WTO negotiations collapse
Talk to the hand: WTO head Pascal Lamy gestures after the informal session during talks at the WTO headquarters, in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday. Picture: EPAGENEVA
Thursday, July 31, 2008
MARATHON talks on a new global trade pact collapsed on Tuesday (early morning yesterday in Brunei) as the US and India refused to compromise over a proposal to help poor farmers deal with floods of imports.
Ministers from other countries expressed incredulity that the trade liberalisation talks could have foundered in their ninth day over a technical measure to restrict imports.
"Someone coming from another planet would not believe that after the progress made, we would not be able to conclude," Brazil's Foreign Minister Celso Amorim said.
"This is a very painful failure and a real setback for the global economy at a time when we really needed some good news," EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson said, adding that developing countries would suffer most.
The collapse could hurt business sentiment even if it will have no immediate impact on trade and could fuel protectionist sentiment, encourage more bilateral trade deals and call into question how the world will deal with complex issues like climate change and the food crisis.
The failure to reach a breakthrough at the World Trade Organisation after nearly seven years of talks means the prospects for resuming the Doha talks to free up world trade if they can be resuscitated after the setback could be put back several years.
But WTO chief Pascal Lamy said ministers wanted him to revive the talks quickly and he would not "throw in the towel".
Lamy said the deal would eventually have saved the world economy US$130 billion a year just in lower tariffs.
He called ministers from about 35 key WTO players to Geneva last week to seek a breakthrough in the Doha round, launched in late 2001 to boost the world economy and help developing countries export their way out of poverty.
Ministers reached about 80-85 per cent of an outline deal on the core areas of farm and industrial goods, he said.
But differences in these areas between rich and poor countries and importers and exporters proved too much to bridge.
The final stumbling block concerned the "special safeguard mechanism" a proposal to let developing countries raise farm tariffs in the face of a surge in imports or collapse in prices.
India and Indonesia said they needed the measure to protect millions of subsistence farmers from unexpected shocks arising from opening up their borders.
But the US feared its agribusinesses would lose new markets just as it made painful cuts in its farm subsidies.
Developing country food exporters like Costa Rica and Uruguay said the measure as framed would cut them off from key markets and even reduce existing trade.
"It's unfortunate in a development round, the last mile we couldn't run because of an issue concerning livelihood security," Indian Commerce Minister Kamal Nath said.
The US and EU had also clashed with big emerging countries like India and China over flexible treatment for developing nations in cutting industrial tariffs.
US Trade Representative Susan Schwab said US offers for the talks remained on the table. "To ensure that the advances we made this week are not lost, the United States will continue to stand by our current offers, but we maintain that they are still contingent on others coming forward with ambitious offers that will create new market access. So far, that ambition is not evident," she said. Reuters
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
220,000 homes in US reclaimed by banks in last three months
220,000 homes in US reclaimed by banks in last three months
No shelter from the storm: Foreclosures have spiked in the worst housing slump in the United States in decades. Picture: AFP
WASHINGTON
Saturday, July 26, 2008
14% leap in 2nd quarter foreclosures with another 739,714 cases filed
US HOME foreclosures leapt nearly 14 per cent in the second quarter from the previous quarter, research group RealtyTrac said yesterday in a sign of deepening housing woes. About 220,000 homes have already been repossessed by banks in the second quarter.
On an annual basis, home foreclosure filings soared 121 per cent from the same period in 2007, RealtyTrac said in releasing a survey of the country's 100 largest metropolitan areas.
Foreclosures have spiked in the worst housing slump in decades and a related credit crisis that have brought the economy to a crawl.
With home prices falling and unemployment and inflation rising, homeowners are increasingly hard-pressed to make their home loan payments.
RealtyTrac said that foreclosure filings were reported on 739,714 US properties during the second quarter.
The California-based company said that one in every 171 US households had received a foreclosure filing and the distress was nationwide.
According to the survey, 48 of the 50 states and 95 of the 100 major city regions had experienced year-over-year increases in foreclosure activity.
"Although much of the fallout from foreclosures is being driven by rampant activity in a few states, such as Nevada, California, Florida, Ohio, Arizona and Michigan, most areas of the country are seeing at least some increase in foreclosure activity," said RealtyTrac chief executive James Saccacio said in a statement.
Nevada, California, Arizona and Florida, where home prices had boomed for several years before the collapse of the US housing market in 2006, led the country in foreclosures.
Nevada was the hardest hit, with one in 43 households in foreclosure action, nearly four times the national average rate. California had the most filings — a total of 202,599 — and had the second-highest rate at one in 65 households.
AFP
No shelter from the storm: Foreclosures have spiked in the worst housing slump in the United States in decades. Picture: AFP
WASHINGTON
Saturday, July 26, 2008
14% leap in 2nd quarter foreclosures with another 739,714 cases filed
US HOME foreclosures leapt nearly 14 per cent in the second quarter from the previous quarter, research group RealtyTrac said yesterday in a sign of deepening housing woes. About 220,000 homes have already been repossessed by banks in the second quarter.
On an annual basis, home foreclosure filings soared 121 per cent from the same period in 2007, RealtyTrac said in releasing a survey of the country's 100 largest metropolitan areas.
Foreclosures have spiked in the worst housing slump in decades and a related credit crisis that have brought the economy to a crawl.
With home prices falling and unemployment and inflation rising, homeowners are increasingly hard-pressed to make their home loan payments.
RealtyTrac said that foreclosure filings were reported on 739,714 US properties during the second quarter.
The California-based company said that one in every 171 US households had received a foreclosure filing and the distress was nationwide.
According to the survey, 48 of the 50 states and 95 of the 100 major city regions had experienced year-over-year increases in foreclosure activity.
"Although much of the fallout from foreclosures is being driven by rampant activity in a few states, such as Nevada, California, Florida, Ohio, Arizona and Michigan, most areas of the country are seeing at least some increase in foreclosure activity," said RealtyTrac chief executive James Saccacio said in a statement.
Nevada, California, Arizona and Florida, where home prices had boomed for several years before the collapse of the US housing market in 2006, led the country in foreclosures.
Nevada was the hardest hit, with one in 43 households in foreclosure action, nearly four times the national average rate. California had the most filings — a total of 202,599 — and had the second-highest rate at one in 65 households.
AFP
Sarawak soon to become Malaysia's top producer of rice
Sarawak soon to become Malaysia's top producer of rice
Regional industry: Top, rice drying outside a traditional long house. Bottom, paddy fields in Bario in the Kelabit Highlands of Sarawak. Pictures: flickr.com, picasaweb.google.com
JULIA YEOW
KUALA LUMPUR
Saturday, July 26, 2008
ONCE known for its untamed forests, rich cultural diversity and some of Asia's most exotic beasts, Malaysia's state of Sarawak on Borneo island might soon add another feather to its cap of attributes — the country's major producer of rice. The government is looking to the country's largest state, which covers five million hectares and makes up 35 per cent of Malaysia's land, as a potential key to resolving the increasingly worrying problem of low rice yields.
Rice, a staple food in Malaysian homes, has traditionally been planted in the northern states of eastern Malaysia, namely in Kedah, which is also known as the "Rice Bowl of Malaysia".
Kedah, and to a lesser extent the neighbouring state of Perlis, used to account for more than half the total 700,000 hectares of rice fields in the country, but over the past five years, an increasing number of paddy fields have been abandoned, largely because of a labour shortage, higher energy and fertiliser costs, and declining soil quality.
In 2000, the country produced 2.36 million tons of rice, or slightly less than 75 per cent of what the country consumed, leading the government to import more than 500,000 tons of rice from neighbouring Thailand and other countries, such as Myanmar and India.
Six years later, Malaysia's rice production covered barely 70 per cent of the needs of its 26 million people. Government agencies have said that unless the trend is reversed, the country would have to import close to 40 per cent of its rice by 2010.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi recently shelved several large developmental projects to pledge an additional US$9 billion ($12 billion) to raise rice production and ease poverty in the country as food prices escalate.
The government has also now turned to Sarawak and the smaller neighbouring state of Sabah in its hopes to raise the nation's rice self-sufficiency to at least 80 per cent by 2010.
Agriculture Minister Mustapa Mohamed told Parliament recently that aid would be given to rice-production ventures in the state, adding that several large areas of land in Sarawak had already been identified as possible cultivation sites.
"We want to strive so that Sabah and Sarawak can produce up to 86 per cent of the country's production," Mustapa said.
Abdullah's government has also urged private corporations to take up large-scale food-production ventures.
The first to take up the challenge was palm oil giant Sime Darby, which recently announced it has identified 7,000 hectares of land in Sarawak suitable for rice cultivation.
Sime Darby, the world's largest producer of palm oil, plans to use advanced technology rather than existing production methods to produce higher rice yields, chairman Musa Hitam said.
"God willing, it will be more than the average produced now," he said. "The Sarawak state government is positive about this, and they will make available more land."
Musa, who said details of the project have yet to be released, promised other similar ventures were to come.
Aside from opening up new land for cultivation, state Deputy Chief Minister George Chan has urged the government to introduce more financial incentives to farmers to improve planting methods.
"Our people have been planting paddy on the best spot for years, so it's best to improve existing farms," he said.
Chan also hailed new research efforts to come up with hybrid rice stocks.
"We have to think ahead and start producing rice with a certain value," he said.
While hopes are riding high that new technology and ample land in Sarawak would be the answer to the country's food shortage, others are concerned about the inevitable environmental impact that widespread clearance of land for paddy cultivation would have on the state's ecosystem.
"The effects go beyond the sheer disappearance of trees," said Shailendra Yashwant, campaign director of Greenpeace South-East Asia. "We are talking about biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, social upheaval and yet another spike in greenhouse gas emissions, all of which Malaysia can ill afford."
But with increasing prices of fuel and no immediate end to surges in the global prices of food, environmental losses could become an occupational hazard if more corporations look to Sarawak as they hop onto the rice-producing bandwagon.
DPA
Regional industry: Top, rice drying outside a traditional long house. Bottom, paddy fields in Bario in the Kelabit Highlands of Sarawak. Pictures: flickr.com, picasaweb.google.com
JULIA YEOW
KUALA LUMPUR
Saturday, July 26, 2008
ONCE known for its untamed forests, rich cultural diversity and some of Asia's most exotic beasts, Malaysia's state of Sarawak on Borneo island might soon add another feather to its cap of attributes — the country's major producer of rice. The government is looking to the country's largest state, which covers five million hectares and makes up 35 per cent of Malaysia's land, as a potential key to resolving the increasingly worrying problem of low rice yields.
Rice, a staple food in Malaysian homes, has traditionally been planted in the northern states of eastern Malaysia, namely in Kedah, which is also known as the "Rice Bowl of Malaysia".
Kedah, and to a lesser extent the neighbouring state of Perlis, used to account for more than half the total 700,000 hectares of rice fields in the country, but over the past five years, an increasing number of paddy fields have been abandoned, largely because of a labour shortage, higher energy and fertiliser costs, and declining soil quality.
In 2000, the country produced 2.36 million tons of rice, or slightly less than 75 per cent of what the country consumed, leading the government to import more than 500,000 tons of rice from neighbouring Thailand and other countries, such as Myanmar and India.
Six years later, Malaysia's rice production covered barely 70 per cent of the needs of its 26 million people. Government agencies have said that unless the trend is reversed, the country would have to import close to 40 per cent of its rice by 2010.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi recently shelved several large developmental projects to pledge an additional US$9 billion ($12 billion) to raise rice production and ease poverty in the country as food prices escalate.
The government has also now turned to Sarawak and the smaller neighbouring state of Sabah in its hopes to raise the nation's rice self-sufficiency to at least 80 per cent by 2010.
Agriculture Minister Mustapa Mohamed told Parliament recently that aid would be given to rice-production ventures in the state, adding that several large areas of land in Sarawak had already been identified as possible cultivation sites.
"We want to strive so that Sabah and Sarawak can produce up to 86 per cent of the country's production," Mustapa said.
Abdullah's government has also urged private corporations to take up large-scale food-production ventures.
The first to take up the challenge was palm oil giant Sime Darby, which recently announced it has identified 7,000 hectares of land in Sarawak suitable for rice cultivation.
Sime Darby, the world's largest producer of palm oil, plans to use advanced technology rather than existing production methods to produce higher rice yields, chairman Musa Hitam said.
"God willing, it will be more than the average produced now," he said. "The Sarawak state government is positive about this, and they will make available more land."
Musa, who said details of the project have yet to be released, promised other similar ventures were to come.
Aside from opening up new land for cultivation, state Deputy Chief Minister George Chan has urged the government to introduce more financial incentives to farmers to improve planting methods.
"Our people have been planting paddy on the best spot for years, so it's best to improve existing farms," he said.
Chan also hailed new research efforts to come up with hybrid rice stocks.
"We have to think ahead and start producing rice with a certain value," he said.
While hopes are riding high that new technology and ample land in Sarawak would be the answer to the country's food shortage, others are concerned about the inevitable environmental impact that widespread clearance of land for paddy cultivation would have on the state's ecosystem.
"The effects go beyond the sheer disappearance of trees," said Shailendra Yashwant, campaign director of Greenpeace South-East Asia. "We are talking about biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, social upheaval and yet another spike in greenhouse gas emissions, all of which Malaysia can ill afford."
But with increasing prices of fuel and no immediate end to surges in the global prices of food, environmental losses could become an occupational hazard if more corporations look to Sarawak as they hop onto the rice-producing bandwagon.
DPA
Utilise technology to boost rice production
Utilise technology to boost rice production
Rice planting: If Brunei wants to be self-sufficient in rice production, it should utilise high-yielding seeds and machineries to boost production. Picture: BT file
Hadi DP Mahmud
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Saturday, July 26, 2008
LOCAL rice farmers should be making use of high-yielding seeds and mechanised farming to fast-track Brunei's scant production levels of the staple food towards self-sufficiency, the country's biggest rice distributor said.
The high-yielding seeds cost more than the pusu seeds traditionally used by most local rice farmers, but the resulting crops can be harvested two to three times a year, said Chai Yum Fatt, the general manager of Asia Enterprise.
A shift in the use of seeds by the majority of Brunei's rice farmers could increase Brunei's self-sufficiency in rice which stood at a paltry 3.2 per cent last year in a shorter span of time, said Chai.
"With five acres of land you can produce eight to 10 tonnes of crops using the high-quality seeds," he said. Pusu seeds, according to Chai, can only produce 2.5 tonnes of harvest from five acres of land.
Asia Enterprise, the sole commercial venture in the country's agricultural sector, acquires the seeds from China and Taiwan, which cost about US$2.80 per kilo. Chai said the company is currently testing out six to seven different types of high-yielding seeds since last year to determine which would grow best in Brunei soil and produce the best results for Brunei consumers.
"The seeds that we have tested tend to produce shorter crops, which in our opinion is easier to harvest. The pusu seeds produce taller crops, which are prone to damage from strong winds," he said.
Only a minority of the local farmers are testing out new types of seeds to boost production, he added.
Datin Hjh Hazizah Hj Adam, who has been running a rice farm in Labi, Belait District since 1995, said she took a risk by planting hybrid seeds provided by the Department of Agriculture three years ago.
"I think not many people are planting these seeds because they are unsure of the results that it will bring, whether the consumers would actually like the finished product," said Datin Hjh Hazizah, who now has a 30-acre field and grows both types of seeds.
"People have been buying both my products from my stall at the Sumbangsih Mulia Complex, and they seem to like it. Both types don't taste the same but are not too different. You just have to know how to promote your products, and always refer to the Agricultural Department for advice and support," she said.
When she first started out, no machinery was used to plough the fields, cut the grass or spray pesticides over the crops. Once she realised that her business was about to get serious, she applied for a grant for subsidies from the agricultural department for farming machinery to boost production. Fertilisers and pesticides are also subsidised by the government, said Datin Hjh Hazizah.
According to Chai, mechanised farming is uncommon amongst local farmers, where the use of technology is limited to some family businesses run by retirees and ex-army officers.
"There are some who don't believe in technology, since most of those involved in the sector are of the older generation. Since long ago they haven't been using fertilisers and such, let alone technology," explained Datin Hj Hazizah. "There are quite a few who are planting rice just to pass the time during their retirement years."
Brunei's agricultural sector recently received a wake-up call when His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam warned in his 62nd birthday titah that the Sultanate must step up agricultural production and make food security a priority.
The monarch's warning comes as global food prices rise, which earlier this year sparked riots and protests in some countries, and restrictions on food exports by others. According to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), agriculture accounted for less than one per cent of Brunei's nominal gross domestic product in 2006. The country also imports more than 80 per cent of its food, the WTO said.
The Brunei Times
Rice planting: If Brunei wants to be self-sufficient in rice production, it should utilise high-yielding seeds and machineries to boost production. Picture: BT file
Hadi DP Mahmud
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Saturday, July 26, 2008
LOCAL rice farmers should be making use of high-yielding seeds and mechanised farming to fast-track Brunei's scant production levels of the staple food towards self-sufficiency, the country's biggest rice distributor said.
The high-yielding seeds cost more than the pusu seeds traditionally used by most local rice farmers, but the resulting crops can be harvested two to three times a year, said Chai Yum Fatt, the general manager of Asia Enterprise.
A shift in the use of seeds by the majority of Brunei's rice farmers could increase Brunei's self-sufficiency in rice which stood at a paltry 3.2 per cent last year in a shorter span of time, said Chai.
"With five acres of land you can produce eight to 10 tonnes of crops using the high-quality seeds," he said. Pusu seeds, according to Chai, can only produce 2.5 tonnes of harvest from five acres of land.
Asia Enterprise, the sole commercial venture in the country's agricultural sector, acquires the seeds from China and Taiwan, which cost about US$2.80 per kilo. Chai said the company is currently testing out six to seven different types of high-yielding seeds since last year to determine which would grow best in Brunei soil and produce the best results for Brunei consumers.
"The seeds that we have tested tend to produce shorter crops, which in our opinion is easier to harvest. The pusu seeds produce taller crops, which are prone to damage from strong winds," he said.
Only a minority of the local farmers are testing out new types of seeds to boost production, he added.
Datin Hjh Hazizah Hj Adam, who has been running a rice farm in Labi, Belait District since 1995, said she took a risk by planting hybrid seeds provided by the Department of Agriculture three years ago.
"I think not many people are planting these seeds because they are unsure of the results that it will bring, whether the consumers would actually like the finished product," said Datin Hjh Hazizah, who now has a 30-acre field and grows both types of seeds.
"People have been buying both my products from my stall at the Sumbangsih Mulia Complex, and they seem to like it. Both types don't taste the same but are not too different. You just have to know how to promote your products, and always refer to the Agricultural Department for advice and support," she said.
When she first started out, no machinery was used to plough the fields, cut the grass or spray pesticides over the crops. Once she realised that her business was about to get serious, she applied for a grant for subsidies from the agricultural department for farming machinery to boost production. Fertilisers and pesticides are also subsidised by the government, said Datin Hjh Hazizah.
According to Chai, mechanised farming is uncommon amongst local farmers, where the use of technology is limited to some family businesses run by retirees and ex-army officers.
"There are some who don't believe in technology, since most of those involved in the sector are of the older generation. Since long ago they haven't been using fertilisers and such, let alone technology," explained Datin Hj Hazizah. "There are quite a few who are planting rice just to pass the time during their retirement years."
Brunei's agricultural sector recently received a wake-up call when His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam warned in his 62nd birthday titah that the Sultanate must step up agricultural production and make food security a priority.
The monarch's warning comes as global food prices rise, which earlier this year sparked riots and protests in some countries, and restrictions on food exports by others. According to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), agriculture accounted for less than one per cent of Brunei's nominal gross domestic product in 2006. The country also imports more than 80 per cent of its food, the WTO said.
The Brunei Times
Friday, July 25, 2008
New tensions spoil struggling WTO talks
New tensions spoil struggling WTO talks
GENEVA
Friday, July 25, 2008
STRAINS between big and small countries worsened tension between rich and poor at WTO trade talks here yesterday as countries struggled to thresh out a new global free-trade pact.
Negotiators continued meetings after a gruelling session overnight, but despite efforts by some to stress progress was being made, it was clear stark differences remained over critical sticking-points.
"On some of the key issues, positions still remain too far apart," WTO director-general Pascal Lamy conceded at a meeting of the organisation's 153 members yesterday, his spokesman told reporters.
The World Trade Organisation has convened a meeting here of 35 leading trade negotiators with the aim of mapping out a deal to conclude the long-delayed Doha round of global trade talks.
The Doha round began seven years ago with the aim of helping poor countries, but it has been delayed by disputes between the rich developed world and poorer developing nations over cutting subsidies and tariffs.
After talks between all 35 invited delegations failed to deliver progress, Lamy has concentrated his efforts on trying to get a group of seven leading trade powers to find common ground.
Only the United States, the European Union, Japan, India, Brazil, Australia and China were involved in talks until the early hours yesterday morning, which drew complaints from smaller nations.
Eight delegations complained about the approach at a morning meeting, Rockwell said, with host nation Switzerland leading the criticism.
The European Trade Commissioner Mandelson admitted that the overnight trade talks had been counted among the "most difficult and confrontational negotiation" of his term.
In a blog, Mandelson, commissioner for the last four years, described the 12 hours of negotiation between the EU, United States, Australia, China, India, Brazil and Japan as "tense".
Leaving the meeting yesterday morning, India's Trade Minister Kamal Nath said there had been progress "but there is still some heavy lifting to be done".
The negotiations were meant to be finished today, but Rockwell said yesterday that they were likely to continue past this day.
"Clearly the timetable has slipped. Given our track record in this respect one should not be terribly surprised," he told reporters.Both the US and EU have made opening gambits by offering to reduce trade-distorting assistance to their farmers and they are now waiting for steps by developing nations to open their markets for industrial goods. On Tuesday, Washington offered to cut its official aid ceiling for its farmers.AFP
GENEVA
Friday, July 25, 2008
STRAINS between big and small countries worsened tension between rich and poor at WTO trade talks here yesterday as countries struggled to thresh out a new global free-trade pact.
Negotiators continued meetings after a gruelling session overnight, but despite efforts by some to stress progress was being made, it was clear stark differences remained over critical sticking-points.
"On some of the key issues, positions still remain too far apart," WTO director-general Pascal Lamy conceded at a meeting of the organisation's 153 members yesterday, his spokesman told reporters.
The World Trade Organisation has convened a meeting here of 35 leading trade negotiators with the aim of mapping out a deal to conclude the long-delayed Doha round of global trade talks.
The Doha round began seven years ago with the aim of helping poor countries, but it has been delayed by disputes between the rich developed world and poorer developing nations over cutting subsidies and tariffs.
After talks between all 35 invited delegations failed to deliver progress, Lamy has concentrated his efforts on trying to get a group of seven leading trade powers to find common ground.
Only the United States, the European Union, Japan, India, Brazil, Australia and China were involved in talks until the early hours yesterday morning, which drew complaints from smaller nations.
Eight delegations complained about the approach at a morning meeting, Rockwell said, with host nation Switzerland leading the criticism.
The European Trade Commissioner Mandelson admitted that the overnight trade talks had been counted among the "most difficult and confrontational negotiation" of his term.
In a blog, Mandelson, commissioner for the last four years, described the 12 hours of negotiation between the EU, United States, Australia, China, India, Brazil and Japan as "tense".
Leaving the meeting yesterday morning, India's Trade Minister Kamal Nath said there had been progress "but there is still some heavy lifting to be done".
The negotiations were meant to be finished today, but Rockwell said yesterday that they were likely to continue past this day.
"Clearly the timetable has slipped. Given our track record in this respect one should not be terribly surprised," he told reporters.Both the US and EU have made opening gambits by offering to reduce trade-distorting assistance to their farmers and they are now waiting for steps by developing nations to open their markets for industrial goods. On Tuesday, Washington offered to cut its official aid ceiling for its farmers.AFP
Gloom in European business
Gloom in European business
LONDON
Friday, July 25, 2008
EUROPE'S economy is taking a bigger hit than expected as the global credit crunch and rising costs erode corporate and consumer confidence, data showed yesterday.
Surveys of German, French and Italian businesses all came in below consensus expectations, British retail sales took a record fall and optimism among euro zone service providers hit its lowest point in at least 10 years.
German business sentiment suffered its biggest drop since the Sept 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Centre, according to the closely-watched Ifo index.
"It's a horrible number," Michael Klawitter, a currency strategist at Dresdner Kleinwort in Frankfurt, said of the main Ifo index at 97.5. It sent the euro down more than half a cent to a two-week low.
The RBS/Markit survey of around 5,000 companies across Europe showed euro zone services and manufacturing activity shrank at a faster pace than expected in July.
Official data showed French business confidence fell more sharply than expected in July to its lowest level in three years and Italian business morale fell to a near seven-year low.
"It's not good at all. I think there's a real risk of finding ourselves in a technical recession in France and the euro zone," said Olivier Gasnier at Societe Generale in Paris. A recession is usually defined as two successive quarters of economic contraction.
Evidence of weakness was widespread outside the euro zone too.
Denmark, which became the first European Union country to enter technical recession earlier this year, said its consumer confidence reading had fallen to a 16-year low.
Sweden added to signs of Nordic region's souring economic conditions when it said earlier yesterday unemployment had surged more than expected while wholesale inflation had picked up slightly.
And across the water retail sales in Britain slumped in June at the fastest rate since the series began in 1986.
"We think that a sharp consumer downturn is on the cards that will leave the economy flirting with recession over the coming quarters," said Nick Kounis at Fortis Bank.
The euro zone reports will make uncomfortable reading for the European Central Bank, which raised interest rates to 4.25 per cent this month to battle inflation at a record high of 4.0 per cent, way above its 2.0 per cent target ceiling.
"With growth slowing abruptly and inflation expectations off the peak, risks of a near-term ECB hike have diminished substantially," said Marco Valli and economist at UniCredit MIB.
The outlook in the 15-nation bloc is bleak as companies are pessimistic about their future with business expectations in the dominant service sector at 50.2, its lowest since the RBS/Markit survey began in 1998.
At the same time, inflation remains high. For months, commodity, fuel and food prices continued to breach new highs and have only recently begun to fall away.
Economies around the world have been undermined by a credit crisis that started with mortgage problems in the United States and falling house prices and led to blockage in money markets and several prominent bank failures.
Spain's economy is taking a particularly dramatic dive after the end of long-running housing boom, and yesterday's data included Spanish jobless numbers showing unemployment jumped to a higher-than-expected 10.4 per cent in the second quarter, its highest in three years.Reuters
LONDON
Friday, July 25, 2008
EUROPE'S economy is taking a bigger hit than expected as the global credit crunch and rising costs erode corporate and consumer confidence, data showed yesterday.
Surveys of German, French and Italian businesses all came in below consensus expectations, British retail sales took a record fall and optimism among euro zone service providers hit its lowest point in at least 10 years.
German business sentiment suffered its biggest drop since the Sept 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Centre, according to the closely-watched Ifo index.
"It's a horrible number," Michael Klawitter, a currency strategist at Dresdner Kleinwort in Frankfurt, said of the main Ifo index at 97.5. It sent the euro down more than half a cent to a two-week low.
The RBS/Markit survey of around 5,000 companies across Europe showed euro zone services and manufacturing activity shrank at a faster pace than expected in July.
Official data showed French business confidence fell more sharply than expected in July to its lowest level in three years and Italian business morale fell to a near seven-year low.
"It's not good at all. I think there's a real risk of finding ourselves in a technical recession in France and the euro zone," said Olivier Gasnier at Societe Generale in Paris. A recession is usually defined as two successive quarters of economic contraction.
Evidence of weakness was widespread outside the euro zone too.
Denmark, which became the first European Union country to enter technical recession earlier this year, said its consumer confidence reading had fallen to a 16-year low.
Sweden added to signs of Nordic region's souring economic conditions when it said earlier yesterday unemployment had surged more than expected while wholesale inflation had picked up slightly.
And across the water retail sales in Britain slumped in June at the fastest rate since the series began in 1986.
"We think that a sharp consumer downturn is on the cards that will leave the economy flirting with recession over the coming quarters," said Nick Kounis at Fortis Bank.
The euro zone reports will make uncomfortable reading for the European Central Bank, which raised interest rates to 4.25 per cent this month to battle inflation at a record high of 4.0 per cent, way above its 2.0 per cent target ceiling.
"With growth slowing abruptly and inflation expectations off the peak, risks of a near-term ECB hike have diminished substantially," said Marco Valli and economist at UniCredit MIB.
The outlook in the 15-nation bloc is bleak as companies are pessimistic about their future with business expectations in the dominant service sector at 50.2, its lowest since the RBS/Markit survey began in 1998.
At the same time, inflation remains high. For months, commodity, fuel and food prices continued to breach new highs and have only recently begun to fall away.
Economies around the world have been undermined by a credit crisis that started with mortgage problems in the United States and falling house prices and led to blockage in money markets and several prominent bank failures.
Spain's economy is taking a particularly dramatic dive after the end of long-running housing boom, and yesterday's data included Spanish jobless numbers showing unemployment jumped to a higher-than-expected 10.4 per cent in the second quarter, its highest in three years.Reuters
Japan exports shrink as global crisis grips Asia
Japan exports shrink as global crisis grips Asia
TOKYO
Friday, July 25, 2008
JAPAN'S exports unexpectedly fell in June for the first time in nearly five years as shipments to emerging markets sputtered after sustaining growth through the first year of the global credit crisis.
Exports to Asia grew at their weakest pace in three years with demand from China, Japan's biggest customer, growing at less than half the pace of May.
China and other emerging markets have largely escaped the initial impact of the global credit crisis triggered by US mortgage defaults. But with the world's main export markets in Europe and North America reeling from bank failures and a lending squeeze, a global slump looks increasingly likely.
"Exports to many Asian countries fell from the previous year, which suggests intra-regional trade in Asia may be losing momentum," said Maiko Noguchi, senior economist at Daiwa Securities SBMC.
"If the slowdown in the United States and Europe continues, that will affect Asian economies. Demand from emerging economies alone will not be enough to lead export growth," she said.
Japan's exports fell 1.7 per cent in June from a year earlier, marking the first fall in 55 months and surprising economists who had forecast a 3.8 per cent rise.
The decline was largely due to weak US and European demand for Japanese cars, as well as slowing exports to Asia, which make up about half of total exports of the world's second biggest economy.
Shipments to Asia rose 1.5 per cent from a year earlier, the smallest gain since May 2005, although a sharp drop in ship exports which tend to be volatile may have skewed the data. China-bound shipments rose 5.1 per cent, compared with a 12.2 per cent rise in May.
Exports to India, Asia's third-largest economy, which rose more than a third in the first half of this year, slowed to a 19.3 per cent rise in June. Sales to another fast-growing emerging economy, Brazil, also slowed, rising 20.7 per cent in June compared with an annual increase of 29.9 per cent in January-June.
That meant Japan may no longer count on Asia to make up for weak demand from industrialised nations. Exports to the United States fell 15.4 per cent, the biggest drop since November 2003. Those to the European Union were also down 11.2 per cent, the largest fall since March 2002.
Some companies are already feeling the pinch. Japanese auto giant Toyota Motor Corp is expected to revise down its global sales forecast for 2008 this month to factor in a sharp downturn in US demand for light trucks.
The decline in exports, combined with a rise in imports, slashed Japan's June trade surplus to ¥138.6 billion (US$1.28 billion), down 88.9 per cent from a year earlier.
The fall in exports supports the view that the Japanese economy contracted in April-June and raises the prospect that the economic expansion that started in 2002, Japan's longest in the post-war period, could be coming to an end.
The government has already conceded that the economy may be approaching a turning point.
"The data suggests that the contribution of net exports to GDP in April-June will probably turn out as zero or negative," said Junko Nishioka, an economist at the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Reuters
TOKYO
Friday, July 25, 2008
JAPAN'S exports unexpectedly fell in June for the first time in nearly five years as shipments to emerging markets sputtered after sustaining growth through the first year of the global credit crisis.
Exports to Asia grew at their weakest pace in three years with demand from China, Japan's biggest customer, growing at less than half the pace of May.
China and other emerging markets have largely escaped the initial impact of the global credit crisis triggered by US mortgage defaults. But with the world's main export markets in Europe and North America reeling from bank failures and a lending squeeze, a global slump looks increasingly likely.
"Exports to many Asian countries fell from the previous year, which suggests intra-regional trade in Asia may be losing momentum," said Maiko Noguchi, senior economist at Daiwa Securities SBMC.
"If the slowdown in the United States and Europe continues, that will affect Asian economies. Demand from emerging economies alone will not be enough to lead export growth," she said.
Japan's exports fell 1.7 per cent in June from a year earlier, marking the first fall in 55 months and surprising economists who had forecast a 3.8 per cent rise.
The decline was largely due to weak US and European demand for Japanese cars, as well as slowing exports to Asia, which make up about half of total exports of the world's second biggest economy.
Shipments to Asia rose 1.5 per cent from a year earlier, the smallest gain since May 2005, although a sharp drop in ship exports which tend to be volatile may have skewed the data. China-bound shipments rose 5.1 per cent, compared with a 12.2 per cent rise in May.
Exports to India, Asia's third-largest economy, which rose more than a third in the first half of this year, slowed to a 19.3 per cent rise in June. Sales to another fast-growing emerging economy, Brazil, also slowed, rising 20.7 per cent in June compared with an annual increase of 29.9 per cent in January-June.
That meant Japan may no longer count on Asia to make up for weak demand from industrialised nations. Exports to the United States fell 15.4 per cent, the biggest drop since November 2003. Those to the European Union were also down 11.2 per cent, the largest fall since March 2002.
Some companies are already feeling the pinch. Japanese auto giant Toyota Motor Corp is expected to revise down its global sales forecast for 2008 this month to factor in a sharp downturn in US demand for light trucks.
The decline in exports, combined with a rise in imports, slashed Japan's June trade surplus to ¥138.6 billion (US$1.28 billion), down 88.9 per cent from a year earlier.
The fall in exports supports the view that the Japanese economy contracted in April-June and raises the prospect that the economic expansion that started in 2002, Japan's longest in the post-war period, could be coming to an end.
The government has already conceded that the economy may be approaching a turning point.
"The data suggests that the contribution of net exports to GDP in April-June will probably turn out as zero or negative," said Junko Nishioka, an economist at the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Reuters
Thursday, July 24, 2008
HRH: Realising Asean-China FTA signals opportunities
HRH: Realising Asean-China FTA signals opportunities
HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah: Trade has grown 20% in two years.Picture: Infofoto
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Workshops hosted by Brunei to see young entrepreneurs getting together
NEW opportunities are emerging for local businessmen and women with the realisation of the Asean-China Free Trade Area, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah said during the Asean-China Post Ministerial Conference in Singapore.
"Our two-way trade has grown by some 20 per cent over the last two years. What now remains is to complete the Agreement on Investment to realise the Free Trade Area (ACFTA)," the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.
His Royal Highness said that the agreement will "represent a considerable advance in our economic cooperation" and have a "significant long-term effect on the lives of our people", despite the complexity and time consumption leading to the signing of the agreement.
The minister expressed his pleasure at the Framework of Cooperation between Bimp-Eaga and China and lauded China's efforts to set up the Pan Beibu Gulf Economic Sub-Regional Zone which will complement Brunei's effort in the Bimp-Eaga Sub-Regional Growth Area.
His Royal Highness said that workshops hosted by Brunei will soon see local entrepreneurs participating in the Asean-China Young Entrepreneurs' Association to exchange ideas and work closely together.
He continued to say that the idea came from the Commemorative Summit in Nanning which has produced a considerably strong dialogue which has resulted in Brunei's development.
His Royal Highness added that there was a need to continue negotiations on the agreement on investment and the Asean-China Centre Memorandum of Understanding.
"We would also like to develop an open skies agreement, in order to increase trade and tourism between Asean and China," His Royal Highness added.
The minister mentioned that the established relations between Brunei and China which has continued to strengthen should be further deliberated.
"There is now a need to consider what we can do to bring our ordinary people closer together in knowledge, understanding and appreciation of each other and our backgrounds, beliefs and ways of life," stated the minister.
The Asean-China Post Ministerial Conference was jointly chaired by His Royal Highness and China's Foreign Affairs Minister Yang Jiechi at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore.
Later in the evening a gala dinner was hosted by Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo at the Istana Banquet Hall. Also in attendance was Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, and other foreign ministers of Asean and its dialogue partners. (SHR1)
The Brunei Times
HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah: Trade has grown 20% in two years.Picture: Infofoto
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Workshops hosted by Brunei to see young entrepreneurs getting together
NEW opportunities are emerging for local businessmen and women with the realisation of the Asean-China Free Trade Area, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah said during the Asean-China Post Ministerial Conference in Singapore.
"Our two-way trade has grown by some 20 per cent over the last two years. What now remains is to complete the Agreement on Investment to realise the Free Trade Area (ACFTA)," the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.
His Royal Highness said that the agreement will "represent a considerable advance in our economic cooperation" and have a "significant long-term effect on the lives of our people", despite the complexity and time consumption leading to the signing of the agreement.
The minister expressed his pleasure at the Framework of Cooperation between Bimp-Eaga and China and lauded China's efforts to set up the Pan Beibu Gulf Economic Sub-Regional Zone which will complement Brunei's effort in the Bimp-Eaga Sub-Regional Growth Area.
His Royal Highness said that workshops hosted by Brunei will soon see local entrepreneurs participating in the Asean-China Young Entrepreneurs' Association to exchange ideas and work closely together.
He continued to say that the idea came from the Commemorative Summit in Nanning which has produced a considerably strong dialogue which has resulted in Brunei's development.
His Royal Highness added that there was a need to continue negotiations on the agreement on investment and the Asean-China Centre Memorandum of Understanding.
"We would also like to develop an open skies agreement, in order to increase trade and tourism between Asean and China," His Royal Highness added.
The minister mentioned that the established relations between Brunei and China which has continued to strengthen should be further deliberated.
"There is now a need to consider what we can do to bring our ordinary people closer together in knowledge, understanding and appreciation of each other and our backgrounds, beliefs and ways of life," stated the minister.
The Asean-China Post Ministerial Conference was jointly chaired by His Royal Highness and China's Foreign Affairs Minister Yang Jiechi at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore.
Later in the evening a gala dinner was hosted by Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo at the Istana Banquet Hall. Also in attendance was Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, and other foreign ministers of Asean and its dialogue partners. (SHR1)
The Brunei Times
484 hectares in Belait eyed for farm goods production
484 hectares in Belait eyed for farm goods production
SOBRINA ROSLI
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Thursday, July 24, 2008
THE Department of Agriculture is looking for farmers and agricultural companies interested in participating in the development of a 484-hectare land to help ease the country's dependence on farm commodities.
"Some farmers have shown interest in taking up the offer to develop the Bukit Sawat land (in the Belait district), confirmed players are still being awaited," Mohammad Sufri Abdullah, acting director of the department, said in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.
"We are looking for more farmers who are willing to take up the offer."
Various proposals have been received to develop the land, including projects to breed goats and chicken, he said.
Among the challenges in realising this agricultural development plan is attracting farmers and companies willing to develop land located in urban areas such as the Bukit Sawat area, he explained.
"Most investors would want the location to be nearest to them such as in Bandar, but places like Bukit Sawat are still considered far for them."
It could not be immediately verified as of yesterday what types of incentives await farmers and companies that will take up the offer to participate in this agricultural land development.
Moreover, the property has yet to be gazetted to the Department of Agriculture. Only after this is done will the department be authorised to push through the project.
"The problem we usually have is that the land has not been gazetted to the agriculture department. The land is still under the Ministry of Development. We are waiting for that," he said.
During His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei's 62nd Birthday Titah, His Majesty called upon government agencies concerned to develop a strategic plan and a national agricultural policy to guarantee national food security.
Brunei's rice production over the last 30 years had dropped by a drastic 74.5 per cent. In 1977, Brunei produced 4,259 tonnes of rice. Last year, this dropped 72.5 per cent to 1,084 tonnes. Brunei's rice production hit a record high of 9,766 tonnes in 1974.
During the 4th Legislative Council Meeting earlier this year Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Awg Hj Ahmad, the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, said that Brunei Darussalam's self-sufficiency in rice was 3.2 per cent in 2007. Local production stood at 895.3 metric tonnes while total consumption was 31,082 metric tonnes in 2006.
The Brunei Times
SOBRINA ROSLI
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Thursday, July 24, 2008
THE Department of Agriculture is looking for farmers and agricultural companies interested in participating in the development of a 484-hectare land to help ease the country's dependence on farm commodities.
"Some farmers have shown interest in taking up the offer to develop the Bukit Sawat land (in the Belait district), confirmed players are still being awaited," Mohammad Sufri Abdullah, acting director of the department, said in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.
"We are looking for more farmers who are willing to take up the offer."
Various proposals have been received to develop the land, including projects to breed goats and chicken, he said.
Among the challenges in realising this agricultural development plan is attracting farmers and companies willing to develop land located in urban areas such as the Bukit Sawat area, he explained.
"Most investors would want the location to be nearest to them such as in Bandar, but places like Bukit Sawat are still considered far for them."
It could not be immediately verified as of yesterday what types of incentives await farmers and companies that will take up the offer to participate in this agricultural land development.
Moreover, the property has yet to be gazetted to the Department of Agriculture. Only after this is done will the department be authorised to push through the project.
"The problem we usually have is that the land has not been gazetted to the agriculture department. The land is still under the Ministry of Development. We are waiting for that," he said.
During His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei's 62nd Birthday Titah, His Majesty called upon government agencies concerned to develop a strategic plan and a national agricultural policy to guarantee national food security.
Brunei's rice production over the last 30 years had dropped by a drastic 74.5 per cent. In 1977, Brunei produced 4,259 tonnes of rice. Last year, this dropped 72.5 per cent to 1,084 tonnes. Brunei's rice production hit a record high of 9,766 tonnes in 1974.
During the 4th Legislative Council Meeting earlier this year Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Awg Hj Ahmad, the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, said that Brunei Darussalam's self-sufficiency in rice was 3.2 per cent in 2007. Local production stood at 895.3 metric tonnes while total consumption was 31,082 metric tonnes in 2006.
The Brunei Times
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Teachers urged to embrace inclusive education system
Published on The Brunei Times (http://www.bt.com.bn/en)
Teachers urged to embrace inclusive education system
Embracing diversity: Some of the participants at the National Seminar and Workshop on Special Education 2008, which carries the theme 'Embracing Diversity: Strengthening Inclusive Schools'. Picture: Syafie Nadi
Syazwan Sadikin
BRUNEI-MUARA
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
PRINCIPALS and teachers should become more involved and open in assimilating special needs students in their schools and strengthen their support system for these students.
This was said by Datin Paduka Dayang Apsah Hj Abdul Majid, Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education during the opening of the National Seminar and Workshop on Special Education 2008 at Universiti Brunei Darussalam yesterday.
"It is crucial that we undertake this task to review and strengthen what has been implemented to date, to ensure access to quality education for all in the years to come," she said.
She added it was also important that teachers receive appropriate training to develop their competencies, understanding, knowledge and skills that are required to facilitate the development of inclusive schooling.
"Classroom teachers play a pivotal role in maximising each learner's potential, and must learn strategies and methods to make use of each child's strength, skills and preferred learning style," said Datin Apsah.
The benefits, she said, can advance the planning and evaluation of school support policies and practices to ensure the provision of quality educational plans for those with special needs.
The permanent secretary related that selected primary and secondary schools have been allocated additional funding and support such as special learning equipment or resources, specialist support services and teacher training programmes to provide a wide range of quality inclusive education for students with special needs.
She also stressed the importance of a child-friendly school, one that provides a conducive learning environment and to help realise a child's full potential, thus promoting and reflecting healthy living.
"All children with special needs can be valued, contributing members of society if given appropriate educational programmes facilities and support," she said.
Members of School Based Teams (a collection teachers supporting special needs students), said Datin Apsah, can also help ensure diversity is accepted in schools throughout Brunei, reflecting His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's desire to ensure all children have the opportunity to realise their potential.
About 500 participants consisting of educators and facilitators attended yesterday's seminar and workshop, which carry the theme 'Embracing Diversity: Strengthening Inclusive Schools'.
The event is organised by the Special Education Unit under the education ministry. Its objective is to provide a platform for participants to examine issues, challenges, barriers, opportunities and directions for the future.The Brunei Times
________________________________________
Source URL:
http://www.bt.com.bn/en/en/home_news/2008/07/23/teachers_urged_to_embrace_inclusive_education_system
Teachers urged to embrace inclusive education system
Embracing diversity: Some of the participants at the National Seminar and Workshop on Special Education 2008, which carries the theme 'Embracing Diversity: Strengthening Inclusive Schools'. Picture: Syafie Nadi
Syazwan Sadikin
BRUNEI-MUARA
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
PRINCIPALS and teachers should become more involved and open in assimilating special needs students in their schools and strengthen their support system for these students.
This was said by Datin Paduka Dayang Apsah Hj Abdul Majid, Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education during the opening of the National Seminar and Workshop on Special Education 2008 at Universiti Brunei Darussalam yesterday.
"It is crucial that we undertake this task to review and strengthen what has been implemented to date, to ensure access to quality education for all in the years to come," she said.
She added it was also important that teachers receive appropriate training to develop their competencies, understanding, knowledge and skills that are required to facilitate the development of inclusive schooling.
"Classroom teachers play a pivotal role in maximising each learner's potential, and must learn strategies and methods to make use of each child's strength, skills and preferred learning style," said Datin Apsah.
The benefits, she said, can advance the planning and evaluation of school support policies and practices to ensure the provision of quality educational plans for those with special needs.
The permanent secretary related that selected primary and secondary schools have been allocated additional funding and support such as special learning equipment or resources, specialist support services and teacher training programmes to provide a wide range of quality inclusive education for students with special needs.
She also stressed the importance of a child-friendly school, one that provides a conducive learning environment and to help realise a child's full potential, thus promoting and reflecting healthy living.
"All children with special needs can be valued, contributing members of society if given appropriate educational programmes facilities and support," she said.
Members of School Based Teams (a collection teachers supporting special needs students), said Datin Apsah, can also help ensure diversity is accepted in schools throughout Brunei, reflecting His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's desire to ensure all children have the opportunity to realise their potential.
About 500 participants consisting of educators and facilitators attended yesterday's seminar and workshop, which carry the theme 'Embracing Diversity: Strengthening Inclusive Schools'.
The event is organised by the Special Education Unit under the education ministry. Its objective is to provide a platform for participants to examine issues, challenges, barriers, opportunities and directions for the future.The Brunei Times
________________________________________
Source URL:
http://www.bt.com.bn/en/en/home_news/2008/07/23/teachers_urged_to_embrace_inclusive_education_system
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Boost rice production by commercialising sector
Boost rice production by commercialising sector
Bountiful harvest: The general manager of rice distributor Asia Enterprise said that if Brunei wants to enhance rice production, it should encourage local distributors to increase their yield. Picture: BT file
Adilah Ishak
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
BRUNEI needs to commercialise the production of rice if it is to increase rice production, according to the general manager of a local rice distribut0r.
Chai Yum Fatt from Asia Enterprise, which is the largest rice distributor in Brunei at present, added that the Agriculture Department should encourage local distributors to increase their yield towards boosting output.
Chai has been approached by the department to discuss the national need to cultivate more rice locally.
Recently, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in his birthday titah said Brunei can no longer depend on other countries to export rice given the rising prices of food.
Currently, Brunei imports 97 per cent of its rice from Thailand, and grows the rest locally.
Last Saturday, July 19, His Majesty visited the Asia Enterprise rice fields in Kuala Belait to get a first-hand look at the process of rice production.
The firm has 30 acres of land designated for rice cultivation. They are able to harvest three times a year with 38 tonnes per harvest.The next harvest will be on July 27.
According to Chai, he had applied for more land to cultivate rice but has yet to receive a positive response.
Besides big businesses like Asia Enterprise, small rice cultivators also play an important role in enhancing the local rice industry.
However, small-time cultivators have found their efforts to boost their rice production hampered by lack of assistance from the agriculture department.
For instance, Inche Said Hj Ahmad, a former member of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, has been cultivating rice since 2006. He specialises in beras pusu and sells the rice to friends and family as well as to the Agriculture Department.
However, he regularly faces problems with irrigation and pests. He has asked for help from the department, but received limited response.
Meanwhile, another rice cultivator who wished to remain anonymous said that she harvests her crops twice a year.
She has 35 acres of land reserved for rice plantation.
After His Majesty's titah, she hopes that the Agriculture Department will be more helpful in improving the harvest.
The agriculture department declined to comment on the issue. The Brunei Times
Bountiful harvest: The general manager of rice distributor Asia Enterprise said that if Brunei wants to enhance rice production, it should encourage local distributors to increase their yield. Picture: BT file
Adilah Ishak
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
BRUNEI needs to commercialise the production of rice if it is to increase rice production, according to the general manager of a local rice distribut0r.
Chai Yum Fatt from Asia Enterprise, which is the largest rice distributor in Brunei at present, added that the Agriculture Department should encourage local distributors to increase their yield towards boosting output.
Chai has been approached by the department to discuss the national need to cultivate more rice locally.
Recently, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in his birthday titah said Brunei can no longer depend on other countries to export rice given the rising prices of food.
Currently, Brunei imports 97 per cent of its rice from Thailand, and grows the rest locally.
Last Saturday, July 19, His Majesty visited the Asia Enterprise rice fields in Kuala Belait to get a first-hand look at the process of rice production.
The firm has 30 acres of land designated for rice cultivation. They are able to harvest three times a year with 38 tonnes per harvest.The next harvest will be on July 27.
According to Chai, he had applied for more land to cultivate rice but has yet to receive a positive response.
Besides big businesses like Asia Enterprise, small rice cultivators also play an important role in enhancing the local rice industry.
However, small-time cultivators have found their efforts to boost their rice production hampered by lack of assistance from the agriculture department.
For instance, Inche Said Hj Ahmad, a former member of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, has been cultivating rice since 2006. He specialises in beras pusu and sells the rice to friends and family as well as to the Agriculture Department.
However, he regularly faces problems with irrigation and pests. He has asked for help from the department, but received limited response.
Meanwhile, another rice cultivator who wished to remain anonymous said that she harvests her crops twice a year.
She has 35 acres of land reserved for rice plantation.
After His Majesty's titah, she hopes that the Agriculture Department will be more helpful in improving the harvest.
The agriculture department declined to comment on the issue. The Brunei Times
Friday, July 18, 2008
Brunei's Long Term Development Plan
There is an article on Brunei's Wawasan 2035, the Brunei's Long Term Development Plan for 30 years. Actually the launching of Wawasan 2035 was done early this year with several comments from forbes and coverage from NDP. An explanation of the Wawasan can be found in here.
The goals of the Wawasan are:
that is pursued by the following OSPD:
The OSPD then is supported by four development thrusts:
Through the following budget allocations:
The goals of the Wawasan are:
that is pursued by the following OSPD:
The OSPD then is supported by four development thrusts:
Through the following budget allocations:
Moral Degradation in Brunei
In the TV News last night, the host cited the Imam's preach during the Friday sermon. The main issue would be the perception that most Bruneians youth have a problem of moral degradation. I think it is related to the coming event of the celebration for Sultan's 62nd birthday. The suggestion would be the parents to be more strict in watching the children as the current youth are the future leaders of the country.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Brunei raises fuel prices for foreigners
Brunei raises fuel prices for foreigners
Tue Jun 17, 2008 7:46am BST
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, June 17 (Reuters) - Oil-rich Brunei will
substantially raise petrol and diesel prices for foreigners from June 19 to
rein in mounting fuel subsidies, the government said.
Like other Asian countries, the tiny but wealthy sultanate on Borneo island is
grappling with soaring subsidies in order to keep its pump prices the lowest
in Southeast Asia.
Brunei's Energy Ministry said late on Monday that foreign motorists would
have to pay B$1.18 ($0.86) for premium petrol, more than double the 53
Brunei cents for Brunei-registered vehicles.
The change takes the enhanced Brunei fuel price to the same level as in
neighbouring Malaysia. Since Malaysia raised petrol and diesel prices on
June 5, many Malaysians in east Malaysia have made a beeline for Brunei
to seek relatively cheaper fuel.
"We get hundreds of Malaysians taking their cars across the border daily
just to buy fuel," said one Brunei resident.
Brunei said diesel prices would be raised to B$1.13 a litre from the 31
Brunei cents it charges to Bruneians.
The government said sales of diesel to foreign vehicles rose by 66 percent
on June 5-6 compared with June 1-4 while sales of premium petrol rose by
36 percent during the same period.
Brunei spent B$202 million on fuel subsidies in 2007, up sharply from B$50
million in 2004, government data showed.
Oil and natural gas are the mainstay of Brunei's economy. The government
has told the people to conserve energy, saying petroleum resources would
not last forever.
"Some of us seem to have forgotten or have neglected the need to be
prudent when using these commodities," Energy Minister Yahya Bakar said
last month. (Writing by Jalil Hamid, Editing by Valerie Lee)
© Thomson Reuters 2008. All rights reserved. Users may download and print extracts of content from
this website for their own personal and non-commercial use only. Republication or redistribution of
Thomson Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the
prior written consent of Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters and its logo are registered trademarks or
trademarks of the Thomson Reuters group of companies around the world.
Tue Jun 17, 2008 7:46am BST
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, June 17 (Reuters) - Oil-rich Brunei will
substantially raise petrol and diesel prices for foreigners from June 19 to
rein in mounting fuel subsidies, the government said.
Like other Asian countries, the tiny but wealthy sultanate on Borneo island is
grappling with soaring subsidies in order to keep its pump prices the lowest
in Southeast Asia.
Brunei's Energy Ministry said late on Monday that foreign motorists would
have to pay B$1.18 ($0.86) for premium petrol, more than double the 53
Brunei cents for Brunei-registered vehicles.
The change takes the enhanced Brunei fuel price to the same level as in
neighbouring Malaysia. Since Malaysia raised petrol and diesel prices on
June 5, many Malaysians in east Malaysia have made a beeline for Brunei
to seek relatively cheaper fuel.
"We get hundreds of Malaysians taking their cars across the border daily
just to buy fuel," said one Brunei resident.
Brunei said diesel prices would be raised to B$1.13 a litre from the 31
Brunei cents it charges to Bruneians.
The government said sales of diesel to foreign vehicles rose by 66 percent
on June 5-6 compared with June 1-4 while sales of premium petrol rose by
36 percent during the same period.
Brunei spent B$202 million on fuel subsidies in 2007, up sharply from B$50
million in 2004, government data showed.
Oil and natural gas are the mainstay of Brunei's economy. The government
has told the people to conserve energy, saying petroleum resources would
not last forever.
"Some of us seem to have forgotten or have neglected the need to be
prudent when using these commodities," Energy Minister Yahya Bakar said
last month. (Writing by Jalil Hamid, Editing by Valerie Lee)
© Thomson Reuters 2008. All rights reserved. Users may download and print extracts of content from
this website for their own personal and non-commercial use only. Republication or redistribution of
Thomson Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the
prior written consent of Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters and its logo are registered trademarks or
trademarks of the Thomson Reuters group of companies around the world.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Monarch lauded for steering the economy
Published on The Brunei Times (http://www.bt.com.bn/en)
Monarch lauded for steering the economy
Sobrina Rosli and Debbie Too
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
HIS MAJESTY'S well-known benevolence aside, the monarch's success in steering the country's economy has earned him praises from both the diplomatic community, and business and industry.
"These are exciting times for Brunei," said Philippines Ambassador to Brunei Virginia H Benavidez. "And it is not just the gains from the increasing prices of oil, the fiscal surplus, the trade expansion.
"It is the host of economic initiatives and fiscal priorities being pursued by the Brunei Government," she stressed.
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has succeeded in promoting a vision of a "modern and economically sustainable country to the people", taking steps to ensure the crafting of the Wawasan Brunei 2035, the Outline of Strategies and Policies for Development 2007-2012, said Benavidez, who is also the dean of the diplomatic corps. This shows Brunei's determination to attain economic diversification.
Brunei's potential to further the gains of the oil and gas sector has also grabbed the attention of diplomats.
Indian High Commissioner to Brunei Riewad V Warjri emphasised the potential of Brunei's business environment to contribute to the growth of foreign direct investments.
"Now with the oil and gas prices being so high, the potential to move mid-stream and downstream is even better with Brunei's good geographical location," Warjri said.
Moreover, Benavidez lauded His Majesty's vision in regard to the establishment of the Sungai Liang Industrial Park, the i-Centre and the Muara Island Port, and initiatives to pursue the Pulau Muara Besar (PMB) project and the Brunei Halal Brand. This, she said, bode well for the growth of the Brunei economy.
"I believe that the development of the PMB project would have spin-offs in neighbouring countries as well, including the Philippines. It could serve as an important hub for the Bimp-Eaga sub-region.
"The thrusts and programmes of His Majesty's government through the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources to encourage the future generation of Bruneians to view agriculture as a lucrative commercial venture are laudable," Benavidez emphasised.
For his part, British High Commissioner to Brunei John Saville said: "Brunei has positive factors for business, it's safe, clean and has a good family environment. The 1.5 per cent average inflation is another positive factor and there are exciting things happening in the petroleum sector, where a diversification downstream could generate employment."
John W McIntyre, deputy chief of mission from the United States, said: "The United States of America looks forward to expanding the mutually beneficial trade with the people and businesses of Brunei. We believe both of our countries have the opportunity to enhance our productive, fair, and open commercial endeavours."
The Brunei Times
________________________________________
Source URL:
http://www.bt.com.bn/en/en/home_news/2008/07/16/monarch_lauded_for_steering_the_economy
Monarch lauded for steering the economy
Sobrina Rosli and Debbie Too
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
HIS MAJESTY'S well-known benevolence aside, the monarch's success in steering the country's economy has earned him praises from both the diplomatic community, and business and industry.
"These are exciting times for Brunei," said Philippines Ambassador to Brunei Virginia H Benavidez. "And it is not just the gains from the increasing prices of oil, the fiscal surplus, the trade expansion.
"It is the host of economic initiatives and fiscal priorities being pursued by the Brunei Government," she stressed.
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has succeeded in promoting a vision of a "modern and economically sustainable country to the people", taking steps to ensure the crafting of the Wawasan Brunei 2035, the Outline of Strategies and Policies for Development 2007-2012, said Benavidez, who is also the dean of the diplomatic corps. This shows Brunei's determination to attain economic diversification.
Brunei's potential to further the gains of the oil and gas sector has also grabbed the attention of diplomats.
Indian High Commissioner to Brunei Riewad V Warjri emphasised the potential of Brunei's business environment to contribute to the growth of foreign direct investments.
"Now with the oil and gas prices being so high, the potential to move mid-stream and downstream is even better with Brunei's good geographical location," Warjri said.
Moreover, Benavidez lauded His Majesty's vision in regard to the establishment of the Sungai Liang Industrial Park, the i-Centre and the Muara Island Port, and initiatives to pursue the Pulau Muara Besar (PMB) project and the Brunei Halal Brand. This, she said, bode well for the growth of the Brunei economy.
"I believe that the development of the PMB project would have spin-offs in neighbouring countries as well, including the Philippines. It could serve as an important hub for the Bimp-Eaga sub-region.
"The thrusts and programmes of His Majesty's government through the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources to encourage the future generation of Bruneians to view agriculture as a lucrative commercial venture are laudable," Benavidez emphasised.
For his part, British High Commissioner to Brunei John Saville said: "Brunei has positive factors for business, it's safe, clean and has a good family environment. The 1.5 per cent average inflation is another positive factor and there are exciting things happening in the petroleum sector, where a diversification downstream could generate employment."
John W McIntyre, deputy chief of mission from the United States, said: "The United States of America looks forward to expanding the mutually beneficial trade with the people and businesses of Brunei. We believe both of our countries have the opportunity to enhance our productive, fair, and open commercial endeavours."
The Brunei Times
________________________________________
Source URL:
http://www.bt.com.bn/en/en/home_news/2008/07/16/monarch_lauded_for_steering_the_economy
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
If 'science + math = intelligent' where are the arts in Brunei?
If 'science + math = intelligent' where are the arts in Brunei?
Blogger Roxie
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
I BELIEVE that in Brunei, as in many other Asian countries, science is still considered to be more valued and respected than the arts.
For example, in the economic powerhouse that is Japan it is found that the academic achievement of Japanese students is high by international standards. Japanese children consistently rank at or near the top in successive international tests of most mathematics.
The top five countries scoring the highest in Math and Science are found in Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan — further asserting the importance of such subjects in the various Asian nations. In Brunei however, kids are split and categorised into two streams, science and arts, upon entering high school and you can all guess which out of the two is more revered. My parents say this seperation however has been going on since they themselves were at school where many were made to feel that because they were learning History instead of Chemistry they were at a slight disadvantage. It seems that then and still now our education system is hoping to garner more scientists and mathematicians evident in the conception of Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan (Science College Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan) and its reputation for being "the best run secondary school in Brunei Darussalam". This suggests that we as a nation are trying to catch up to our Asian neighbours in terms of educational excellence by emulating their educational systems. Put simply, it seems that the equation "science + math = intelligent" is ingrained in many Bruneian minds today.
Yet, there seems to be many weaknesses in this science-math oriented system.
Let's face it, not everybody has the brain for it and each person has their own individual niches. Some kids might naturally be great with numbers while others might have a knack for drawing, singing or acting. In my case from an early age I knew I wasn't a science or math whiz. I distinctly remember my kindy teacher speaking to my parents about how I would write the number "8" by putting two zeroes on top of one another. (Haha. Don't worry, I learnt to write it thecorrect way).
Basically what I'm getting at is that I find many Bruneian kids lack outlets for personal creativity and expression.
Although we have slowly begun to introduce Sports Schools and Performing Arts Schools I believe there is a stigma attached to careers involving the arts including theatre, music and fashion, among many.
I myself have met many young Bruneians who possess such talents in the aforementioned fields that find themselves discouraged due to the impression of the lack of recognition and stability if one were to pursue such career paths. For instance, if one were a painter how many art galleries in Brunei would be able to purchase your paintings? If one were a writer how many publishing houses are available to publish your novels? And I could go on and on with a list of examples. If we do not take the necessary steps to ensure that we create a thriving environment for culture and the arts we might just miss the opportunity to have our very own Andy Warhols, Coco Chanels, Jack Nicholsons and Brontes. Personally I find it very sad that growing up I did not have any Bruneian luminaries to aspire to be or admire. Still today, from off the top of my head I can't think of any famous Bruneian novelists, artists, actors, fashion designers and athletes. Furthermore, living abroad for a large part of my life when it came to introducing myself to people from other countries not only is there a common misunderstanding that Brunei is situated in the Middle East but also that we are merely famous for our oil and gas. We should strive to change that misconception, don't you think? We should learn to appreciate that Brunei's young ones have an array of talent and gifts waiting to be discovered.
While having scientists and mathematicians is a good thing, we must recognise that in order to diversify our country's resources we must first diversify the talents of our people because Brunei's definitely got more talent waiting to be tapped.
www.acc2size.com
Blogger Roxie
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
I BELIEVE that in Brunei, as in many other Asian countries, science is still considered to be more valued and respected than the arts.
For example, in the economic powerhouse that is Japan it is found that the academic achievement of Japanese students is high by international standards. Japanese children consistently rank at or near the top in successive international tests of most mathematics.
The top five countries scoring the highest in Math and Science are found in Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan — further asserting the importance of such subjects in the various Asian nations. In Brunei however, kids are split and categorised into two streams, science and arts, upon entering high school and you can all guess which out of the two is more revered. My parents say this seperation however has been going on since they themselves were at school where many were made to feel that because they were learning History instead of Chemistry they were at a slight disadvantage. It seems that then and still now our education system is hoping to garner more scientists and mathematicians evident in the conception of Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan (Science College Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan) and its reputation for being "the best run secondary school in Brunei Darussalam". This suggests that we as a nation are trying to catch up to our Asian neighbours in terms of educational excellence by emulating their educational systems. Put simply, it seems that the equation "science + math = intelligent" is ingrained in many Bruneian minds today.
Yet, there seems to be many weaknesses in this science-math oriented system.
Let's face it, not everybody has the brain for it and each person has their own individual niches. Some kids might naturally be great with numbers while others might have a knack for drawing, singing or acting. In my case from an early age I knew I wasn't a science or math whiz. I distinctly remember my kindy teacher speaking to my parents about how I would write the number "8" by putting two zeroes on top of one another. (Haha. Don't worry, I learnt to write it thecorrect way).
Basically what I'm getting at is that I find many Bruneian kids lack outlets for personal creativity and expression.
Although we have slowly begun to introduce Sports Schools and Performing Arts Schools I believe there is a stigma attached to careers involving the arts including theatre, music and fashion, among many.
I myself have met many young Bruneians who possess such talents in the aforementioned fields that find themselves discouraged due to the impression of the lack of recognition and stability if one were to pursue such career paths. For instance, if one were a painter how many art galleries in Brunei would be able to purchase your paintings? If one were a writer how many publishing houses are available to publish your novels? And I could go on and on with a list of examples. If we do not take the necessary steps to ensure that we create a thriving environment for culture and the arts we might just miss the opportunity to have our very own Andy Warhols, Coco Chanels, Jack Nicholsons and Brontes. Personally I find it very sad that growing up I did not have any Bruneian luminaries to aspire to be or admire. Still today, from off the top of my head I can't think of any famous Bruneian novelists, artists, actors, fashion designers and athletes. Furthermore, living abroad for a large part of my life when it came to introducing myself to people from other countries not only is there a common misunderstanding that Brunei is situated in the Middle East but also that we are merely famous for our oil and gas. We should strive to change that misconception, don't you think? We should learn to appreciate that Brunei's young ones have an array of talent and gifts waiting to be discovered.
While having scientists and mathematicians is a good thing, we must recognise that in order to diversify our country's resources we must first diversify the talents of our people because Brunei's definitely got more talent waiting to be tapped.
www.acc2size.com
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
SCORE can provide training and facilities in renewable energy
SCORE can provide training and facilities in renewable energy
Sarawak State Secretary: Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot at the briefing on SCORE. Picture: Jefrisalas
HADI DP MAHMUD
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
THE Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) will be able to provide Brunei with a convenient destination for training and human capital development facilities, the state secretary of the Sarawak government said.
"The training facilities that we will be offering will not be restricted for our use only. It will be for the people in this region," Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot told The Brunei Times following a briefing attended by the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and ministry officials at the Empire Hotel and Country Club yesterday.
SCORE, which stretches 320km from Bintulu to Mukah in the Malaysian state of 607,800 people, is expected to bring in up to RM500 billion worth of investments and create some 1.6 million jobs over a 30-year period. Out of the 67 industries identified, 10 priority industries have been pinpointed to attract local and foreign direct investors.
"When you're starting an industry, manpower will be needed. Initially we will be sourcing them from the outside. But by 20, 30 years from now we're going to see this pool of expertise from many different countries, who will be sharing essential knowledge amongst themselves," said Datuk Amar Wilson.
The core of the corridor is the energy resources, particularly hydropower (28,000 MW), coal (1.46 billion tonnes), and natural gas (40.9 trillion square cubic feet) found in abundance in the Central Region. The Regional Corridor Development Authority, which will be managing and implementing the projects, says this will allow Sarawak to price its energy competitively and encourage investments in power generation and energy-intensive industries.
The state secretary gave the briefing in the presence of Dato Sri Hj Awg Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak's second Minister of Planning and Resource Management and Minister of Public Utilities, who was in the country with Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Hj Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng, Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak.
The Sarawak delegation was in Brunei for three days as part of Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Hj Muhammad Salahuddin's introductory visit.
Sarawak State Secretary: Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot at the briefing on SCORE. Picture: Jefrisalas
HADI DP MAHMUD
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
THE Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) will be able to provide Brunei with a convenient destination for training and human capital development facilities, the state secretary of the Sarawak government said.
"The training facilities that we will be offering will not be restricted for our use only. It will be for the people in this region," Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot told The Brunei Times following a briefing attended by the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and ministry officials at the Empire Hotel and Country Club yesterday.
SCORE, which stretches 320km from Bintulu to Mukah in the Malaysian state of 607,800 people, is expected to bring in up to RM500 billion worth of investments and create some 1.6 million jobs over a 30-year period. Out of the 67 industries identified, 10 priority industries have been pinpointed to attract local and foreign direct investors.
"When you're starting an industry, manpower will be needed. Initially we will be sourcing them from the outside. But by 20, 30 years from now we're going to see this pool of expertise from many different countries, who will be sharing essential knowledge amongst themselves," said Datuk Amar Wilson.
The core of the corridor is the energy resources, particularly hydropower (28,000 MW), coal (1.46 billion tonnes), and natural gas (40.9 trillion square cubic feet) found in abundance in the Central Region. The Regional Corridor Development Authority, which will be managing and implementing the projects, says this will allow Sarawak to price its energy competitively and encourage investments in power generation and energy-intensive industries.
The state secretary gave the briefing in the presence of Dato Sri Hj Awg Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak's second Minister of Planning and Resource Management and Minister of Public Utilities, who was in the country with Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Hj Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng, Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak.
The Sarawak delegation was in Brunei for three days as part of Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Hj Muhammad Salahuddin's introductory visit.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
School leaders urged to enhance skills
School leaders urged to enhance skills
Official launching: Hjh Aishah Hj Muhd Husain (L), director of Schools Department officially opens the seminar for private school administrators, yesterday.Picture: Courtesy of MoE
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Sunday, July 6, 2008
SCHOOL leaders must be prepared to accept changes, adapt and upgrade their knowledge and skills to ensure that schools perform well in order to produce knowledgeable human resources, said the director of the Ministry of Education's Schools Department.
"It is the duty of schools leaders and administrators to be efficient, creative and professional in accepting changes positively in all areas, including academic, co-curriculum, and sports," said Hjh Aishah Hj Muhd Husain yesterday.
During the opening of the seminar for school administrators of private schools, she said that research have shown that school administrators are the key in bringing positive changes and success towards a school's achievement and students' performance.
"For any educational institution to do well and be effective, it is very crucial for everyone concerned to be committed and play their part," she said during the seminar at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Primary School.
"This is a big challenge for the school administrators in ensuring that the quality, variety and continuity in the education system is based on the Malay Islamic Monarchy concept," she added.
She also urged the administrators to keep abreast with current affairs and issues, including the new education system (SPN21) which will be introduced in stages from 2009 onwards. The director noted that the number of private schools in Brunei has increased, resulting in the rise of quality education and providing more opportunities for basic education in the country.
As of May 2008, there are more than 31,000 students in private schools, with 87 private schools currently registered with the Ministry of Education compared to 23 schools in the 1990s, she said.
Hjh Aishah said that the seminar is one of the ministry's initiatives to achieve its five-year strategic plan, including the Education Order 2003 and Compulsory Education Order 2007.
The one-day seminar for administrators in private schools serves to highlight the status of the current developments and expectations placed on the Education Ministry, the director said.
Hj Mohammed Jambul, chairperson of the seminar's organising committee and acting assistant director at Private Education Section at Ministry of Education, hoped that the seminar would act as a capacity building tool for the participants and enable networking among the schools.
The seminar was divided into four sessions. Four presenters were on hand to deliver different topics with regards to private schools administration, including Hjh Donnaliza Abdullah Puasa, the acting director of Schools Inspectorate who talked on school improvement through school self evaluation and external inspection.
Other topics include instructional leadership, expectations on the ministry's policies and counselling in administration.
A 28-year-old female who wished to remain anonymous, said that the seminar gave her ideas on how to improve her work and the school's standard and education quality.
Another participant, who would like to be known simply as Rina from DES school, said the seminar helps her to prepare for administrative work as she has recently been transferred to administration from teaching. (RSH1)
The Brunei Times
Official launching: Hjh Aishah Hj Muhd Husain (L), director of Schools Department officially opens the seminar for private school administrators, yesterday.Picture: Courtesy of MoE
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Sunday, July 6, 2008
SCHOOL leaders must be prepared to accept changes, adapt and upgrade their knowledge and skills to ensure that schools perform well in order to produce knowledgeable human resources, said the director of the Ministry of Education's Schools Department.
"It is the duty of schools leaders and administrators to be efficient, creative and professional in accepting changes positively in all areas, including academic, co-curriculum, and sports," said Hjh Aishah Hj Muhd Husain yesterday.
During the opening of the seminar for school administrators of private schools, she said that research have shown that school administrators are the key in bringing positive changes and success towards a school's achievement and students' performance.
"For any educational institution to do well and be effective, it is very crucial for everyone concerned to be committed and play their part," she said during the seminar at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Primary School.
"This is a big challenge for the school administrators in ensuring that the quality, variety and continuity in the education system is based on the Malay Islamic Monarchy concept," she added.
She also urged the administrators to keep abreast with current affairs and issues, including the new education system (SPN21) which will be introduced in stages from 2009 onwards. The director noted that the number of private schools in Brunei has increased, resulting in the rise of quality education and providing more opportunities for basic education in the country.
As of May 2008, there are more than 31,000 students in private schools, with 87 private schools currently registered with the Ministry of Education compared to 23 schools in the 1990s, she said.
Hjh Aishah said that the seminar is one of the ministry's initiatives to achieve its five-year strategic plan, including the Education Order 2003 and Compulsory Education Order 2007.
The one-day seminar for administrators in private schools serves to highlight the status of the current developments and expectations placed on the Education Ministry, the director said.
Hj Mohammed Jambul, chairperson of the seminar's organising committee and acting assistant director at Private Education Section at Ministry of Education, hoped that the seminar would act as a capacity building tool for the participants and enable networking among the schools.
The seminar was divided into four sessions. Four presenters were on hand to deliver different topics with regards to private schools administration, including Hjh Donnaliza Abdullah Puasa, the acting director of Schools Inspectorate who talked on school improvement through school self evaluation and external inspection.
Other topics include instructional leadership, expectations on the ministry's policies and counselling in administration.
A 28-year-old female who wished to remain anonymous, said that the seminar gave her ideas on how to improve her work and the school's standard and education quality.
Another participant, who would like to be known simply as Rina from DES school, said the seminar helps her to prepare for administrative work as she has recently been transferred to administration from teaching. (RSH1)
The Brunei Times
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