An Empowering debate. I'm currently at an event by Asia Inc Forum at The Empire Hotel which focuses on "Women in Business 2008" and I have to say despite being outnumbered by the female presence, I really enjoyed the topics that were raised on today's discussion. Do women in Brunei have what we call a "glass ceiling" in terms of positions in an organisation? I have to agree that we in Brunei practice the "ceiling" and the only way for women to be on top is when they run their own businesses.

I will posting more coverage for tomorrow's edition.

Haslina of BAG Networks and Paula Malai Ali of ESPN

Tasha asking a question for Paula

Ogy and Dee in full concentration

The ladies in attendance

QAF held on to win League. Despite the strong comeback from ABDB with 10 men, the results went in favour to QAF FC who deservedly lifted the Brunei DST Premier League after a 2-2 draw. During half-time, QAF FC had already enjoyed a 2 goal cushion as one of the ABDB players were sent off for allegedly punching his opponent. But that handicap didn't stop ABDB from scoring two late goals in the second half with QAF FC's defence looking fragile.

What a save!!

She must be bored

Ito skins Viban

Hip-hip-hooray for the coach

How many fingers am I holding?

Ito Dan was influential in the game but his departure was sorely missed as QAF FC failed to control their midfield despite the numerical advantage. Viban, who replaced Ito, gave more attacking options but was questionable to holding the midfield in times of defending. QAF FC could have put the game beyond reach with another goal but their wasteful chances didn't prove decisive. A fight almost broke out after the final whistle but the situation was controlled before it could get worse. QAF FC is now the DST Brunei Premier League I champions. Final score: QAF FC 2 ABDB 2

Ratha's a big hit among locals. Wow! The recently launched product, Ratha's, which specialises in curry paste, have been selling like hot cake during the International Halal Product Expo (IHPE) held at the ICC last weekend. The owner of Rahman Food Industry was surprised with the response and I'm not surprised either after trying out their Rendang flavour. I ended up buying a few pastes on my first visit.

The IHPE 2008 is a big hit among the locals and there were about 260 booths participating in this event. This could be on par with the Consumer Fair in terms of traffic. I was also tempted by the Philips offer on their HD TVs to play my unattended PS3. Anyway, congrats to the relevant ministries on the successful event as well as Sunlit Advertising for managing a big event. The IHPE is now considered a household name and I will be looking forward to next year.

During the last day of IHPE

Motocross Challenge. Last Sunday, the motocross competition was held at Tutong for the eight time and it attracted bikers from neighbouring states as well as from down under. I've never actually covered this event live before and I wasn't aware of the competition too. But judging from the reports in the paper, it has been a successful event. 17-year-old Abdul Rahman Hj Harith is a promising young talent as he won the Expert Category and came second in Motocross Open Category. Anthony Mayers of NZ won the Motocross Open Category.

Brunei Darussalam Motocross Challenge

Images by Zamri Zainal.

The Kain Tenunan Brunei. When one looks at a piece of a ‘kain tenunan’ Brunei, doesn’t one immediately gets intrigued by its beauty? It surely does to the S.’Aisya Boutique owner. Latifah, the owner, a true born and bred Bruneian has been longing for far too long to share with everyone her admiration of and excitement over our cultural heritage, our national pride - The Kain Tenunan Brunei. 

So for those who love to splurge on their ladies…, S. ‘Aisya presents to you “Keanggunan Kain Tenunan Brunei” (the Elegance of a Kain Tenunan Brunei) in contemporary handcrafted evening bags. 

"Keanggunan Kain Tenunan Brunei"

Taken during the recent IHPE 2008 at ICC

THE AIM:  
1. To highlight the “Elegance” of a ‘Kain Tenunan Brunei’;
2. To promote our traditional ‘tenunan Brunei’ and its designs as unique to other hand woven fabric in the South East Asian Region;
3. To promote the Brunei ‘tenunan’ industry;
4. To motivate others to be innovative with our ‘kain tenunan Brunei’ so as to create other exciting creations from this hand woven fabric;
5. To offer to the market contemporary fashion accessories using our traditional kain tenunan Brunei;
6. To create more interest for ‘tenunan Brunei’ amongst Bruneian ladies and foreigners.

The S.'Aisya evening bags are available for viewing by appointment only. Appointments can be arranged by emailing sulha.aisya@gmail.com

UBD in new ICT deal. Last weekend, University of Brunei Darussalam signed on a dotted line an agreement with Unimekar Sdn Bhd which means that UBD lecturers and students now can enjoy special features such as downloading examination timetable to your mobile.. (Hmmm now that's a thought where students can get their results direct to their mobile phones). The new project is believed to also enhance the teaching methods in UBD. Hj Abdul Rahim Derus, (insert photo), the Acting Director of ICT at MOE, said that this project will be completed in 18 months time.

During the signing, Hjh Norjum Hj Yusop, the acting perm sect of MOE was the witness (Wow, she's everywhere *respect*) and signing on behalf of MOE was Hj Abdul Rahim Derus while representing Unimekar Sdn Bhd is Pg Abdul Rahim. So to the future students of UBD, make sure that you are mobile-ready to enjoy the upgrade IT facilities in UBD by 2010.

Exchanging the agreement as Hjh Norjum looks on