News for a Better Future
54 new cub scouts from Chung Hwa School Tutong were feted at a World Scout Membership Badge Presentation Ceremony. The event took place at the school’s hall, 12th Novmber night.
The badges were presented by Awang Haji Mohd Sufian bin Haji Abd Karim, Tutong District Scouts Association Commissioner. Meanwhile, the scouts’ scarves were presented by Awang Haji Yahya bin Haji Abd Rahman, Chairman of Chung Hwa School Tutong Scouts Group.
Source: Radio Television Brunei
The Voting and Election Ceremony for the Head of Kampung Pancha Delima and Orang Kaya Besar Imas, Mukim Berakas ‘A’ was held on 13th November, at Pulaie Primary School.
Two candidates are eligible to fill the position namely Awang Hamdan bin Haji Dollah @ Haji Abdullah, aged 58 and Awang Omar bin Haji Dollah, aged 58. Present was Awang Haji Amirol Hafidzin bin Haji Muhammad, Acting Brunei Muara District Officer.
Meanwhile, a similar ceremony was also held for the Candidate of Head of Kampung Tungku and Katok, Mukim Gadong ‘A’. Two candidates are eligible to fill the position, namely Awang Haji Zakaria bin Haji Liman, aged 43 and Awang Ahmad Khairi bin Haji Hassan, aged 45. The ceremony was held at Tungku Primary School.
Source: Radio Television Brunei
The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital organised a roadshow on 13th November, in conjunction with the World Diabetes Day 2022 celebration. Aimed to raise the public’s awareness on basic information related to diabetes, this year’s celebration carried the theme ‘Access to Diabetes Care’.
The roadshow was held in Kampung Salambigar, and included an exhibition and posters on diabetes by the Endocrinology Unit, Nutrition Unit, Eye Centre, Podiatry Unit, Health Promotion Centre and E-VYD Technology. Other activities included free health check-up, counselling and colouring activity for children.
Source: Radio Television Brunei
Zulhelmi Junaini emerged champion in the Bintang Harmoni 2022 Final. He also won the best performance category. Held on 12th November night, at the Jerudong Park Amphitheatre, the competition was part of Radio Television Brunei, RTB’s ongoing efforts to support the country’s music industry and raise local talents by maintaining Bruneian values according to the Malay Islamic Monarchy mould.
In attendance were Awang Ajman bin Haji Meludin, Permanent Secretary for Civil Service Governance at the Prime Minister’s Office and Awang Haji Azman bin Haji Abdul Rahim, Acting Director of RTB. Second place was won by Helmi Mohammad, while Dorra Johara came in third.
Source: Radio Television Brunei
Approximately 400 new stroke cases are recorded every year in Brunei Darussalam, in which 65 per cent of it are from the age group of 60 years and above, and 17 per cent from the age group of 45 years and below. In terms of stroke factor risk, over one third or 36 per cent of adults in the country have hypertension. The Minister of Health stated that among those who are experiencing hypertension, 29 per cent were those who had never been diagnosed with the diseases before. Meanwhile, over 35 per cent of those who have been diagnosed do not follow the instruction of taking their prescribed medicine to control their hypertension, and there are also those who smoke, have diabetes and have high level of cholesterol. Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar underlined the matter at the launching of the World Stroke Day 2022 on 13th November morning, at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex.
The Minister of Health said although half of stroke patients have fully recovered, there is a significant number of those who experience long term and permanent functional impairment. This brings to challenges in daily life practically, financially, socially and psychologically, not only to the stroke patients, but also their family and carers. Giving support to caregivers are also important. Aside from that, the public also have a role and responsibility to know about stroke, its early symptoms and related risk factors.
The event continued with an aerobic session and ‘Walk-A-Mile’ Walkathon. Among those present was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. World Stroke Day is celebrated every 29th of October to raise awareness and educate the public on stroke, its symptoms, importance of immediate actions, and treatments to reduce the risk of stroke. This year’s theme was ‘Minutes Can Save Lives’ with the ‘#PRECIOUSTIME’.
Source: Radio Television Brunei
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Deputy Sultan and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab-Rahaman watched a Brunei FA Cup 2022 football match between DPMM FC and Indera SC. The match was held at the Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas, 13th November afternoon. Also present were His Royal Highness’ son, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim.
DPMM FC in yellow netted the opening goal in the 16th through Muhd Azwan Ali Rahman.
In the second half, DPMM FC dominated the game and added 7 more goals to beat Indera SC 8-nil. With the result, DPMM FC proceeds to the semi-final with a 13-1 aggregate.
Source: Radio Television Brunei
Following the 10th ASEAN-United States Summit, His Majesty then attended the ASEAN-Canada Commemorative Summit. At the Summit, His Majesty in a titah highlights that this year marks the 45th anniversary of ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations. In moving towards a strategic partnership, Brunei Darussalam looks forward to increasing cooperation with Canada. His Majesty also highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic had shown the importance of enhancing cooperation in food security. In this regard, His Majesty welcomes capacity-building programmes and sharing of best practices in agricultural technology to ensure the region is better prepared. On the launching of the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement negotiations in 2021, His Majesty highlights that this sends a positive signal of ASEAN-Canada shared belief in an open, rules-based trading system. Therefore, His Majesty looks forward to the conclusion of negotiations at the earliest, which will help build sustainable growth and bring Canada strategically closer to ASEAN. Meanwhile, His Excellency Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, in his statement acknowledged the growth of ASEAN and Canada relations throughout the past 45 years that has led to strengthened engagements in the region. This includes negotiations on the establishment of the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement, which will allow Canadian businesses to enter markets in Southeast Asia.
At the Summit, Leaders welcomed Canada’s forthcoming strategy on the Indo-Pacific, and in turn underscored the importance of mitigating multi-faceted challenges on the economy as well as promoting human resource development through investment in education. At the end of the Summit, the ASEAN-Canada 45th Anniversary Commemorative Summit Joint Statement was issued.
Source: Radio Television Brunei
His Majesty attended the 10th ASEAN-United States Summit and ASEAN-Canada Commemorative Summit, which were held on 12th November afternoon, at the Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel, Kingdom of Cambodia. Accompanying His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen. At the 10th ASEAN-United States Summit, His Majesty in a titah highlights the U.S.’ continued contribution to ASEAN’s socio-economic progress and development, and expresses appreciation for its continued support through leadership and educational programmes such as Fulbright, Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, Y-SEALI and the ASEAN-U.S. Internship which has helped build understanding among our people and strengthen their capabilities. In working towards regional recovery, His Majesty emphasises that ASEAN and the U.S. should enhance collaboration on digital infrastructures and e-commerce, particularly for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Peoples and businesses are fast becoming more dependent on the internet, which exposes them to constant cybersecurity threats, such as data breaches and fraud.
In this regard, His Majesty looks forward to more capacity-building programmes and knowledge-transfer from the U.S. to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities. In concluding the titah, His Majesty expresses confidence that the establishment of the ASEAN-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will be more meaningful, substantive and mutually beneficial. Meanwhile, His Excellency Joseph R. Biden JUNIOR, President of the United States of America, in his statement emphasised that ASEAN is at the heart of the U.S.’ IndoPacific strategy and will continue to strengthen its commitment to tackle major issues including climate change and health security in pursuit of an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, stable and prosperous.
At the Summit, Leaders stressed on the need to ensure that the ASEAN-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will bolster economic recovery and regional resilience by promoting cooperation in maritime security, clean energy and digital development. At the end of the Summit, the ASEAN-U.S. Leaders’ Statement on the Establishment of the ASEAN-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was issued.
Source: Radio Television Brunei
His Majesty attended a Gala Dinner on 12th November night, in honour of the ASEAN Heads of State and Government, Leaders of Dialogue Partners and special guests who are attending the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, which was hosted by His Excellency Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Chairman of ASEAN. Accompanying His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
Upon arrival at Chroy Chang-war International Convention and Exhibition Centre, His Majesty was welcomed by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The event also featured a number of cultural performances.
Source: Radio Television Brunei
His Majesty attended a session to mark the announcement of the substantial conclusion of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area, AANZFTA Upgrade Negotiations, which is one of Cambodia’s Priority Economic Deliverables, PEDs for its Chairmanship of ASEAN this year. The session held at the session at the side-lines of the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits was joined by His Excellency Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, as the Chair of ASEAN Summit this year, His Excellency Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia and Her Excellency, Jacinda Arden, Prime Minister of New Zealand. Brunei Darussalam is the country coordinator for the AANZFTA and its upgrade negotiation which started in 2021. The upgraded agreement will open up new opportunities as new elements have been incorporated into the Agreement such as Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Trade and Sustainable Developments.
With the upgrade, the agreement maintains its high standard, responsive towards emerging challenges, takes into account modern trade practices, and remains commercially meaningful to businesses in the region. The upgraded agreement is also expected to facilitate growth and development of an inclusive and sustainable regional economy.
Source: Radio Television Brunei
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam attended the 17th East Asia Summit held at the Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel, Kingdom of Cambodia. Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen. At the Summit, His Majesty in his titah highlights that East Asia Summit, EAS, as a premier Leaders-led forum – has promoted peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Therefore, the EAS must remain strategically relevant and practical for constructive dialogue and multilateral cooperation. As mental health issues have the potential to further hinder socio-economic progress and overall wellbeing of the peoples, His Majesty stresses the need for all parties to continue working closely in sharing policy and practical expertise to help alleviate the burden. As a follow-up to the East Asia Summit Leaders’ Statement on Mental Health Cooperation which was adopted last year, His Majesty also calls for the need for respective officials to look into developing an action plan to encourage regional and international cooperation on mental health.
Meanwhile ASEAN, His Majesty shares, is working on establishing a Centre for Climate Change in Brunei Darussalam to ensure the region is better prepared by mitigating its impact on food security and transitioning to renewable energy. In this regard, technical and scientific expertise from partners to assist the Centre in developing policies to address cross-cutting issues better are welcomed.
At the Summit, His Excellency Charles Michel, President of the European Council and His Excellency Zhang Ming, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, SCO briefed on food and energy security. Meanwhile, His Excellency Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General of ASEAN also reported on the key developments of the East Asia Summit including cooperation in addressing global health issues, advancing towards a sustainable energy future, greater collaboration on regional and global trade, as well as maritime cooperation. Meanwhile, EAS Leaders expressed their shared concern over global security challenges and furthermore called for the peaceful resolution of conflicts to be achieved through dialogue as well as upholding commitment to multilateralism. Leaders also hoped for greater regional economic integration and enhanced EAS cooperation in digitalisation and sustainable energy.
Source: Radio Television Brunei
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, attended the 17th East Asia Summit; and Closing Ceremony of the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits as well as Related Summits and handing over of the ASEAN Chairmanship to the Republic of Indonesia, which were held at the Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel, Kingdom of Cambodia. Accompanying His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen. In a Closing Statement by His Excellency Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia as ASEAN Chair, whereby His Excellency expressed appreciation to ASEAN Heads of State and Government in attending the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and Related Summits.
His Excellency the Prime Minister of Cambodia then honoured His Excellency Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi for his contributions since his appointment as Secretary-General of ASEAN. His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia then handed over the ASEAN Chairmanship to His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia through the passing of the ASEAN Chair’s Gavel as a symbolic handover to the Republic of Indonesia as incoming ASEAN Chair in 2023. The President of the Republic of Indonesia in his remarks outlined the Republic of Indonesia’s priorities during its ASEAN Chairmanship under the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”; and a video presentation from the Republic of Indonesia as ASEAN Chair in 2023.
During the Ceremony, Awang Haji Muhammad Iqbal Fakhri Haji Damit of Brunei Darussalam was announced as the recipient of the ASEAN Prize 2022, in which he was honoured for his active leadership in youth movement and volunteerism especially in mobilising assistance for displaced persons, which embodies the spirit of a people-oriented and resilient ASEAN Community. Under Cambodia’s chairmanship this year, Leaders, among other things, agreed in-principle to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member of ASEAN and for Timor-Leste to be granted an observer status in ASEAN, this includes allowing its participation in all ASEAN Meetings as well as at the Summit plenaries. ASEAN also elevated its relations with the Republic of India and the United States, through the establishment of Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships with both countries. Meanwhile, the Leaders’ Announcement on the Substantial Conclusion of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area, AANZFTA Upgrade Negotiations also marks the achievement of one of Cambodia’s Priority Economic Deliverables, PEDs, in which Brunei Darussalam is Country Coordinator for the AANZFTA.
Source: Radio Television Brunei