BRUNEI: Free Online Courses

The Open University

The Open University offers a wide range of free online courses across countless subjects — perfect for upskilling or exploring a new interest.

Explore courses on OpenLearn

HarvardX

You can also study with Harvard University through HarvardX, their online learning platform that gives free access to world-class courses from one of the world’s leading universities.

Browse HarvardX courses

Coursera

Explore and compare free courses and certificates from leading universities and companies.

Explore Coursera courses. 

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFB Stray Animals

BFB STRAY ANIMALS

1. BFB personnel, incl LECs, UKBCs and Spouses, have been actively feeding stray animals within BFB estates. This needs to stop immediately
because:

a. By feeding stray animals you are encouraging them to breed uncontrollably which can increase its population at an alarming rate and
when it gets too overwhelming to feed, the strays will starve even worse thus causes further malnourishment and diseases will spread between each other, and possibly to humans.

b. Uneaten leftovers attracts flies and, in some cases, maggots, all ideal vectors for diseases.

c. Stray animals leave excreta where they are known to congregate because what goes in must eventually come out. This is no trifling matter for other BFB personnel who have to endure the odour.

d. Stray animals have caused damage to valuable equipment and buildings eg helicopter engines, store rooms, roofs and many small spaces where it is difficult to determine the extent of damage that may have been
done.

2. Do not feed stray animals just because you want to have the ‘feel-good, warm fuzzy feeling’ inside - it doesn’t end well for the stray animals. If you want to be do-gooders, you must then carry out your good deeds through (i.e. adopting AND neutering) without leaving others to deal with the aftermath. The bottom line is that humans and stray animals coalesce is part of living in Brunei but do not be part of the problem.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: PCMF eConsult

Please scan the QR code above or click HERE to access econsult.

SHAPE: Free Parking in Mons increased to 2 hours

Driving into Mons? Good News; since September 2025 free parking has increased to 2 hours, Monday to Saturday between 0900 and 1700.

If you are parking in covered parking lots, your first hour parking will be free.

A ticket still needs to be purchased and you will need to put your registration number into the meter but the option to select free parking or adding extra paid hours will come up on the parking meter.

If you are parking using a Blue Badge, remember to put your blue badge number into the parking machine when purchasing a ticket (even it its free parking only).

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Increased number of evening and weekend trains have been introduced

If you travel by train and like an evening out, then this may be welcome news.

SNCB have just introduced an increased number of trains at evenings and weekends including on the suburban S-Network around Brussels and parts of Flanders. More information here.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Great News for Students wanting to work, study or undertake training placements in Europe

Great news for Students!! The UK rejoin the Erasmus Scheme so students can undertake work, university and training placements in Europe.

For more information, see this link

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Kids Corner arrives at FSCEP

Did you know that FSCEP (Family Support & Central Processing branch) now has a Kids Corner?

So when you need to in-process, renew SHAPE IDs or Protocol IDs or anything else processing wise, the kids have a safe area to occupy themselves whilst you do the boring bits!

Fantastic ay?

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: Brunei - Discover the Green Jewel of Brunei

Please click the image to enlarge.

Click here for the full guide.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Brunei - A guide to birdwatching in Brunei

Click here to access the 84 page guide to Birds on Borneo!

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BELGIUM: Togetherness pathways to help understand and manage emotions in every day life

“Togetherness” is a free online learning service giving overseas Military families access to resources to support each stage of parenting, including difficult/challenging times, understanding everyone’s wellbeing and emotional needs.

Togetherness pathways are designed to make childhood development knowledge and psychological principles about containment, reciprocity and behaviour management accessible to everyone. 

The pathways will help families, parents, grandparents, young people and carers to understand and manage emotions in everyday life.

Resources can be accessed using the link: British Forces Overseas | Togetherness - Togetherness

Please use the access code: overseasfamilies

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Gluten-Free Bakery ‘Copains Paris’ has opened in Brussels

Incredible news for all gluten-free shoppers. Copains Paris has arrived in Brussels and opened its doors albeit it with the more feminine name ‘Copines Paris’.

Here you will find a huge selection of pastries, breads and of course, waffles. As well as an assortment of gluten-free and vegan baking options.

They also offer a saving scheme for those who are medically coeliac which affords 5% off purchases at ‘Copines Paris’ Belgium, ‘Copains Paris’ France and ‘Copains Paris’ London.

Copines Paris, Brussels can be found at:

• Marché aux Herbes, Îlot Sacré dsitrict
• Rue Jean Stas 3, 1060
• Chaussée de Charleroi
• Place du Châtelain

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: Brunei HIVEs - Keen to increase Travel and Tourism Literature

Both HIVE offices are keen to increase our literature on Travel and Tourism. Both domestically in Brunei, and further afield.

If you are on your travels this Leave, we would really appreciate it if you could pick up a couple of spare copies of any Maps, Leaflets, Booklets, Business cards or further information that we could share with our community.

If you also have any unwanted Travel Guide Books - we would love to take them for the HIVE.

Please drop into either the Chit Chat HIVE Office or the Mumong HIVE Office.

Thank you.

HIVE Team.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Did you know....there are TWO HIVE offices in BFB!

Please click the image to enlarge.

Chit Chat Community Centre (CCCC) HIVE office is located a few doors down from the post office and is run by Rajina Rai.

Chit Chat HIVE Office is open Monday - Friday 0900 - 1300 hrs

The Mumong Community Centre HIVE office is run by Nasreen Akhter and is located on the X1 patch, near the playpark and Mumong Patio Bar.

Mumong HIVE Office is open Monday - Friday 0900 - 1300 hrs.

Pop in to see us and browse our literature, we're here to help!

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFSWS -Togetherness Online Parenting Resources

Please click the image to enlarge.

We are pleased to announce that as part of our new contract BFSWS is now offering Togetherness, an online resource, that follows the Solihull Approach.

Togetherness is a free online learning service giving overseas Military families access to resources to support each stage of parenting, including difficult/challenging times, understanding everyone’s wellbeing and emotional needs.

Togetherness pathways are designed to make childhood development knowledge and psychological principles about containment, reciprocity and behaviour management accessible to everyone. The pathways will help families, parents, grandparents, young people and carers to understand and manage emotions in everyday life.

Resources can be accessed using the link: British Forces Overseas | Togetherness - Togetherness

Please use the access code: overseasfamilies

If you have any issues accessing the link or resource pathways please contact BFSWS on the details below.

0044 (0) 808 168 3111
Lynne.Fedden@forcessocialwork.com
www.forcessocialwork.com

For any queries, please contact 

Rachana Niraula at 3224101 Ext. 3285 / 

email at Rachana.poudel@forcessocialwork.com

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

NAPLES : Weekend Escape - Pozzuoli

 

Morning - Step Back in Time 

Begin your day at Flavian Ampitheatre, the third largest in Italy. Its underground tunnels and towering arches make history come alive. Flavian Ampitheatre
Get the kids to imagine they are gladiators preparing for battle.

Afternoon - Volcano Adventure

Head to Solfatara Crater , a dormant volcano that still breathes, You'll find bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and a landscape unlike anywhere else. Its a natural science lesson wrapped in pure excitement Solfatara Crater

Evening - Waterfront Dining 

End the day with dinner along the Pozzuoli waterfront, where seafood restaurants line the promenade. Fresh fish, pasta and gelato make for the perfect family meal as the sun sets over the Bay of Naples. Best Restaurants with a view

Practical Tips:-

Travel Time - About 20 minutes
Parking: Available near the ampitheatre and the waterfront, go early if weekend as it gets busy.
Best Season: Spring and Autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
Rainy Day Alternative : Visit Rione Terra - Pozzuolis underground city.

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES: Avoid Flooding with the following Tips from DIO

 

As the rain continues to fall - it's relevant to know what to do to avoid a flood.

The DIO is a constant resource of sound advice and guidance.

For further information from them please contact DIO-NAPLES-HousingEnquiry (MULTIUSER)

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES : Top Tips for the prevention of condensation, damp and mould.

 

More Tips from the DIO.

As a result of the heavy rain recently, it is even more important to keep a check on condensation damp and mould.

Please follow these useful tips and keep your home safe and ventilated.

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

BRUNEI: E-Health Arrival Declaration Form - for travellers arriving into Brunei

As a precautionary measure, in accordance with the Infectious Disease Act (Cap. 204) arrivals into Brunei Darussalam are required to complete a Health Declaration Form within 3 days (including arrival day) before arriving in Brunei.

Please show this to the relevant authority when requested.

Please click HERE for the BruHealth Portal link.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: E-Arrival Card Declaration - for all foreign nationals arriving in Brunei

Please click the image to enlarge.

The new E-Arrivals card should be completed by all foreign nationals arriving in Brunei. This applies to land and sea borders. This form is replacing the paper version 'form 19'

Effective from 9th February 2023.

To read full guidance on how to apply, click here.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)

Please click the image to enlarge.

MALAYSIA DIGITAL ARRIVAL CARD (MDAC)

Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a new process that has taken effect. Registration for every e-arrival is needed 3 days in advance. It is required when driving as well as flying to Malaysia.

1. Register HERE.

2. Check registration status after1-3 hours HERE.

3. Check E-Gate Eligibility Status HERE.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

NAPLES : Action or Happiness - All the Tools you need for better mental health

 

Shorter days and less sunlight can have an impact on your mental health.

As recommended by the British Forces Clinic, check out the website, Action for Happiness which gives you access to all the tools you need to improve your state of mind 

For More Information

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES: Do you have a skill you can share with the children at BFS

 

Volunteers needed for Spring Term.

Previous clubs have included gardening, arts and crafts, various sports, music, yoga..

Do you have a skill you can share one hour a week?

Maybe Cricket, Baking, Cake Decorating, Forest School, Kitemaking, what skill can you share?

Come and join the school and make a difference!

Contact : Leanne.wortley@modschools.org

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

BRUNEI: AWS Community Support - Contact details

Please click the image to enlarge.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Volunteer Opportunity - Paradise Chalchitra @ Mumong Community Centre

Please click the image to enlarge.

Do you love to watch movies? 

Do you want to share your passion with others?

Do you have some free time to spare? 

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then we have an opportunity for you!

BRUNEI: Soft Play Opening Hours @ Chit Chat Community Centre

Email BruneiGar-SpSvcs-AWS-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk for more information.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: AWS Community Support - Youth Club Transport Timings

Please click the image to enlarge.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: AWS Community Support - Volunteers Needed

Are you new to BFB or back from your holidays? Looking for things to get involved in?

Then look at what AWS Community Team have to offer, regular programmes, one-off activities and a chance to make a difference to your community by getting involved and becoming a volunteer.

Email BruneiGar-SpSvcs-AWS-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk for more information.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

SHAPE: Federal Police Watch Scheme

 Did you know the SHAPE Federal Police offer a Watch Scheme?

If you are going to be away from home over the Christmas and/or New Year period, SHAPE Federal Police can drive past your property and check all is well whilst you are away.

Simply complete a Police Watch Form (on the board in the Community Corridor) and hand it in to Building 247 at least days 5 days before your departure.

Have some peace of mind whilst you are away and enjoy the festivities.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

BELGIUM: Please be aware of the Rogue BFBS TV Player App

Be aware: rogue BFBS TV Player App

BFBS have become aware of a fake, (rogue) copy of their TV Player app on the Amazon app store. This is the app that users download to access BFBS tv services via the internet.

The app 'look' has been cloned to appear like the legitimate app, with a copied logo and information describing the app, which includes being available to armed forces personnel.

Users can distinguish between the rogue app and the genuine app as, when searching for the BFBS app on the Amazon app store, the legitimate app is the first returned. On the genuine app, the develop is listed as ‘BFBS.’ On the rogue app, the developer is listed as ‘parifo5508@wivstore.com.’ The rogue app release date shows as November 2025 and on some screens and is distinguishable by white 'pillar box' bands left and right of the BFBS logo.

What to do if you have been caught out:
Personnel who believe they may have entered service details or MODNET user name and email addresses into the rogue app should change their passwords immediately and report the incident via a Security Incident Report Form

Further information on securing personal devices can be found on the National Cyber Security Centre site (www).

NAPLES: Make sure your kids stay safe online

 

Get Safe Online states, “today’s children are growing up in a connected world – but that doesn’t mean they always know how to stay safe in it. As a parent, grandparent or guardian, your guidance can make a huge difference”. Get Safe Online has produced a new leaflet, which provides some practical ways to help your child explore the internet with confidence and care this summer holiday.

Alternatively, take a look at the advice on the Get Safe Online website: Are you in touch with what your kids do online?

The leaflet can be read and downloaded from this link: Parents Leaflet

BRUNEI: Car Passes

CAR PASSES

Reference:

A. BFB Standing Order 1007 Annex A dated 16 June 2025.

1. All personnel are to be in possession of a valid car pass.

2. Car passes are to be displayed at all times when a vehicle is within Medicina or Tuker Lines.

3. When directed on Part One Orders for either safety or security purposes, car passes are to be displayed in the following areas in addition to Medicina and Tuker Lines:

a. NAAFI Car Park.

b. Swimming pool car park.

c. Primary Care Medical Facility (PCMF).

d. SSAFA compound.

e. BFBS compound.

4. Compliance. Non-compliance of the above in accordance with BFB Standing Order 1007 may result in:

a. Fines or criminal court proceedings issued by the Bruneian authorities;

b. Disciplinary Action; and / or

c. Administrative Action.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE. 

NAPLES: 8 Greatest Rail Journeys in Italy

 

Something Different?

Make the most of your time in Italy and plan your trips.

Here are some ideas of the different train rides you can get in Italy.

If the Orient Express is on your bucket list - you've never been better placed to catch it :-)

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

BRUNEI: PCMF UPDATE - HOSPITAL CARE PROCEDURES

1. Brunei Hospital Care. If you seek care (including attendance at the Emergency Department in KB or BSB) or have therapy planned (e.g. surgery) in Brunei hospitals without having gone via or having informed the PCMF as soon as practicable, please note that you will likely not be eligible for having this treatment funded. If you are in in this category, please inform the PCMF at the earliest opportunity. For out-of-hours presentations or admission to Brunei hospitals, please call the PCMF Duty Nurse as your first point of contact at: +673 8330246. For less urgent cases, please book an appointment through the PCMF reception. You need to keep the PCMF informed otherwise you may have to pay the hospital bill.

2. Overseas Hospital Care (leave/travel). When you receive medical treatment away from an MOD approved setting (e.g. on leave in the UK or Nepal) this should be for emergency management only and not for routine care. Where you have received care away from the PCMF - please ensure that you inform the PCMF on return from leave or sooner depending on the severity/urgency. Please make every effort to collect healthcare records (notes, scans, prescriptions etc) from your attendance, so that these can be reviewed and recorded at the PCMF. Routine care should wait and be delivered through the PCMF. Do not seek medical care when you are on leave unless it is an emergency.

 Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE. 

BELGIUM: Best of Belgium Combo Pass

Seeking a Belgian Christmas Gift with a Difference? Want to immerse yourself in Belgian Culture?

The new ‘Best of Belgium’ Combo Pass could be just what you are looking for. Providing access to four museums dedicated to Beer, Fries, Chocolate and Comics!
 
This pass costs €49, saving you 20% on combined entry to all four museums in the Historic City Centre.
 

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Departure Pack for SHAPE & Brussels now available, Other Places to Visit Sheets also available!

Departure packs for SHAPE and Brussels Now Available!

To request yours simply pop into the office or drop me an email on RC-Pers-HIVE-SHAPE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk. 

Printed and E-Copies available.

Other information sheets available are:

• Belgian Castles
• Water Parks & Wild Swimming
• Woods and Walks
• Local Hotels (SHAPE)
• Swimming (Mons)
• Dog Walks
• Trollenbos
• Underground Palace, Brussels
• Musical Instruments Museum, Brussels

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: Primary School Aged Childcare Overseas (PSACO) Allowance

PRIMARY SCHOOL AGED CHILDCARE OVERSEAS (PSACO) ALLOWANCE

1. What is the PSACO Allowance?

a. The PSACO Allowance is the final phase of the Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme. Providing a reimbursement of before and after school childcare costs for 4–11-year-old children (4-16 years old if in receipt of certain UK disability benefits), in overseas locations where due to local rules or regulations the WAC Allowance eligibility criteria cannot be met or because Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) accounts are not available.

b. Service personnel that meet the eligibility criteria could claim around £3,400 per child, per year, for before and after school childcare costs.

c. The PSACO Allowance does not provide childcare spaces, it is a reimbursement of costs incurred when eligible families pay for before and after school childcare.

2. Where to find further information? The eligibility criteria, further guidance and resources are available on the Defence Childcare Information page, Families Hub Information Portal, Defence Connect Childcare Information Page and 2025DIN01-122.

3. When will Registration be available? More information regarding registration and claims guidance will be available from January 2026.

4. Have questions? Personnel and Service families can email the policy team at PEOPLE-AFFS-WAC-FRO-mailbox@mod.gov.uk.

5. A poster relevant to the subject can be found at [Annex B].