His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, has outlined the paramount roles of the Legislative Council.  According to His Majesty, it carries an open message that the government and people are working hand in hand, in upholding the elements in the system that is being practices, which has brought many benefits to the country.  His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam said it is a platform that has brought good to the rakyat and citizens of Brunei Darussalam.  His Majesty was speaking at the official opening of the First Meeting of the Second Session of the Legislative Council, Wednesday.

Speaking about the meeting itself, His Majesty said it will focus for the first time on discussing state expenditures.  In this regard, His Majesty urged members of the council not to be afraid of contributing constructive ideas because this is as good an opportunity to achieve meaningful success for Brunei Darussalam.  In the process of nationhood through this constitution, His Majesty spoke of his wish to together ensure the genuineness and effectiveness of the outcomes of the meeting.

As emphasized in the titah, the Monarch reminded that efforts towards diversifying the economy also constitute an important agenda.  In His Majesty’s view, the country still relies on the oil and gas resources; as such the Monarch proposed that the country exploited potentials in agriculture.  His Majesty does not want to see the country lag behind in implementing economic diversification efforts.  The nation, the Monarch said, cannot depend of outsiders forever.  In fact, it is an obvious mistake if environmental and political factors that arise are not considered.

Thus in this regard, all government and private sectors should support national efforts in diversifying the country’s economic resources.  His Majesty said the nation must be brave to explore and be determined to avoid losses that cause sluggishness.

Earlier on arrival at the International Convention Centre, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was welcomed by the Speaker of the Legislative Council, YAM Pengiran Indera Mahkota Pengiran Anak Doctor Haji Kamaluddin.

The swearing ceremony began with the doa selamat read by Pehin Khatib Haji Mohd. Jaya.  The taking oath ceremony was conducted in the presence of the Speaker of the Council, YAM Pengiran Indera Mahkota Pengiran Anak Doctor Haji Kalamuddin.  

Awang Haji Abdul Kadir bin Haji Tengah lamented over the problem Wednesday at the launching of “Bersama Mu Posmen”.  The Acting General Post Master said such matter surely will weaken the department’s credibility in public’s view.  He also said that the department can only be surviving through public’s trust and without it; all the efforts done will be meaningless.  The Acting General Post Master said that action will be taken towards postmen who disobey rules and regulations of the department.

With the opening of University Brunei Darussalam in 1985, scholarship offered for students studying abroad, have been selectively awarded.  Scholarships are generally offered for courses that are not available locally.  Nevertheless, the number of privately sponsored students are in the increase and more have opted to study in the United Kingdom because UK education is generally viewed as prime.

The matter was highlighted by the Director General of Education, Dayang Hajah Norjum binti Haji Yusop at the official opening ceremony of the 10th Education UK 2006 Exhibition, Wednesday.

Dayang Hajah Norjum also reiterated the Minister of Education’s call during the recent get together occasion with Lower Six students where he emphasised if the students want to be able to compete on equal standing with others in the region and beyond, then the students particularly those aiming to go overseas to English-speaking countries, should take every opportunity to improve their communication skills in English Language.

At present, there are about 74 UBD students undergoing twinning program with UK universities and 579 Brunei students are on Government Scholarship in UK universities. This does not include those who are on in-line service training and those who are on privately sponsored.  The exhibition was held at the Rizqun International Hotel, The Mall Gadong.  More than 20 institutions of higher learning from the UK participated in the exhibition.  

In an interview with RTB, the British Council’s Director of Education and Training, Miss Susana Galvan said that Brunei students traditionally like to go to the UK because UK is well-recognised for its quality and reputation and there are a number of advantages about study in the UK.

One of them is the undergraduates courses are usually 3 years compared to 4 years in other countries.  And Masters Program are one year compared to 2 years.  So that is one of the advantages.  Another advantage about study in UK is that student can work while they study, they are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week so if people are worried with money, they can also do a little bit of work, make a little bit of money so gained some work experience.

A new programme, Occupational Therapy Services for older children to adolescents with special needs at the Child Development Centre in Kiarong was officially launched Wednesday.  It was launched by the Managing Director of Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sendirian Berhad, Pengiran Haji Yasmin bin Pengiran Haji Mohammad.

The aim of this programme, which is being sponsored by Brunei Shell Marketing, BSM, is to further improve the four primary domains of child development, which are adaptive skill development, which target sensory processing, perceptual motor skills and self-help skills.  These skills are vital in ensuring the children, many of whom attends regular schools are able to progress in classroom learning. 

This programme is designed for children between the ages of eight to fourteen years old.   The programme will be conducted in several rooms furnished, utensils and equipment donated by BSM.

Activities range from housekeeping such as baking and cleaning to play and leisure, including arts and crafts.  Supervised by specialists and therapists, these activities are to improve sensory integration and processing. 

The Child Development Centre, which is under the Ministry of Health, is a referral centre where children with special needs come to receive early developmental program, assisted by various specialists.