More donations pouring in for the Fund of the Orphan Fund in the Brunei Muara. A sum of one thousand dollars were received from Awang Lim Seng Kok while the Brunei Darussalam Hockian Association donated one thousand dollars. The contributions were received by the Brunei Muara District Officer, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Yusop bin Bakar.

        Meanwhile in Tutong, ten orphans from the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital Tuesday received donations. It was presented by the Minister of Health, Pehin Dato Paduka Haji Suyoi.The donations help the to celebrate the upcoming Hari Raya Aidil Fitri festivity as well as to buy school stationeries for next year school season.

         Belait District, Private firms also extend support and assistance to the less fortunate, particularly for the orphans to enable them to join the Hari Raya festivities. Some 25 orphans were on Tuesday treated to a ‘Sungkai Fest’ by a local Hotel. Apart from serving the orphans with hotel meal, the Riviera Hotel also gave them cash gifts.

       Despite being one of the smallest insurance markets in the eleven members grouping, the initiative being undertaken by General Insurance Association of Brunei Darussalam, GIAB in hosting the up-coming 23rd East Asian Insurance Congress 2006 signals the sincerity of the insurance industry to fully support the government’s initiative in promoting Brunei Darussalam as

one of the primary financial centres.This was said by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance at the Official Launching Ceremony of the Congress and its website, Tuesday.

         Dato Paduka Haji Ali bin Apong said the hosting of the bi-annual event indicates the GIAB dedication, hard work and commitment for the insurers, re-insurers, brokers, insurance regulators and service providers in the East Asian Region.With the website,he said,can create public awareness of the congress and at the same time to highlight the importance of insurance industry as one of the contributing components in the country’s nation building.

         The 23rd East Asia Insurance 2006 will be held on 30th July to 2nd August. The date of the congress is to coincide with the 60th Birthday Anniversary Celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. This will give delegates the real opportunity to join Bruneians most joyous and memorable occasion.

        Members of the public who wish to get more information about the congress can surf www.eaic2006bsb.com.bn

       More than forty companies in the People’s Republic of China have shown interest to explore business potentials in Brunei Darussalam. The ministry of Industry and Primary resources had identified these commercial potentials for small and medium enterprises, SMEs, especially in the manufacturing and tourism industries during the Second China-ASEAN Expo at Nanning in Guangxi, China.

       Bruneian business houses which took part in the Second China-ASEAN Expo at Nanning, Guangxi China were approached by those companies which expressed their interest to explore the business potentials with Brunei Darussalam. The Director of Promotion and Entrepreneurial Development, Awang Haji Momin bin Haji Sawal said that the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources had invited a wider participation of local Bruneian companies at the expo. He added Brunei’s participation at the expo was aimed at introducing the country to the Chinese people, while at the same time introducing goods produced by the country’s businesses into the Chinese market.

       Brunei participation in the expo include the Brunei Economic Development Board, BEDB, Brunei International Financial Centre, BIFC, Brunei LNG, Brunei Shell Petroleum, Telecom Department, DSTCom and Royal Brunei Airlines as well as Brunei SMEs entrepreneurs such as the Sabli Food Industry, Syarikat Hussyn Rahman Livestocks company, Ridah Handicraft company, Syarikat Sahamada and Mahkota Crystal.

       Brunei Darussalam’s participation at the expo is viewed as significant in supporting efforts and China’s cooperation with ASEAN. ASEAN itself is regarded as one of China’s fast-developing business partners with their trade amounting to one hundred and six billion US dollars in 2004. Indeed the expo played an important role in providing economic opportunities between China and ASEAN.

      The Brunei pavilion at the latest expo carried the theme of “city of Charm”. Every country showcased its success and achievement in trade, tourism, investment and culture. The Brunei pavilion chose a replica of the royal carriage as its main attraction for tourism and culture. The replica of the royal carriage is not merely to show how the carriage is in reality but more importantly, to strengthen further the relations between Brunei and China, through trade and territorial integration as well as to bring closer the people of the two countries.

      Over the years, Bandar Seri Begawan has developed into a modern city and still maintains its status as the centre of administration, trade, religion, culture and sports. During the day the city is bustling with activities such as from the many banks, restaurants and government offices. With some establishment opening their businesses until late night hours, BSB is beginning to bustle with activities.

       At one corner of the town, we can see some activities were going on. Some eating outlets are opening up until wee hour. There are also cafes which open 24 hours. People were seen chatting and surfing the internet.

        For the people in this country, one of the oldest eating hangouts is the residency food stall or widely known as sataystall in Jalan Subok. As one of the capital’s oldest eating outlets, it has been operated for more than 50 years. Another eating place is at the Tamu Selera in the capital area.

       The city continues to face tough challenges since the official renaming of Brunei Town to Bandar Seri Begawan 35 years ago. Factors which cause fewer visitors to the capital especially during the weekends, is the decreasing number of commercial premises in the area, early closure of shopping hours, lack of parking lots and the establishment of new business areas out side the capital such as Gadong and Kiulap.

        For the past years, Bandar Seri Begawan was voted one of the top ten cities in Asia. The survey was made by Asiaweek, an established magazine in Asia. The Municipal board has also outlined various steps to enliven the capital such as discovering the opportunities of cooperation by developing government’s lands in Bandar Seri Begawan.

        Kite flying or locally known as ‘Main Kikik’ is very enjoyable and creates a lot of fun. Regardless of person’s age, it is still remains one of the traditional and oldest games. However, one needs to consider the danger it poses if one is not too careful, when playing kites.

        This year, kite flying season began before the fasting month. Now, even while fasting, kite flying fans still play their hobby. Most of them play just to fill up the time while waiting for the break of the fast and some even play to compete.

        Kites are made in various designs and sizes by using a colourful special papers, thus, creating attractive names. For those who are creative, kites are sold to gain profit. It costs as low as one dollar and 50 cents each. Some are sold in the convenient stores that receive the kites from the makers in kampong Ayer.

       Most kite enthusiasts comprise the elderly, youth and especially children. Apart from enjoyment, it can turns to competition known as ‘bepulut kikik’ or kite fighting. In this game, the man with the best skill, technique and the strongest and sharpest string wins.

        At the same time too, the public and kite enthusiasts have been warned against flying kites in restricted areas such as the landing and take off areas of any airport. The Civil aviation department said such activity could pose danger to aircraft and helicopters flying in the areas. The Department also reminded the public, that those who were caught flying kite at restricted areas are liable to a fine of not more than 3-thousand dollars.