Who will receive GB’s Nature Photographer of the Year Award? Whose captions will be featured?

We would like to invite the Green Brunei community to submit photos and captions! The photograph contest deadline is 28 February. (EXTENDED DEADLINE: 11 March) The captions contest will be held after photos are posted on our FB page (deadline: 14 March).

You may submit multiple entries. There are main prizes and special gifts up for grabs! Send in your photos now! There is NO LIMIT of how many photos you can submit. (A special gift also awaits the contestant who submitted the most number of eligible images* T&C apply)

If we receive enough support as well as submissions, there is a possibility that Green Brunei will be publishing a book that consists of selected photos and captions! Your photos and captions may be published!

So keep your submissions coming and ask your friends to join as well!

THEME Nature (forests, beaches, ocean, mountains etc.) and/or Wildlife

OBJECTIVES

1) To promote awareness on the importance of protecting nature and wildlife in Brunei.

2) To encourage discussions and involvement among the Green Brunei community.

3) To feature and promote the works of photography enthusiasts among the Green Brunei community.

PARTICIPATION METHOD

1) Photography Contest

a) Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GreenBrunei OR follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GreenBrunei.

b) Email a photograph that you feel best captures the beauty of nature and/or wildlife in Brunei to info@green-brunei.com, using “NWPC Contest” as the email subject line.

Include the following details in your email:

• Name
• Your Facebook / Twitter:
• Contact number
• Email address
• Residential address in Brunei
• Model of camera
• Software/app used for photo editing purposes, if any:
• Location of photo taken
• Attach your photo in the email

c) At your own will (Optional!), share your photo on Green Brunei’s Facebook and ask your friends and members of the Green Brunei community to like your photo!

d) There is no limited number of photos that each person can submit as long as the photos are different

2) Caption Contest

a) Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GreenBrunei OR follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GreenBrunei.

b) Selected photos will be posted on Green Brunei’s Facebook page. If you wish to submit a caption for a particular photo, comment directly on the photo. Your comment should look like this: “Caption: [your caption]” (so that it is clear that you are participating in the caption contest).  The word limit for each caption is 35 (shorter captions can also make a strong impact, if not more!).

c) At your own will (Optional!), get your friends and members of the Green Brunei community to like and comment!

d) Captions have to be relevant to the Photos, as well as the Theme (Nature and Wildlife). Captions should preferably be educational or informative, and should convey an environment/nature-related message.

SUBMISSION PERIOD

Deadline for submitting captions for the photos is March 27.

PRIZES

• Lomography cameras!
• Postcards that feature the photos with their respective captions! These postcards will be printed by Green Prints on environmentally friendly paper. We will try to print more of these so that most participants can get a prize!
• GB PET T-shirt
• Schools, universities, institutions and associations that participate actively will also receive a special prize!

If we receive enough support as well as submissions, there is a possibility that Green Brunei will be publishing a book that consists of selected photos and captions! Your photos and captions may be published!

So keep your submissions coming and ask your friends to join as well!

Note: Number of prizes will depend on quality of submissions and support that we receive, and is subject to the decision of judges.

Stay tuned for more prizes and perks!

GUIDELINES

1) Photo

a) Green Brunei ultimately reserves the right to disqualify images it deems inappropriate or irrelevant at any point in time during the contest.

b) Images should have a minimum of 300 dpi, 2100 pixels in the longest direction (portrait or landscape).
[Note: you may email images that are compressed into a smaller size. But if your photo is selected for publishing, we will ask you to provide the photo in its original size]

c) No inappropriate or pornographic images allowed.

d) Photographs submitted for a previous competition will be disqualified.

e) Photographs submitted for this contest must be the sole work of the entrant.

2) Caption

a) Green Brunei ultimately reserves the right to disqualify captions it deems inappropriate or irrelevant at any point in time during the contest.

b) Captions can be written as per normal, or in any form such as poems or rhymes, but the maximum number of words for each caption is 25 (shorter captions can also make a strong impact, if not more!).

c) Creativity, relevance, learning points, and meaning of the caption will be taken into account.

d) No profanity, violence, and other inappropriate elements allowed.

e) Captions submitted for this contest must be the sole work of the entrant.

Duties and Obligations of Entrants

a) Participation in the contest implies unconditional acceptance of the contents of the competition rules.

b) Entrants must not submit photographs that have been used to enter a previous competition.

c) This contest is only open to residents of Brunei during the contest period.

Disclaimer

Green Brunei holds no responsibility for the damage of works, injury or death that happens toward the participants during the contest or after.

Copyright violations will result in immediate disqualification.

By submitting an image, the entrant retains ownership of the image, but grants Green Brunei an unrestricted license to publish, promote, and reuse the image in perpetuity. The entrant and owner of the work, however, will be credited.

In the event that a selected winner resides at someplace where terms of this contest are prohibited, or is found to have violated the terms and conditions of this contest, that winner will be declared ineligible and Green Brunei reserves the right to select a new winner.

Prizes will only be delivered to an address in Brunei.

Pictures from the Nature’s Avengers event from the 27th of January is up now on the Green Brunei FB Page! Click here now!

“Nature’s Avengers” Initiative – for youths, by youths. Established early of January 2013, this youth-led movement under Green Brunei looks to creating opportunities for younger kids to be involved with the environment. How so? We thought of getting them in the jungle!

Nature’s Avengers is an example of an independent group of youths to be able to self-initiate and be exposed to how volunteering projects like these are conducted with the lending hand of the Youth Centre.

The green initiative journey began by pulling eleven like-minded youths together to come up with a plan to educate kids about the environment, or to simply say, “to save the world!”. The initiative is aimed at collaboration with the community to explore habitats that might be endangered or to simply expose Bruneians to more than just the “greenery”.

Some pictures of the Bintudoh sites

Right now, the project is central to helping primary-level kids to let them independently interact with the natural environment while teaching them the importance of sustainability, conservation and preservation of our green jewels. This includes planting of Gaharu trees, creating fishponds and turtle hatcheries.

Earlier in the month, we travelled to Bintudoh located at Ulu Tutong to survey and prepare the project site. It turns out Bintudoh is an Eco-tourism site in development with huts already constructed. We took benefit to facilitate the fertile site while helping the Bintudoh community to develop the conservation facilities and to expose Bintudoh as an exploration site for adventurous travellers.

View Larger Map

Nature’s Avengers Team in action

On 27^th January 2013, about 30 primary kids participated in the Nature’s Avengers project at Bintudoh. This gave the kids the chance to develop themselves and self-empower their knowledge on the environment. In long-term, we hope that the project will impact the community through education and development of facilities in Bintudoh for future projects.

Nature’s Avengers Team

In the future, we hope that we could evaluate the results of the project so we may expand it further into a long-term campaign of volunteers with the aim of promoting green awareness nationally.

For more info, you can contact Fadli Zaini @ 8868212.

You can also contact Hanna Hassanal @ 8873183, Green Brunei Ambassador and Project Manager for Nature’s Avengers.

The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity presents a video entitled “Animals and Plants in Danger”, an animation film to promote biodiversity conservation. The video focuses on endangered species in ASEAN member states and highlights ways to save them from extinction. Brunei is represented by the Malayan Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus). The video highlights destructive human activities that contribute to the worsening problem of biodiversity loss.

If the video is unable to load, you can also view the animation here.

The BSP UBD Green Debate is back for the third time with the theme “Future of Energy”. This year, the Asian Parliamentary Style was introduced and it allowed only a limited amount of preparation unlike in the previous years where participants were allowed weeks of preparation for each competition. The Asian Parliamentary Style was set up in hope to increase the debating level in the country to international standards. The debate teams were given an hour to get ready for the debate rounds after the topics (motions) were released.

Discussion between team members

One of the debate member from PTEK

One of the debate member from PTEM

When Reedznan from Meragang Sixth Form Centre was asked why he decided to volunteer for this event, he responded that it’s about the experience – what you could learn from this debate about our environmental footprint, how to communicate (the debaters) opinions, and also at the same time listen to other people’s opinions.

His team members also added that they are more confident in talking now, have also known more about the environment, and are more concerned about the environment now as they realize what’s happening. When asked about how they’re feeling minutes before the Motions and Match-Ups are shown, the team joked that they’re full of nerves but at the same time full of confidence and excited.

The preliminary round took place on the 28th and 29th January at the Institute of Leadership, Innovation and Advancement (ILIA) building, at UBD. By the end of the two day event, in the university category, the two teams from the UBD have successfully defeated teams from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, Institut Teknologi Brunei and Seri Begawan Religious Teachers’ University College reaching the final round of the contest. Meanwhile in the pre-university category, after beating teams from Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College and Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College, Meragang Sixth Form Centre and Katok Sixth Form Centre have made it to the finals. A date has yet to be set for the final rounds of the BSP UBD Green Debate but it is expected to take place in March.

Although Begawan Religious Teachers’ University College failed to make it to the finals, Nina and her friends explained that they’re usually involved in doing green things like supporting our country’s No Plastics Bag days from Friday till Sunday, planting trees and recycling.

Debaters from KUPU SB and their coach pose for a photo

After a period of two long years (2010-2012) of studies, the results of the Sungai Ingei Faunal Biodiversity Survey are finally release. The fauna of the Sungai Ingei Conservation Forest was investigated by the Biodiversity scientists from University Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Heart of Borneo countries. The seminar took place on the 9th of February at Empire Hotel. The guest of honor is His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, The Crown Prince and Senior Minister at The Prime Minister’s Office. Also attending the event is His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, The Crown Prince and Senior Minister at The Prime Minister’s Office delivers his Sabda during the opening ceremony of the Heart of Borneo Seminar.

Following that, Dr. Joseph K. Charles a Senior Lecturer of Biology Department at the Faculty of Science, UBD, also the leader of the Sungai Ingei Faunal Biodiversity Survey Project delivers a special presentation with the title ‘Biodiversity of Sungai Ingei Conservation Forest’ In his presentation he explained that the purpose of this scientific study is to produce a database for the country so that future conservation management of wildlife can be done.

Pie Chart: IUCN Redlist categories of Mammals found in Sg. Ingei Conservation Forest.

Comparison of Sungai Ingei Biodiversity with other HoB Countries

Later, six other presentations are also presented by respective speakers;
Presentation 1: Geology of Sungai Ingei Conservation Forest by Drs. Hans Dols

Geological Images

Trail marking in Sungai Ingei Conservation Forest

Newly recorded species in Brunei

Newly recorded fish species

A poisonious frog found in Sungai Ingei Conservation Forest

Some bats found in Sungai Ingei Conservation Forest

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar posing for photo with the six speakers

The Green Leaders Youth Energy Summit 2013 provides a venue for students and young professionals within the country to work and form bonds as they join in the pursuit of overcoming today’s challenges in the local and global energy scenario. Through talks, lectures, and interactions, the summit aims to raise awareness and to build up consciousness on the issues and developments in the key fields in energy  – economics, security, environmental impacts, efficiency, and sustainability.  Speakers from government departments, NGO’s, research institutions, and private companies will be conducting talks that will induce learning for the delegates about the energy sector. The summit also aims to open an environment to bridge the youth, private sector, academic institutions, and government to collaborate in developing a sustainable energy sector.

The GLYES2013 is a follow-up on the first youth energy summit held last March 2011, which covered the technological aspects and processes of energy generation, transmission, and distribution. In the coming summit in February 2013, discussions will also be focused on energy economics and security, and environmental impacts since they also play essential roles in the sector’s sustainability. Some of the topics that will be presented at the summit include The Climate Change and Clean Energy Project by USAID, Promoting Renewable Energy: Regulatory Framework and Policy Direction by the Renewable Energy Association of the Philippines, Essence of Green Designs by Green Architecture Advocacy and National Framework Strategy on Climate Change by the Climate Change Commission.

The GLYES2013 is spearheaded by several groups in De La Salle University, Philippines. External organizations that are part of the organizing team are the Philippine Scholars Alliance (PSA), and the World Youth Alliance Asia Pacific (WYAAP).

Green Brunei will be represented by Khairunnisa Ash’ari, the Community Engagement Director, to the Green Leaders Youth Energy Summit (GLYES 2013). This trip that is funded by the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah will help to provide capacity building resources for Green Brunei to develop future projects that are centric towards clean energy. With energy being an essential element in sustaining and securing life, it is never too early for the youth to get involved in efforts channelled towards its issues and developments for the future.

As a platform that is run by youth for youth, Green Brunei would be able to help spread the information and knowledge gained from this Summit through various methods including workshops, advocacy through social media as well as community development projects. The latter is directly in line with the mission of YSHHB which is to promote community development initiatives.

Green Brunei would like to express sincere thanks and gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah for the support that has been given through his Foundation that has enabled Green Brunei to take part in the summit.

The Summit will be held from 27th February to 2nd March in De La Salle University, Manila. If you have any questions or queries that you would like to be brought up during the Summit, feel free to contact me at khairunnisa.ashari@green-brunei.com and we will do our best to get them answered.

For more information about the event:

Official Website: http://glyesummit.uni.me/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GLYES2013?fref=ts
Twitter: @GLYES2013

Would you like to be a youth environment leader? Have a meaningful and fulfilling green job in the future? Lead an impactful and nation wide green campaign? Or learn more about the environment?

The 3 Days 2 Nights YEL program aims to educate and build a network of youth who will become leaders and positive changemakers towards environment ownership and sustainability. A structured and formal environment leadership program taught by experienced international award-winning environmental lecturers, environmentalists and experienced local Ibans. Graduates from the program are challenged to initiate and implement meaningful projects that will contribute towards Brunei’s environmental sustainability.

The YEL program is a highly selective environment leadership program with a limited class size of 50 students per intake.

Run#2: Next Available Dates:
June (Dates are to be confirmed)

Venue:
The Rainforest School @ Sumbiling Eco-village, Temburong.
This trip will take place at Sumbiling Eco-Village, an eco-resort right at the edge of the Temburong rainforest.

Who Is Right for the Program:
We are highly selective in our participants for this program due to exclusivity and an equal mix.

Typically, we look for youth applicants:
- Between 16-25 years old
- Studying or living in Borneo
- Strong involvement in schools co-curricular activities
- Committed, motivated and passionate about nature or the environment
- Strong leadership potential
- Possess good written & oral English skills

Program participants will pick up the following:

- Community Leadership skills
- Acquire a strong grasp of environmental knowledge & the sustainable development process
- Gain greater understanding on approaches towards integrating diverse multi-stakeholders into a cohesive plan for sustainable development;
- Gaining skill sets on starting & running impactful environment campaigns
- Fostering cooperation among different youths
- Resource & Waste management
- Identifying local & native plants
- Energy & Water Conservation
- Composting
- Sustainable development latest innovations & trends

Program participants will benefit from the following:
- Receive fun and engaging lessons on environmental education from experienced international award-winning environmental lecturers, environmentalists and experienced local Ibans.
- Program graduates have the opportunity to attend workshops with leading experts in the field of sustainability
- Platform to coordinate environmental efforts and projects
- Go on environmental learning field trips in Temburong led by local experts
- Network with other environmental leaders who can work together with you to make the environment better and more sustainable
- Develop relevant skills in project management, networking, public speaking and event management
- Program graduates take up  leadership opportunities to contribute towards the betterment of the environment and benefit to the community
- Program graduates have the opportunities to work with Green Brunei on environment national campaigns, events or projects
- Program graduates have the opportunities to represent Brunei in international environment-related forums / conferences through Green Brunei
- Share ideas and environmental practices with your peers out in the open classroom – you can’t be any closer to nature
- Skills learnt in the camp will be relevant and applicable to in the urban context.
- Be inspired and learn to understand and appreciate nature
- Learn about the Bruneian historical villages and visit the famous longhouses
- Perfect opportunity to develop existing leadership skills in every participant through meaningful team bonding activities.
- Suitable to fulfill criteria for Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award on Residential Project or Adventurous Journey section

Pricing: 
B$300/ student
Fees includes 3D2N accommodation; activities cost, lesson materials, all meals, and 2-way transport and ferry service from Kianggeh Jetty to SEV and Temburong.

How to join the program:
Application deadline: 7 days before start of camp
Fill up the attached the application form below and emailed it to greg@green-brunei.com
(i) Application form for individual applicants: click here.
(ii) Application form for multiple applicants (For teachers/schools): click here.

Successful applicants will be notified via email within 2-3 working days.

More information:
Do check out our FAQ.
Do not hesitate to approach us with your questions and enquiries.
For any enquiries contact greg@green-brunei.com with your questions!

FAQ

1. About the Rainforest School
Located at the pristine Sumbling Eco-village in Temburong, which is 20 minutes drive from Temburong’s ferry terminal, the Rainforest School is jointly managed by Borneo Guide, with Green Brunei as the education partner. The Rainforest School hopes to educate and groom young environmental leaders through hands-on quality environment education, while studying in one of Southeast-Asia’s last primary rainforest. The school is managed together by environmentalists and local Ibans.

2. About BorneoGuide
BorneoGuide is an accredited travel agency in Brunei that has had years of experience providing the safest and most enjoyable experiences for youth development programs, international school camps, exchange student groups from the region, and team building groups from various corporates and Bruneian students.

BorneoGuide also has rave reviews from visiting eco-tourists from popular travel websites such as Lonely Planet and Trip Advisor.

You are assured to have 24 hours security rotation by staff, both trained male and female qualified first aid staff during the entire course of the event as well as ratio of one staff to five participants at all times.

3. About Green Brunei
Green Brunei is Brunei’s largest green non-profit organisation that promotes environmental education and creates awareness on environmental conservation and clean technology through media, activities and projects. Green Brunei hopes to be a platform for free green educational, green resources and an enabler of youth-initiated environment projects. We work closely within a 3P partnership (People, Public, and Private) sectors to promote and inculcate environmental conservation in Brunei. Green Brunei is supported by the Ministry of Industries & Primary Resources, Heart of Borneo and the Tourism Department

4. What are the highlights of the camp?
You can expect both educational indoor and outdoor classes and activities. Education at its finest – GB YEL is expected to be an experiential leadership course suitable for everyone interested in environmental conservation. Learn about the different aspects of environmental conservation – how to practise composting, how rich exactly is the biodiversity of the area, 3R concepts, nature conservation practices, as well as hands-on activities such as cooking your own bamboo chicken in the heart of the forest!

5. How long is the camp?
3 Days and 2 Nights

6. Where would I be staying?
Accommodation: the explorer style. Participants will be staying in the below tents with ready access to lavatories and bathing facilities. This compound is a minute’s walk away from the rainforest, yet safe within Sumbiling Eco Village Compounds. Almost every morning, you are promised to wake up to the calls of hornbills – a luxury for many urban dwellers today.

7. Will meals be provided? How many meals, if so?
All 3 meals will be provided, breakfast, lunch & dinner

8. What will I get from the course?
You will receive…
i. GB YEL alumni membership, which will give you the latest updates and international youth conferences opportunities, both locally and internationally!
ii. A graduating certificate recognizing your green efforts
iii. A limited edition of the GB YEL badge

9. Who are the course faculties?

The Rainforest School is run by a highly-experienced team with strong expertise from various sectors of the environment industry, driven with a single goal to improve the quality of environment education.

Leslie smiling heartily, on the left.

Leslie Chiang, The Principal of Rainforest School 
Expertise: Green campaigner, eco-tourism guide, social entrepreneurship

Leslie is a firm believer of edu-tourism, and perhaps this can be said to be the cornerstone of his work and businesses. He makes it a conscious effort to employ locals in his businesses to help further the social cause he believes in. The sweet perk from this would be the familiarity and personal experiences these locals are armed with; it is what that is set to make the guest’s escapade into the primary forests of Temburong with them, complete.

Armed with the love for the environment, Leslie welcomes people from all over the world yearly, with these people usually being the ones who already have an intrinsic appreciation for nature and are simply looking out for a unique experience like no other. His tours are customizable with team building activities and private tours, all tailored to meet the needs of schools, working professionals, families and individuals.

Mark Cheng
Expertise: Waste management, REDD+ & Forestry,  green buildings, green innovation, bio-mimicry

An environmentalist and a social entrepreneur, Mark is currently CEO of Green Prints, an award-winning environment social enterprise. He also co-manages a green investment fund for environment innovation and bio-mimicry projects in Asia. Previously, he was the co-founder of Avelife, one of the largest social-environment movements in Asia. He has helped raise more than USD$100 million for various social causes, consulted for the governments, non-profits and companies in France, Philippines, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Mexico, UK & Singapore. He regularly speaks and researches on starting impactful green social enterprises, environmental education, green innovation. He is also a best-selling author on youth community leadership and has several publications on environment education.

Named by ABC Carbon magazine as Top 100 Global Sustain Ability Leaders in 2012 and he was awarded the 2011 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World, Eco-friend Award 2011, Bayer Young Environmental Envoy 2012. Mark read non-profit leadership under a Harvard Fellowship in Harvard Kennedy School and is currently completing his executive business studies at Harvard Business School.

Amanda Tew
Expertise: Water treatment, environmental conservation, biodiversity, renewable energy, project management

Amanda is currently the Editor-in-Chief of Green Brunei. Amanda completing her studies at National University of Singapore and has been selected as the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) Campus Sustainability Fellow in the year 2011. She was sent to University of Copenhagen (KU) to embark on campus sustainability projects, playing an instrumental role in the exchange of sustainable practices between her home university and KU. In her free time, she spearheads many projects with large social impacts, such as Green Exchanges that have proven to be popular with and helpful to the underprivileged people with Avelife, one of Asia’s largest social-environment charity based in Singapore as Projects Head. She also actively represents the Singapore youth delegation to high-profile international conferences such as UN Climate Change Conferences (Conference of Parties). Amanda is also a Youth Environment Envoy (YEE) of National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore and a NEA Corporate Environment Champion.

Jasmine Soo
Expertise: Green Campaigns, sustainable development latest innovations & trends, impactful green events, international green summits

Jasmine is currently the Deputy Editor of Green Brunei. She perceives sustainability as a human right, harmonious coexistence with the environment as our responsibility, and the climate and environmental crisis as an opportunity. Apart from being actively involved in local environmental initiatives, she also follows international climate negotiations, particularly the UNFCCC process. She hopes to sharpen her analytical acumen through gaining knowledge and skills in engineering, and is eager to learn about how advancement in engineering drives green tech and low-carbon energy options. She possesses enthusiasm in entrepreneurship, music, literature, culture, and economics. She continues to live life, love life, and explore life.

Jody Liu
Expertise: Composting, Water conservation, Green Marketing

A firm campaigner of various environmental causes, she was one of the key member of Avelife, one of the largest social-environment movements in Asia. A beauty queen with a green heart,  she was Miss Earth Air 2010,  and has been inspiring youths to do their part for the environment and have conducted talks and workshops for schools, government agencies and non-profits. Jody has also represented Singapore in the East Asian Seas Congress Youth Forum in Republic of Korea that seeks to address Oceanic and Coastal Environmental Issues. Jody read management and marketing at Curtin University. Jody hopes to inspire and guide all to do their part for the environment and believes that “even baby steps take us somewhere”.

*Disclaimer: GB reserves the rights to postpone/cancel the program unforeseen circumstances. A full refund will be made in the event of cancellation.

Are you interested in environmental and climate change issues? Want to actively participate in advocating for change, promoting environmental education and contributing towards meaningful activities to protect our environment and the ecosystem?

After over 6 months of operation, Green Brunei is looking to expand its management and editorial team!

We are looking for committed volunteers who would like to have more involvement with Green Brunei as members.

Requirements

• Able to dedicate 5 hours per week
• Based in Brunei
• At least 18 years old

How to Apply

E-mail info@green-brunei.com with the position(s) you are interested in, and include your CV or experience related to the position(s).

Available Positions

GREENs (Writers)
More info: http://www.green-brunei.com/greens/
Report to: Jasmine Soo

Assistant Editors (2)

1. Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise GREENs.
2. Plan the contents of publications according to the publication’s style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements.
3. Any other required editorial work.

Report to: Fatin Arifin/Amanda Tew

IT / Web-developers (2)
Help with maintaining and updating the website
Report to: Amanda Tew

Creative Designer (2)
Help with designing artwork, logos, banners, posters and so on.
Report to: Casey Lam

Treasurer (1)
Help with maintaing accounts and funds.
Report to: Mark Cheng

Secretary (1)
Help with maintaining reports and letters, including managing PR matters. Must be able to write Malay and English documents well.
Report to: Khairunnisa Ash’ari

Green Directory Manager (1)
Help with maintaining the online directory to ensure information is up-to-date and add on new information.
Report to: Khairunnisa Ash’ari 

Ambassadors (Project Managers)
Project Managers are able to lead projects (either assigned to them or self-initiated) and recruit suitable people to be part of their project committee
Report to: Khairunnisa Ash’ari

Team Members (Project Officers)
Team members become part of project committee, assisting the ambassadors or project managers to organise their projects. Roles depend on the individual project, and we welcome people with experience/interest in IT support, logistical matters, secretarial work, event management and so on.
Report to: Khairunnisa Ash’ari

Volunteer Coordinator (1)
Help with recruiting and coordinating the work and tasks of volunteers, including organising team building activities and social outings (work with Eco-Tourism Manager).
Report to: Khairunnisa Ash’ari

The Green Leaders Youth Energy Summit 2013 was recently held from 27^th February to 2^nd March at the De La Salle University in Manila with the theme “Towards an Energy Efficient and Sustainable Future”. The summit provided a venue for students and young professionals within the country to work and form bonds as they join in the pursuit of overcoming today’s challenges in the local and global energy scenario. Through talks, lectures, and interactions, the summit aims to raise awareness and to build up consciousness on the issues and developments in the key fields in energy  – economics, security, environmental impacts, efficiency, and sustainability.

Brunei representative at the Summit

Representing Brunei Darussalam in the summit is the Community Engagement Director of Green Brunei, Khairunnisa Ash’ari. The trip was funded by the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and will help to provide capacity building resources for Green Brunei to develop future projects that are centric towards clean energy. With energy being an essential element in sustaining and securing life, it is vital for the youth to get involved in efforts channelled towards its issues and developments for the future. “As a platform that is run by youth for the youth, Green Brunei would be able to help spread the information and knowledge gained from this Summit through various methods including workshops, advocacy through social media as well as community development projects. The latter is directly in line with the mission of YSHHB in promoting community development initiatives,” she said.

The GLYES2013 is a follow-up on the first youth energy summit held last March 2011, which covered the technological aspects and processes of energy generation, transmission, and distribution. The second summit was focused on energy economics and security, and environmental impacts since they also play essential roles in the sector’s sustainability. The topics presented at the summit covered the different aspects of technology, economy, policy and social issues allowing participants coming from different background to benefit from and relate to the summit fully. These include technology innovation topics such as nano coat anti-heat solution and development in solar panel technology. In terms of policy, government representatives gave an overview about the policy mechanisms that have been developed such as FIT and net metering. Economists were invited to speak about energy economics and the impact of technological advances towards the economy. Youth speakers from different organisations spoke about youth leadership and youth-led campaigns in the Philippines.

Mr Foltz from USAID explaining about the various programmes introduced in the Philippines

Speakers were from government departments, NGO’s, research institutions, and private companies. The summit also aims to open an environment to bridge the youth, private sector, academic institutions, and government to collaborate in developing a sustainable energy sector.

Some of the topics presented at the summit include The Climate Change and Clean Energy Project by USAID, Promoting Renewable Energy: Regulatory Framework and Policy Direction by the Renewable Energy Association of the Philippines, Essence of Green Designs by Green Architecture Advocacy and National Framework Strategy on Climate Change by the Climate Change Commission.

Ms. Pebbles Sanchez, Planning Officer from the Climate Change Commission who delivered a talk on “Addressing Climate Change through Youth Empowerment”

Organised by several groups in De La Salle University, Philippine Scholars Alliance (PSA), and the World Youth Alliance Asia Pacific (WYAAP), GLYES2013 has proven to be as very insightful and educational summit. “Aside from technical knowledge and policy mechanisms, there were also a couple of sessions centred towards project management itself and leadership.

Project Management activity: “Wash Car, Do Dishes”

“I really learned a lot. Manila’s air quality is in a poor state so it was really good to hear the government representatives and NGOs talking about how their respective organisations are doing their part to curb the issue, such as through FITs, net metering and campaigns, almost similar to what Brunei has introduced. In particular I was really interested in the work of USAID in the Philippines as they are developing areas into eco-city. The speakers were all brilliant, each in their own sector. We had speakers from World Wildlife Fund, World Youth Alliance, Asian Development Bank and even some who has done work in other countries, such as the Sustainable Homes in New Orleans as a mitigation action following the hurricane that destroyed thousands of homes. Another important factor that made the speakers really engaging was that most of them are youth below 40 and more than half were close to the age of the participants, making their talk and experience very motivating and easier to relate to.

Participants testing out the nano coat anti-heat solution technology

Visit to Fort Santiago to learn about Jose Rizal’s history

“The talks were definitely relevant for Brunei. The Brunei government has definitely done a lot with regards to climate change mitigation and energy development in our country. But Manila has shown us as population increases drastically, demand for industrial development rises, more cars on the road and buildings were being built, there are a lot of areas we should be looking into to ensure that our air stays clean and our environment stays green.

“Following this summit, I would like to see the areas where Green Brunei could tap into with the help of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah as well as other stakeholders. Brunei is indeed lucky that we have a number of government and non-government organisations working on environmental programmes, but we could always do more so that “a green minded society” can become a norm rather than just a vision.

“Lastly, I would like to thank His Majesty for giving me the opportunity to participate in such a meaningful summit through the help of his foundation.”

The carbon market may still a nascent one in the world today but there is no lack of concerned proponents of the system. One of the latest venture in the region would by Singapore-based social enterprise, CarbonStory. Despite the  skepticism surrounding the carbon market, CarbonStory’s co-founder, Andreas Birnik assures that CarbonStory is developed on the standards of transparency.

CarbonStory hinges upon the concepts of gamification, crowdfunding and social networks to engage users as a solution to the conventional, albeit ineffective market-based approaches towards fighting climate change. For as little as a few dollars a month, users are encouraged to offset their own carbon footprint while “comparing themselves to their Facebook friends, join competing teams, earn badges and build their own climate change projects”, says Andreas. Every user will also get a personal page on the web so that the public may know of their actions towards mitigating climate change.

The projects offered at CarbonStory include both for-profit and non-profit projects to provide greater choices for the consumer. Andreas remarked, “it is important that both types of projects can bring social benefits in terms of job creation, training, improved infrastructure, improved access to reliable electricity supply and a cleaner local environment”. These projects definitely add an additional layer of meaning to fighting climate change.

As a result of consumers’ commitment to fighting climate change, communities in Africa and Latin America could reforest their environment and engage in sustainable land practices. Or, a community in Cambodia will be supplied with efficient cook stoves, going beyond the ‘general “cleantech” projects’. Andreas also acknowledged that there are people whose interests range from supporting NGOs working on small scale projects, to user who only want industrial scale projects because “it sends a clear signal to the mainsteam industry that they can profitably transform themselves to a low carbon economy”.

The team at CarbonStory has been working on easing consumers into fighting climate change through carbon offsetting since June 2011, and has since received raving support from the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) of Singapore and NUS Enterprise Incubator.

CarbonStory is a social enterprise based in Singapore with staff in London and Stockholm.

For more information, please visit:
Web: http://www.carbonstory.org/
Short Video: http://youtu.be/4K4nHLXMdTY
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarbonStory
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarbonStory
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/carbonstory
TEDx talk: http://www.tedxkrp.com/2012/andreas

Hello everyone,

Green Brunei have several events coming up, and we are looking for volunteers:

ECO-ENTREPRENEURSHIP SEMINAR
Partners: Envisage (Singapore)
Dates: 10 April 2013 (Briefing date to be announced)
Venue: Pusat Belia
Volunteers needed: 6
Tasks: Help to prepare/set up the venue, help to facilitate activities

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
Partners: Jerudong Primary School & The Body Shop
Dates: 23rd April (8.30am – 11am) & 27th April (7.30am – 11am)
Venue: Jerudong Primary School
Volunteers needed: 30
Tasks: Help to prepare/set up for tree planting, gardening and indoor activities.

ASIA-EUROPE BAG EXCHANGE PROJECT
An initiative by: Asia-Europe Foundation; co-sponsored by: Fitness Zone; co-organised by: Green Brunei, UVC, UBD
Date: 22 May (7.30pm – 10pm)
Venue: Giant Hypermarket Tasik Rimba
Date: 23 May (7.30pm – 10pm)
Venue: Hua Ho Kiulap
Volunteers needed: 10
Tasks: Help to distribute green bags to the public

If you are interested to take part, send us your full name, email address and phone numbers.
If you have not signed up on our volunteer database, you can do so here.

Thank you.

Attahira Kaseh
Volunteer Coordinator
volunteer@green-brunei.com

Interested? Please sign up by 6 April 2013. Eligible for students (Year 10 to university level) & teachers only. Write to khairunnisa.ashari@green-brunei.com to register (free).

Background of Envisage

Envisage Education Pte Ltd (Envisage) is a Social Enterprise that aims to provide holistic learning experiences and sustainable development to youths. With the use of simulation tools and workshops, Envisage emphasizes on empowering students with entrepreneurial skills and attitude to create social impacts in their communities. Envisage is the winner of the 2011 Rotary Youth Social Enterprise Competition and is also a registered member of the Singapore Social Enterprise Association, and a pre-approved “Youth Social Enterprise Program for Schools” provider administered by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (Singapore).

Objective of the Seminar

Envisage believes that Brunei’s resource rich natural environment can act as a springboard and a regional hub to educate the youths in the ASEAN region to be more environmentally and socially conscious. Envisage also believes in creating social and eco-friendly changes through sustainable approaches, by imparting entrepreneurial and innovative skills and attitudes.

Through the seminar, Envisage hopes to reach out to the decision makers of secondary schools of Brunei on the importance of cultivating a generation of youths who are eager to contribute and create sustainable social and environmental impacts. This can be done be signing up for the Envisage Eco-Socio Enterprise Experience program.

Cultivating Empathy and a “Change-maker’s” Attitude

The Envisage Eco-Socio Enterprise Experience program aims to motivate students and develop their socio-emotional resilience to pilot social projects. The students will learn social entrepreneurial skills and resource management skills. Social entrepreneurship skills include marketing, accounting and business skills. On the other hand, resource management skills include the management of energy efficiency, waste management and the balancing of the triple bottom-line.

Throughout the program, students will develop a sense of self-awareness while creating sustainable eco-social impact for the community. During the program, students will be assigned to groups and each group will carry out a social entrepreneurial project.

In conclusion, Envisage wishes to use the seminar as an outreach to Brunei’s education, spreading the importance of environmental conservation and creating social impacts through social entrepreneurship. With the holistic curriculum that Envisage has, we believe that the participants will be able to gain empathy and discover the joy and the need to be a contributing member of a bigger society. The curriculum aims to empower each individual youth and inspire them to become a “Change-Maker”.

Interested? Please sign up by 6 April 2013. Eligible for students (Year 10 to university level) & teachers only. Write to khairunnisa.ashari@green-brunei.com to register (free).

Aficionado Travel Tour is a two-day one-night trip organized by nine upper sixth Travel and Tourism students (henceforth referred to as Ahli Jawatan Kuasa, AJK) of Pusat Tingkatan Enam Meragang (PTEM). Their aim is to promote Brunei Darussalam heritage and culture. It was an instant hit among the students. There were thirty three participants, exceeding the original limit. The tour was also accompanied by four teachers and seven volunteer students. Each participant paid an amount of $40 – inclusive of accommodation, transportation, catering, activities, games, souvenirs and t-shirt.

Curious to find out what is the hidden treasure?

Day 1 (10 March 13, 2013)
The meet-up point was at the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) parking lot at 7am. Breakfast was provided and after a short prayer we set off to Sago Factory (Kilang Sago), Tutong. We were shown the traditional way of manufacturing sago. The locals generously made a bowl of ambuyat for us. Besides that, the locals also proudly presented the sago worms which could be eaten alive without the head or eaten fried by just adding salt. A participant commented that the worm was ‘tasteless’ but tasted better when eaten alive.

Fried sago worms

After that, we proceeded to Teraja Longhouse at Wasai Teraja, Belait District. We were welcomed by the sounds of engkerumungs (like guling tangan) and gong, and greeted by the locals with open hands. We experienced the Iban culture and lifestyle first-hand with two performances of the female Iban dance and the Iban silat moves. The participants and teachers also learnt a bit of the dance/silat moves. In addition, the locals prepared lunch for us.

After lunch, we headed to the waterfall which was an hour’s walk away from the longhouse. The AJKs briefed us on the DO’s/DON’Ts during jungle tracking. We were led by a few local kids within the age range of 7-18 years old. There were a lot of tricky obstacles to overcome: fallen tree trunks, holes, narrow tracks, soft soils, multiples small streams, places where we had to lower our heads and even bodies to get through, watching out for plants with thorns. Even so, it was totally worth it! We saw some trees with large buttress root. All of us reached the waterfall with the help of AJKs, feeling exhausted. The local kids jumped into the water and started swimming, while everyone was taking photographs or sitting down to cool off. After that, we headed back to the longhouse, where we bid goodbye to the locals and thanked them gratefully for allowing us to visit.

Then we headed to the Forestry Department Apartment. Upon reaching there, the participants were free to do their own activities: showering, pray etc. After dinner, participants were divided into three groups: yellow, green and black. Each participant introduced themselves. Each group was given a white cloth with which they had to use to design their team flag and then explain its meaning. The yellow team put together everything that was yellow and explained as follows “Banana indicates the source of energy; lightning represents speed; the sun shows how the team shines with teamwork. All these three symbols combined would lead to winning the trophy. The star is the substitute of the sun at night.”

We then played games which require thinking skills. One of the games involved having each participant in a certain group to guess the given traditional food while being blindfolded. All the games were enjoyable and brought a lot of laughter. The night ended with everyone getting into their sleeping bag for a good sleep.

Day 2 (11 March 2013)
Breakfast was served at 7 am. Everyone was touched that the AJKs made an effort to wake up at 4 am to prepare breakfast. After breakfast, we walked to Brunei Forestry Museum (Muzium Perhutanan Brunei) which was less than 10 minutes away. There we learn about the places of interest in Brunei, viewed the displayed bones of small animals, as well as their footprints and skins.

Next we went the Butterfly Garden which was also only a few minutes’ walk away. There were not many butterflies during the time of our visit. We were told that most butterflies have a lifespan of about 3-6 weeks only.

After that, we visited the Luagan Lalak Forestry Recreational Park (Taman Rekreasi Hutan Luagan Lalak). The participants walked around the park singing “If you’re happy and you know it”. We were then divided into teams again. While enjoying the scenery, we played games like the zombie tissue roll, water balloon and circle pass. We also had our lunch there.

Sungai Liang Recreation Park (Taman Rekreasi Sungai Liang) was our next stop. We played games involving teamwork while exploring the grounds of the parks at the same time. Each team had to complete eight games and then find an envelope which could be hidden anywhere. After each team finished, the winner was announce. The third place was the black team, while the yellow team, “Yellow-ness”, landed on the second place. The first place went to “BO-OM”, the trademark of the green “greenade” team.  Prizes were given out to each team and each participant also received souvenirs.

We went back to the apartment, packed and then left for Pantai Seri Kenangan, where everyone did all kinds of activities: playing Frisbee, drawing on the sand, throwing people’s slippers (substitute game of kayu tiga), taking a large number of photographs. We then headed back to the starting point, MOE parking lot, reaching there at around 7PM. Everyone was busy collecting their bags, distributing prizes and yelling goodbyes.

On behalf of the participants, I would like thank all the AJKs, volunteers and teachers for such a wonderful and exciting two-day adventure. We were grateful to all the AJKs and volunteers for watching out for us, preparing all the snacks and water, and being considerate, tolerant, and understanding. Thank you all for the memories. Last but not least, a huge thank you to the sponsors, Kenali Negara Kitani (KNK), Royal Brunei and also Brunei Forestry Department. We look forward to more trips by Aficionados Travel Tour in the future!

P/s : Special thanks to Muhammad Zawirul ‘Ifwat for introducing me to such an awesome trip.

To view more images, please click here. You can also click here to view a short video.

JOIN THE ASIA-EUROPE BAG EXCHANGE LAUNCH ON 17TH APRIL 2013

In conjunction with the Earth Day, Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) together with UBD Volunteer and Charity Club, Creative Academy of Narrative and Dramatic Arts and Sciences (CANDAS), Green Brunei and Fitness Zone Health Club invites you to the Opening Ceremony of Asia-Europe Bag Exchange in Brunei Darussalam. (Further details are given below).

Date: Wednesday, 17th April 2013, 1:30 – 4.30 PM
Venue: Inspiring Hall, Student Centre, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

Bring 4-5 plastic bags to get 1 durable bag for FREE!

About Asia-Europe Bag Exchange Program

To raise awareness on how plastic affects the environment, ASEF with co-operation of UBD Volunteer and Charity Club, CANDAS, Green Brunei and Fitness Zone Health Club will swap your plastic bags for a more durable one. This activity is part of ASEF’s Asia-Europe Bag Exchange that will be taking place in Bangkok (Thailand), Brunei Darussalam, Hong Kong SAR (China), Lucena City (the Philippines), Rotterdam (the Netherlands), Tres Cantos – Madrid (Spain) and Warsaw (Poland).

Information on the 18th ASEF University (AU18)

All organisers of these bag exchanges are participants of the 18th ASEF University (AU18), which took place in August 2012 in Tartu, Estonia. AU offers opportunities for promising students and young professionals, to explore current issues in various field through a programme of lectures and highly interactive activities. AU18 aimed to stimulate dialogue between young Asians and Europeans and residents of Tartu on the theme “Conscious Consumers for Environmental Sustainability”. With the Asia-Europe Bag Exchange, ASEF aims to reach out to the 49 Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) countries.

We look forward to seeing you there.
Regards,
Nursalwa Baharuddin
18th ASEF University Alumnus

ASEF promotes greater mutual understanding between Asia and Europe through intellectual, cultural and people-to-people exchanges. ASEF engaged over 17,000 direct participants through more than 600 projects in the realms of governance and human rights, economy and society, sustainable development and environment, public health, arts and culture and academic co-operation and education.

Click here to download the conference brochure.

Be the first one to RESPOND to the global challenges on Climate Change facing humanity.  Now on its 6^th year, the National Environment Conference, is Brunei’s largest conference on environmental sustainability.  This year’s conference will focus on understanding the behavior and decision-making of individuals and organizations and on using that knowledge to hasten our transition to an energy-efficient and low carbon economy.

ENGAGE in discussions on:

• Pressing issues and challenges on climate change
• How young people can make a difference
• Sustainable renewable energy options for Brunei
• Practical strategies for reducing our carbon footprint
• Role of technology in sustainable development

HEAR & LEARN from industry experts!

DISCOVER how Brunei will address this enormous challenge and whether individual actions can make a difference!

Click here to find out more!

The Early Bird Individual Discounted Rate of B$250 applies for registrations received before May 3. Regular Individual Rate of B$325 will apply thereafter. Save B$75 by signing up before May 3!

Alternatively, avail of group savings with a group of five delegates from your organization to avail of theGroup Rate of B$250 per delegate.

For more information or registration, please contact Ms Nanette Ramos at ramos.nanette@asiaincforum.comor phone 2226555 or visit the NEC website.

“Fighting climate change is moral, vital and in our own interest” ….UN Climate Conference

Message from the British High Commission:

Calling all creative and talented individuals!

This competition to design new livery for the British High Commission’s hybrid car contains the “funding dilemma” faced by governments all round the world when they seek to support and inspire researchers and designers, and to harness and focus their talents, without constricting them. At the British High Commission we have our own ideas, and a requirement that the winning design should provide a fitting “frame” for the address of our new website www.gov.uk/world/brunei.  At the same time, we have great respect for the creative powers of Bruneians, and we want to keep the parameters of our competition wide enough to include all the domestic talent “out there”. Anyone who has seen the current livery of our hybrid vehicle, which was designed by students at ISB, will know that we are an open-minded organisation!

So we are providing the following pointers (but these themes should not be considered exhaustive or prescriptive).

Our over-arching theme is ‘Innovation and Research’.

We want our car to be read as a tribute to Brunei’s growing Knowledge Economy, and the fact that, in Britain, the Sultanate has a natural partner in that endeavour.

The UK has won 76 Nobel Prizes for science and technology. That’s second in the world. Many of the most life-changing innovations over the last 25 years have had key parts made, designed or developed in the UK – from the World Wide Web to the cell phone with GSM services, General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) and dual-mode 3G. Every part of a Formula One car has some input from the UK, from design through to assembly and manufacture. 19 percent of the world’s top-selling medicines were developed in the UK and we attract almost 10 per cent of the world’s pharmaceutical R&D funding. With world-leading innovation in life sciences, from DNA to MRI to IVF, we have the largest life sciences sector in Europe with over 750 medical biotechnology companies and 2,750 medical technology firms.

Good luck. Amaze us!

Rules:

• Open to ALL Creative and talented individuals!
• Work submitted must be the entrant’s original creation
• Entrants are allowed to submit as many proposals as they wish
• The contest will begin accepting artworks on Wednesday, 27 March 2013
• The contest ends at 11.59pm on 28 April 2013
• Judges comprise of representatives from British High Commission, iCentre, BEDB, AITI and MixMedia Worx
• Selected entries will be used to decorate the British High Commission Toyota Prius (2010 model)
• Entries will not be returned to entrants and British High Commission and iCentre accepts no responsibility for the loss of or damage to any portfolios or other cases in which shortlisted entrants send their resubmissions.
• The prizes are non-transferable and no cash alternative will be offered to the winners.
• All entrants hereby license to British High Commission and iCentre the use of their entry for display on any British High Commission and iCentre-owned website and for display in a physical exhibition. Appropriate credits will be given to each item displayed, but British High Commission and iCentre shall not be under an obligation to hold such exhibitions, or to include every entry if it does.
• Each entrant warrants to British High Commission and iCentre that his/her entry is original, and made without the inclusion of material owned by any third party.

Criteria:

• All entries must use the template included here: http://immerse.icentre.biz/files/prius_template.pdf
• Traditional Hand-drawn entries must be drawn on the printed-out template from the link above
• Digital artworks and Traditional Hand-drawn artworks are acceptable
• May use any medium for the artwork (colour pencils, water colour, pencils, markers, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc)
• Must showcase views from the side, front and back following the template
• Artworks should portray British and Bruneian Cultures
• No prominent or provocative figures and images allowed
• Please include your Name, Gender, Birthdate, Identification Card Number, Email address and Phone number with your submission
• Artworks to be submitted to the Reception of iCentre no later than 11.59pm, Wednesday 28 April 2013:

iCentre
Block B28, Spg 32-37,
Kg. Anggerek Desa,
Jln Berakas, BB3713
BSB, Brunei Darussalam

Courtesy of The Brunei Times

The new public bus route map has just been released showing the new routes around Brunei-Muara District. Help reduce traffic and reduce petrol consumption by taking public buses whenever possible! Do take note of the operating hours which is between 6am to 8pm.

Written by Germaine Soo & Mark Cheng

During one of his business flight departing the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Greg, our Head of Corporate Communications, was pleasantly surprised when he caught sight of a row of villas in the shape of a palm tree on a coastline, as he looked out of the window. He did an online search later on and came to know about the Golden Palm Tree Iconic Resort & Spa at Kg. Bagan Lalang, a 35-minute drive from KLIA.

Greg wrote to the management and they not only agreed to an opportunity to experience a 2-day-1-night stay at the resort but they got Puan Raja Murni, the affable Marketing Manager, hosted us throughout our entire stay. Puan Raja Murni is the brain behind the resort’s marketing campaigns and communication plans.

Aerial View of Golden Palm Tree Iconic Resort & Spa, photo courtesy of Golden Palm Tree Resort & Spa Sdn. Bhd.

Coincidentally it was the Formula 1 during that weekend, and the resort was a hive of activities. We parked our cars at the car park nearby (with 24-h CCTV surveillance and guard-on-duty) and the resort shuttle ferried visitors to-and-fro. Check- in was at 3 p.m., and while waiting for the room to be ready, we tucked in at Sepoi Sepoi Cafe, which offers a wide variety of Malaysian local ‘kopitiam’ food.

Savouring Hainanese chicken rice, Nyonya vegetarian spring rolls, the signature  Red Touch and fresh coconut at Sepoi Sepoi Cafe.

The sea villas, with the kelong-style stilts, perched regally on the seawater of the Straits of Malacca. The picturesque blue sky and traditional villas with alang-alang roof, took us away from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you need a power rejuvenating break, this is indeed your green sanctuary on a beach.  

You can choose to take a stroll along the ‘frond’ to the sea villa and the club house and other restaurants that are located at the ‘different parts of the palm tree’ , or the buggy service is always ready.

Clockwise from left: Golden Palm Tree water villas, The lobby adorned with F1-themed deco because it is F1 season, Buggy service for the guests, Fire Brigade & Medic Buggy

The Travelers Palm Villa and Premier Travelers Palm Villa have 1 bedroom and outdoor private terrace , the latter with exposed alang-alang roofing (top floor).

The Ivory Palm Villa, the 2008 CNBC Best Interior Award winner, offers a breathtaking view of the sea.

The Canary Palm Villa features a roomy living area and consist of a room with a queen sized bed and a twin bed with 2 separate marble bathrooms. For the sharp-eyed readers, you will notice the art pieces in all the villas centre around palm trees.

With an ocean front view, 3 bedrooms, a spacious living room and kitchen, the Royale Villa lives up to its name with its regal presence. Perfect for royalties. p/s: The ladder is for guests to hang their wet swim wears (available in all villas), how thoughtful!

For the exercise junkie, there are many recreational activities that are free-of-charge at the resort: soak in the infinity pool (lifeguards are on duty during opening hours) overlooking the seaview, work out at the gym or  improve your fitness with yoga (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays).

Fancy a dip in the infinity pool or a work out at the gym?

Relax and re-energise your body and soul at the Escapade Spa. Whoever says pampering  oneself is the sole right of the girls? There are qualified masseurs offering professional service to guys too. Lovebirds can opt for couple spa package-there is a curtain that divides the treatment space in the same room, so privacy is preserved.

The Escapade Spa offers a wide selection of body, facial and nail treatments. There is a Jacuzzi, Sauna and various aesthetics treatment.

Dinner was a special treat of local grilled seafood at the Perahu restaurant which overlooks the Sunset Beach. As you can probably guess, this is the best spot to be for the spectacular sunset view. As we lost track of time while exploring the various sea villas, three of us ended up with a ‘romantic dinner’ at the deck, beneath the moonlight while enjoying the cool sea breeze.

Dinner at Perahu-Garden salad with sumptuous grilled prawn underneath-we were pleasantly surprised with this ‘ada udang di sebalik salad’!, grilled lobster spiced up with local flavour, grilled ikan kurau and ayam pulut. Despite the distance to the resort, the grilled seafood here is so popular that people in Kuala Lumpur actually drive here for dinner.

After dinner, you can take a stroll along the beach while star gazing and enjoying the cool sea breeze. If you are up for activities or a place to chill out, do head to the Buloh Bar or Selat Bar!

Buloh Bar-Poolside Bar with live entertainment; Selat Bar- nestled along the beach, games of snooker and darts available

We kickstarted the next morning with a hearty breakfast before making our way to the Smiley Beach.

Breakfast by the infinity pool. Picturesque view from the breakfast table.

 

At the Smiley Beach-water sports such canoeing, windsurfing and sailing are free of charge. Make sure you check out the schedule to know when the high tide is! The writers had fun biking amidst the kampung setting.

The Sunset Beach and Spice Garden. Perfect setting for an outdoor wedding. Trivia: Dato’ Lee Chong Wei (World No. 1 singles shuttler from Malaysia) and his wife, Datin Wong Mew Choo had their pre-wedding shots taken at the lovely Golden Palm Tree Resort.

Corporate & Wedding events-The resort also features large ballrooms perfect for corporate meetings.

 

At Hai Sang Lou (‘Restaurant above the Sea’) which serves pork-free dim sum and Cantonese cuisine, there was a new Dim-sum chef on board, and we had the honour to sample some dim sums which would be introduced in the new menu.

A scrumptious dim-sum lunch before we left the Golden Palm Tree.  Chef specialty seafood noodles.

Getting There

For our Bruneians or international readers, getting to the resort is easy. It took us about 30 minutes drive from LCCT Airport (The Air Asia terminal). You can easily get a taxi from LCCT, or airport transfer can be pre-arranged by the resort.

 

Overall ratings 

We would give 4/5 for overall ratings. The staffs are very friendly and affable, especially our host Puan Raja Murni. Amenities of the resort are aplenty. The place is perfect to chill and relax, and definitely we would return.

However, we hope the resort would include more environment features, such as food waste management, solar-powered charge points for buggy or an education campaign the resort’s environment conservation.

Booking

It is ideal to book at least a week in advance as it can get really packed during the weekends. You may make bookings via calling or online.

 

Golden Palm Tree Resort & Spa Sdn Bhd (637783-W)

Golden Palm Tree Resort is undergoing a rebranding exercise and it is soon to be AVANI! Exciting experience ahead.

About the Authors:

Germaine Soo- Guest Travel Reporter

Germaine is a pharmacist who loves travelling and writing. This is her official foray into travel writing and she hopes to share the best travel souvenir which she holds dear-the photos and experience itself- in this platform.

Mark Cheng- Chairman, Green Brunei

Mark writes mainly about sustainable tourism and green trends around Asia. A travel junkie, he scours Asia for green and rejuvenating resorts and tourism spots.

By Sylvain Richer de Forges

Progressing into the 21^st century a silent war is on-going; far apart from the tensions in the Middle East or the Korean peninsula, the on-going war is a silent and potentially devastating one between some of the smallest and largest organism on Earth: micro-organisms versus humans!

Our “allies” are also our “enemies”

Since the discovery of micro-organism in the 19^th century, we have made immense progress in our understanding of the micro-world and how they interact with the human body. We have learnt that our biological health mechanisms are closely linked to numerous species of microorganisms which help keep us healthy through the numerous complex services that they provide. In fact we often forget or ignore the fact that our bodies are composed of a multitude of micro-organisms without whom we would not be able to survive.

On the other hand we have also learnt that micro-organisms can sometimes turn against us in the form of various diseases and especially bacterial infections of various sorts. While we have learnt to counter attack many of these pathological microbiological threats, some remain more powerful than us. Common examples would include various types of Tuberculosis for which we still have no effective treatments.

Our “allies” invaluable protection

All the remedies that we know of today to deal with microbiological types of infections are administered through drug treatments. Many (if not all) of these remedies are derived from compounds first found in our natural environment (plants and animals).

We often tend to forget the benefits that other life forms give us in terms of welfare. Almost all of the medicines that we use today to cure our various bacterial diseases have been developed surrounding molecular properties identified in natural compounds. These include in particular complex molecules with anti-bacterial properties.

The diversity of life on Earth is the source from where complex compounds that can be derived into medicines are found. We are talking about the incredible bank of species from which we still know very little. The compounds are usually not found by chance but specific indicators or clues on how these species interact with other species give us a hint that they could potentially be a place to look for specific remedies.

What we know for sure is that we are incapable of finding new remedies to cure many of these existing, adapting and sometimes even new threats, without identifying and studying the original compounds in nature first.

Signs of “enemies” rising power

There are numerous reports and indicators showcasing the fact that more and more infections of unknown nature are occurring worldwide but most of concern is that a large proportion of these result in death due to the fact that we don’t have the means for treatment anymore. It is a fact that super bugs are on the rise!

Many of our once great successes in making the relatively safe risky procedures that the healthcare system benefits today will soon no longer be taken for granted. These include open cut hospitalisations: simple common operation procedures or even giving birth may well become life threatening events due to super bugs’ infections.

Indeed, certain micro-organisms are surprisingly adaptive. They have the ability to reproduce fast and therefore through accelerated evolutionary adaptations, progressively outsmart our medicines. In order to cope with this rapid adaptation, we are constantly at war with micro-organisms to keep ahead of the game by having in our possessions remedies strong enough to kill these life forms.

However, while this strategy has been in our favour for the last decades, it seems that micro-organisms are getting more and more adapted and faster than we can develop new treatments.

The loss of “arsenal”

Despite the more than ever need to preserve this precious resource, the current trend is heading towards a biodiversity crisis in which species are becoming extinct at a rate unprecedented in recent Earth history. For the first time ever the loss is not the result of any catastrophic event but the direct implication of our own behaviours (and therefore could be prevented).

Scientists have long been highlighting the fact that we are losing species at a rate at least 1000 times greater than the natural rate of extinction and that once extinct a species has forever disappeared from the surface of the Earth.

The vast majority of these species are being lost unknowingly as they have never been identified or studied. We know that species are declining fast from simple indictors such as the rapid loss of habitats and their associated ecosystems.

The business case

From a business point of view, loss of biodiversity and the collateral damages that it implies on us will cost very heavily the healthcare industry and society. In fact the super bugs have the potential to make our entire healthcare systems and structure collapse all together! Economists have long highlighted the link between biodiversity resources and the healthcare system and the economic risk towards which we are heading.

The strategy

The solution is clear, if we are to win the war against micro-organisms; we have to take biodiversity losses much more seriously and start to act more effectively to significantly limit the current rate of extinction of species on Earth. It is for our own good and the long term sustainability of our species.

The solutions are holistic in nature: In addition to putting more and more biodiversity rich areas under reserve (marine and terrestrial parks) we must also change all societal models to sustainable ones much more respectful of biodiversity and ecosystem services.  Everything that we do as a species from the choices of our energy use to how we manage water and other natural resources, have significant implications on biodiversity.

Even today, biodiversity and ecosystem services are very softly considered in corporations and government sustainability agenda. We should put these issues at the forefront of the development strategies if we are to succeed in the adoption of more sustainable societies.

In summary, we are truly facing a turn of force in which micro-organisms are getting stronger than the remedies that we have to protect ourselves against them. By continuing to lose biodiversity we are seriously endangering ourselves and destroying the only source of hope to counter attack the threat. We often see nuclear war as one of the most dangerous threat to humanity when a highly contagious microbiological infection is in fact a much more likely threat and one that we would be completely armless against without the help of other species…

Edward. O. Wilson: “We should preserve every scrap of biodiversity as priceless, while we learn to use it and come to understand what it means to humanity”

For general information on biodiversity and solutions to preserve it, please refer to the following resource: The Biodiversity Portal of Singapore: www.biodiversity.sg

About the Author

Sylvain Richer de Forges is an environmental scientist and a corporate sustainability specialist.

Over the last years he has been mostly working in Asia and was a key player in the development of various large scale environmental programs with government and private sector.

He is the author of the book “The Diversity of Life on Earth: from heritage to extinction” and the founder of the Biodiversity Portal of Singapore (biodiversity.sg)

Written by Yee Chen Ling

On 29 April 2013, St. George’s School had kicked off its annual Science Week. The theme for this year’s Science Week is ‘Conversation through Science and Technology’.

 About two weeks before the event, the teacher in-charge, Mr. Aywen Chak, informed the upper secondary about the upcoming event; since our class, Year 10 is currently doing a year-long project that revolves around the conservation of the flora and fauna.

My group, the Animal Avengers, have taken to consideration on making a recyclable sculpture of a cobra made out of tin cans to welcome the year of the snake.

We’ve managed to get a sponsor from Kingston Soda & Creamery Sdn Bhd of 800 aluminium tin cans in order to make this sculpture possible.

Not only did we use cans to accomplish this amazing sculpture; we had help from a lot of pipe cleaners, super glue and team work! So it’s true when they say that with teamwork, you can accomplish anything.

It took us about 3 meetings in the afternoon to complete the entire sculpture. We were running against time so things had to be done quickly.

Our agenda for the week was planned out by Mr. Aywen. On Wednesday, 1 May 2013, was our Animal Day showcase. This is where students who volunteered to show up with their pets can present their pets to the morning session. To make matters more fun, we created a voting system — the owners’ friends will come to vote and the highest amount of votes wins a prize! Also, there are prizes for the second and third.

The feedback given back by the students was astounding! We got more than what we expected. A boy brought his pet tarantulas, scorpion and his rainbow crab along to school. Also, a girl had brought her reticulated python to school.

The third day of Science Week was where all the fun was at. Not only had the Animal Avengers contributed to the fun, but also a few Year 9 Science students together with the Year 11 Science students. That day was also the presentation of the children’s colouring contests arranged by Team Aquamarine.

Our cobra sculpture was completed then. And so it was presented in the hall, spontaneously while the hall erupted with ‘woo’s and applause. That was it – our hard work has finally paid off from the reactions from the student-body.

Mr. Aywen decided to create a game called ‘Guess the Number of Tin Cans’. The event took up the entire day. In short, most of the students didn’t have any lessons.

The display of our cobra sculpture was the cherry on top of the “Animal Day” sundae. Nobody stole our lightning and that made us feel immensely appreciated, especially by the teachers and principal. The animals were very cooperative as well—well behaved and tamed pets.

The next day, the other project group, S.E.A hosted the ‘Green Day’ (the students were to wear green attire) by presenting multiple fun games on stage such as charades and animal quizzes. Another group, Vesuvius presented their rice-bag based outfits.

All in all the fourth day of Science Week was a huge hit. Eventhough the weather rained on our parade, we still had bundles of science fun.

Not only did our showcase stop on Wednesday, we had another showcase for the primary students in the afternoon. It was a fascinating experiment demonstration from us and our teacher, Mr. Aywen and his assistant, Syron Eugene. They were there to lend a helping hand.

We closed the week with enlightened children, the planting of trees donated by Project G, and a lot of cheering.

Sitting down around in a metaphorical circle, we agreed we ended the week with a big bang.

“It was definitely worthwhile, an experience worth to cherish,” one of the Animal Avengers’ member said.

“Stressful! I racked my brain on it but it turned out great. Don’t worry, I’m the engineer,” said the engineer of our cobra sculpture.

All things considered, I believed we worked like a well-oiled machine—considering the fact that we managed to complete a 4-metre long sculpture of a cobra in 3 days. The experience in my perspective was like climbing a mountain; however we haven’t gotten to the summit yet. So to enclose this post, I would like to extend my utmost gratitude (on behalf of the Animal Avengers) towards Green Brunei for providing us this great opportunity to let us write for their community; also the people who’ve made the cobra sculpture possible when the schedule was tight and the amazing drive that got us to become a great team.