lucky number 2008

I was lucky enough to capture this annual lucky number 2008. The next one will be 20th September 2009.

Fire Safety

(image from http://www.safetyworld.com/images/1114.gif)

A Public Fire Safety Talk was held at the Information Department yesterday. Although in the end it was all about the selling their product - Fire Extinguisher at a special promotional price, there are useful knowledge that I gained in this talk. Loss of lives could happen due to lack of knowledge on fire safety and prevention.

1) Know the emergency numbers: 991 - Ambulance; 993 - Police; 995 - Fire Brigade

2) Run for your life immediately if there is a fire, not securing your valuables!

(from http://www.do2learn.com/games/safetygames/activity_sheets/activity_firesafety.htm)

3) Crawl or get down to about half a metre from the floor to avoid from engulfing in the choking toxic smoke (fresh Oxygen usually still available at the bottom)

4) As fire breaks out, you probably cannot see clearly which direction to escape, so follow the wall and you will be eventually led to the exit

5) When you are close to the exit, do not open the door if it is hot to touch, as this indicates a major fire is behind the door.

6) Do not jump from a tall building unless you are confident you will land safely (upright, without damaging your spine).

7) Install fire prevention equipments, Smoke Detector, Sprinkler System, Fire blanket, Fire Extinguisher.

8) Use a wet cloth to extinguish a burning pan. This is strictly not suitable be used over electrical appliances.

9) If clothing catches fire, roll yourself on the floor (not on an oily floor)


Classes of Fire

(from http://www.delaufire.com/size_&_type.htm)

Class A fires involve thing that are easily catch fire such as wood, paper, cotton, plastics & rubber.

Class B fires are from the liquid combustibles.

Class C are from the electricals.

Class D are metal & metal alloy.


Types of Extinguisher

1) Dry chemical ==> for fires A, B, C
toxic and corrosive, to be sprayed within 1.5m from the fire, extinguisher to be refilled after used, and to be serviced and inspected regularly

2) Water ==> for fire A

3) Foam ==> for fires A, B

4) Carbon Dioxide ==> for fires B, C
the CO2 is compressed at a high pressure and a temperature of -78 deg C (use a glove or cloth to hold the nozzle)

For more information on Fire extinguishers, please visit Wikipedia.

Glass ceiling

A new term for me to learn today: Glass ceiling, which appears on the news article of Asia Inc Forum "Women in Business". From the online encyclopedia Wikipedia:

The term glass ceiling refers to situations where the advancement of a qualified person within the hierarchy of an organization is stopped at a lower level because of some form of discrimination, most commonly sexism or racism, but since the term was coined, "glass ceiling" has also come to describe the limited advancement of the deaf, blind, disabled, aged and sexual minorities.

This situation is referred to as a "ceiling" as there is a limitation blocking upward advancement, and "glass" (transparent) because the limitation is not immediately apparent and is normally an unwritten and unofficial policy. The "glass ceiling" is distinguished from formal barriers to advancement, such as education or experience requirements.

from Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_ceiling

玻璃天花板（glass ceiling）是指在公司企業和機關團體中，限制某些人口群體（女性、少數族裔）晉陞到高級職位的障礙。正如玻璃一樣，這個障礙雖然不是明文規在那裡，實實在在存在著的。

另外，還有玻璃地板（glass floor），是指限制某些群體在地位下降過程的障礙。比如對女性的歧視，在減少她們相對男性升遷公司總裁機會的同時，也減少了她們落到低下的礦工、囚犯等處境的機會。

from Wikipedia Chinese

Jatropha

One of the fascinating exhibits during the 3rd International Halal Products Expo last week was this biodiesel raw material - Jatropha (buah jarak). I was told that Brunei can produce biodiesel too. This is a news article published in the Borneo Bulletin yesterday:

'Wonder seed' Jatropha to offer alternative fuel

By Azaraimy HH

Kokami and Alam Widuri Sdn Bhd representatives with an official from the Ministry of Health.

Jatropha curcas. - PHOTOS: AZARAIMY HH

Kokami is to collaborate with Alam Widuri Sdn Bhd to establish a seed bank for the "wonder seed" Jatropha for global supply. Kokami, the Mukim and Village Cooperatives, announced this initiative at a press conference during the recent International Halal Expo 2008.

Alam Widuri Sdn Bhd is a company looking to mass-produce the seeds to develop products such as biofuel - an alternative sustainable fuel said to be greener than palm oil. Alam Widuri already has several projects in Sarawak, mostly with small-scale biomass farmers.

Various projects have shown that seeds of the Jatropha plant are beneficial for the production of biogas, livestock food and fertilisers, among many others. Kokami said that to this end the public are offered to buy Kokami shares at $1 per unit.

Dr Chua Kui Hon from the Ministry of Health said that the plant Jatropha curcas (biomass) is a greener alternative to palm oil and fossil fuel.

She said in line with the initiative of His Majesty's government to diversity the country's economy from oil and gas production, jatropha plant has high potential as a greener alternative to sustainable and renewable source of energy.

Jatropha curcus is a drought-resistant perennial plant that grows well in marginal or poor soil. It is easy to establish, while growing relatively quickly and producing seeds for 50 years.

Jatropha the wonder plant produces seeds with oil content of 37 per cent. The oil can be combusted as fuel without being refined. It burns with clear smoke-free flame, tested successfully as fuel for simple diesel engines. Also present at the press conference were Kokami's Deputy Secretary Ariffin Hj Hassan and Johnny Lee, the Executive Director of Alam Widuri.

(Source: Borneo Bulletin, 18th August 2008)

Sensory Evaluation

The 3rd International Halal Products Expo 2008 is currently on going at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas, 16-17th Aug, 10am to 10pm. Besides from getting information on the new Brunei Halal Brand and halal products, one of the activities by the Agriculture Department, MIPR is Sensory Evaluation of Cooked Milled Rice.

I saw there are five rice cookers, and asked the officer in charge who approached me, which are the local and imported rice. She refused to tell me. That is why they are doing the research on the acceptance on (local?) rice. Three aspects are being assessed: Appearance, Odour and Taste.

There is no prize for doing the sampling though. But your comments are vital to their research. So, please support their project by going to Plenary Hall, ICC, tonight or tomorrow to tell which is your favourite texture of cooked rice. Happy tasting :-)

International Halal Products Expo 2008

The third International Halal Products Expo 2008 (IHPE 2008) will be opened tomorrow, from 14th to 17th August 2008, at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas. It is jointly organised by the Ministry of industry and Primary Resources (MIPR), Ministry of Religious Affairs, and Ministry of Health. This year's theme is "The Emergency of the Halal Market Economy".

The main objectives of IHPE are:

• IHPE 2008 is key to His Majesty’s Government’s efforts to establish Brunei as a premier Halal Centre;
• IHPE 2008 is positioned to spearhead the promotion of the Brunei Halal Brand which is setting the standards for Halal compliance and conformance in the Halal Products Industry;
• The Brunei Premium Halal (BPH) certification will also be officially launched at IHPE 2008. The Brunei Halal certification, because of its very stringent specifications, will provide the approved and certified products with a significant marketing edge in the increasingly important global Halal Market

In addition, the International Halal Market Conference 2008 will be held on August 16 to 17, 2008. The expo is open to public from Friday (15th Aug) onwards. For more information, please log on to http://www.bruneihalalexpo.com

Diplomatic relations with Republic of Kenya

The Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has established diplomatic relations with the Government of the Republic of Kenya with effect from Monday, 11th August 2008. The signing of the Joint Communiqué took place at the Office of the High Commission of Brunei Darussalam in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Government of His Majesty was represented by the High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Malaysia, His Excellency Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Amin bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Rahim, whilst the Government of the Republic of Kenya was represented by its High Commissioner to Malaysia, His Excellency David Gachoki Njoka.

Sources:
news from RTB
flag of Kenya from CIA

Istiadat Pemasyhuran 1998

(C) Jennifer Mok

Today is the 10th year anniversary HRH Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah was proclaimed as the Crown Prince.

On 25 March 2004, His Royal Highness was bestowed the rank of General in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. HRH was also conferred as Deputy Inspector General of Police on 5th May 2005.

On 24th May 2005, HRH was appointed as the Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office.

Here are some of the important appointments of HRH the Crown Prince:

Usongan Diraja

Usongan adalah satu daripada kebesaran Diraja digunakan sebagai tempat persemayaman Sultan dan keluarga Baginda dalam sesuatu keberangkatan beristiadat seumpama Istiadat Berpuspa atau Istiadat Perkahwinan Diraja atau sebagainya. Bentuknya menurut penyesuaian yang diaturkan oleh adat istiadat, iaitu mengandungi tempat persemayaman (tempat duduk) yang berpenyandaran dan berkundang. Lazimnya Usongan ini diusung di bahu oleh 40 orang Pengiran Kebanyakan yang khas keturunannya. Untuk menyesuaikan dengan keadaan masa, sekarang ia dibuat beroda supaya mudah ditarik oleh pihak yang diaturkan.

Usongan is a Royal gilded carriage. It is used to transport the Sultan and the Royal Family during a particular ceremony such as the Coronation Ceremony or the Royal Wedding Ceremony. As determined by the customs and traditions, the Usongan will have special seatings with props and cloth-spread. The carriage is carried by 40 Pengirans. At present, the Royal carriage has wheels to enable it to be drawn easily by selected personnel.

(Source: p96, Perkahwinan Diraja - Royal Wedding, 1996, Jabatan Pusat Sejarah)

Istiadat Perpuspaan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam pada 1 Ogos 1968 Hari Khamis bersamaan dengan 6 Jamadilawal 1388

Sambutan Jubli Perak Baginda Menaiki Takhta pada 5 Oktober 1992

Sambutan Jubli Perak Baginda Menaiki Takhta pada 5 Oktober 1992

Istiadat Berkhatan Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah pada 3 Ogos 1989

Istiadat Berkhatan Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah pada 3 Ogos 1989

Istiadat Pemasyhuran Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Menjadi Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota pada 10 Ogos 1998

Istiadat Pemasyhuran Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Menjadi Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota pada 10 Ogos 1998

Istiadat Perkahwinan Diraja di antara Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah dengan Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah pada 9 September 2004

Istiadat Perkahwinan Diraja di antara Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah dengan Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Maharaja Setia Laila Diraja Sahibul Irshad Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Rahim pada 18 Ogos 1996

Istiadat Perkahwinan Diraja 1996

Istiadat Perkahwinan Diraja di antara Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bulqiah dengan Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Khairul Khalil pada 10 Jun 2007

References:
25 Tahun di atas Takhta dengan Adil Makmur Laila Bahagia, 1992, Jawatankuasa Sambutan Jubli Perak Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam Menaiki Takhta.
Buku Rancangan Sambutan Jubli Perak Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam Menaiki Takhta, 1992.
Brunei Darussalam Newsletter, Aug 1996, Jbt Penerangan.
Brunei Today, Vol. 2, No. 3, December 1989, Jbt Penerangan.
Brunei Today, December 1992, Jbt Penerangan.
Brunei Today, Vol. 7, No. 4, 1994, Jbt Penerangan.
Brunei Today, Vol. 9, No. 3, 1996, Jbt Penerangan.
Istiadat Perkahwinan Diraja, 1997, Jbt Penerangan.

Tugu Peringatan Keberangkatan Duli Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Malaysia ke Negara Brunei Darussalam

(p34, Juara Pelajar, Mei-Jun 2004)

(p35, Juara Pelajar, Mei-Jun 2004)

Jam Peringatan adalah merupakan sebuah tugu yang diperbuat daripada simen. Di bahagian keempat penjuru sebelah atasnya diletakkan sebuah jam Seiko. Ianya terletak di Simpang Jalan Sultan dengan Jalan Elizabeth Kedua iaitu di antara bangunan Setiausaha Kerajaan dengan Pejabat Pos Besar, Bandar Seri Begawan.

Istiadat perletakkan batu asas bagi Jam Peringatan ini telah disempurnakan oleh Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Yang Dipertuan Agong Malaysia yang pertama, Persekutuan Tanah Melayu, Tuanku Abdul Rahman pada 11 Julai 1959 bersempena dengan lawatan keberangkatan baginda ke Negeri Brunei bermula dari 6 hingga 12 Julai 1959. Dengan terbinanya Jam Peringatan ini ianya melambangkan keteguhan dan keeratan perhubungan antara Negeri Brunei dan Persekutuan Tanah Melayu.

(Text: website of Pusat Sejarah Brunei)