the current trend of sporadic nature into a sustained one. I believe that Brunei has a lot to bring in more Korean people to the country on a sustainable basis, if it utilizes its tourism potentials to the fullest with effective strategies," he added.

"Six century-old monarchy, well-preserved pristine rainforest, noble Islamic architecture, the largest water village in the world, hospitable people are no doubt distinctive assets of the Sultanate. Furthermore, the ongoing project 'BSB Development Masterplan' which aims to transform the capital into one of the world's most livable and greener cities will be instrumental in attracting more tourists," he added.

Kindergarten kids graduate with 'flying colours'

Graduating Kindergarten Three students of Nusa Laila Puteri School waiting to go on stage to receive their certificates at Dewan Muhibbah on Saturday.
IT WAS a happy occasion for students in Kindergarten Three (KG3) at Nusa Laila Puteri Schools (NLPS) yesterday afternoon as they held their graduation ceremony at the Dewan Muhibbah (Muhibbah Hall).

Parents and teachers gathered at the hall to witness their students, sons and daughters dressed in their full graduation robes, complete with mini-mortar boards, to receive their official scroll from the Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office, Sa Bali Abas.

Around 100 students from the Telanai, Tanjong Bunut and Sungai Buloh NLPS kindergartens marked the end of their kindergarten years at the 31st Convocation Ceremony.

In keeping with the official tone of the event NLPS Principal Dr Hjh Sharifah Noor Hj Saiyed Ibrahim said in her welcoming speech, "It is hoped that through this ceremony, that these new graduates will continue their efforts to success."

The students will continue their studies Year One through Year Six at the schools and will have the opportunity to learn subjects such as Malay, English and Arabic languages and Al-Quran.

She also touched on the 97 per cent success rate of the recent Lower Primary Assessment (PSR) of NLPS students, recently disclosed by the Examinations Department at the Ministry of Education.

She also said that by 2010 the NLPS Secondary Five students will be sitting for their 'O' Level exams.

Permanent Secretary Sa Bali also shared with the audience a short speech in which he highlighted "the students were of the future and that all stakeholders must be able to nurture their potentials to create model citizens of the country".

Before the graduation, KG2 students danced, performed a nasyid (choral recital) and gave an uplifting singing performance.

A "Parade of the Nations" was also held, with children garbed in the traditional costumes of other countries paraded onstage.

On Saturday, a similar event was held for the Kiulap and Manggis NLPS kindergartens, with about 98 students from KG3 received their certificates from Hj Abdul Aziz Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Hj Yussof, the Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office.

In her welcoming remarks at that event, NLPS Principal Dr Hjh Sharifah Noor highlighted the various achievements that the students have made throughout the year in the extra-curricular activities, such as winning 13 awards in the National Science Base Competition, winning the colouring contest organised by the Ministry of Health (won by Mohd Amirul Aqrabi Ahmad of Primary Five) and winning fourth place in the Anti-Drug Choir 2009.

To further enliven the ceremony, the students gave various song-and-dance performances.

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!

Jackson Dies at 50

I grew up listening to this guy. MJ may not know all of us, but each and one of us who have grown to listen his songs and watch his dance over the decades seem to know MJ very personally, through his music. He was by far the most talented and hardworking man in the industry, and no one I've seen so far could ever match him. People imitate his dance moves but only Michael could pull it off perfectly.

It was a wonderful time during Jackson's reign in the charts back in the 80's and 90's. So much good music back then. But now there is no more Michael Jackson. Same goes to Elvis, and P. Ramlee. The world is now bombarded with crappy music.

Goodbye Michael. You were truly the King of Pop. RIP 1958-2009.

Slides From Our Graduation Night

For those who have either missed watching the slides I've compiled for our graduation night held last night, or wish to relive the memories again, you can watch it here in all its glory. (Thank you iMovie and YouTube).

Now that my colleagues and I have graduated, we are entering a whole new journey, with new challenges and opportunities that awaits us in our doorsteps. Our future is brighter now. But we will forever cherish the moments my colleagues and I spent together since our first day we set foot in The Business School.

A New Beginning

A week has passed since our convocation. A day which I would remember for the rest of my life. Everything's good now, having realized that I, along with my fellow colleagues are now among the ranks of those who have graduated before us.

One day we're gonna look back and recall the joyous times of our lives during our youth, and this is just one of them. This is graduation, the most glorious day for students, a time for a final reunion with our fellow comrades who we have been together for years, and a time to celebrate the end of our education course.

After the showdown with our final exams and wrapping up with our industrial attachments, its obvious that we deserve this joyous day. It is the moment when we all sing our last song. I never thought that I could actually experience such a meaningful day, due to the hiccups I've gone through many long years back. Though I'm glad that, as one of the students of Technical Education, (despite not as grandeur as the HND's or the Uni's), I get to be with my friends that I've studied with since 2005, adorned in our convo attire and recieving our honorary certificates on stage which are highly valuable to us all. All the hard years have really paid off.

Looking back, its hard to imagine how life would've been if I didn't actually take that first step to continue my education. I guess I wouldn't be where I am now, and I wouldn't be making great friends along the way. Best of all, with our achievements as a national diploma graduate, we are worth much more now compared to the day we first started taking the course. Our chances of employment and further studies just got better and brighter; its just a matter of taking that next course of action. We are smarter, more mature and experienced than ever before, and we will use these knowledge and experience we gained over the years for our survival and sustenance. Whatever opportunities that lie ahead, we're ready to take them.

As this chapter ends, a new chapter in our lives begin. Yet we will always remember this meaningful day as the checkpoint of our lives, and most importantly, our friendship we treasure for many years. 22nd April 2009 was a fine day to graduate!

Moment of Appreciation

I got to see my seniors going through their graduation ceremony over the years and it has been really exciting to witness the joy in their faces during their big day. And now, it has finally come to us. The years as Students of The Business School are over, it is a time to reward ourselves for our achievements and years of dedication in the college. To think that in the early days I wanted to graduate so badly, and now I still couldn't realize the fact that the very day is finally here! 3 years sure felt short whenever I think about it.

But most importantly, aside from all the hugs and apologies each of us will go through later after the convocation wraps up, I shouldn't forget to give out appreciative thanks to those that matters to me as well. In light of this joyous event, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone who have given us all the support throughout our years in The Business & Finance / Secretarial course at The Business School, from the beginning of our enrollment in 2005 up to the end of our Industrial Attachment at the end of 2008.

First and foremost, Syukur alhamdulillah to the great almighty Allah S.W.T. for our answered prayers over the years that led to us where we are now,

Greatest thanks to our parents, to mum and dad for all their support from the very beginning till this very day,

Special thanks to all our tutors of The Business School, for all their teachings, guidance and advices. We wouldn't be who we are now without them.

• to Ms Nur Sham, one of the greatest teachers I've ever known, your teachings and advice will be with us for many years.
• to Ms Eton, you have given us so much opportunities for the best of us.
• to mr cool Sir Fadzil, keep rockin! (hehehe)
• to Sir Iswandi, so many useful insights you have shared, very much appreciated
• to Ms Nelia, who never gave up giving us the motivation to strive towards success in our education
  
• to Ms Zaiton for all the wiseful advice and generous support to make us a better person we are now
• to Sir Saiful, for all the help, internal and externally
• to Mr Masaaki for the statistics (sorry I've been a bad boy in class)
• to Ms Pg Shikin, it's been great working with you on the Newsletter
• to Ms Hazwani, who have worked so hard to get us through the attachments and job opportunities
• to Ms Shikin, our group coordinator (ND/12)
• to Ms Susi, who believed in all of us
• To Ms Tan, your teachings in accounts has given me a boost in confidence
• to Sir Habib, the coolest principal on the planet
• to the rest who I have not mentioned: Ms Matul, Sir Fuji, Ms Siti, Ms Liza, Ms Nuraida, Ms Sharipah, Ustaz Khairi (papa john), Ms Precy, Ms Ann, Sir Abu (bro~), and all the new tutors that I didn't get the chance to get acquainted.

To my friends:

• my buddy Helmy, for helping me get through my course of life and who has given me hope
• Wazzie, Qids and Tooi; getting to know all of you lead me to my enrollment in The Business School, and the lepaks at KPT
• CB, for tagging along with the enrollment, at least I didn't feel alone for the first week
• Hj Khairul, for your guidance and support through the years
  

to my seniors:

• Sylvan Cade, my super senior who I'm still keeping in touch and collaborate in our common interest
  
• Sai the legend, who has given me the opportunity to be in a band throughout my time in school
• Kamal, who both of us have become bros
• Jai, it's been great hanging out with you during those stressful times
• Syimah, for helping me with the accountings
• Yamin, Shaari and gsyuk, the role models
• Adib, for all the late night chills and jamming moments

to all my classmates of ND/BNF/12, who we've spent 2 years together in that one classroom,


to the rest of my friends of ND/11, ND/13 and the Secretarials, who we strived together from the beginning till the end:

• Ain and Fizzy, the ones who I could always count on the most
• Rena, for leading us through our success and survival
• Pengky, for livening up the PD days
• my cousin Dee who has annoyed me for years, it has been fun and exciting really, what would I do without you eh?
• the Havoc Photogs Marriz and Cybercanon, it was there in The Business School where our passion in photography was born and cultivated
• my fellow team members of Aura, it's been fun working with you guys
• Essa for all the crazy unforgettable times
• Ezam, Akee and Ili, though they won't be joining us, there have been things that I've been grateful to them

to Edi Farhan for giving me a heads up during my brief jobless times,

to all my juniors after me, getting to know you all has been a delightful experience,

and to all my friends who i've known externally throughout my time in the Business School, thank you ever so much for everything!


Farewell Business School, till we meet again.

The Raptai

One more day. That's how excited we feel right now, knowing the fact that our big day tomorrow signifies the end of our course in The Business School. 22nd of April will be the day that we've all been waiting for after years of sitting in class and working on assignments with our group of friends back in campus. Sometimes it's hard to believe that we're already here, the last day of our time as national diploma students.


Today was the rehearsal for tomorrow's convocation ceremony at The International Convention Centre, and we were all lined up adorned with our graduation attire which we have all prepared with anticipation. We were given guidelines on the protocol for tomorrow's ceremony. I took this opportunity to grab my camera along, knowing that I won't be able to carry anything with me prior to receiving my certificate on stage.




Mus (Dineyfoto) was there and he was happy to take pictures of us during the raptai.

As We Go On...

2 more weeks baby yeah....

Textile Funhouse

Countdown To Convocation '09

PD/BNF/02, graduated in 2006
It's already been set. My colleagues and I will graduate next month and the Convocation will be held in ICC on the 23rd of April. I'm so excited now, coz this is indeed the moment I've been waiting for after all these years. I still couldn't believe that its close to the end of our course already, and 2005 still feels like yesterday. To think that I wanted this to happen so fast back when we were still sitting in campus.

We've gone through many challenges, passed so many obstacles, and for 4 long years we've endured all that. We made friends, we formed assignment groups, we held gatherings and events, we went through the pain and hardship together, and we made it to the end together. We remained friends until today, and we will forever cherish the moments we've spent together in the Business School since Day 1. And now, its time for us to graduate and move on, as new challenges and opportunities awaits us in our doorsteps. As one journey ends, another begins.

In light of this upcoming event, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who have given us all the support throughout the years of studying in The Business School for our National Diploma in Business & Finance. Our parents, instructors, friends, seniors, juniors, colleagues and of course, the Almighty. Our future has become a brighter one and we hope to take it further to the next level. See ya at the convo!

The Group Behind The February KL Trip

F#%#^%@ I'm NOT in this picture!!!
Time and time again, I always ended up not being in the group photos, well, for obvious reasons (duhh ~). Anyway, here's the group that I went to KL with last month; Khyrul, Dijah, Gboy, Fahmi, Buzz and Khyreen. It was a fun-filled trip. They've enjoyed the shopping and sightseeing, while I had my own fun with all the street photoshoots. Our last day in Sunway Lagoon was perhaps the most exciting one as we totally experienced our breakaway from all the years of studying and celebrate our upcoming graduation and career ahead of us. In fact, we wished the rest who couldn't join us were there to enjoy it.

As Time Goes By

2007


2008


2009

What is it with me and beaches?

Memories of 2008

New year's on the horizon, and before we embark on the new year of 2009, I wish to share with you some of my fond memories that I've been through throughout the year 2008. (Pictures not in chronological order). Memories of the past are best treasured and shared as we all make new wonderful memories today, tomorrow and for the rest of time.

Our final year in The Business School from January to June. We ended our final exams with a bang.


Social Responsibility at STKRJ Mata-Mata, called Operation 'Remedy to a Plight'


Syazwan & Mala engagement party, February.


Not so good times, Business Statistics


Got my first dSLR camera in May. (and yes, my hair was shorter back then)


Me and Cybercanon with the Local Bloggers Rano, Reeda and Alin


My 6 month industrial attachment at Armada Properties Sdn Bhd


Seniors reunion hosted my Ms Nelia in Muara Beach, August 31st


Our last sungkai together as schoolmates


Aidilfitri '08, beraya with friends


15th July outing with the Brunei Forever gang


Havoc Bloggers


On the way to the slaughterhouse. How many times have I posted this picture anyway?


My brother (right), the Guitar Hero champion, with Sai, the guitar master and gym instructor (hehe)


My most favourite picture which I took in 2008. I deserve an award for this.


Lest we forget...

Nice To Meet You Again Mr Stephen

Stephen: "I recognized that face!"

Hiero: "Yeah, 'cept that I gained a lot of weight since we last met."

Stephen: "Welcome to the club!"

Yesterday, Our moderator from Australia Mr Stephen Allen, along with an entourage from The Business School, paid a visit to our workplace where we are currently attached. I thought he would not recognize me but surprisingly he did. After all, we've met each and every year since the Pre-national days back in 2005. I've always been known to him as the IT guy of The Business School, as refered to by Ms Eton (I remembered trying to fix his laptop). Stephen had a really great time at our meeting room yesterday morning as we discussed on our welfare and what we have contributed to the company for the past 5 months. It's really great to see our moderator once again, and to think that this is gonna be the last time I'll ever get to see him before we finally graduate early next year.


The jolly good ol' days with our moderator

Memoirs of a Chubby Fat Senior

I used to be as thin as a stick prior to my early Pre-National Diploma days in The Business School. Over the years, I struggled to keep my weight at its most optimum. I was a fitness addict back then, so basically I did a lot of cardiovascular activities (running, hiking, swimming etc) to help maintain my shape and to avoid weight gain. That all stopped by the time I was in my second year. Beginning 2008, I realized that I'm gradually putting on a lot of weight and the figures just doesn't seem to come down!

So what really caused this weight gain? Well, based on my observations, I noticed that some of my seniors put on a lot of weight prior to their final years up until their graduation (though some managed to shed off successfully after that) and its kinda like a tradition for the students of Business School to experience this phenomenon (that's right, juniors, you could be next, hahaha). But one thing for sure, its the lack of exercise and the high craving for food during those stressful second year that resulted to this physical change.

Now, thanks to Aidilfitri and an abundance of open houses, I've reached to the point where I am in a highly potential risk of being overweight. If I don't do something about this now, It'll just get worse. I must return to my initial weight, the way I started when I got into the Business School 3 years ago; fit and healthier. I still got my old clothes that I no longer fit due to my waist size, but I'm pretty determined to be able to wear them back because I still love them.

Things have been hard for me lately. The most obvious is when I climb the stairs to work. Its a 3 storey climb and I could not even catch up with my own breathing. And when I'm too relaxed, I tend to be sleepy fast. Looks like my pair of legs are longing for a good hike on the hills (did I ever mentioned I used to conquer 9 hills in Shahbandar?)

Most importantly, I definitely need to change my eating habits. Lately I have this tendency to eat until I am full, with a combination of sweet drinks on the side. Its really hard to avoid it, especially when its given to you for free. After all, Brunei is a country abundant with free food! Well, this is where I should keep a contsant eye out starting today. I must watch my diet.

Hiero in late 2006, Shahbandar, hill 7. (Not convinced? There's more where this came from)

I gotta start running, and there's no better time to start than today. I'm putting my deadline to 1st of January 2009. The countdown starts now. This is exactly how it was like, 2 years ago. If I could do this before, I certainly can do it again. I need all the motivation I could get.

New running shoes, check. iPod, check. I'm off to the stadium!

Memory Lane: Aidilfitri at The Business School, 2005

I just love looking through old photos, and I feel like sharing them with you all, as always. (Macam Daily Brunei Resources tia jua blog ku ani, LOL) Since we're still in the middle of Shawal, I'd like to post these Hari Raya photos of the past. These were taken in 2005 when we were organizing and celebrating our first Hari Raya Aidilfitri function in The Business School. That's right, our first Raya function was held in campus. I was still in my Pre-National Diploma days back then, and my ex-seniors were still around. Sigh. I really miss all of them. Can't believe that we too have to leave the Business School and graduate very soon. Suddenly 3 years felt like a very short time.

The event was mainly held in the morning session at the Lecture Theatre. Our population in campus was optimum at that time so we were less worried about the space and seating in the LT. As far as I could remember, there were some dancing and singing (I choreographed a special raya sketch for that day). I was elected to be the Emcee for the morning event along with my good friend Wazzie.




The Tutors Table


Camps were set up outside the assembly area for the tutors to enjoy the buffet prepared on the table. Each classes have their own tables set outside the incubator hallways with each and everyone's contribution of food and drinks. There was even a Karaoke system set up. If you look closely at the pictures, notice that Block B and Block C were still under renovation. They were completed the next year when I finally got into my first year ND, and that's exactly when we moved there from our tiny incubator classrooms.


Our incubator, PD/BNF/02

Me and Qids singing a duet 'My Endless Love'

I know I know... I was so damn kurus...

30 Days of Fasting

Today's the last day of Puasa for Brunei Darussalam and we'll be celebrating Aidilfitri tomorrow as was announced last night that the new moon could not be sighted yesterday. Which means that you're all at work today, and here I am in the office typing this entry (there's not really much work on the last day as everyone's already in their raya mood). I gotta say, I've had a remarkable month of Ramadhan this year, one of the reasons being that, as of today, my puasa is 30 days full! If I'm 10 years younger I'd be cashing in that 30 dollars from my parents right now. *LoL*

I feel so sad that we'll be leaving the greatest month in the Muslim calendar today. But hey, tomorrow's a big day eh. Anyway, here's a recap of what's been happening throughout this year's month of Ramadhan.

My first day of Puasa in KB


Most visited; Gerai Ramadhan Stadium Berakas


Helped an old friend get his first dSLR, September 5th


Juniors Gerai Ramadhan at the Stadium


Return of the Refreshing Juice


Gerai Ramadhan outing with the Brunei Forever Forum photogs


Cousin Halim returned from UK for a break and I took him for several outings during his stay


Even during the fasting month, I still had to go site visits during the day. Quite a challenge for me, really.


My first fireworks shots attempt, September 7th


Lailatul Qadar, the holiest of nights


Our tutor Ms Shikin left Brunei to take her Masters, September 23rd


Finally got my SB-600, September 24th


My last sungkai together with my fellow schoolmates and colleagues of The Business School ('05-'08), September 27th