Latest news with #Bruneians
The Star
21-06-2025
- The Star
Brunei cracks down on int'l drug cartel
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has thwarted an international drug syndicate which recruited five Bruneian men, local media reported on Thursday (June 19). The local men were recruited as drug couriers smuggling drugs into Europe via Brunei's neighbouring country, NCB said in a press release on Thursday. According to local daily Borneo Bulletin, those local men earned a total of 21,000 Brunei dollars (US$16,354) from smuggling Cannabis weighing 68 kg worth over a million Euros. The NCB expressed concern over the troubling trend of Bruneians being recruited for drug smuggling activities and urged them to resist being swayed by the enticing offers from the syndicate. - Xinhua
Malaysia Sun
20-06-2025
- Malaysia Sun
Brunei cracks down on int'l drug cartel
Xinhua 20 Jun 2025, 07:45 GMT+10 BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Brunei's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has thwarted an international drug syndicate which recruited five Bruneian men, local media reported on Thursday. The local men were recruited as drug couriers smuggling drugs into Europe via Brunei's neighboring country, NCB said in a press release on Thursday. According to local daily Borneo Bulletin, those local men earned a total of 21,000 Brunei dollars (16,354 U.S. dollars) from smuggling Cannabis weighing 68 kg worth over a million Euros. The NCB expressed concern over the troubling trend of Bruneians being recruited for drug smuggling activities and urged them to resist being swayed by the enticing offers from the syndicate.
The Star
19-06-2025
- The Star
Five Bruneians arrested for role in international drug syndicate
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Five Bruneian men aged between 22 and 38 have been arrested for their involvement in a cross-border drug smuggling operation orchestrated by an international drug syndicate, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) revealed in a statement on Thursday (June 19). The suspects were apprehended at various locations across the country during the final week of May 2025 as part of Operasi POTTER, a targeted enforcement effort led by the bureau. Investigations found that the individuals had been recruited by a foreign-based syndicate to act as couriers for delivering cannabis to destinations in Europe through third countries. Four of the suspects had reportedly completed multiple successful smuggling trips, handing over the drugs to syndicate members at pre-arranged locations abroad. One suspect, meanwhile, served as a recruiter, enlisting locals into the syndicate's operations in exchange for commissions for each successful delivery. NCB estimates that the total financial gain from their smuggling activities amounted to approximately BND21,000, while the total volume of cannabis trafficked reached 68 kilogrammes, with a street value exceeding BND1 million at the destination countries. The syndicate's modus operandi involved concealing drugs in specially modified luggage and fully covering all travel costs — including accommodation, airfare, and ground transport — as an incentive for locals to participate. Recruits were also encouraged to bring in new members to ensure the continuity of the trafficking operation. NCB expressed deep concern over the involvement of Bruneians in serious criminal activities abroad and reminded the public to remain vigilant against offers of quick financial gain, which could ultimately lead to severe legal consequences, imprisonment, or personal harm overseas. 'Participation in criminal activity, whether knowingly or unknowingly, is not a defensible excuse under foreign laws,' the bureau warned. The NCB also extended its appreciation to both local and international intelligence and enforcement agencies for their collaboration in ensuring the success of this operation. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Star
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Nine Bruneians conquer seven mountains in Central Java in seven days
The nine Bruneian climbers from diverse backgrounds during the adventure to conquer seven of Central Java's most prominent mountains. Photo: supplied BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: A group of nine determined Bruneians from diverse backgrounds embarked on an extraordinary adventure to conquer seven of Central Java's most prominent mountains within a span of just seven days. The ambitious expedition began on May 24 and concluded successfully on May 30, showcasing both the physical endurance and mental resilience of the team. Over the course of the week, the group scaled Gunung Lawu, Gunung Merbabu, Gunung Sumbing, Gunung Prau, Gunung Bismo, Gunung Sindoro, and the imposing Gunung Slamet. These peaks are among the most challenging and scenic in Central Java, each offering unique landscapes, varying terrain, and unpredictable weather conditions. The goal of the expedition was to reach the summit of all seven mountains in just seven days, a feat that required careful planning, teamwork, and determination. The climbers faced steep ascents, rugged trails, and the physical strain of consecutive climbs, yet their shared passion for mountaineering and adventure kept them motivated throughout the journey. This expedition not only tested their physical limits but also fostered camaraderie and a deep appreciation for nature's grandeur. The team's successful completion of this challenge reflects their commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring the natural wonders of the region. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
Associated Press
02-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Jollibee Continues Stellar Growth Across Southeast Asia, Strengthens Leadership in Key Markets
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 June 2025 - Jollibee, the flagship brand of Jollibee Group, continues its remarkable growth across Southeast Asia, recording strong sales performance and store expansion across key markets in the region. In Q1 2025, the brand achieved an impressive 27.8% systemwide sales growth across its Southeast Asia operations outside the Philippines, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. Jollibee's strong showing in Southeast Asia strongly contributed to the Jollibee Group's third consecutive year of record performance in 2024. With strong sales and continued store expansion, Jollibee deepens brand love and local patronage in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei The brand opened 51 new stores in the region in 2024, including its 200th store in Vietnam, which reflects Jollibee's commitment to bringing the joy of eating to the region's most dynamic quick-service restaurant (QSR) markets. 'We are grateful for our consumers' love for Jollibee, which reflects the strength of our flagship brand and the appeal of our offerings in different markets,' said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jollibee Group. 'Our continued strong growth across our international markets, particularly Southeast Asia, is a testament to the hard work of our team and commitment to our 5-year strategy of tripling attributable net income.' Winning with Local Love, Taste, and Innovation The brand's continuous effort to build relevance and resonance with local customers has resulted in strong local patronage across all Southeast Asian markets. In Vietnam, for example, where Jollibee now operates over 200 stores, nearly all customers are Vietnamese. In Brunei, Jollibee has established a leading position as the market leader in the QSR category, with virtually all customers also being local Bruneians. The brand is also experiencing strong community patronage in Singapore and Malaysia, where the majority of its consumers are locals. Another key driver of Jollibee's success in the region is the taste superiority of its products, especially the brand's world-famous Chickenjoy fried chicken—recognized by global platforms such as USA Today as the 'Best Fried Chicken' and lauded by renowned publications including Yahoo!, and South China Morning Post. The brand's Spicy Chickenjoy is also continuing to make waves, with many local consumers in Singapore and Malaysia praising its uniquely spicy kick compared to the competition. Beyond its fan-favorite bestsellers, Jollibee's success has also been fueled by its ability to introduce locally resonant menu innovations, including Chili Chicken in Vietnam and the Spicy Spaghetti in Malaysia, which have been well-received by local consumers. 'Our commitment to delivering superior taste has fueled our growth in Southeast Asia, and we're grateful to have passionate franchisees and partners who share in this mission,' shared Dennis Flores, President of Jollibee Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Australia. 'We are excited to strengthen these relationships, while also seeking new franchisees for new markets as we bring the joy of superior taste to more customers around the world.' Accelerating Expansion in Southeast Asia Riding on this momentum, Jollibee will continue its store network expansion across Southeast Asia, contributing to the global food company's mid-term goal of tripling its business in five years. This ongoing expansion reinforces Southeast Asia's critical role in Jollibee Group's global growth strategy, as the company continues its commitment to spreading joy through superior taste through global expansion, combining strong brand equity, product excellence, and operational agility. For more information on Jollibee Group, visit Jollibee Group's official website. Hashtag: #JollibeeGroup The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Jollibee Group The Jollibee Group (PSE: JFC) is one of the world's fastest-growing restaurant companies, driven by its purpose of spreading joy through superior taste. Its portfolio includes 19 brands with over 9,900 stores across 33 countries. The Jollibee Group's portfolio includes nine wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan), five franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S. and has recently invested in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology. The Jollibee Group's global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The Jollibee Group has been recognized as the Philippines' Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes' World's Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a three-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME's World's Best Companies and Fortune's Southeast Asia 500 List.
