Top Story: Energy Industry Competency Framework (EICF) launched
The Energy Industry Competency Framework (EICF) launched on July 6 at the Pusat Latihan Mekanik aims to help create a local workforce equipped with relevant skills to make them more marketable to the oil and gas industry. In an interview with The Brunei Times, Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Mohammad Yasmin Hj Umar said that the framework will help align vocational training with the needs of the industry.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- 2nd National Scientific Symposium: The symposium has drawn up a total of 10 pre-symposium workshops which were conducted on July 5 at UBD, RIPAS Hospital and Sumbiling Laboratories which covered topics such as hematology, immunology and cytology. The topics covered in yesterday's symposium include the feasibility of organ transplantation laboratory, updates in blood bank and transfusion and the molecular diagnosis of hand foot and mouth disease and dengue.
- Brunei has given ASEAN new impetus: Brunei’s chairmanship of ASEAN has given the regional body a "new lease of life", said outgoing High Commissioner for the United Kingdom to Brunei, Rob Fenn. "We saw a masterclass in multicultural diplomacy in Brunei and I think so far, the Brunei chairmanship of ASEAN amounts to a major confidence building measure by itself. I think levels of trust in this region have gone up since Brunei has been in the chair and that is just a wonderful thing,” he said.
Thailand-Brunei strengthen ties on broadcasting | Pattaya Mail, July 4
Thailand and Brunei are strengthening bilateral relations through media cooperation as Thailand has hosted the 12th Thai-Brunei Joint Technical Committee meeting in the field of information and broadcasting. The meeting was jointly presided over by Prime Minister’s Office permanent secretaries of both Thailand and Brunei, Professor Tongthong Chandransu and Mr. Haji Mahrub bin Haji Murni, respectively.
ASEAN Envoys Gather in Brunei for Security Forum | VOA, June 30
As the 10-member ASEAN opened its annual Foreign Minister's Meeting Sunday, Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario renewed criticism of China for what he called a "massive" military buildup aimed at seizing control of energy and fishing rights in large parts of the sea. Friction between the the two countries has surged in the past two years to include several naval confrontations.
Two-day energy fair a hit with over 3,000 visitors | Brunei Times, July 8
OVER 3,000 people gained vital information important industry careers within the energy sector during the two-day Energy Industry Competency Fair which ended yesterday. The event was held in conjunction with the launching of the Energy Industry Competency Framework (EICF) on Saturday.
Temperature calibration lab opens | Brunei Times, July 9
The National Standards Centre (NSC) stands to benefit from clientele in the medical, food and manufacturing industries and other government and private laboratories that want to get their temperature-measuring instruments calibrated to international specifications. The Tutong-based centre yesterday opened a temperature calibration laboratory, with devices accurate to 20 millionth of a degree Celsius, and plans to expand the service into other measurements such as pressure, humidity, mass and volume.
ICT development plan a springboard for youth | Brunei Times, July 9
This alternative pathway — a six and a half month ICT training programme including a three month work attachment in the ICT industry— has proven to be a success after 86 participants graduated from the pilot programme initiated by the E-Government National Centre (EGNC), under the Prime Minister's Office.
Cosmetics industry players briefed on rules | Brunei Times, July 7
The seminar, the second of its kind, was aimed at cosmetic importers and manufacturers to give them a better understanding on the regulatory control following the first seminar in 2008 after the implementation of the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations 2007 was introduced, which is in-line with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive in June 2008.
New law to reform mental healthcare | Brunei Times, July 5
THE Ministry of Health has finished drafting new mental health legislation that will replace the Lunacy Act upon approval by the government, said its permanent secretary yesterday. "We are particularly pleased that we have managed to complete the final draft of our new mental health legislation, which we plan to submit for final approval very soon," said Dr Hjh Norlila Dato Paduka Hj Abdul Jalil at the opening of the second meeting of the ASEAN Mental Health Task Force.
Boosting HSE awareness minimises risk | Brunei Times, July 4
President and Chief Executive Officer of Synerquest Management Consultancy Services Incorporated Robert Rubina said that the need to have more information dissemination and the government can enhance the campaign to raise awareness on hazards not just on the road, but at the workplace as well. By doing so, it benefits both the people and the government. It benefits everyone basically."