Latest news with #Brunei
The Star
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Brunei temporarily closes embassy in Teheran
Photo of the Brunei Embassy in Tehran, Iran. - MFA Website BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Brunei Darussalam has announced the temporary closure of its Embassy in TehEran, the Islamic Republic of Iran, citing the current situation in the country. According to a statement released by the MFA, the Embassy has ceased operations on the ground and will continue to function remotely from Brunei Darussalam until further notice. 'There are currently no registered Bruneian nationals in the Islamic Republic of Iran,' the statement noted. It also confirmed that all Embassy personnel have been safely evacuated from Teheran. In the interim, any matters related to the Embassy can be directed to phone numbers +673 2381130 or +673 8722712, or via email at for further information or assistance. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The National
12 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
South-East Asian countries are broadly siding with Iran in its conflict with Israel. This isn't surprising
While some western leaders have been shredding what little remains of the rules-based international order by bizarrely insisting that the appropriate way to respond to Israel's illegal attacks on Iran is to state that 'Israel does have the right to defend itself', there is a different view in South-East Asia. The leaders of Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei have all condemned the aggression of the Israeli government, while Singapore has called for an immediate ceasefire. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was typically straightforward. 'We must stand up for the rights of our friends, including Iran, which has been wronged,' he said on Sunday. 'We defend Iran's right to retaliate in order to uphold its national dignity.' Referring to that retaliation, he said: 'Many European nations criticised and express outrage against Iran. But when Israel launched its attacks, they remained silent. I do not share that view.' His government would continue 'to uphold the principle of defending the rights and sovereignty of all nations,' he added. Brunei is a signatory – as is the UAE - to the joint statement by 21 Arab and Islamic countries which states their 'categorical rejection and condemnation of Israel's recent attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran since the 13th of June 2025 … while emphasising the necessity of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, adhering to the principles of good neighbourliness, and the peaceful settlement of disputes'. Asked about the Israel-Iran conflict on Monday, the head of Indonesia's Presidential Communication Office said: 'In every conflict, Indonesia's stance is always the same: condemning military aggression, encouraging de-escalation and ceasefire, and calling for a resolution through diplomacy and international law.' The stance in Jakarta is unsurprising. Iran's late president Ebrahim Raisi paid a state visit to Indonesia in 2023, and earlier this week local media quoted the Iranian ambassador as saying that a reciprocal invitation was being issued to President Prabowo Subianto. 'If Prabowo accepts [Iranian] President Masoud Pezeshkian's invitation, we can arrange the perfect time for their meeting,' he told them, a little precipitously, some may think, given the current circumstances. Mr Prabowo also appeared to speak for Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Tuesday, when the two appeared before reporters at Parliament House, Singapore, after a bilateral meeting this week, and said: 'We emphasise the importance of peaceful solution negotiations, and we call for an immediate ceasefire.' If the Israeli government wasn't a pariah before, it is now Only last month Mr Prabowo said that: "Indonesia has stated that once Israel recognises Palestine, Indonesia is ready to recognise Israel and open the diplomatic relationship." Don't expect much more of that kind of talk in the region for now. The words 'valid for all countries except Israel' are unlikely to disappear from Malaysian passports any time soon. As it is, international sporting events have already been stripped from Malaysia and Indonesia over the past few years after prominent politicians objected to Israelis taking part. Singapore's leadership probably keeps as quiet as possible about the city-state's long and close ties to Israel, which have caused protests this year and last. In fact, all countries in the region with significant Muslim minorities, and that includes Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar and the Philippines, need to tread carefully on the Israel-Iran conflict – which may be why their governments appear to have said or done little or nothing thus far. The reason for that is opinion among the region's about 250 million Muslims is, broadly speaking, pretty black and white: the government of Israel is – yet again – the aggressor, and Iran has the right to fight back. From my own experiences at conferences involving South-East Asian countries, I would suggest, however, it's important to note that the friendliness is with Iran as a state and as a fellow Muslim country. It's not about approval of the Islamic Republic per se, nor its activities interfering in other states in the Middle East. First of all, distance matters. Iran's support of the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon is in a faraway neighbourhood. Second, the South-East Asian view would be that all of that, including Iran's domestic political set-up, is none of their business. The principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other states applies, and Iran does not seek to intervene in South-East Asian states. This is also why the fact that Iran is Shiite, a form of Islam that is a tiny minority and not exactly encouraged in the overwhelmingly Sunni region, is not an issue. That is seen as an internal matter for Iran, and doesn't need to affect relations between states. Seen from South-East Asia, Iran is a state which has for centuries been an important part of the Islamic world. There is no reason at all why it should not be treated warmly as part of the 'friends with all' approach common in the region. The US and its allies may regard it as 'the principal source of regional instability and terror', as the recent G7 statement put it, but that doesn't persuade people in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta or Mindanao. After all, even if Tehran managed to achieve the nuclear bomb that it has always denied trying to build, it is highly unlikely that it would ever be pointed towards South-East Asia. And, in any case, I have heard pointed out many times: Israel has a nuclear bomb – why shouldn't Iran? The latter is simply not viewed as any kind of threat at all. Support for Israel, on the other hand, has always been low to the point of unmeasurable among the Muslim masses in South-East Asia, even if some elites were open to co-operation on security matters, for instance. Now it is hard to find anyone who isn't troubled by Israel's constant flouting of international law and complete disregard for civilian life. Iran has sometimes been said in the last few days to have 'no friends'. But if Tehran looks east, it will find hundreds of millions who are, at the least, well-disposed towards them. And in the current conflict, there's little doubt about whose side they are on.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Wood and Tendrill JV secures EPC contract in Brunei
Wood Group, in partnership with Tendrill International, has secured an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract from Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) for a period of five years. The TendrillWood joint venture (JV) will deliver brownfield EPC projects, encompassing the entire process from conceptual design to commissioning and start-up, for BSP's offshore and onshore assets. BSP is claimed to be the 'largest oil and gas producer in Brunei Darussalam' and plays a pivotal role in the region's oil and gas production. Wood CEO Ken Gilmartin said: 'This award strengthens our position as a trusted EPC partner in Brunei. For over a decade Wood has consistently delivered safe, reliable and efficient engineering and operations solutions to BSP, contributing to domestic energy security. 'Our experience of BSP's assets enables us to advance asset performance while enhancing local skills development and creating opportunities for the regional supply chain.' The TendrillWood JV, formed in 2023, employs around 1,000 individuals with Bruneians making up 70% of the workforce. The agreement also includes an option to extend the contract for an additional two years beyond the initial five-year term. Tendrill managing director Haryati Ramlee added:'This award marks a significant milestone for Tendrill and our joint venture with Wood. 'Our local expertise will complement Wood's experience to deliver safe, efficient and result-driven outcomes for BSP while aligning to the national agenda to maximise local content, capacity development and long-term value creation for the country. 'Our joint venture brings world-class standard to local operations while ensuring our people, our communities and our industries continue to benefit.' Earlier this year, Shell UK awarded a $120m (£94.77m) contract extension to engineering and consulting company Wood to continue providing brownfield EPC services for its onshore and offshore assets across the UK. "Wood and Tendrill JV secures EPC contract in Brunei" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
World's richest footballer is ex-Chelsea prodigy who is worth 40 times more than the Beckhams
World's richest footballer is ex-Chelsea prodigy who is worth 40 times more than the Beckhams David Beckham's wealth is the stuff of legend - but the former England captain still can't get close to the world's richest footballer, Faiq Bolkiah, who has a net worth of around £20billion Sir David Beckham, co-owner and president of Inter Miami CF (Image: Getty Images ) The recent knighthood of Sir David Beckham has further solidified his standing as a national icon, recognised for his footballing prowess and global impact. The 50-year-old, together with his wife Victoria, has constructed an empire that reaches well beyond the football field, with their combined wealth estimated at £500million, according to The Sunday Times Rich List. However, their wealth is dwarfed by the astonishing fortune of Faiq Bolkiah, the world's wealthiest footballer, whose net worth is reported to be around £20billion - approximately 40 times that of the Beckhams. Bolkiah, a 27-year-old winger who was once part of Chelsea's academy, is a member of the Brunei Royal family, with his vast wealth primarily due to his position as the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah. Unlike Beckham, whose wealth originates from a distinguished career with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and numerous profitable endorsements, Bolkiah's fortune is largely inherited. The Brunei Royal family's extensive assets include oil and gas reserves, luxury properties, and investments that overshadow the earnings of even the most successful sportspeople. While Bolkiah's football career has brought him modest earnings, his Royal status puts him in a financial league all of his own. In contrast, the Beckhams have carefully built their wealth through football, fashion, and media endeavours. Article continues below David's illustrious football career, which boasts 115 caps for England and numerous league titles, set the stage. His ventures post-retirement, including co-ownership of Inter Miami and securing lucrative sponsorships with brands like Adidas and Haig Club, have significantly amplified their wealth, reports the Mirror. Victoria's fashion empire, especially her namesake label, has contributed further millions to their fortune. The couple's business savvy is evident in their £70m in company assets and £40m in dividends over recent years. However, Bolkiah operates on a different level. His wealth affords him a lifestyle that includes private jets and supercars, making the Beckhams' collection of Bentleys and Range Rovers appear modest in comparison. While David and Victoria's property portfolio - encompassing a Notting Hill townhouse, a Cotswolds mansion, and a Miami penthouse - is impressive, Bolkiah's access to palatial residences across Brunei and beyond is unmatched. Despite his immense wealth, Bolkiah maintains a relatively low profile in football, focusing on his career in Thailand and with the Brunei national team rather than pursuing global fame. He currently plays for Ratchaburi, having transferred from fellow Thai League 1 club Chonburi in 2023. Before this, he was signed to Portuguese club Maritimo, but never made a senior appearance for the team. Faiq Jefri Bolkiah of Chonburi FC in action during the Thai League 1 match between Chonburi and Nakhonratchasima Mazda (Image: Getty Images ) Article continues below Bolkiah spent most of his youth career in England, initially with Southampton, then Chelsea and later Leicester. However, he was unable to secure a professional contract - despite being an international footballer (he's earned six caps for Brunei) since 2016. The contrast between Bolkiah and Beckham underscores the diverse routes to wealth in football. While David epitomises self-made success, utilising talent and branding to accumulate wealth, Bolkiah represents a unique crossroads of sport and inherited wealth, where football is more a passion than a financial necessity. As Sir David revels in the honour of his knighthood, his and Victoria's £500m empire, though impressive, pales in comparison to Bolkiah's billions, highlighting the staggering magnitude of the Brunei prince's wealth.
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Abang Johari: Sarawak-Brunei to move ahead with new CIQ complex project at Kampung Pandam
MIRI, June 14 — The Sarawak government has agreed in principle to the construction of a new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex at Kampung Pandam in Limbang, near the border with Brunei Darussalam, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. The proposed facility aims to improve cross-border connectivity, enhance security cooperation, and boost economic integration between Malaysia and Brunei. Abang Johari said the CIQ project was among the key topics discussed during recent bilateral engagements between the two nations. 'We have agreed in principle to upgrade the existing ICQ facilities at Kampung Pandam. This development will not only support smoother mobility for citizens of both Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam, but more importantly, strengthen the economic ties between our regions,' he said during a working visit to the Sungai Limbang Bridge site today. He noted the timing was appropriate, as the second Sungai Limbang Bridge is expected to be completed by April next year. The CIQ Pandam-Lumapas project has been under discussion at both the federal and Bruneian government levels, with ongoing negotiations to ensure readiness on both sides before implementation. Once completed, the new route will significantly shorten travel time between Limbang and Brunei. The journey is expected to take just 30 minutes – 15 minutes from Limbang to CIQ Pandam, and another 15 minutes from CIQ Lumapas to central Brunei. Accompanying the Premier on the site visit were State Minister of Utility and Telecommunications, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi; Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Hasbi Habibollah; State Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, Datuk Abdul Rahman Ismail; Batu Danau assemblyman Datuk Paulus Palu Gumbang; State Secretary Datuk Amar Abu Bakar Marzuki; and Limbang Division Resident, Unos Tambi. Earlier, Abang Johari also made a visit to the Limbang Museum. — The Borneo Post
