Increased participation from local and international bikers

Bandar Seri Begawan - The local and foreign motorcycling communities gathered at the Jerudong Park Amphitheatre yesterday night as the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Hj Abdullah, officiated the launching of the third Brunei Bike Week Festival.

Organised by the Independent Motorcycle Club (IMC) and Cityneon Brunei as the official contractor, the Brunei Bike Week returned for a third time with a confirmed increase in participation from countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and UAE.

Coinciding with the "Unity through Diversity" themed event, there will also be bike-related activities such as the Borneo Lady Bikers meeting at The Empire Hotel and Country Club. The Borneo Lady Bikers has 81 members from all across Borneo and has pledged to work closely with IMC towards supporting charitable organisations.

In his speech, Pg Azmanishah Pg Hj Abdul Rahman, President of the Independent Motorcycle Club Brunei, in his role as the Chairman of the Brunei Bike Week Organising Committee, highlighted that the festival helped to create a new segment for tourism with the slogan 'Ride to the Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures'.

"Most of the international riders and their family members will be visiting various places of interest in our country. The hotel rooms in Jerudong have been booked for the international participants," said Pg Azmanishah.

The Brunei Bike Week also served as an opportunity to showcase patriotism in conjunction with the 29th National Day through the display of mini flags on the bikes throughout the festival.

'In the aspect of road safety, we place great emphasis and focus on the handling of motorcycles. With the cooperation of Megamas Training, we will be conducting a road safety campaign and the said company will invite a professional expert from the United Kingdom to conduct training on "defensive riding". It is hoped that this will further enhance the expertise of the riders," he said.

The festival will include a range of activities such as a motorcycle custom show, cultural performances, clubs and motorcycling groups displaying their merchandise, a reptile show and "Ol Skol Versus New Skol Car show", among others.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin