Music is Reborn as Sony Ericsson Announces Three New Walkman Phones and the Next Generation Music Accessories

Building on three year's experience and technology 30 years in the making, Sony Ericsson continues to lead the way in the mobile phone music arena with cutting edge music technology and unique accessories.

Today, Sony Ericsson unveils its latest innovative additions to the Walkman phone family: the W902, W595 and W302, and seven new music accessories. Sony Ericsson is unveiling phones and accessories with superior sound quality and pioneering features that take Walkman phones beyond music and expectations with fantastic extras such as great imaging and video capabilities.

"Since the launch of our first Walkman phone in 2005, Sony Ericsson has continued to pioneer a superior mobile music experience - and the 77 million Walkman phones sold to date are testament to this commitment," says Chris Lee, Vice President of Marketing, Asia Pacific at Sony Ericsson, "With this latest range of phones and accessories, we are offering high quality sound and a rich feature set that cements our position as a leader in the music phone category. We are pushing the boundaries of what people think is possible and are offering best-in-class sound quality and our most exciting Walkman phones to date."

The list of pioneering and innovative features found on Walkman phones continues to be unmatched in the industry. Features like the music recognition application TrackID, SensMe, for matching your mood to the music and Shake control to change tracks with the flick of your hand make Walkman phones stand out from the rest.

Sony Ericsson can now also announce best-in-class sound quality and a clear audio experience from its W902 Walkman. The W902 features the same superior sound quality as the newly launched W980, about to launch shortly, which was rated "best audio experience" this month, in a trial conducted in Germany by TESTfactory.

With the W902, users can listen to music the way it should be heard: true to original. It's also a mobile phone for those that want it all, with a five megapixel camera and great video capturing and sharing capabilities, an 8GB Memory Stick Micro (M2) for storing more than 8,000 songs, the W902 is a top-of-the-range device that will make you the envy of your friends.

The W595 Walkman is perfect for those who want to share sounds with their friends. Store and play more than 1,900 songs through the built in stereo speakers. Plug in the in-box sharing jack to listen silently to your tunes with a friend or Bluetooth your sounds to Sony Ericsson's range of wireless speakers.

The new W302 Walkman is packed with impressive features in an affordable no-compromise slim handset. Targeting all audiences, the phone comes complete with an impressive two megapixel camera, FM radio, TrackID and 512MB Memory Stick Micro (M2).

The next generation of accessories includes three new sets of speakers, the MBS-200, MBS-400 and MPS-100, to help music lovers go beyond the individual and play music directly from their mobile phone. Enhancing its music accessories collection Sony Ericsson has also introduced three new stereo headphones, HBH-IS800, HPM-88 and HPM-66 for the optimal listening experience.

The Walkman phone through history

Walkman phone continues to chart high

* August 2005 – Sony Ericsson launches its very first Walkman phone – the W800
* December 2005 - Three million Walkman phones sold to date
* April 2006 – Sony Ericsson launches its first Walkman phone music accessories; MPS-60 portable speakers, which goes on to sell millions of units worldwide
* October 2006 – Sony Ericsson launches its first slider Walkman phone – the W850 which also introduces the unique TrackID music recognition application
* November 2006 –Sony Ericsson launches the W950 Walkman with the biggest storage yet - 4GB
* December 2006 – 20 million Walkman phones sold to date
* February 2007 – Sony Ericsson launches its slimmest Walkman - the W880
* November 2007 – W910 Walkman phone with Turbo 3G/HSDPA launches as a complete entertainment device
* Decembr 2007 – Walkman phone sales hit 57 million
* February 2008 – Sony Ericsson launches the W350, with Walkman on top and W380 with gesture control
* July 2008 – W980 Walkman phone with clear audio experience launches

With Sony Ericsson today music is reborn. What are you waiting for? Join the Walkman phone family and experience music how it was meant to be heard.

For more information visit www.sonyericsson.com/reveals.

By Ben Ng

John W McIntyre, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy, sits at a cafe in Bandar after being interviewed by the Bulletin. - BEN NG
The new United States Deputy Chief of Mission to Brunei Darussalam made time yesterday afternoon to speak with the Bulletin to share his views on the Sultanate's infrastructure, education and the environment.

"This is a great opportunity for me, so I picked (Brunei) as we wanted a place that was nice and stable," said John McIntyre who assumed his duties as Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy on July 8, 2008.

McIntyre said he had heard a lot of good things about Brunei prior to his arrival.

"We heard a lot of good things (about Brunei). It's a well-developed country and the people are friendly. And that's very important to me and the Ambassador," he said.

Prior to his arrival in the Sultanate, he served as a Special Assistant in the Office of the Under Secretary for Management in Washington, DC.

McIntyre has also served overseas in Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, and Kosovo, primarily serving in management roles in his overseas assignments.

"We really want to focus on meeting as many people as possible and getting out and about and telling America's story. I think sometimes that doesn't get out as much as we'd like it to," the Deputy Chief of Mission remarked.

McIntyre expressed his hope to build on what the previous US Ambassador had accomplished, only with a bit more "flavour".

"We want to build on what Ambassador Skodon and Justin did before. We want to kind of put our own flavour into it, our own ideas. You know Americans. We're all individuals with our own personalities," he said.

McIntyre expressed his interest in the education sector, saying that he would really like Bruneians to consider studying in the United States. "We have really great undergraduate/graduate PhD programmes."

He felt that Brunei is setting a good example to the world through its rigorous Heart of Borneo initiative and its environmental protection laws. "The HoB initiative... and how much land is under protection... is amazing."

"The roads here are pretty good, and I'm impressed with the infrastructure so far. And that's a key indicator to show how a country's economy is doing," he said.

"And our team is very diverse. My wife is from Kosovo, so I think in terms of public relations, we're a good cosmopolitan example of what the US is all about," addedMcIntyre.

McIntyre is a career Foreign Service officer and joined the Foreign Service in 1999.

He received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Political Science and Communication Arts.

He has also worked in a variety of policy areas, focusing on human rights, religious freedom and public outreach.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade yesterday attended the Asean Plus Three Foreign Ministers Meeting at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore.

The meeting brought together the Foreign Ministers of Asean member states, the People's Republic of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. The ministers reviewed the progress of Asean Plus Three cooperation and discussed outstanding regional and international matters.

His Royal Highness expressed appreciation for the good progress made in Asean Plus Three cooperation, and the efforts being made by China, Japan and Korea in the Six-Party talks.

His Royal Highness emphasised the importance of the Asean Plus Three process, and highlighted the need to cooperate in addressing current challenges, especially the global financial situation and food and energy security.

His Royal Highness, in the afternoon attended East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers Informal Consultations with other Foreign Ministers of Asean, Australia, the People's Republic of China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea and New Zealand.

Asia-Pacific nations discussed on Tuesday the possibility of improving food security for the region, as they sought to counter the twin threats of surging food and fuel costs, Reuters reported.

Foreign ministers from Asean nations met their counterparts from China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand on Tuesday to discuss regional security issues, after agreeing on Monday that rising oil and food prices threatened their continued economic development.

"We want to avoid situations of curbs on trade and calls have been made for market mechanisms to operate more efficiently," said Singapore foreign ministry spokesman Andrew Tan.

East Asia has an emergency rice mechanism that was established in 2002, but "many of these mechanisims need to be looked at and improved as a result of the prices we have seen", said Tan, briefing reporters about the Asean discussions.

Vietnam, the world's third largest exporter last year, said on Monday it will impose export duties on rice, while world number two exporter India has yet to lift export curbs, leading to supply worries that have boosted prices this year.

Oil prices surged to record highs near $150 a barrel this year, lifting transport and fertiliser costs for agriculture, and benchmark rice prices in top exporter Thailand hit a record in April.

Indonesia, the world's top rice importer, has called on the United Nations to organise a high level meeting on food security, and Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda said Jakarta had also proposed an Asean food summit.

"We thought at the regional level we could do more to ensure food security in our food supply for our people - for that matter, efforts need to be done to increase production and supply and to enhance food reserves," Wirajuda told reporters on Tuesday.

Philippine Foreign Minister Alberto Romulo said the rising cost of food and fuel could have potential social and security implications for countries in the region.

"I think in Asean we don't have a rice shortage because we have enough rice. It's the distribution," he said.

Oleh Sim Y. H.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Selasa - Orang ramai mesti tetap berwaspada dalam menyambut ulang tahun Hari Keputeraan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam ke-62 tahun, terutama ketika memandu dalam hujan.

Peringatan itu dibuat oleh polis kepada orang ramai memandangkan keadaan cuaca yang tidak menentu dan meminta kepada mereka beringat-ingat serta bertanggungjawab ketika menggunakan jalan raya terutama waktu hujan.

Baru-baru ini, tiga rakyat Brunei dan dua orang warga Singapura maut dalam pertembungan kereta di Limbang, Sarawak ketika keadaan jalan raya basah.

Ketika membuat peringatan itu, pemangku Ketua Unit Perhubungan Awam Polis Diraja Brunei Timbalan Penguasa Polis Sharazuddin Haji Masri berkata perangkaan bagi Jun 2008 menunjukkan empat kemalangan menyebabkan tujuh kematian telah berlaku.

Beliau meminta orang ramai mematuhi undang-undang jalan raya, memastikan kenderaan mereka yang digunakan selamat sepenuhnya di jalan raya, mengurangkan kelajuan ketika semasa hari hujan dan sentiasa bertolak ansur dan bertanggungjawab semasa memandu.

Lampu kenderaan sebaik-baiknya dinyalakan ketika hujan dan jangan mengekori kereta dengan dekat, selalu ingat kepada orang dan keluarga tersayang, bersikap sabar serta jangan bersikap mementingkan diri sendiri.

Polis juga mengingatkan orang ramai yang meninggalkan rumah bagi menghadiri acara-acara keramaian dan sambutan memastikan pintu dan tingkap rumah mereka ditutup dengan selamat.

Sebaik-baiknya mereka memasang lampu di sekitar kawasan rumah, menggantikan semua kunci yang hilang atau yang dicuri, tidak meninggalkan peralatan yang boleh digunakan oleh penjenayah seperti tangga dan cangkul, meninggalkan nota yang menyatakan penghuni meninggalkan rumah serta jangan menyembunyikan kunci di bawah alas kaki, pasu bunga atau di atas kotak meter elektrik di luar rumah mereka.

Beliau juga menasihati mereka memaklumkan kepada jiran atau kepada polis berdekatan jika meninggalkan rumah untuk bercuti ke luar negara serta memaklumkan kepada polis yang berdekatan jika terlihat sesuatu yang mencurigakan atau jiran di persekitaran atau menghubungi talian 993.

Orang ramai yang berkunjung ke kawasan-kawasan perayaan hendaklah meletakkan kereta di tempat yang terang, memastikan tidak ada barang berharga dalam kenderaan, memastikan semua jendela dan pintu kereta ditutup dengan rapat, memasang alat keselamatan pada kenderaan, memaklumkan kepada polis yang bertugas dengan segera jika ternampak kegiatan yang mencurigakan serta mematuhi semua peraturan lalu lintas dan arahan polis yang bertugas.

Dengan kesedaran yang tinggi serta mengambil langkah-langkah berhati-hati itu dapat mengurangkan ruang bagi penjenayah untuk melakukan perkara-perkara yang menyalahi undang-undang.

Oleh Hasrulraizan
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Selasa - Kerjasama antara Universiti Kagawa, Jepun dan Universiti Brunei Darussalam ( UBD) dianggap sebagai salah satu kerjasama yang paling penting dan berjaya di bawah Kerjasama Perjanjian Perkongsian Ekonomi Jepun-Brunei (JBEPA) yang akan mula berkuat kuasa pada 31 Julai 2008 nanti.

Sejak Memorandum Persefahaman (MoU) di antara Fakulti Perubatan, Universiti Kagawa dan Institut Perubatan, UBD ditandatangani pada Disember 2006, Duta Jepun Ke Brunei, Hashimoto Itsuo menyatakan beliau dapat melihat kerjasama antara kedua-duanya semakin meningkat.

Beliau berucap pada majlis mengalu-alukan kedatangan sembilan pelajar dari Fakulti Perubatan, Universiti Kagawa, Jepun ke Brunei bagi mengikuti Program Antara Institusi Musim Panas, Sekolah Perubatan Antarabangsa 2008 di Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

Kedatangan rombongan dari Jepun termasuk tiga pensyarah itu adalah sebagai balasan kepada kunjungan kakitangan dan pelajar Institut Perubatan, UBD ke Universiti Kagawa, Jepun pada Disember tahun lalu.

Sembilan pelajar Jepun itu akan mengikuti pengajian akademik melalui Pembelajaran Asas Masalah sebagaimana yang terdapat dalam kurikulum Ijazah Sarjana Sains Kesihatan/Perubatan di Institut Perubatan, UBD.

Program selama lima minggu itu diperkuatkan lagi dengan peserta menghadiri sesi syarahan akademik, kemahiran perhubungan dan klinikal serta lawatan klinikal ke Hospital Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS), Pusat Kesihatan Sungai Asam di Kampung Ayer dan juga Pusat Perubatan Jerudong Park.

Aktiviti lain yang disusun bagi program musim panas berkenaan termasuk aktiviti luar seperti hujung minggu di Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam, lawatan ke Kampong Ayer serta mengalami sendiri budaya tempatan melalui program anak angkat.

Selain itu mereka juga akan mengikuti aktiviti dalam seperti penyampaian pengucapan awam dan penyampaian akademik secara berkumpulan.

Yang lebih menarik lagi pada tahun ini akan menyaksikan pelajar itu menyertai aktiviti baru yang menarik iaitu Bengkel Tarian Asli dan Muzik Brunei, belajar bermain hadrah, bermain permainan tradisi Brunei dan memancing.

Menurut Pengerusi Bersama Sekolah Perubatan Musim Panas Antarabangsa 2008, Siti Rohaiza Ahmad dalam ucapan alu-aluannya tujuan utama Sekolah Perubatan Musim Panas Antarabangsa adalah bagi memperkukuhkan lagi hubungan kerjasama di antara Universiti Kagawa dan UBD.

Selain itu program berkenaan bertujuan bagi mempertingkat pengetahuan dan kefahaman, standard kemahiran dan profesionalisme pelajar serta bertukar-tukar pengetahuan dan kefahaman di antara dua budaya yang berbeza di kalangan pelajar perubatan dari kedua-dua universiti, jelasnya.

Turut berucap di majlis yang diadakan di Dewan Kuliah, Dewan Canselor, UBD itu ialah salah seorang pelajar dari Universiti Kagawa itu iaitu Izumi Suzui yang pernah mengikuti program serupa tahun lalu.

Di majlis itu, para hadirin termasuk Penolong Naib Canselor UBD, Dr Haji Junaidi Haji Abdul Rahman, Hashimoto dan Siti Rohaiza menyaksikan tayangan slaid mengenai aktiviti program berkenaan pada tahun lalu.

Pada akhir majlis, peserta Sekolah Perubatan Musim Panas Antarabangsa 2008 sempat untuk bergambar ramai dengan Hashimoto dan Dr Haji Junaidi.

Oleh Mohamad Asyramisyanie

BANADAR SERI BEGAWAN, Selasa - Unit Pendidikan Khas Kementerian Pendidikan dengan kerjasama Institut Pendidikan Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (SHBIE) Universiti Brunei Darussalam hari ini menjayakan Seminar dan Bengkel Pendidikan Khas ke-2 2008.

Majlis yang bertemakan "Memupuk kepelbagaian: Pengukuhan Menyeluruh Sekolah" diadakan di Dewan Canselor UBD bermula 22 hingga 24 Julai ini.

Majlis pembukaan rasmi seminar dan bengkel berkenaan hari ini dimulakan dengan ucapan alu-aluan oleh Pengerusi Bersama majlis Haji Abdul Aji Haji Ishak dan kemudiannya disusuli dengan ucapan oleh Setiausaha Tetap Kementerian Pendidikan (Pendidikan Teras) Datin Paduka Apsah Haji Abdul Majid.

Tujuan seminar dan bengkel itu diadakan adalah bagi perkongsian informasi dan pengalaman bersama peserta dan fasilitator mengenai trend, cara terbaik dan pembangunan Pendidikan Khas.

Selain itu daripada seminar dan bengkal yang diadakan akan dapat mewujudkan rangkaian dan kerjasama profesional di antara Unit Pendidikan khas, sistem persekolahan, Kementerian Pendidikan, UBD dan agensi tempatan yang berkaitan dengan pendidikan khas.

Bengkel tiga hari itu antaranya akan menampilkan para pembentang kertas kerja jemputan dari dalam dan luar negara antaranya Dr Lori Bradshaw dan di sepanjang seminar dan bengkel nanti akan membentangkan pelbagai tajuk yang relevan dengan pendidikan khas di Brunei dan di luar negara.

Bengkel itu disertai oleh guru, guru pendidikan khas, guru besar, pengetua, kakitangan kerajaan yang terlibat dengan pendidikan khas dan peserta yang meminati teknologi bantuan pendidikan khas dan persendirian yang terlibat dalam pendidikan khas di negara ini.

Oleh Mohamad Asyramisyanie

Sebahagian peserta yang menghadiri seminar berkenaan.

BANADAR SERI BEGAWAN, Selasa - Institut Akauntan Bertauliah Brunei Darussalam (BICPA) hari ini mengadakan Seminar Audit selaras dengan Standard Antarabangsa Audit selama dua hari bermula 22-23 Julai ini.

Seminar yang di fasilitator Ketua Pembangunan Dasar dan Teknikal ACCA Malaysia Jennifer Lopez diadakan di Rizqun International Hotel dan disertai kira-kira 30 peserta yang merupakan kakitangan audit dan perbankan daripada sektor kerajaan dan swasta.

Seminar itu antara lain menyentuh mengenai pengenalan seminar, menerima temu janji audit, perancangan audit, pengumpulan bukti, peringkat penyiapan dan kawalan kualiti bagi firma audit.

Audit Standard Antarabangsa (ISA) merupakan standard profesional bagi perkembangan informasi audit kewangan yang dikeluarkan Persekutuan Akauntan Antarabangsa (IFAC).

Seminar yang pertama kali diadakan berkenaan bertujuan untuk menyediakan kefahaman mengenai cara ISA sebagai tanda proses penyata audit kewangan yang berkesan.

Selain itu daripada seminar itu juga peserta akan didedahkan dengan rangka kerja Audit Standard Antarabangsa dan tajuk-tajuk yang disediakan untuk melengkapkan pengetahuan peserta dalam arena mencabar itu.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

AN EARLY intervention programme for children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) will assist in the transition of home and centre-based to preschool or mainstream school programmes.

According to the President of Learning Ladder Society (LLS), a support organisation that deals with autism-related issues, one such intervention which focuses on both child and parent is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA); a strategy practised at LLS.

ABA, said Dr Sharina Yunus, aims to reduce self-stimulation and aggression and to develop 'compliance' with commands, imitation and play.

It also focuses on expressive language and interactive play. Emotional expression, pre-academic skills and observational learning are also dealt with.

The programme features special play camp which is conducted twice a week. Some of the activities include imaginative play, group singing, fine motor activity, co-operative games and baking. "These activities ensure that the child learns the holistic way," said Dr Sharina.

ABA, which is home-based, will reap positive outcomes when parents are heavily-involved, according to the president. Values, understanding, knowledge and skills taught can be effective if the family play their part.

"It will enable their (autistic children) full participation in their community; it is the gateway to full social inclusion. That is why every civilised society gives all its citizens the entitlement to education."

The programmes provided at the LLS have proven effective, she added.

Speaking to The Brunei Times after delivering her paper at the second national seminar and workshop on special education held at Universiti Brunei Darussalam, yesterday, the LLS president said language used is not the primary factor in the deliverance of education to children with ASD. What matters most, she added, is the strategies used to communicate with the children effectively.

At the LLS, the instructional language used is English.

"There are pre-vocational teachers who came to us telling that it's easier to use English language to teach the children with ASD," said Norhaslinda Ibrahim, the organisation's vice-president.

"Should the children be exposed to Malay words at home, they will learn that the words would provide the same meanings as English words to describe an action," Norhaslinda pointed out.

"The same case happens should Malay language is used as instructional language in the first place."

"Speech is not the only form of communication," she added.

Currently, there are 16 autistic children in the programme whilst a few other children are still in a waiting list.

Dr Sharina expressed her dismay for those who are in a waiting list.

"This is due to lack of trained therapists," she said. "We lack funds to support them."

The organisation is seeking the Special Education Unit at the Ministry of Education for assistance in their quests for education for all children with ASD.

"With the unit's assistance, we can provide training to teachers who have autistic children as their students in class."

The Brunei Times

BRUNEI-MUARA

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

SEVEN students from Japan's Kagawa University are participating in Universiti Brunei Darussalam's (UBD) International Summer Medical School 2008, as part of an academic exchange programme to enhance students' medical skills and professional standards.

Siti Rohaiza Ahmad, co-chairperson of the International Summer Medical School 2008, said that students would attend lectures and conduct communication and clinical skill sessions during their learning visits to various health institutions in Brunei, including Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (Ripas) hospital, the Sungai Asam Health Centre in Kampong Ayer and the Jerudong Park Medical Centre.

Throughout their five-week stay in Brunei, the participants will also have the opportunity to witness and experience the culture and places of interest in the Sultanate, she said during yesterday's ceremony to welcome the Japanese students at UBD.

Some of the activities planned include a weekend spent outdoors at the Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam, a tour of the water village, as well as a chance to stay with a foster family.

The lecture sessions would be taught using a problem-based learning approach which has been adopted in the Bachelor of Health Science/ Medicine curriculum of UBD's Institute of Medicine.

The co-chairperson added that a Brunei traditional dance and music workshop, hadrah lessons and a fishing trip were among the other activities planned to entertain the students and promote awareness on Brunei's culture.

The seven new students from Kagawa University were accompanied by two students who were involved in last year's summer medical school.

Students from the Institute of Medicine visited Japan last December where they had a work placement for two weeks at a hospital there.

According to Tan Chia Wei, one of the Institute of Medicine students who went to Japan for the exchange programme, the students visited various health departments and spent a weekend living with a foster family.

They were taught the techniques used by the Japanese health institutions through theoretical and practical sessions, which included resuscitation methods and group activities. The students were also exposed to the Japanese culture during their stay.

"It was a great experience (and) I learned a lot from the doctors," he told The Brunei Times.

Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Hashimoto Itsuo lauded the success of the programme and expressed his gratitude towards the organisers in their role of strengthening academic ties between the two countries.

The summer medical school is an inter-institutional programme between UBD's Institute of Medicine and the Faculty of Medicine of Kagawa University, following a visit by Professor Seiji Shibata to Brunei in February 2005, and a working visit by delegation from Brunei. The Brunei Times

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

A GROUP from the Kuala Lumpur Municipal Islamic Staff Association (Kesedaran) yesterday learned more about Islamic law, propagation and activities in Brunei Darussalam during their visit to the Islamic Da'wah Centre.

The group of 29 Kesedaran members were received by the Assistant Director of the centre, Hj Mohammad Garing, who spoke about His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's aspiration to see Brunei become a zikir nation as well as efforts towards that goal.

A zikir nation is one whose race and society always remember Allah SWT in their actions and thoughts.

Hj Mohammad also pointed out that Brunei and Malaysia share common traits, and noted the strong presence of Malaysians here. Currently, about 3,000 Malaysians are working in Brunei, some of them as religious teachers.

According to Hj Mohd Adnan Hj Suratman, the President of Kesedaran, the visit is the first organised by the association in a bid to expand its activities and provide its members with opportunities to travel and learn.

Hj Mohd Adnan added that Brunei was chosen as their first destination as the Sultanate has its attractions and share similarities in culture and religion with Malaysia.

He also expressed hope that the visit would provide the members of the delegation with a chance to mingle with Bruneians as well as to strengtHen relations between the two countries.

The visiting delegation was also briefed by Hjh Azizah Hj Musa, senior officer at the Islamic Da'wah Centre, on the development of Islam in Brunei Darussalam, the mission, vision and functions of the centre and Brunei's national philosophy, Malay Islam Monarchy.

Later, the visitors toured the centre's exhibition gallery, which houses numerous collections of the Al-Quran, and the 1987 kiswah pintu kaabah (fabric that covered the Kaabah).

Wan Timah wan Daud from Kesedaran told The Brunei Times that she found the visit to be an informative one, and was particularly interested in the exhibitions of kufarat or deviant items. Another visitor, Khadijah Mohd, said Brunei is fortunate to have an institution that protects the sovereignty of Islam against any misleading teachings.

The delegation has been in the country since July 20 and will be leaving for Kuala Lumpur today.(DKR1 & RSH1)

The Brunei Times

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

TRAVEL facilitator Abacus Distribution Systems will be launching its fifth Holiday and Travel Fair on Friday with hopes of drawing 5,000 visitors to the Mall in Gadong to view the latest products on offer by airlines, national tourist offices, hotels and travel agents.

The three-day exposition will be an opportunity for travel enthusiasts to win attractive prizes, including air tickets to Kuching, Perth and Saigon as well as shop for overseas and local packages, the travel firm said in a media release yesterday.

"After four Abacus holiday fairs successfully organised in consecutive years since 2004, we are confident in making it a success again this year," said Pg Roslee PSR Pg Hj Jaya, general manager of Abacus Brunei.

The Brunei Tourism Development Department expressed hope for locals to show up at the fair, where it will be putting up a Kenali Negara Kitani stand offering domestic tour programmes.

"We would like to see Bruneians discover the many unexpected treasures that lie within our kingdom. We hope that it becomes a habit for Bruneians to spend at least some of their holidays and free time visiting parts of Brunei that appeal to our foreign visitors but seldom to our own local residents," said tourism officer Sarinah Salleh.

"We not only urge Bruneians to experience these programmes, but we would like to encourage them to look at the many career opportunities within this fast growing industry," she added.

According to Abacus Brunei Sales and Marketing Manager Abd Halim Hj Abd Rahman, the first 100 customers to make a purchase using an American Express card during the fair will be entitled to an exclusive gift."The presence of Brunei Tourism plays an important role in supporting Royal Brunei Airlines as well as travel agents to promote domestic tourism," he said.

"In our way forward to develop tourism in Brunei it is important not to forget the domestic tourism aspect," said Sarinah. (HHM1)

The Brunei Times

Swipe and go: A sample fleetcard is used in a demonstration. Starting August 1, purchase of fuel for commercial use requires the use of fleetcards. Picture: Syafie Nadi
Ubaidillah Masli
BRUNEI-MUARA

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

STARTING August 1 this year, commercial customers wishing to fill up at petrol stations in the Sultanate will be required to use a fleetcard to purchase diesel and gasoline.

The new regulation was initiated by the Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sdn Bhd (BSM) to comply with the Additional Directives (II) issued by the Energy Division, Prime Minister's Office on April 15.

The directive was issued as part of the government's efforts to ensure sales of petroleum products are continually controlled. Under the Customs Order (prohibition and restriction on imports and exports), diesel and gasoline are subsidised petroleum products and their export is restricted.

In addition, the fleetcard will provide customers with convenience since they will be able to enjoy a cashless transaction.

Under the Additional Directives (II), several conditions have to be observed by the commercial vehicles and vessels.

Each filling for commercial vehicles has to be made directly into the original tank of the vehicle, and only approved fleetcards can be used.

In addition, each filling for commercial vessels will be filled directly into fixed and/or portable tanks which meet internationally-approved safety standards.

Each filling shall be made from a designated petrol station or from BSM Commercial Bunkering Facilities or BSM-approved Commercial Bunkering facilities. The use of fleetcards are also mandatory for commercial vessels.

All purchases for industrial use made at petrol stations cannot exceed 400 litres on each purchase.

Every filling should be made into portable tanks which meet internationally-approved safety standards and shall be restricted to Brunei Darussalam identity card holders only. Purchases for industrial use also require the use of the fleetcard.

Finally, the rates to be paid and maximum volume for oil products purchased using fleetcard will be set by the authority.

Fleetcard facilities and staff training have successfully been implemented from early on to ensure that the operations of the fleetcard run smoothly. The fleetcard facility had already been made available at 20 petrol stations since the launching of the Kad Inden for government vehicles in 2006.

BSM has also conferred with all petrol station dealers and held road shows for all its commercial customers in all four districts from June 9 to 19, 2008. The meetings were held to inform customers of the requirement of the new fleetcard. So far, more than 80 local companies have submitted their applications.

Companies which have not applied yet are urged to obtain the Fleetcard Application form from Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and Petroleum Products Volume Application form from BSM.

Both completed forms, along with the required documents, should then be submitted to the BIBD Card Centre at Third Floor, Bangunan Setia Kenangan in Kiulap, which can be contacted at 2239111. Customers can also contact BSM at 2244739 for further information.

The Brunei Times

Asia Inc to celebrate women achievers of Brunei
Sobrina Rosli
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

ASIA INC is organising a business forum next month in recognition of the significant roles of women entrepreneurs in helping shape the country's economy.

The 2008 Women in Business Forum is slated for Aug 19 at The Empire Hotel & Country Club and is intended to help unite Bruneian women leaders from all sectors of the economy.

The forum will recognise the huge difference women's involvement has made in today's competitive working and business world, and acknowledge the significant roles carried by outstanding Bruneian women in business and society.

"Women, demographically speaking, make up 50 per cent of our population. In the recent years you could see more women coming into the forefront of what was previously seen as the male domain," Allen Lai, chief executive of Asia Inc Forum, said in an interview with The Brunei Times.

"Now you can see the presence of a female judge, a female permanent secretary and female pilots. There is an interesting change in the dynamics of the Brunei society.

"It shows Brunei is progressive and welcomes the development of women as an important part of the society. We hope that this forum will contribute to the development and strengthening of women in the world of work in both the public and private sector," he added.

The one-day event will feature speakers including Michelle Dula Asence, founder of Zen Zest Lifestyle, a leading brand of fragrances and body care in the Philippines, as well as Wendy Lee, a leading professional and image consultant.

Leading women business figures in Brunei business and industry will also participate in panel discussions covering a wide range of women issues in the corporate world while sharing the experiences and successes of women entrepreneurs.

To celebrate the successes of women in various endeavours, the event will have the 'Salute to Women Leaders and Achievers' to give recognition to Bruneian women who are pioneer women achievers in their respective fields. The awards are aimed at encouraging women to strive for excellence in their areas of work.

The Women in Business Forum is a key element of the Asia Inc Forum's 2008 SME Partnership Program with Baiduri Bank and the Brunei Economic Development Board, with support from the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources and the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Brunei.

For registration or queries, you may contact Nanette Ramos at 2226555 or email her at nanette.ramos@asiaincforum.com or visit asiaincforum.com.The Brunei Times

Lots of Sex May Prevent Erectile Dysfunction
It's the 'use it or lose it' principle at work, one expert says
Posted July 3, 2008

By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter

THURSDAY, July 3 (HealthDay News) -- Frequent sexual intercourse may cut down on a man's chances of developing erectile dysfunction, Finnish researchers report.
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"This is the same as any other part of the body. It's what we in vascular surgery refer to as the 'use it or lose it' concept," said Dr. Hossein Sadeghi-Nejad, an associate professor of urology at UMDNJ New Jersey Medical School Hackensack University Medical Center. "Sexual activity will promote maintenance of normal erectile function down the line."

The report was published in the July issue of The American Journal of Medicine.

In the study, led by Dr. Juha Koskimki, from Tampere University Hospital's Department of Urology, researchers collected data on 989 Finnish men aged 55 to 75 years old.

The researchers found that men who said they had sexual intercourse less than once a week had twice the risk of developing erectile dysfunction, compared with men reporting having sexual intercourse once a week.

Among men who had sexual intercourse less than once a week, there were 79 cases of erectile dysfunction per 1,000 men. That number dropped to 32 cases per 1,000 among men who said they had sexual intercourse once a week, and it dropped even further, to 16 per 1,000, among men who said they had sexual intercourse three or more times a week, the researchers reported.

The frequency of morning erections was not associated with the incidence of moderate erectile dysfunction, the researchers noted.

However, the development of complete erectile dysfunction could be predicted from the frequency of morning erections. Among men with less than one morning erection a week, the risk of developing erectile dysfunction was 2.5-fold greater than among men who had two to three morning erections per week.

"Regular intercourse has an important role in preserving erectile function among elderly men, whereas morning erection does not exert a similar effect," Koskimki said in a statement. "Continued sexual activity decreases the incidence of erectile dysfunction in direct proportion to coital frequency."

Sadeghi-Nejad said there is a scientific basis for this finding, and it also has implications for rehabilitation of patients after prostate cancer treatment.

"What is very hot these days is what we can do to rehabilitate people who develop erection problems after prostate cancer surgery or radiation therapy," Sadeghi-Nejad said. "Anything you can do to increase oxygenation in the penis will help get patients back to normal."

If one can naturally engage in behaviors that increase blood flow to the penis, it will have a positive effect in preventing erectile dysfunction, Sadeghi-Nejad said.

Sadeghi-Nejad noted that the study only addressed intercourse, and not masturbat