First of all, allow me to thank TAP Supporter for the comment and ideas posted on 16th October 2004 on matters pertaining to Tabung Amanah Pekerja (TAP).

We would like to clarify that Tabung Amanah Pekerja is a retirement saving scheme that enables citizens and permanent residents of Brunei to save for their retirement benefits.

The functions and responsibilities of TAP are to receive members' monthly contributions, to invest and save them until such time as the members are entitled to make their contributory withdrawals subject to Section 17 of the TAP Act Chapter 167.

The Withdrawal Schemes offered by TAP are based on the withdrawal terms specified in Section 17 of the Tabung Amanah Pekerja Act Chapter 167. These Schemes are as follows:

a) Pre-Retirement at 50;

b) Retirement 55;

c) Housing;

d) Loss of Ability;

e) Emigration; and

f) Next of Kin

We are pleased to invite TAP Supporter to our office at any time of convenience (during working hours) so as to get more accurate information on the various Schemes offered under TAP.

To ensure the growth of the fund and the ability of TAP to provide a competitive dividend to its members, the fund is invested prudently with the view to achieve optimum returns that commensurate with acceptable risks. Besides maximising returns, our investment strategy is to also protect the value of the fund as well as it increases its real value over time.

As part of TAP's ongoing efforts, we will continue to identify ways and means to improve our current services to all TAP members. In this regard, we would welcome anyone to kindly submit their suggestion to TAP.

We hope these will help address some of your concerns. Should you require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us at TAP's Head Office 2382929 or visit our website at www.tap.gov.bn.

- Tabung Amanah Pekerja
Island Block Level 1.
Bangunan Kementerian Kewangan,
Commonwealth Drive, Jln Kebangsaan
Bandar Seri Begawan

As one of the rakyat of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, I am very proud to have His Majesty as our monarch because His Majesty is the first Head of State in the world to visit Aceh to look closely at victims of the tsunami.

His Majesty shows his leadership and courtesy not only to the people in His Majesty's country but also to the rest of the world.

His Majesty is really a noble leader, such a good example of ideal leadership. On behalf of the rakyat of Negara Brunei Darussalam, I am glad to say that "we are very proud of you".

- Hajah Ajijah binti Haji Momin

I'm just wondering if anyone happens to know where to seek jobs of our own interest?

I am a fresh graduate seeking employment, yet those mentioned in the daily papers are 'unfit' for me. I would be grateful if anyone could email the address of the human resource of TAIB, BSP, DST etc?

Thanks for any response.
- Job-seeker,
Looking4_A_path.

I'm looking for Mr Tai Chiat Tan. I've found your Monash University Card and a Learner Permit (Victoria Australia) on a parking lot in front of Pizza Hut Restaurant, Gadong.

Please contact me at this number: 2 239730 or see me at this address: Unit 23,1st floor, Qlap Complex (above EasyWay).

- Alai

The lives of our children are at risk! We all know how dangerous our roads can be but you hardly ever see children in car safety seats.

How can loving parents be so careless with the lives of their own children?

If the parents won't protect their children as laid down by Law, then the police must act! Child safety car seats are easily available.

New or second-hand, there is no excuse. We have had this law now for many months and nothing has changed.

Please act now to save the lives of the children who cannot protect themselves! The parents have had their chance to act, we must now think of the children.

- Car Seat Campaigner

Being one of the volunteers from the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (YSHHB) involved in the recent volunteering work for the Tsunami humanitarian effort, I really feel contented with the help given to the surviving victims of Aceh.

I would like to see such good deeds to continue in the future particularly in Afghanistan.

I watched a TV programme recently on Astro with a title 'From Barefoot to Herat' showing the tormented life faced by the Afghans especially children and women nowadays.

It is so touching and sad seeing these children growing up in such a tormenting environment.

Thus, I am suggesting the YSHHB and other organisations to look into this and do something about it. With the support of Bruneians, I am sure we can attempt humanitarian efforts just like we did in Aceh.

- Sincere Volunteer

The article, "We need proper industrial work experience," by Disappointed Students, which appeared on the February 2, 2005 edition of the Borneo Bulletin Opinion Column is referred.

The purpose of industrial attachments in Vocational and Technical Education is to allow students to gain first hand work experience, both in their trade skills as well as general work ethics.

A recommended task list is provided for all organisations to which a request had been made to accept students on industrial attachment.

The technical institutions and the supervisor from the organisation agrees on what can be achieved based on the recommended task list.

Once a student has been placed, several visits are conducted by the institution staff to monitor the progress of the students during their work attachment.

We welcome "Disappointed Students" to come forward to the Department of Technical Education.

We would be very pleased to investigate further and take corrective action. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all employers who have been supporting us in the conduct of our students industrial attachment since the past 20 years.

Their continued support is important in the implementation of our vocational and technical education programmes.

- Department of Technical Education,
Spg 347, Jalan Pasar Baharu,
Gadong BE 1310,
Ministry of Education,
Telephone : 2422300
Fax: 2422303

Some time in January 2005, I went to a department store in Kuala Belait to get some wrapping paper.

Upon reaching the section where the wrapping papers are displayed, I came across some sales staff sitting nearby 'popping out' pimples on one of the ladies' faces.

I was totally disgusted by it.

Worst of all, they didn't even stop knowing very well that I was there choosing papers.

They continued on and it wasn't even closing time - 2100hrs.

I think the relevant authorities should look into this matter because that sort of behaviour promotes bad hygiene.

Thank goodness they were not working in the food section.

- Disgusted