Brunei Darussalam

[hakz2007]

News and discussions about Brunei Darussalam

[hakz2007]

Brunei seeks business opportunities at Shanghai Expo

Despite its low-profile presence at the Shanghai World Expo, the southeast Asian country Brunei has shown its determination to boost economic ties with China at the event.

"We share a long history with China in terms of trade and cooperation, and the Expo helps us link our past, present and future," said Mohamed Bolkiah, Brunei's minister of foreign affairs and trade at a ceremony marking the island nation's National Pavilion Day on Saturday.

Brunei and China share a long history dating back to the 6th century. In old Chinese texts, Brunei was known as Po-Li, and later as "Bun-Lai."

Exports from Brunei to China increased by 39 percent to 302.44 million U.S. dollars in 2009, and Brunei's imports from China are steadily growing, Brunei economic development board said.

The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1991.

To boost exchange between the two countries, Royal Brunei Airlines on March 28 launched four direct flights per week between Brunei's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and Shanghai.

The minister led a 110-strong delegation with a large number of businessmen to Shanghai.

Chan Sui Kiat, president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Bandar Seri Begawan, focuses on Chinese home appliances makers.

According to Chan, there are about 44,600 Chinese in Brunei, accounting for about 15 percent of the total population. They are mainly involved in retail business, supermarkets and community shops.

"We have imported home appliances from China's coastal areas for a long time. Actually, we plan to hold a smaller-sized expo in Brunei this year, and we are inviting Chinese enterprises to participate. That's the main reason we are here today," said Chan.

Chan said the two countries have expanded business cooperation, from retailing to agriculture, as Brunei strives to realize self-sufficiency in rice, local people's staple food.

According to Chan, Brunei is cooperating with south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to grow rice through a project initiated by the Chinese chamber of commerce in Bandar Seri Begawan.

"We saw the first harvest in February. It's a good sign for our the future cooperation," said Chan.

As Brunei's economy is largely based on oil and gas, the country is searching for a more sustainable path for development. To this end, it is turning a 955-hectare island, Pula Muara Besar (PMB), into a world-class deepwater container port and logistics and manufacturing hub, said Jessica Lai from the Brunei economic development board.

"We looking forward to more Chinese companies investing in Brunei. They have rich experience in construction and manufacturing, and I believe they will find opportunities in Brunei," said Lai.

http://english.people.com.cn/90001/9...3/6977778.html

[hakz2007]

Dealers set to raise tyre prices

BRUNEI - Tyre dealers are poised to raise prices in the coming months, with some vendors saying the adjustment could be as much as 10 per cent amid a sharp rise in the global prices of rubber.

"Tyre prices will be increased accordingly with the increase in price for rubber and other raw materials used in producing tyres," said Jasmain Tay, general manager of Hock Motor Company, distributor of Goodyear, Dunlop, Silverstone and Yokohama branded tyres.

He said that Hock Motor was still studying the move, hence any adjustments should not come into effect until July.

A representative from Sin Hup Huat Co, authorised distributor of Michelin tyres in Brunei, also said the firm would be raising prices, but did not comment further.

Guan Ho Hin, a dealer of branded tyres, would also hike prices sometime next month, an employee said. "The price will go up, maybe about 10 per cent, but exactly how much, it's difficult to actually say. It depends on the size and the pattern of the tyre."

Two weeks ago, French tyre maker Michelin announced it would be increasing prices to offset higher costs of raw materials rubber.

"Tight supplies in major producing countries like Thailand and Malaysia, and a spike in demand (worldwide)," are contributing factors for the volatility of rubber prices, according to wire agency Reuters.

World rubber prices were volatile for much of this year after surging in 2009 due to supply shortages.

In a press statement, Jean-Dominique Senard, one of Michelin's three managing partners, called the "violent increase" in rubber prices a "real issue" for 2010, saying that Michelin was going to ensure that sale prices reflect the rise in costs they are experiencing.

Prices could balance out again in 2013-14, he noted.

Michelin said it had suffered a 10 per cent drop in sales for 2009, during the global economic downturn when the tyre maker released its full-year results, citing rising rubber prices and an unclear market outlook as reasons for being "extremely vigilant".

Italian rival Pirelli & C SpA had also said it was considering raising tyre prices to offset raw material costs, including the cost of natural rubber.

Tay of Guan Hock Motor said freight prices were also a factor in the cost competitiveness of tyre products as they were directly shipped to Brunei from Europe. "If freight prices go down then of course it's going to be good."

He added that while it was something that needed to be addressed, high freight prices are generally similar to raw material prices, whereby the buyer does not have any control over it.

"Any increase in costing, for example (rubber or freight), will naturally increase overall prices for consumers," he said.

http://www.asiaone.com/Motoring/News...18-216872.html

[hakz2007]

Mindanao producer, Brunei firm tie up on coco-sugar production

DAVAO CITY, May 31 (PNA) -- A coconut sugar producer based in Butuan City and a private company in Brunei Darussalam have recently forged a joint venture in the production of coconut sugar.

Coconut sugar, a commodity according to the Butuan-based producer, has seen a growing demand in foreign markets.

M.I. Noos Manufacturing, a coconut sugar producer in Butuan City and PYKES Corporation of Brunei Darussalam inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which is part of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Natural Resources Development (NRD) Cluster Meeting held recently in General Santos City.

The Brunei Darussalam private sector delegate expressed interest in marketing coconut sugar in Brunei with possible investment in the proposed expansion of coco-sugar processing facility for M.I. Noos, who will supply to foreign markets.

According to M.I. Noos, there is a growing foreign demand for coconut sugar and that emerging markets include France, Australia, Malaysia, Dubai, and the United States, particularly in the state of Alabama, aside from Brunei Darussalam.

According to the company, they are producing 600 kilograms of coconut sugar every month. They said that about 30 hectares expansion of coconut plantation is needed to produce 14 tons of coconut sugar per month.

The location for the proposed coconut expansion and processing facility will be in Butuan City.

Several private sector companies in Mindanao have also explored with their counterparts in BIMP-EAGA possible joint ventures on production of pangasius, bottled sardines and banana as well as on rubber processing and expansion of halal poultry processing facility.

Director Rayner Galid from Malaysia has expressed interest in identifying possible market tie-ups with Tita Rosa Food Products, producer of bottled sardines in Zamboanga del Norte which has sought partnership on the enhancement of its processing plant, as well as looking for distributors and buyers of bottled sardines.

Domingo Pangasius Farm, a pangasius producer in Davao City is also seeking joint venture agreements for expansion as well as buyers of fingerlings and live/fresh pangasius fish. Likewise, Mr. Galid also expressed interest in linking the said producer with prospective Malaysian investors.

Mr. Haji Othman, Acting Head of small and medium enterprises (SME) development of BIMP-EAGA Brunei Council expressed interest in exploring business arrangements with San Remegio Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multipurpose Cooperative (SARBEMCO), a rubber processing company in Zamboanga, who is looking for a joint venture partner for rubber processing and trading.

Several other Mindanao-based companies also presented business proposals like Agumil Phils. Inc. on palm oil and palm kernel production, and La Frutera Inc. and Wao Development Corp. on banana and pineapple production expansion and marketing.

A product exhibit was also conducted alongside the BIMP-EAGA meeting which showcased various crops and food produce from different regions in Mindanao and Palawan.

The BIMP-EAGA sub-region, which includes Mindanao and Palawan as Philippines' focus areas, is being eyed as the "food basket" of ASEAN. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&nid=11&rid=278736

[hakz2007]

$4.5m set to beef up Brunei tourism marketing push

Brunei Tourism has allocated $4.5 million for five years to hire marketing representatives in target markets such as China, Australia and South Korea, putting the country on track to meet targets this year.

Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed, chief executive officer of the Brunei Tourism Board, said the budget will be used to help the board beef up its marketing strategy to bring in more tourists.

He said the board is also focusing on roadshows rather than trade shows to promote Brunei.

With these initiatives, he said, Brunei is on track to achieve a 14 per cent annual increase in inbound tourist arrivals.

"I believe this will make a significant impact on tourist (arrivals) in Brunei," he said, adding that because Brunei currently does not have anyone to handle tourism promotions in those markets, hiring overseas marketing representatives would be the best way to help promote Brunei as a destination of choice.

"We can't rely on Brunei embassies (overseas) because they are not geared towards this type of activity and countries like Malaysia and Singapore have all these marketing representatives," he said.

The challenge with Brunei, he said, "is really to get the information out there (in the foreign travel market) and the best way to do that is to get a marketing representative".

The annual budget will be roughly about $800,000 a year, he said.

Marketing representatives will be contracted on an annual basis so renewing their contracts would be based on their performance, he added. "(It depends) on how many arrivals they can generate tourists they can pull in."

Sheikh Jamaluddin said the board is eyeing non-Bruneian companies specialised in working with tourism boards. They will be promoting Brunei within their local tourism network, and they would be able to know when is a good time to promote certain activities.

When asked why Brunei Tourism decided to go on roadshows, Sheikh Jamaluddin said, "Trade shows are more fixed, like the Shanghai Expo, but with roadshows, you can go anytime."

Roadshows would enable "business-matching" opportunities with key travel agencies in Brunei Tourism's target markets, he said.

"We'll basically go to (the destination) and take the major tour operators and stakeholders with us to the location, and invite key travel agencies from the area for a presentation on Brunei as a potential tourism destination.

"Brunei Tourism will be heading to the Shanghai region, along with the Royal Brunei Airlines at the end of June... as part of this strategy alignment."

Sheikh Jamaluddin said they would also bring the roadshow to England, specifically major cities like Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham. "We're just (choosing) these locations to cover all the major cities for the roadshow."

When asked if the "Green Heart of Borneo" tagline would remain a key point of promotion, Sheikh Jamaluddin confirmed that Brunei Tourism's main emphasis would be to promote the nation as an ecotourism destination, as well as a stopover destination to neighbouring countries. "It works better if we combine with Sabah and Sarawak."

Tourism board data shows inbound tourists slipped in 2009, with only 119,540 arrivals recorded from January to September last year, compared with 225,757 in the same period in 2008.

Brunei received the biggest number of tourists from China, with an estimated 30,000 arrivals every year.

"Given the fact of what we have here, a lot of them want to have a relaxing time with family," Sheikh Jamaluddin said.

http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?id=12263

[hakz2007]

ST Marine, QAF get S$66.5m contract to build waste management facility in Brunei

SINGAPORE : ST Engineering says a consortium formed by its marine arm, ST Marine and its Brunei partner, QAF, has won a contract to design and build a waste management facility in Brunei.

The deal from the Brunei Economic Development Board is worth S$66.5 million.

The project in Sungai Paku will comprise an engineered landfill, a transfer station plus three years of operations and maintenance of the facility.

The waste treatment facility will serve as a permanent waste disposal site for Brunei.

ST Marine's environmental arm, STSE Engineering Services, will undertake the project with QAF.

This is one of the larger contracts STSE will undertaken.

ST Engineering says the design and construction of the facility is expected to start late this year and will take about 18 months to complete.

It also says the final details of the contract will be concluded in the next few weeks.

It adds that this contract is not expected to have any material impact on its consolidated net tangible assets per share and earnings per share for the current financial year.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori...062545/1/.html

Brunei Athletes Proud To Compete In Sukma

MELAKA, June 11 (Bernama) -- While it is a wrap for the wushu event, and although they did not win any medal, Abdul Rahim Johari and Haris Adli Peranchis are proud to have represented Brunei in the Nangun category at the 13th Malaysia Games (Sukma).

Haris Adli, 20, said the wushu sport sprouted in Brunei due to support from the government and the Brunei Wushu Association's efforts to organise roadshows to scout new talents.

"Wushu is a new kind of sport in Brunei, but it's getting more and more attention. We also have many new talents," he told Bernama at the Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (Utem) Sports Complex here Friday.

This is the first time Brunei has participated in the wushu event and both athletes were indeed, satisfied with their performances Friday.

Abdul Rahim, 15, said he began learning the wushu art in school, two years ago.

"My passion (for the sport) grows because I like watching kungfu movies," he said.

Earlier, Negeri Sembilan athlete Phoon E Yin bagged the gold medal in the women's Qiangshu category, while Penang's Fong Chui Then had to settle for silver and Sarawak's Bong Yie Ching, bronze.

In the men's Qiangshu category, Gjeblehim Bong of Sarawak won the gold medal as expected, by defeating his strongest opponent, Wong Wen Son, of Negeri Sembilan, who settled for a silver.

Negeri Sembilan also bagged the bronze in the category through Wong Kin Hon.

Melaka athlete Chai Fong Chin excelled in the women's Nangun category by scoring 9.45 points to win the gold medal. Lee Yean Chin, of Kedah, took the silver and See Min of Federal Territories, bronze.

In the men's Nangun category, Kevan Cheah bagged the gold for Penang, while Ho Mun Hua, of Melaka, won the silver. Donny Tay of Sarawak took the bronze.

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/ne....php?id=505394

[hakz2007]

AGONG (KING) BIDS FAREWELL TO FORMER BRUNEI ENVOY TO MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (NNN-Bernama) -- Yang di- Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin (Malaysian King) granted a farewell call to former outgoing Brunei High Commissioner to Malaysia Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Awang Halbi at Istana Negara here Friday.

Awang Halbi, 54, officially took up his posting in Malaysia on March 25 this year and was appointed Brunei's deputy home affairs minister on May 29.

Before coming to Malaysia, he was the commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

http://namnewsnetwork.org/v2/read.php?id=124102

[hakz2007]

KUALA LURAH INDUSTRIAL SITE CAN HELP BRUNEI TAP MALAYSIAN MARKET

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, June 21 (NNN-BRUDIRECT) -- With the $24-million phase one of the Kuala Lurah Industrial Site set to be completed this year, the Brunei government is now looking for businesses which can take the best advantage of the location to gain access to the nearby Malaysian state of Sabah market.

The Brunei Industrial Development Authority (Bina) is now looking at applicants which want to set up shop at the industrial site, said Hj Rosli DP Hj Hamdani, section head of Estate Management at Bina.

The site, a five-minute drive from the border control post, is expected to be developed over a 130-hectare area.

Hj Rosli said once completed the industrial site would provide basic infrastructure, such as piping, sewerage, roads, electricity, and water, among others, for business locators.

"We're not building complexes," he said, but the necessities of what businesses would need in a location.

He said the budget would cover stabilising the soil in the area, which was originally a swamp. "(It's) to make sure the infrastructure is stable," he said, adding that tenants would have to erect their own buildings as needed.

He said at the moment, Bina is considering letting out space at the industrial site on a longterm leasehold basis.

Masni Hj Mohsin, special duties officer and head of Industrial Authority at Bina, said authorities realised leasing space at the site could potentially make it difficult for tenants with low capital, as it meant tenants would not be able to use the land as bank collateral.

But if they were given a lease of 50 or 90 years, then businesses should be able to use the leased property as collateral.

Both officials said the rent had not been finalised yet, but it would average about $1,000 per acre per month for leases of around 15 to 30 years.

Bina also plans to use the location, with the road network between Brunei and Malaysia, to spur trans-border trade, officials said.

Bina is also considering working with Sabah authorities.

Hj Rosli said, "Maybe if Sabah has some resources, then we can explore working together, (and) in the future, we may be looking at joint cooperations or working across the borders on project investments."

He said the agency was going to work with other government agencies aside from the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, such as the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defence and various end-users to promote the site.

He added that they would be looking to work with the Brunei Economic Development Board.

If they have good projects, good clients, we are more than happy to assist them in providing the facilities."

http://namnewsnetwork.org/v2/read.php?id=124407

[hakz2007]

Brunei Tourism goes all out to woo China tourists

Brunei Tourism is increasing its presence in the China travel market through a three-city roadshow campaign to promote the Sultanate as an attractive holiday destination, beginning in Shanghai on Monday.

Together with national carrier Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) and a delegation of hoteliers and tour operators from Brunei, the Tourism Development Department is expected to visit Shanghai, Hangzhou and Ningbo.

With almost 16,000 tourists from China arriving by air into Brunei in 2009, the China market is the second largest for Brunei after Malaysia, a press statement from the tourism department said yesterday.

The market tops the list for arrivals into the Sultanate given that the purpose of visit was for holiday.

The statement added: "With the introduction of direct flights between Shanghai and Brunei by Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA), Brunei's presence with its National Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010 as well as the awareness and business connections created during the Brunei Tourism Week Roadshow in Shanghai, Hangzhou and Ningbo, these numbers are certain to grow in 2010 and beyond."

The week-long roadshow, which is scheduled to end on July 2, is conducted as part of the Brunei Tourism Week at the Shanghai World Expo 2010's Brunei Pavilion.

Presentations by the Brunei Tourism Board, RBA and the Brunei delegation will be given to about 120 tourism professionals and media delegates in the three cities. Business matching sessions between Chinese travel professionals and their Brunei counterparts will be arranged, followed by a reception to cement friendship and business ties established during the business sessions, the press release added.

The presentations will highlight the attractions and tourism products that Brunei is offering to the China travel industry to attract their clients to visit Brunei.

RBA offers a four-time weekly service and four-hour journey from Shanghai to Bandar Seri Begawan.

The connections make visiting Brunei a new possibility that travel agents from Shanghai and surrounding cities can offer to their clients when looking for new exotic destinations to visit.

With RBA's extensive regional network, travellers from Shanghai can also combine Brunei with neighbouring Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysia, or further afield with Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand and Dubai, making it interesting twin-centre combinations, the press statement added.

The roadshow will be launched by Chief Executive Officer of Brunei Tourism Board Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed and RBA's Executive Vice President of Commercial and Planning Riaz Moiz, it added.

http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?sec=2

[ericyong]

here are some pictures from my recent visit to brunei.

http://eforericyong.blogspot.com/201...arussalam.html

[hakz2007]

Brunei Shell Petroleum Raises June Selling Price for Seria Crude by 6.9%

Brunei Shell Petroleum Co., the Southeast Asian country’s biggest crude producer, increased official selling prices retroactively by 6.9 percent, reflecting last month’s rebound in global benchmark futures.

The company posted its Seria Light Export Blend for June at $75.53 a barrel, up $4.87, from an eight-month low of $70.66 for May, said an official who asked not to be identified because of company policy. The Champion grade, fixed at 15 cents below Seria Light, sold for $75.38 a barrel.

Oil in New York gained 2 percent in June after tumbling 14 percent in May, the biggest monthly decline since December 2008. Futures for September delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange fell for a second day today to trade below $77 a barrel.

Brunei Shell Petroleum is a joint venture between Royal Dutch Shell Plc and the Brunei government.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-0...e-by-6-9-.html

[hakz2007]

Bina Puri enters agreement to refurbish, operate serviced apartments in Brunei

KUALA LUMPUR: BINA PURI HOLDINGS BHD [] has entered into an agreement with the Brunei Economic Development Board to undertake extensive interior and exterior renovation of three apartment blocks and its common areas into modern and fully-furnished serviced apartments in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.

In a statement to Bursa Malaysia Securities on Thursday, Aug 19, Bina Puri said it would operate the serviced apartments for 20 years and will eventually invest RM21.46 million into the serviced apartment project.

It said contract was not expected to have any contribution to its earnings for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2010.

http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/index...2121&Itemid=79

[hakz2007]

Bina Puri enters agreement to refurbish, operate serviced apartments in Brunei

KUALA LUMPUR: BINA PURI HOLDINGS BHD [] has entered into an agreement with the Brunei Economic Development Board to undertake extensive interior and exterior renovation of three apartment blocks and its common areas into modern and fully-furnished serviced apartments in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.

In a statement to Bursa Malaysia Securities on Thursday, Aug 19, Bina Puri said it would operate the serviced apartments for 20 years and will eventually invest RM21.46 million into the serviced apartment project.

It said contract was not expected to have any contribution to its earnings for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2010.

http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/index...2121&Itemid=79

[hakz2007]

“Shuttle Hope” Ro-Ro ferry to operate between Labuan and Brunei

LABUAN: The ferry operator between Labuan and Brunei has been urged to adhere to the laws of Malaysia and Brunei as they begin serving the two countries with their service. Labuan MP Datuk Yussof Mahal said the laws of both countries must be respected at all costs on both sides.

“This marks a beginning of new service between the two countries through the ‘Shuttle Hope’ ferry,” he said.

He added that passengers and vehicle owners must respect the laws and that they must ensure they have the proper documents when travelling using the service.

“For vehicle owners, they must have the International Circulation Permit (ICP) to allow their vehicles to enter,” he said adding that the service was important for both countries.

Speaking to reporters after witnessing the arrival of the ferry at the ferry terminal here Monday, he said the presence of Shuttle Hope would boost the economy of both countries especially Labuan.

He added that the islanders have been waiting for a while for such a ferry service as they need not have to travel to the mainland to get to Brunei.

Meanwhile, Syarikat Fast Service and Supply (FARZ) manager, Fauziah Mohd Din whose firm is the ferry agent for Labuan, said the Transport Ministry was in the midst of approving to allow Shuttle Hope to have more frequent trips.

Shuttle Hope is owned by PKL Jaya Sdn. Bhd and has the capacity to carry between 25 and 40 vehicles and 200 passengers at any one time. The journey from Brunei to Labuan and vice versa takes about 90 minutes. PKL Jaya director Chin Mook Seng said the operator hoped to operate four times a day between Brunei and Labuan.

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/42073

New ferry service to Brunei

LABUAN: Ferry commuters can look forward to the new Labuan-Brunei ferry service.

The Labuan-Muara (Brunei) ferry service by P.K.L. Jaya Sdn Bhd is expected to operate before Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Fast Service and Supply manager Fauziah Datuk Mohd Din said the Transport Ministry would issue the operating licence soon.

“The ferry service will boost tourism as we expect to see more visitors from Brunei to Labuan,” she said.

Called ‘Shuttle Hope’ the new ferry can make the journey in 30 minutes and accommodate 25 to 40 vehicles per trip.

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.as...sec=southneast

[hakz2007]

Brunei airport to undergo major redevelopment: official

BANDAR SERI BAGAWAN - The oil-rich kingdom of Brunei will undertake a major redevelopment of its airport at a cost of about 111 million dollars over the next three years, an official said Thursday.

The project will focus on improving passenger convenience and boosting baggage security, said Julian Fung, assistant chief executive officer and head of infrastructure development of Brunei Economic Development Board.

Since its opening in 1974 the airport has been upgraded twice, in the mid-1980s and in 2000.



The current upgrade is part of Brunei's plans to flag itself as an aviation hub on Borneo island, where the tiny kingdom is located.

Brunei International Airport is currently capable of handling 2.2 million passengers and 50,000 tonnes of cargo a year.

Fung said Singapore's Changi Airport International had been selected as the consultant for the expansion and upgrading project.

"We intend to proceed to tender within three to four months. The project will be between 24 to 36 months (for completion)," he said in a statement.

Brunei's national carrier, Royal Brunei Airlines, is the main carrier using the airport, which is also used by Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines.

Fung said budget carriers like Air Asia and Tiger Airways had also recently been given approval to fly into Brunei's airport.

http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+N...09-236485.html

[hakz2007]

Kulczyk Oil Participating In Fourth Brunei Exploration Well

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Sept. 27, 2010) - Kulczyk Oil Ventures Inc. ("Kulczyk Oil" or "KOV") (WARSAW:KOV) announces that the Markisa-1 well on Block M in Brunei Darussalam has commenced drilling. Markisa-1 is the second well to be drilled on Block M during 2010 by Kulczyk Oil and its joint venture partners. The first well on Block M, Mawar-1, was cased to total depth in mid-September and suspended pending testing.

The Markisa prospect was identified on the 3D seismic data acquired by the joint venture in 2009. The prospect is a separate undrilled fault compartment identified within the greater Belait Anticline. Given the drilling history within the Belait trend, the Markisa-1 well is considered to be low-to- moderate risk.

Markisa-1 is being drilled as a deviated well to test a sandstone reservoir that produced oil in the 1920's and early 1930s in an adjacent fault block. The well will also evaluate several secondary targets within the Miocene Belait Formation and is expected to intersect the main Belait thrust fault. The well is designed to a total depth of approximately 1,335 metres.

The well is being drilled by the MB Century Rig 104 and is expected to take approximately 28 days to drill and evaluate on a trouble free basis. In the case of a discovery, the well is likely to be suspended pending testing by another rig designed for that purpose. The well is located 30 kilometres south of the giant Seria oil field and the facilities in that area which include an oil refinery and terminal and the Brunei liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility.

The partners in Brunei Block M and in the Markisa-1 well are KOV Borneo Limited (36%), Tap Energy (Borneo) Pty Ltd (39%), China Sino Oil Co. Ltd. (21%) and Jana Corporation Sdn Bhd (4%). KOV Borneo Limited is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Kulczyk Oil. The Markisa-1 exploratory well is the second of a minimum of three wells to be drilled on Block M by Kulczyk Oil and its joint venture partners in Block M during the Phase 1 exploration period ending in August 2011.

Kulczyk Oil Brunei Limited, another indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Kulczyk Oil, has a 40% interest in Block L to the north of Block M. The first well on Block L, Lukut-1, was drilled to total depth and suspended in mid-June pending testing by a service rig. A second Block L well, Lempuyang-1, commenced drilling operations on July 15 and is currently drilling.

Assets of Kulczyk Oil

Kulczyk Oil is an international upstream oil and gas exploration company with a diversified portfolio of projects in Brunei, Syria and Ukraine and with a risk profile ranging from exploration in Brunei and Syria to production and development in Ukraine.

In Brunei, KOV owns working interests in two production sharing agreements which gives the Company the right to explore for and produce oil and natural gas from Block L and Block M. KOV owns a 40% working interest in Block L, a 2,220 square kilometre (550,000 acre) area covering onshore and offshore areas in northern Brunei and a 36% working interest in Block M, a 3,011 square kilometre (744,000 acre) area onshore in southern Brunei.

In Ukraine, KOV owns an effective 70% interest in KUB-Gas LLC. The gas producing assets of KUB-Gas consist of 100% interests in four licenses near to the City of Lugansk in the northeast part of Ukraine.

In Syria, KOV currently holds a direct 75% interest in a production sharing agreement that gives it the right to explore for and produce oil and natural gas from Block 9, a 10,032 square kilometre area in northwest Syria. An agreement was announced on September 6, 2010 which will reduce the direct interest of KOV to 45% subject to fulfillment of certain conditions.

The main shareholder of the Company, Kulczyk Investments S.A., increased its holdings in the Company through participation in the initial public offering of the Company on the Warsaw Stock Exchange in May 2010 and the conversion of a debenture and owns almost 50% of the issued common shares. Kulczyk Investments S.A. is an international investment house founded by Polish businessman Dr. Jan Kulczyk.

http://www.marketwire.com/press-rele...OV-1325109.htm

[hakz2007]

Brunei's Defence Minister visits S'pore

THE Deputy Minister of Defence for Brunei met with Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence on Monday afternoon.

Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat met with Mr Teo Chee Hean at the Ministry of Defence. He is here for an official visit from Sep 26 to 28.

The Bruneian Minister visited the Murai Urban Training Facility, Sungei Gedong Camp and the Information Fusion Centre early Monday.

Click here to find out more!Click here to find out more!
His visit to Singapore highlights the close defence ties between Singapore and Brunei.

The Brunei Armed Forces and the Singapore Armed Forces engage in a wide range of bilateral exercises and interactions, enhancing the professionalism of the two armed forces and strengthening their long-standing relationship.

http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne...27-239349.html

[hakz2007]

Stronger Brunei-Vietnam Ties

Bandar Seri Begawan - Over the years, friendship and cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Vietnam have been steadily growing.

The relationship has been broadly strengthened in all areas namely political, security, economic, trade, education and others.

The strong relationship enjoyed by Brunei Darussalam and Vietnam was lauded by Mr Pham Binh Man, the Vietnamese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, in his speech during a reception to mark the 65th Anniversary of Vietnam National Day and 1000 years of Thang Long- Ha Noi.

The ambassador said, "We have confidence that with joint efforts, strong political will and determination by our two governments and peoples, the friendship and ties between our nations will strengthen."

The guest of honour at the event was Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Hj Awang Abu Bakar bin Hj Apong, Minister of Education.

The minister, his spouse and the Vietnamese ambassador cut a cake to mark the celebration.

Also present at the event were foreign dignitaries as well as prominent figures from the local business community.

http://www.brudirect.com/index.php/2...tnam-ties.html

[hakz2007]

Johor Students Laud Brunei's Schools

Bandar Seri Begawan - Visiting students from Johor Bahru yesterday praised Brunei's educational structure in schools they were attached to, as part of their school immersion programme.

The 60 students and 20 education officers and principals will stay with foster families in Brunei for three days to experience Brunei's culture, following an introduction to their foster families at Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College.

Ahmad Fadhi Abd Majid from SMK Mohd Khalid School, who is attending classes at Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien (Soas) College in Year Nine, said that he was impressed with how the school was run.

He said that the special education classes taught at Soas College was different from his school. "Although we have the same concept in schools, it's very different because where we only teach them practical skills, the classes here are more personal with their syllabus.

He added: "For example, they teach them how to cook and even play games that would help them gain micro-skills."

Inclusive education is important in schools because there are people who need special attention, he added. "It gives them a chance and look towards the future so that they can lead their own lives independently."

Hoo Jiong Sheng from SMK Seri Perling, who is also attending Year Nine classes in Soas College, was also impressed with the school's inclusive education.

"They are very interactive and use multimedia and computer aids in their syllabus. Back in Malaysia, they only teach you theory, for example counting and alphabets," he said, adding that classes in Brunei are practical and teachers are close to the students.

"I would like to know more about the places of interests in Brunei as well as its history and background," Hoo said.

Nurfarahin Samsudin, 16, from Taman Desa Skudai School said she was impressed with the size and facilities of the Science College.

Knowing that other students around her were students from an elite college, she said that she felt awkward at first, but felt comfortable because of the crowd's friendliness.

"The administration is so organised. For instance, Tiffany from the school student council's role is to be a middleman to both the school administration and the students," she said.

She added: "All activities are reported to the administration and its this kind of thing that produces good students."

As a prefect, she was interested in how the leadership methods worked so that she could apply to students in her school.

"I want to know how they build the students, how they shape and discipline them. I want my own peers to be interested in leadership," she said.

Rafidah Mohd Yussup, a Science teacher from SK Nong Chik, said the target of the programme was to get the 60 students to be as involved with school activities as much as possible. "We want them to explore international education and that's why we brought them here."

http://www.brudirect.com/index.php/2...s-schools.html

[hakz2007]

AL-QURAN MANUSCRIPT ORIGINALLY FROM BRUNEI SOLD FOR $204,225

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Oct 7 (NNN-BRUDIRECT) -- An "important and rare Al-Quran manuscript" dated 1660 dedicated to the Sultan of Brunei then, was Wednesday sold for £97,250 ($204,225), more than its estimated value.

The manuscript was valued at £60,000 to £80,000, according to the website of auction house, Sotheby's. The identity of the buyer was not disclosed.

In a foreign report dated Oct 2, the manuscript revealed that it was copied by a scribe named Hashim Muhammad alBrunawi (meaning "of Brunei") in Kota Batu, which was the old capital of the Sultanate.

In response to the sale of Al-Quran manuscript, Deputy Director of Brunei's History Centre Hj Abd Karim Hj Abd Rahman said he was "very surprised" that the manuscript was sold at £97,250.

"This means that the manuscript is very valuable to the customer who bought it. It also means that the Al-Quran manuscript is very exotic and that the heritage of it is very significant, not only for Brunei but throughout the world market," he told The Brunei Times.

He said the sale indicated that even though Brunei is a small country, it is "rich in history", which can now be seen throughout the world.

"In my opinion, I also feel that although the selling price was high for Al-Quran manuscript, it is just a market price. The value of the manuscript is actually much more because of its history and heritage," he added.

Hj Abd Karim said the Brunei History Centre will carry on researching for any other manuscripts and materials belonging to Brunei, and that they will try to get them back even before they go for auction.

Sotheby's website stated that the size of the Al-Quran manuscript was 33.4 by 21cm.

It added that at the inscription at the end of the colophon, it dedicates the manuscript to "our Lord the Sultan."

The manuscript was one of the many manuscripts and materials which formed part of the sale of "A Princely Collection-Treasures from the Islamic World". The website announced that the entire collection, composing a total of 112 items, were sold at .0.051 million.

According to the foreign report, it explained that Sotheby's described the Al-Quran copy as "an Arabic manuscript on paper, 504 folios, 13 lines per page written in naskhi script in black ink, gold, green, yellow or red discs between versus, surah headings written in red script within gilt-ruled panels with stylised floral devices extending into margins with relevant wording and decorated devices.... dedication to the Sultan written in red below colophon."

The auction of Al-Quran manuscript at Sotheby's, located at New Bond Street, London, took place at 6.30pm (London time) on Tuesday.

http://namnewsnetwork.org/v2/read.php?id=135545