Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sendirian Berhad, BSP recently have been able to report the fifth successive oil strike in the Seria North Flank and will be bringing this on stream soon. BSP have commenced production of crude oil from Phase Three of Champion West. The Managing Director of BSP disclosed this during the “MD Long Service Emblem” ceremony for 198 employees from BSP, BLNG and BSM Saturday night.

According to Doctor Grahaeme Henderson again, the production of crude oil is two months ahead of schedule, utillising leading edge technology and carrying the stamp of “made in Brunei” having built at the Kuala Belait construction yard. He also added that safety takes priority where BSP had the very best safety performance ever in its history last year.

The long service emblems for 35 and 30 years for the three companies were then presented by the Minister of Energy, Pehin Dato Seri Paduka Haji Yahya as the Chairman Board of Director for BSP and BLNG.

Pehin also presented the emblems to the Managing Director of BSP and the Managing Director of BSM, Pengiran Haji Yasmin bin Pengiran Haji Mohamad; who were among the recipients of the 25 years service award.

Among present was the Second Minister of Finance, Pehin Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Rahman as the Chairman Board of Director for BSM, BST and BGC. Saturday night function took place in Gadong.

The New Year of Hijrah 1427 continues to be observed in the country with several religious activities. This afternoon, the Ministry of Finance and departments under it held such function to mark the occasion.

Among those present was the Second Minister of Finance, Pehin Dato Paduka Haji Abd Rahman. Today’s gathering was highlighted with a religious talk by an officer from the Islamic Dakwah Centre, Doctor Andas Haji Ismuhadi
bin Haji Abdullah.
 

The Ministry of Finance continues its effort to give a better understanding on its budget management through a series of meetings with other ministries and government departments. The latest meeting was with the Ministry of Home Affairs and departments under it.

The dialogue was chaired by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Dato Paduka Haji Metassan bin Momin. The discussion focused on the implementation of projects or procurements from the state budget which have been approved by the Ministry of Finance during the fiscal year.

In this regard, heads of department are reminded to prepare a detail layout on their proposals. Such a session is intended as a platform for the parties concerned in supporting the finance system to become dynamic and stable. Also present at the meeting was the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dato Paduka
Haji Idris bin Belaman.

A number of measures are being implemented in upgrading knowledge and scope of skills of nurses in line with the strategic planning of the Ministry of Health. Among the programmes is undergoing degree courses in nursing overseas.

Recently, seven nurses left for Australia for a two-year specialised course in pre-operative care, midwifery and cardiology. The training will actuate staff’s competency and level of professionalism. These group of nurses who will undergo the courses are considered pioneers and leaders of future nurses because on completion of their study, they are expected to share with their local counterparts on what they have learnt during their stint overseas. The Director General of Medical Services at the Ministry of Health, Doctor Haji Affendi was among those present.

The Director of Nursing Service, Pengiran Hajah Azizah binti Pengiran Tajuddin explained that the purpose of sending the nurses to attend courses overseas is to further upgrade nursing professionalism where exposure in specialised fields is more extensive and specified. Precious knowledge and skills gained from the relevant courses would then be practiced and passed on to their fellow nurses.

His Majesty’s Government and Brunei Shell Company are offering scholarship scheme to students who wish to further their studies abroad for the academic year 2006 through 2007.

The scholarships offered are for Ijazah Lanjutan, Ikhtisas, First Degree, Higher Diploma and Diploma. Application can be made by contacting the Scholarship and Training Unit at the Ministry of Education and the completed forms must be submitted by the 6th of next month..