Stories by Ain Bandial on The Scoop

Ain Bandial

Ain is co-founder and editor of The Scoop. She previously worked as a journalist for The Brunei Times covering diplomacy and security in Southeast Asia, as well as national issues related to the economy, trade and gender inequality. Ain’s work has also appeared in Reuters, AFP, The Jakarta Post, The Straits Times, among others.

MoFE: Expansion of Hengyi complex will be ‘significant’ boost to Brunei economy Gov't is near agreement with Hengyi to begin construction on Phase 2 of petrochemical complex

September 29, 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The Brunei government and Hengyi Industries are “very close” to an agreement to begin a multi-billion dollar expansion of…

Coronavirus: One new imported case reported as gov’t relaxes more restrictions Tournaments allowed for select sports, but no spectators

September 25, 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Brunei reported one new imported COVID-19 case on Thursday as the government announced further relaxation of coronavirus restrictions. The…

UN ‘far from perfect’, but we must work to make it better: HM Sultan delivers statement via videoconference to mark 75th anniversary of the United Nations

September 22, 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – As the United Nations marked its 75th anniversary on Monday, leaders renewed calls for “reinvigorated” multilateralism in the face…

Exit, entry fees on land borders to go ahead October 1 Brunei hopes to iron out issues with Malaysian neighbours before new regulations come into force

September 4, 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE) on Thursday said that the proposed fees for land border crossings will…

Brunei records one new COVID-19 case after 91 days A 24-year-old student returning from Yemen tests positive upon return to sultanate

August 7, 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The Ministry of Health reported one new coronavirus case on Friday, a 24-year-old Bruneian man who was studying in…

From Brunei to Brexit: Outgoing UK envoy reflects on three years in the sultanate From two royal visits to running the entire coastline of Brunei, Richard Lindsay has had an eventful three years

June 26, 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The past three years has seen Britain’s role in the world change dramatically. The political turmoil and anxiety precipitated…

Aman Hills partygoers jailed for flouting COVID-19 restrictions Seventeen youths hauled to prison for drug and alcohol-fueled party at gov't isolation centre

June 14, 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Seventeen locals were jailed on Saturday after they were caught having a drug and alcohol-fueled party amid government-imposed restrictions…

Man accused of assaulting, threatening MoH staff The defendant is also accused of committing an act "likely to spread an infection of disease dangerous to life"

June 7, 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – A 44-year-old man was hauled to court on Saturday and charged with assault, criminal intimidation and committing an act…

HM urges public to heed health guidelines as Hari Raya festivities begin Customary open houses will not be allowed, gatherings must be limited to immediate family

May 24, 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – As Hari Raya festivities kick off on Sunday, the monarch urged all residents to abide by health guidelines set…

Spectre of COVID-19 casts shadow over Ramadan Monarch says mosques will remain closed and Hari Raya traditions will have to be curtailed

April 25, 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Although Brunei has seen early success in containing the spread of coronavirus, the threat of a widespread outbreak still…