Latest news with #Bruneian
The Star
6 hours ago
- General
- The Star
Ten Bruneian youth join Asean volunteer programme
Participants at the Asean programme. - Contributor BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Ten Bruneian youth embarked on the eMpowering Youths Across Asean (eYAA): Cohort 5 Programme, a regional initiative aimed at promoting youth volunteerism and creating positive change in the community. The eYAA programme, a partnership between the Asean Foundation and the Maybank Foundation, nurtures talented youth aged 19 to 35 from across the 10 Asean member states to develop and implement community projects. The participants, comprising working professionals, graduates, and students, are currently undergoing a regional orientation and capacity-building workshop in Bangkok, Thailand. The training includes mentorship and networking with other youth change-makers. Following the workshop, the volunteers will be divided into groups to implement two-week community projects with local civil society organisations in selected Asean member countries, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia the Philippines and Vietnam. The projects will focus on areas such as arts and culture, community empowerment, education, and the environment. The 10 youths representing Brunei are Md Nazirul Mubin Abdul Rahman, Nur Abdul Rahman, Ummi Nurazila Azzayaty Hassanal Ali Saifuddin, Farah Ameerah Mohd Shukri, Mu'ezzah Hakemah Mahari, Nur Farah Waheedah Mohd Zamri, Nur Hayatul Ramziyah Abdul Rahman, Nur Haziqah Syaza Ali, Akhmal Widad Amirah Sheriful Akhamal and Siti Khaliysah Zahiah Dayinie Abdullah Zuhairy. The eYAA programme provides an opportunity for the participants to learn, contribute, and advocate for solutions to social and economic issues through volunteerism. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Star
2 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Healing with herbs, connecting with people
SOME 15 years ago, news of a family member being diagnosed with cancer broke the spirit of loved ones. It spurred the patient's sister, Lena Gitom, to dive into the unfamiliar world of homemade remedies, herbs and alternative formulas in hopes of boosting immune systems and fighting malignant cells. Later, Lena developed a painful foot condition called plantar fasciitis, caused by inflammation of the fibrous tissue (plantar fascia) along the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes. The pain worsened whenever she put pressure on her feet. Struggling with insomnia on top of her condition, Lena found herself delving deeper into the subject of alternative healing, hoping to ease her symptoms and, eventually, find recovery. Along this journey, the mother of two met new friends and reconnected with long-forgotten relatives, forging bonds with people from near and far, regardless of race or religion. Reflecting on her journey, she shared how scientific and medical documents – books, articles and online resources – opened her eyes to a world she never expected to explore. Lena with a Bruneian customer, purchasing her home made tea. 'I searched for information on how to boost immune systems, fight cancer and so on, and found that common herbs or plants – turmeric, lemongrass and ginger, among other things – somehow helped many,' Lena said. She said others also shared their experiences with various herbs and plants for different conditions such as gout, cholesterol and diabetes. 'I found that turmeric and lemongrass actually help, at least for the hundreds of customers I've made along this journey,' she said. Initially, Lena's remedies were made only for close friends and family. But during the pandemic, she began preparing larger batches, though still only for those within her circle. It wasn't until around 2023, when more people heard about and experienced the benefits of her products, that she felt confident enough to start selling them. Stressing that these are not medicines but alternative remedies meant to boost immune systems, relieve joint pains and provide antioxidant benefits, Lena said consistency and moderation were key. 'These are natural concoctions – they aren't magic cures. But taken regularly, they can help some people feel better,' she said. Through this journey, Lena not only gained customers but also formed lasting friendships. 'To me, this isn't just about business. 'It's a platform that brings people together,' she said. She believes that when people share a common need, it breaks down barriers and brings comfort – becoming, in its own small way, a unifying force in a country that thrives on cultural and religious diversity. Even in the most difficult circumstances, Lena said she found rays of sunshine to help her through the darkest days. 'I must say, unconventional as it may sound, illness – and the path to find cure and comfort – does bring people together,' she added. When not busy preparing her homemade health remedies, Lena shares her story at events for producers of home-based products, highlighting healthy alternatives. 'One of the biggest events I attended was the Women International Health and Wellness Conference and Expo 2024,' she said. Her work also indirectly supports local small-scale farmers, especially women and single mothers from rural and interior parts of Sabah, by helping boost demand for their spices and herbs.
Barnama
2 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Brunei's Second Foreign Minister on Working Visit to Malaysia for 26th EOL Meeting
PUTRAJAYA, July 22 (Bernama) -- Brunei's Second Foreign Minister, Dato Seri Setia Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof, is undertaking a two-day working visit to Malaysia starting Tuesday to attend the 26th Meeting on the Implementation of the Exchange of Letters (EOL). In a statement on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan will host his Bruneian counterpart during the visit. Both foreign ministers will co-chair the meeting on Wednesday (July 23).
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Pop-up market celebrates royal birthday
Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam's managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) Junaidi Masri touring the booths. - Borneo Bulletin BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: In conjunction with His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's birthday celebration, the TMJE Pop-Up Market was launched at BIBD Connects on Thursday (July 18) afternoon at Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas. The event features the participation of local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as students from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (Unissa). Their involvement is aimed at providing meaningful exposure to real-world business environments while encouraging the development of practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset among youth. The pop-up market will run until July 20 and then from July 25 to 27, operating daily from 4pm to 9pm, offering a vibrant mix of food, crafts and lifestyle products by Bruneian entrepreneurs. Present at the official opening were Unissa Assistant Rector (Student Affairs and Alumni) Dr Lilly Suzana Shamsu and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Junaidi Masri, along with members of BIBD's management and staff. The event is part of BIBD's broader efforts to promote community engagement and support Brunei's entrepreneurial ecosystem through accessible and inclusive initiatives. BIBD aims to create opportunities that uplift and empower others, especially local micro enterprises that form the backbone of the economy. Through platforms such as BIBD Connects, the bank seeks to nurture grassroots entrepreneurship and contribute to a more resilient, self-sustaining community. These efforts also support Brunei Vision 2035, particularly in the areas of economic diversification and the development of a dynamic and sustainable economy driven by local talent and enterprise. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Star
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Brunei's lion dance troupe to ‘roar' at world championships
The Unity Charity Association Lion Dance Troupe in a group photo. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Unity Charity Association Lion Dance Troupe will represent Brunei Darussalam at the 15th Genting World Lion Dance Championship from July 25 to 27 at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands, Malaysia. The international competition will see participation from 40 of the world's top lion dance troupes, making it one of the most prestigious and large-scale high-pole lion dance events globally. Unity Charity Association Lion Dance Troupe head coach Master Ong Boon Biau shared; 'We are excited to participate this year again. We have represented Brunei in past editions of the championship. We hope to perform well and make the nation proud.' The national flag handover ceremony was held prior to the team's departure. President of the Unity Charity Association Brunei Jake Goh Kiat Hing encouraged the lion dance team to use the opportunity to showcase Brunei's cultural strength and enhance the nation's traditional lion dance standards on the international stage. He expressed hopes of inspiring more Bruneian youth to take an interest in lion dance as both a sport and a cultural heritage. Goh said his aspiration was for Brunei Darussalam to one day host the World Lion Dance Championship, providing an opportunity for local talent to shine on home ground and further promote cultural exchange in the region. The championship is scheduled to commence on July 25, with the grand finale on July 27. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
