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Their Majesties Conclude 3-Day State Visit to Republic of Singapore BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » Brunei - New 2 Borneo

Their Majesties Conclude 3-Day State Visit to Republic of Singapore

Posted: 25 Apr 2014 10:22 AM PDT

Bandar Seri Begawan: His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam, departed the Republic of Singapore after concluding a three-day State Visit,  ©BRUDIRECT.COM reported.

Prior to departure at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, a Doa Selamat was recited by the State Mufti, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Awg Abd Aziz Juned.

Accompanying Their Majesties were His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Wakeel; Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MoFAT).

Present at the VIP Complex of the Changi International Airport, to bid farewell to His Majesty and Her Majesty were the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency Teo Chee Hean and wife; the Minister of Environment and Water Resource of the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and wife, as Minister-In-Attendance to His Majesty the Sultan; and the High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore to Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Jaya Ratnam and wife.

Also present to bid farewell were the High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency Awg Hj Saifulbahri Hj Awg Mansor and wife.

Shortly before boarding the aircraft, His Majesty consented to receive a 'pasambah', an album containing photos of His Majesty and Her Majesty taken throughout their State Visit to the Republic of Singapore, presented by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency Teo Chee Hean.

Also accompanying His Majesty and Her Majesty were Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pg Anak Hj Abd Aziz Pg Jaya Negara Pg Hj Abu Bakar and the Minister of Finance (II) at the Prime Minister's Office, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abd Rahman Hj Ibrahim and wife.

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CHMS Victor of 16th PRYNSA Awards

Posted: 24 Apr 2014 12:58 PM PDT

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Princess Rashidah Young Nature Scientist Award (PRYNSA) is designed as a foundation to produce young scientists who can and will provide meaningful benefits for the environment and the nation. The prestigious competition continues to play an important role in early development of youth and yesterday afternoon, the 16th PRYNSA Award Ceremony was held at the Empire Hotel and Country Club, ©BRUDIRECT.COM reported.

On arrival, Her Royal Highness as the Royal Patron of PRYNSA was welcomed by the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar. Also present was Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah.

The ceremony began with the recital of Surah Al-Fatihah led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Awg Hj Suhaili Haji Mohidin.

The Minister of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) in his welcoming speech among other things said the presence of Her Royal Highness reflects the commitment of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to take proper care of the environment as a way to attain a high quality of life for the people.

It also underlines the country's commitment to preserve Brunei Darussalam as the world's most extensively protected tropical rainforest area.

Her Royal Highness consented to view the projects of the five schools selected into the final. The competition was opened to all secondary schools throughout the country. Every year, secondary schools nationwide are invited to submit project proposals and five schools selected as finalists.

To be selected, the students carry out their field work and research during the school holidays. The written reports will be assessed and judged by an appointed panel of judges led by the Forestry Department. The judging panel comprise experts from relevant institutions and government agencies in the field of natural sciences.

PRYNSA is one of the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) effort through the Forestry Department to foster a love of nature and responsibility of managing natural resources and ecosystems in the middle of the development needs of the younger generation.

The goal is also to create a generation of young scientists who serve as the backbone of future profession and eager to serve the country in the fields of nature and forest conservation.

Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah consented to present the PRYNSA Award to the winners. Chung Hwa Middle School (CHMS) Bandar Seri Begawan emerged as the champion of the 16th PRYNSA Award. The school received a cash prize of BND$4,000, challenge trophy and certificate.

The Sayyidina Hassan Secondary School landed the second place, receiving BND$3,000 and a certificate followed by Rimba Dua Secondary School in third place and received BND$2,000 and a certificate. The winners also received a number of prizes.

To bless the ceremony, doa selamat was recited by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Awg Hj Suhaili.

Before departure, Her Royal Highness consented to tour a mini exhibition. Each year, PRYNSA brings forth talented students who produce brilliant projects as a result of their research work. PRYNSA which was first organized in 1997, become increasingly successful in fostering excellence in young people, especially in the field of natural sciences.

Over the next sixteen years, it gives a lot of useful experience and moreover helps the students work in groups and exposing them about the world of scientific research.

PRYNSA receives support from Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) Company Sdn Bhd and HSBC and the two organisations are continuing to work with the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) in making PRYNSA a success.

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Monarch Expressed Gratitude Over Good Relations with Republic of Singapore

Posted: 23 Apr 2014 10:51 AM PDT

SINGAPORE: His Majesty the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and the Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in his titah, emphasised that special ties between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Singapore are always nurtured so that future generations continue to benefit and uphold the significance of the relationship, ©BRUDIRECT.COM reported.

To that end, the monarch suggested that the governments of Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Singapore develop a "Future Generation" programme to instil greater friendship and appreciation between the people of both countries, particularly, the youth.

His Majesty, therefore, encouraged more exchanges amongst students, teachers, higher education institutions and think-tanks of the two countries, said His Majesty in the titah during a State Banquet hosted by the President of the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam and Mrs Tan Keng Yam at the President Palace, Singapore.

In the titah, His Majesty thanked His Excellency the President most warmly for his contributions throughout his distinguished career in nurturing the unique friendship between two countries. The Monarch also expressed pleasure to see bilateral relationship to grow to the all-encompassing relationship and it was today extending from the leaders all the way to the people.

Accompanying the monarch was Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam.

Upon arrival at the President Palace, His Majesty and Her Majesty the Raja Isteri were greeted by the President of the Republic of Singapore and wife.

His Majesty and Her Majesty the Raja Isteri were then introduced to Singapore's Highest Ranking Officials. Accompanying His Majesty and Her Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji 'Abdul Malik and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The President of the Republic of Singapore and spouse were also introduced to the Official Delegation of Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty and Her Majesty together with the President of the Republic of Singapore and spouse then proceeded to the Banquet Hall.

The President of the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, in his welcoming remarks, expressed his happiness to see Their Majesties for the State Visit to the Republic of Singapore and praised the continuous close relationships between both countries.

Accompanying Their Majesties were the Minister of Environment and Water Resource of the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, and wife, as Minister-in-Attendance; Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pg Anak Hj Abd Aziz Pg Jaya Negara Pg Hj Abu Bakar; the Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Awg Abu Bakar Hj Apong and wife; the Minister of Finance (II) at the Prime Minister's Office, Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abd Rahman Hj Ibrahim and wife; the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng and wife; and the Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office, Pehin Datu Singamanteri (Rtd) Colonel Dato Seri Setia Dr Awg Hj Md Yasmin Hj Umar and wife.

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His Majesty and President of Republic of Singapore Discussed Regional and Bilateral Issues, Among Others

Posted: 22 Apr 2014 11:06 AM PDT

SINGAPORE: His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam consented to attend an Official welcoming Ceremony of the three-day State Visit to Republic of Singapore, ©BRUDIRECT.COM reported.

His Majesty and Her Majesty yesterday consented to attend an official welcoming ceremony held at the Presidential Palace.

Their Majesties were welcomed by the President of the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam and the First Lady Mrs Tan Keng Yam.

Accompanying His Majesty and Her Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji 'Abdul Malik and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MoFAT).

His Majesty was then invited to the dais with His Excellency where His Majesty received an Honorary Salute followed by the National Anthem of Brunei Darussalam and the National Anthem of the Republic of Singapore, in which the national flags of both countries were hoisted.

His Majesty then consented to inspect the Guard of Honour mounted by seventy two personnel from the Singapore Land Forces.

His Majesty and Her Majesty together with His Excellency Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, the President of the Republic of Singapore and spouse then proceeded to the Presidential Palace. At the State Room, His Majesty consented to sign a Visitor Book.

His Majesty and Her Majesty were then introduced to Singapore's Highest Ranking Officials His Excellency Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, the President of the Republic of Singapore and wife were also introduced to the Official Delegation of Brunei Darussalam.

His Majesty and Her Majesty together with His Excellency the President of the Republic of Singapore and wife later proceeded to the West Drawing Room and subsequently consented for a photo session.

During the official meeting held at the West Drawing Room, both leaders exchanged views on bilateral issues as well as regional and international matters.

While Her Majesty consented to proceed to the East Drawing Room for a Morning Tea Ceremony hosted by the wife of the First Lady of the Republic of Singapore, Mrs Tan Keng Yam.

Shortly afterwards, His Majesty and Her Majesty were greeted by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore His Excellency Lee Hsien Loong and spouse Mrs Ho Ching followed by a joint Photo Session.

His Majesty and His Excellency then proceeded to the Prime Minister's Office for a Four-Eye Meeting. During the meeting both leaders also exchanged views on bilateral issues as well as regional and international matters while Her Majesty proceeded to the East Drawing Room for a Morning Tea Ceremony hosted by the wife of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, Mrs Ho Ching.

After the four-eye meeting concluded, His Majesty and Her Majesty together with His Excellency and wife proceeded to the Reception Room for a Luncheon Ceremony hosted by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency Lee Hsien Loon, and spouse Mrs Ho Ching.

Prior to the luncheon, His Majesty and Her Majesty were introduced to Singapore's Highest Ranking Officials, while His Excellency Lee Hsien Loong and spouse, were introduced to Brunei Darussalam's Official Delegation.

Accompanying His Majesty and Her Majesty were the Minister of Environment and Water Resource of the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, as Minister-in-Attendance and wife; Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pg Anak Hj Abd Aziz Pg Jaya Negara Pg Hj Abu Bakar; the Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Awg Abu Bakar Hj Apong and wife; the Second Minister of Finance at the Prime Minister's Office, Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abd Rahman Hj Ibrahim and wife; the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng and wife; and the Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office, Pehin Datu Singamanteri (Rtd) Colonel Dato Seri Setia Dr Awg Hj Md Yasmin Hj Umar and wife.

In the afternoon, the monarch consented to visit the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Central. Upon arrival at the ITE Central, His Majesty was greeted by the Minister of Education of the Republic of Singapore Mr Heng Swee Keat; Chief Executive Officer Mr Bruce Poh; Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Development), Dr Benjamin Tan; the Principal of the ITE College Central, Dr Ang Kiam Wee; and Director of Corporate and Development Affairs Division, Ms Tham Mei Leng. Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince Haji 'Abdul Malik.

His Majesty was then invited to the Board Room where His Majesty was briefed on the ITE and later consented to sign a Visitor Book.

His Majesty then consented to receive a 'pesambah', a form of memento, from the Minister of Education of the Republic of Singapore.

After the briefing, His Majesty consented to visit the Centre of Technology in 3D Applied Technology (iCUBE), Maritime Hub and Aerospace Hub. The ITE or the Institute of Technical Education was established as a post-secondary education institution in 1992 under the Ministry of Education. ITE is a principal provider of career and technical education and key developer of national occupational skills certification and standards to enhance Singapore's workforce competitiveness. Under its "One ITE System, Three Colleges" Model of Education and Governance, ITE has three Colleges, comprising ITE College Central, ITE College East and ITE College West, with a total number of students of around twenty thousand. Accompanying His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam were the Minister of Environment and Water Resource of the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, as Minister-in-Attendance; Yang Amat Mulia Pg Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pg Anak Hj Abd Aziz Pg Jaya Negara Pg Hj Abu Bakar; the Minister of Education, the Second Minister of Finance at the Prime Minister's Office, the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office. His Majesty also consented to have a Photo Session in front of ITE Aircraft.

Meanwhile, in a separate event, Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha consented to make a visit to the Singapore Zoo hosted by the wife of the Deputy Prime Minister who is also the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister of Home Affairs, Mrs Teo Chee Hean.

Accompanying Her Majesty was Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MoFAT). Upon arrival at the zoo, Her Majesty was greeted by the wife of the Deputy Prime Minister. Also present were the Chief Marketing officer, Ms Isabel Cheng; the General Manager of the Night Safari, Mr Kumar Pillai; the Director of Education, Ms. May Lok; and Director of Sales, Liang Wern Ling.

Her Majesty was then invited to tour the zoo which is well-known for having the most beautiful wildlife park settings in the world, where animals roam freely in open and naturalistic habitats. The twenty-hectare wildlife park is nestled within the rainforest and houses more than two thousand and eight hundred animals representing over three hundred species of mammals, birds and reptiles.

Brunei Darussalam and Republic of Singapore has long established relations before the official diplomatic relation was established in 1984.

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Brunei delays introduction of tough Islamic law

Posted: 21 Apr 2014 11:19 PM PDT

Brunei has postponed its implementation of harsh Islamic punishments, due to begin Tuesday, that have earned condemnation from the United Nations and sparked rare criticism at home.

No confirmed new date was given for the start of the punishments — which will eventually include flogging, the severing of limbs and death by stoning — but an official told the Brunei Times they would begin "in the very near future".

The new criminal code brings in execution by stoning as the punishment for gay sex and adultery as well as rape.

It also introduces the death penalty for defamation of the Prophet Mohammed, blasphemy and declaring oneself a non-Muslim.

Brunei's Sultan Hassanal is on a trip to Singapore, and it is thought that his government decided it could not introduce the new law without the Islamic monarch — the driving force behind the move — kicking it off.

Jauyah Zaini, assistant director of Brunei's Islamic Legal Unit, was quoted by the Brunei Times as saying implementation had been delayed "due to unavoidable circumstances". He did not elaborate nor give a new date.

Authorities in the oil-rich sultanate said a sharia "declaration ceremony" would go ahead as planned on April 30 to launch the first phase of the new penal code.

Sultan Hassanal — one of the world's wealthiest men — had announced in October that new sharia law punishments would be phased in.

The UN's human rights office criticised the raft of harsh new measures this month, saying it was "deeply concerned" about the revised criminal code.

The move also sparked an outcry earlier this year on social media — the only outlet for public criticism of authorities in Brunei, where questioning the 67-year-old sultan is taboo.

Non-Muslims have also expressed anxiety over mixed messages on whether the punishments would apply to them.

Situated on Borneo island, which it shares with Malaysia and Indonesia, Brunei practises a more conservative form of Islam than its Muslim-majority neighbours, banning the sale of alcohol and heavily restricting other religions.

The sultan has backed the strengthening of Islam in his country, setting up a "firewall" against what he calls potentially harmful outside influences.

Officials have previously said sharia cases would require an extremely high burden of proof and judges would have wide discretion applying it.

Brunei already has the death penalty, but has not carried out any executions since 1957. -AFP

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Their Majesties in Singapore for Three-Day State Visit

Posted: 21 Apr 2014 09:01 AM PDT

SINGAPORE: His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty the Raja Isteri arrived in the Republic of Singapore yesterday afternoon for a three-day state visit, ©BRUDIRECT.COM reported.

Accompanying Their Majesties were His Royal Highness Prince Haji 'Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Wakeel, Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Upon arrival at the VIP Complex, Changi International Airport, Their Majesties were greeted by the Minister of Environment and Water Resource of the Republic of Singapore and wife, His Excellency Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, as Minister-In-Attendance to His Majesty; and the High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore to Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Jaya Ratnam and wife.

Her Majesty consented to receive a bouquet of flowers from the wife of the Minister-In-Attendance, Mrs. Joy Balakrishnan.

Also present at the airport to greet Their Majesties were the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng and wife; the Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office, Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia Awg Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar and wife; and the High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency Awg Haji Saifulbahri bin Haji Awg Mansor and wife.

Their Majesties then boarded a motorcade towards the Grand Hyatt Hotel, where they will reside throughout the State Visit.

Also accompanying Their Majesties were the Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Doctor Haji Awg Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong and wife and the Second Minister of Finance at the Prime Minister's Office, Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awg Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim and wife.

Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Singapore have long-established ties even before diplomatic relations were formalised in 1984.

Prior to Their Majesties departure, a Doa Selamat was recited by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Doktor Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

Present to bid farewell at His Majesty The Sultan's Flight Hangar in Rimba were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Nor'ain, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Nasibah and other members of the Royal Family.

Also present were Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria, Speaker of State Legislative Council, Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Commissioner of Police, Acting Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and a representative of the High Commissioner of Singapore to Brunei Darussalam.

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