Sunday, October 31, 2010

The Empire Hotel & Country Club’s, Brunei Darussalam “team building program “by Sumantri

The Empire Hotel & Country Club’s, Brunei Darussalam “team building program “by Sumantri

Brunei Darussalam 27th October 2010. The Empire Hotel & Country Club’s, Brunei Darussalam recently held two days team building program at Ulu-Ulu Resort Temburung. About 27 employees consist of General Manager,Executive Committee member, managers and assistant managers joined this event from 26th October to 26th October 2010.


Experience journey to Ulu – Ulu Resort Temburung

All 27 participants depart from the hotel at 7.30 am and transfer to Kiangeh jetty in Bandar Seri Begawan. From here we board speedboat for 45 minutes proceed to Bangar town. Arrive at Bangar town go for quick toilet and continue to Batang Duri by Bus for another 20 minutes, at Batang Duri we were welcome by two ladies in Iban costume Then travel upstream in longboats to Ulu-Ulu resort national park watching for wildlife on route. The longboat trip 12 kms adventures upstream through the rapids wet and exciting. Occasionally the longboat needs to be pushed over shallow water, or a river section must be walked around while the boatmen negotiate the rapid. Arrive at the resort we were welcome by the resort management team and our team builder.




Unlocking Human Potential

Unlocking Human Potential was the main title for two day management team building, facilitate by EQ Training &Development Sdn.Bhd with three facilitators for this program, Mr. Shangkar Santhiram, Mr. Suresh Sundaram and Mr. Andy Gerald Ho.

Compare to other team building, what I’d like from this team building Program were the program delivered with a mixture of classroom theoretical sessions (30%) that are interactive and fun; visual aids in the form of short video clips (10%); indoor activities and case studies (30%); outdoor team activities (30%). Where other team building program dominate nearly at 90% outdoor activities.

Class begins with introduction from facilitator and opening remark by Mr. Desmond Acheson, The General Manager of The Empire Hotel & Country Club and follows by the “program rule”. Class then divided into three team, namely “ B 2day and Fox 2morow” as my team, “Rainbow Warrior” and “Trengiling” each team consist of 9 participants. Team leader selected require to explain the team name, the rules also stated every one aim to win the most number of points, the winning team will receive a prize. Each team was also developing presentation and a war cry. Everyone were also requested to remove their professional title and come up with own name with whatever people want to call you during that two day event, so my name is AA and I am ordinary employee. Program was also introduced how to recognize those who contribute toward the team by sharing their opinions by speaking out on the public, Rosliza then selected as a clap master.

Facilitator engaged the participants in interactive discussions that draw attention to self-awareness concepts. Through these sessions, participants understand their own roles and get aligned to their goals. Once this is done, Facilitator will make parallel the participant personal goals to the organization’s goals. Change is only achieved when people decide to change! The sessions are based on the works of renowned management & team building experts like Bob Proctor, Anthony Robbins, Stephen Covey, Napoleon Hill, Alvin Toffler, Robin Sharma to name a few.

This cover approximately 50% of program and include:
• Understanding the power of the Mind in relation to personal leadership;
• What are the main the obstacles for change?
• The power of the Team: How to collectively achievable more;
• Personal growth through skills and knowledge power; the concept of Kaizen;
• Re-programming the Mind: Developing new habits;
• Vision and Goals: Understanding personal & organizational Goals;
• Aligning personal goals with organizational goals;

Outdoor activities

Self-motivation is an essential ingredient in successful personal leadership. Facilitator offers the participants’ real & experiential learning sessions. Everyone has what is termed as ‘down-times’; where they face a dip in motivation. If they are unable to re-ignite passion at will, the lack of motivation becomes widespread. In this program, Participants requireto maintain motivation through our specialist activities. Activities that fostered the bond between team members included kayaking, treasure hunt, jungle tracking via suspension bridge and canopy walk ,The Canopy Walkway rises over 60 metres from the ridge top to above the tree tops. Watch the mist take in the view and wait for other jungle








My learning Outcomes

I understand my role in my organization more clearly;
I aware of why and how to develop the ‘winning team’ ttitude;
I leave feeling empowered;
I understand the power of the Mind;
I will resolve conflicts constructively;
I learn about working under pressure without losing the team spirit;
I know how to become energy givers in the organization;
I will see the common vision & shared goals of the organization;

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Car Wash @ The Empire Hotel & Country Club by Sumantri



Car Wash @ The Empire Hotel & Country Club by Sumantri

Fund raising event to help Pakistan flood victims is now happening at The Empire Hotel & Country Club, starting today Saturday 30th October until tomorrow Sunday, 31th October 2010 from 0800hours until 1800hours, send your cars, trucks or buses to the Atrium Parking area upper level of the Empire Hotel & Country Club. Initiative by Front Office Department of the hotel, the handsome male team member will ensure to shampoo and wash your car and the beautiful girls will polish and make sure your car shine at only $ 5 for exterior and additional $ 3 for interior.

All proceeds from these activities will go to the Pakistan Flood Hit victim, act now before is too late






Friday, October 22, 2010

The Empire Hotel & Country Club awarded first place for Best Golf Resort In Asia Pacific 2010

The Empire Hotel & Country Club  awarded first place for Best Golf Resort In Asia Pacific 2010 by Sumantri

Brunei Darussalam 22nd October 2010. This prestigious award  announced at the Gala Dinner during the Asia Pacific Golf Summit2010 in Thailand on 20th October 2010.The award were voted for by the reader of Asian Golf Montlly with over 30.000 votes. Asia Golf  Montly has a very large reader in Asia Pacific include New Zaeland, Australia.

The Empire Hotel & Country Club hosted an afternoon tea reception with their members to celebrate the achievement. Present during the event were, Brunei Tourism Director, member of Hotel's Board Director's, Hotel Executive Committee member, Country Club member's and Hotel Department Head's.

Bravo The Empire Hotel & Country Club, this is the best gift for you!!!!!!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Empire Hotel marks 10th year anniversary

The Empire Hotel and Country Club marked its 10th year anniversary recently. To bless the remarkable event, an anniversary prayer was held at the 19-hole, Country Club.




The programme started with the Maghrib prayer, followed by doa selamat, tahlil, surah yaasiin and ended with Isyak prayer, led by Ustaz Abu Kassim. Among the attendees were Dato Paduka Awang Haji Ali bin Apong, Abdul Lattif bin POKSSDP Hj Md Yussuf and Hjh Zetty Zarirah Dato Paduka Haji Metassan, Board of Directors of JPH Sdn Bhd and the hotel's management. Later in the evening, a cake cutting ceremony was held to mark the 10th anniversary celebration.



In conjunction with the hotel's 10th anniversary, monthly draws have been conducted since June this year. Customers who have spent a minimum spending of $50 nett per bill by cash or credit card at the hotel, are automatically entered into the monthly lucky draw to win the fabulous prizes. A grand draw will be held in November where all monthly lucky draw participants stand a chance to drive away with an elegant BMW X1 series.



Over the years, the hotel had won over 20 major awards. First accolade received was the Best New Resort by Travel Trade Gazette Asia 2001. The hotel's top suite - Emperor Suite was awarded as the World's Leading Presidential Suite by World Travel Awards 2003, 2004, 2005 meanwhile the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus designed signature golf course was also awarded as the Second Best Golf Resort in Asia by Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2006.




http://www.borneobulletin.com.bn/tue/oct19h34.htm

Saturday, October 16, 2010

My note in conjuction with The Empire Hotel & Country Club, 10th Anniversary by Sumantri

My note in conjuction with The Empire Hotel & Country Club, 10th Anniversary by Sumantri

Today Saturday, 16th October 2010, marks the 10th Year Anniversary of The Empire Hotel and Country Club. The Hotel kicked starts its 10th Anniversary – Experience the Magic celebration earlier this year with numerous promotions and events such as Amateur Photography competition, sand castle sculpture & longest ‘Kek Batik’, monthly lucky draws and more. In fact, more activities are lined up until the end of the year in celebration of the 10th anniversary. The anniversary spirits are filled within all employees and yesterday over 200 employees gathered for a group photo, forming number ‘10’, expressing the exciting 10th celebration.
To bless this remarkable event, the hotel will hold an anniversary prayer tonight together with the board of directors, excom’s, head of departments and staff at the Country Club.






Hotel Achievement




Over the years, the hotel had won over 20 major awards. First accolade received was the Best New Resort by Travel Trade Gazette Asia 2001. The hotel’s top suite – Emperor Suite was awarded as the World's Leading Presidential Suite by World Travel Awards 2003, 2004, 2005 meanwhile the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus designed signature golf course was also awarded as the 2nd Best Golf Resort in Asia by Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2006.


The hotel continue at “excellence “rating and ranked number 1 for business in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam by Tipadvisor as of 16th October 2010. The Hotel was also received “Outstanding service “ 2010 by Mystery guest Wordhotels.

New Direction


Under leadership of Mr.Desmond Acheson the general manager of the hotel together with executive committee member’s and the rest of team member, The Empire Hotel and Country Club will always continue strive and committed to reach the mandate.

Our Rooms Division is play an important role

Rooms Refurbishment


Recently we announced the room refurbishment, this B $ 8,5 million project commencing this month and this will be one of the biggest enhancement made towards the 10 year-old majestic stature. The new rooms will be equipped with enticing new technology, from high speed in-room wireless Internet to the 46'/55 “ LED TV with interactive channels with an ability to check detail information of entertainment and hotel facilities, video on-demand , guest’s bills as well as room service. All rooms feature, universal plug, an iPod docking station for your iPod or iPhone as well as Internet radio for international listening.


 In terms of interior, expect an improvement in its features with elegance, contemporary yet classic touches. In bathing area is akin to a private bath-spa where guests are encouraged a moment of indulgence. They can choose a refreshing shower with an invigorating rain shower, or a relaxing soak in the long bath scented by soothing Elemis and Asprey brands

Bathroom Amenities




In line with Rooms Refurbishment a new bathroom amenities “Elemis “and “Asprey “brands will be introduced. In bathing area is akin to a private bath-spa where guests are encouraged a moment of indulgence daily with new bathroom amenities Elemis “time to Spa” concept miniature in your own bathroom.



Elemis is one of the world’s leading companies in aromatherapy skincare and spa-therapies. Each product is infused with essential oils and exotic plant extracts to treat the skin and re-awaken the senses. The Empire Hotel & Country Club guests will enjoy luxuriant and subtle fragrances in each of the Elemis “Time to Spa” amenities including:



Elemis Pure Shine Shampoo: Infused with the aroma of lime, basil and grapefruit, this gentle shampoo leaves hair and scalp deeply cleansed.


Elemis Pro-Vitamin Conditioner: A citrus experience that replenishes moisture with conditioning Vitamin B5, penetrating hair to nourish from root to tip, while detangling and strengthening.


Citrus Soap Slice: This clear pure Glycerin soap is lightly infused with the aroma of grapefruit, basil, clove and lime and promises to leave the face feeling cleansed and refreshed.


Sharp Shower and Bath Gel: This aroma-therapeutic blend of mint, chamomile, wild marjoram, nettle and thyme in a mineral rich sea salt base leaves skin tingling with vitality.


Pure Zest Cleansing Soap: Infused with nature’s own lime, clove leaf, lavender and rosemary extracts in palm oil; designed to inspire a new zest for life.


Vitamin Rich-Body Lotion: Infused with vitamin-rich wheat germ, carrot and sweet almond oil; a welcome treat for thirsty skin.


For Villa’s, Ambassador, Empress and Emperor, we bring you luxurious guest amenities in the form of Asprey's Purple Water collection. Purple Water takes its name from the signature Asprey colour and comprises a selection of bathroom products targeted at five-star hotels worldwide.
Head notes of lemon, mandarin and jacaranda gives Purple Water products an initial zesty impact while ginger, vetiver and musk adds depth to the fragrance.




The range, encompassing shower and bath products, shampoo and conditioner, soap, bath salts, refreshing towelettes and perfume, is presented in soft touch bottles with Asprey's trademark button chrome cap.


The Rooms Division will roll out of new amenities begins with the launch on December 2010


The Empire Signature Arrival Experience


The hotel is currently working on “The Empire Signature Arrival Experience”. Preparation and training are underway. Two certify facilitators “ Rahman & Saufi Rooms Department for this The Empire Signature Arrival Experience are continue execute the plan.


Inspired by five Senses and people of Brunei, Five senses play significant role in creating memorable experience for The Empire Hotel & Country Club guests.


Sense are the physiological methods of perception. A broadly acceptable definition of a sense would be "a system that consists of a group of sensory cell types that responds to a specific physical phenomenon, and that corresponds to a particular group of regions within the brain where the signals are received and interpreted." Disputes about the number of senses typically arise around the classification of the various cell types and their mapping to regions of the brain. The traditional five senses are sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste.


Designed to create an arrival experience that makes a guest feel welcome and connected to the people, culture and The Empire Hotel as a property, to Empire team members and as a guest of the Hotel. There are 13 elements involved ;






Program Elements


• Welcome note


• Up grading doorman uniform


• Airport Transfer experience


• The Empire welcoming Handshakes


• GONG


• Lobby Ambassador


• Express Check In


• Healthy welcome drink


• Cold /Hot towel – optional


• Front Office team member behavior standard
• Front Office team member conversation starter guideline




• Rooming / Escort procedure


• And courtesy call


The Empire Signature Arrival Experience is a BIG thing expecting will be launched by first week of December 2010.


Well ……..Selamat Ulang Tahun,Empire!! Selamat Hari Jadi,Empire!!Happy 10th anniversary,Empire!! Lets moving forward from Good to Great!!


Celebration will continue…………………………………





September Lucky Winners of The Empire Hotel and Country Club’s 10th Anniversary Celebration


September Lucky Winners of The Empire Hotel and Country Club’s 10th Anniversary Celebration
by The Empire Hotel & Country Club Brunei on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 5:03pm
The Empire Hotel and Country Club organised a prize presentation for the lucky winners in the month of September for the Hotel’s 10th Anniversary Celebration- “Experience The Magic” featured since June 2010.

Present during the event were Ms. Lee Ai Cheng, Senior Manager of Sales & Service - Card Centre from Baiduri Bank and Mr Sumantri Endang, Director of Rooms Division of The Empire Hotel and Country Club.

The monthly lucky winners were Ho Foo Sun won a one night stay in Deluxe Room, Tan Siong Yek and Abdul Samat each won a one night stay at Superior Room, Nuriyah Safawati won a dine in voucher at Atrium Cafe, Lee Kee Hee won a dine in voucher at Li Gong, Hjh Noraini Hj Idris won an Afternoon Tea at Lobby Lounge, Dk Ratna Suria Pg Hj Hashim won a dine in voucher at Pantai Restaurant, Putra Mohamad won a round of 18 hole golf, Hjh Nory Sitam won a Balinese Spa treatment and Harun Hj Abas won a lunch buffet at Atrium Cafe.

With a minimum spending of $50nett per bill by cash or credit card at the hotel, patrons are automatically entered into the monthly lucky draw to win these fabulous prizes. A grand draw will be held in November where all monthly lucky draw participants stand a chance to drive away with an elegant BMW X1 series.

In addition, Baiduri Credit and Debit card members will get double lucky draw chances and Empire Visa Infinite card members will get to enjoy DOUBLE Bonus points of 10X and a 20% Dining Discount at all Empire dining outlets during this promotion.

The promotion will continue until the end of October this year. More exciting activities and promotions will also be featured every month at the hotel in line with the 10th Anniversary celebration.

For more information about the 10th Anniversary – Experience the Magic, please call 241 8888

The 10th Anniversary – Experience the Magic is supported by Baiduri Bank.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Signing Ceremony of Rooms Refurbishment The Empire Hotel and Country Club by Sumantri




















Signing Ceremony of Rooms Refurbishment The Empire Hotel and Country Club by Sumantri

Sunday, 10 October 2010 – A historical moment for The Empire Hotel & country Club happened on Sunday 10/10/10 at 10.10 am. A signing ceremony was held for room refurbishment project for The Empire Hotel and Country Club at the Conference Room. The memorandum of understanding was officially signed at 10:10am between Bandtree Sdn Bhd and McHouse Interior Decor Sdn Bhd as in conjunction with the hotel’s 10th Anniversary.

Signing the MOU were Abdul Lattif Bin POKSSDP Hj Md Yussuf, Director of JPH Sdn Bhd on behalf of Bandtree Sdn Bhd and Sharifa Masani Binti W.Alwi, Director of McHouse Interior Decor Sdn Bhd as a main contractor,. The ceremony was witnessed by Hjh Zetty Zarirah Dato Paduka Haji Metassan, Director JPH Sdn Bhd and Shawn Narcis from McHouse Interior Décor Sdn Bhd.

Also present were Desmond Acheson, General Manager of The Empire Hotel and Country Club, Sumantri Endang, Executive Assistant Manager / Director of Rooms Division of The Empire Hotel and Country Club and Evangeline Director of Sales and Marketing.

This is very historical and the best gift to all of us and to The Empire Hotel & Country Club in its 10th anniversary.

The event begin with recital of surah Al fatihah by Abdulrahman the MC and followed by signing the 7 tick documents by Abdul Lattif Bin POKSSDP Hj Md Yussuf, Director of JPH Sdn Bhd on behalf of Bandtree Sdn Bhd and Sharifa Masani Binti W.Alwi, Director of McHouse Interior Decor Sdn Bhd as a main contractor,. The ceremony was witnessed by Hjh Zetty Zarirah Dato Paduka Haji Metassan, Director JPH Sdn Bhd and Shawn Narcis from McHouse Interior Décor Sdn Bhd.

The event concluded with group photos and doa selamat. Refreshment were also provided at the end of the event.


The Empire Hotel & Country Club is in the final stage of establishing the 196 new guestrooms concept at the main building of the hotel as it focuses on refining guests' experiences. The hotel is a "stay" spatial concept that not only sensitively regards the needs of the five senses of the guests, but aims to create a unique experience to exceed the expectations of the guest in five areas through their senses. From an operational standpoint, viewing these five areas (the working, entertainment, sleeping, dining and bathing areas) separately enables the hotels to focus on what is required, not only to meet, but also anticipate the expectations of its guests in each area.

An innovative brand new guestrooms concept, the hotel feature abundant natural sunlight plus enticing new technology, from high speed in-room wireless Internet to the 55 “ LED TV

with inter-active channel where guest can always check detail information in regards to entertainment and hotel facilities, video on-demand , guest bill as well as order room service menus. This technology will absolutely support environmental program and it leads to paperless in the hotel. All rooms feature, universal plug, an iPod docking station for your iPod or iPhone as well as Internet radio for international listening.

In term of interior, the original classic theme as reflect being “Empire “ will remain as it features elegance, contemporary in classic touch. The room furniture remain classic with clean modern impression, large clean desk room convenience for business traveler. In bedding, the new room is a bedding package that will feature a freshly laundered, 100 % cotton sheeted duvet for each new guest.

In bathing area is akin to a private bath-spa where guests are encouraged a moment of indulgence. They can choose a refreshing shower with an invigorating rain shower, or a relaxing soak in the long bath scented by soothing Elemis and Asprey branded