Brunei puzzle book pushes local heritage, attractions

THE world's first book that challenges players with puzzles associated with Brunei was officially launched yesterday.

Selling at $10.90, the Brunei.Q Puzzle contains a total of 15 challenges ranging from Sudoku to visual logic to crossword puzzles in the context of the Sultanate's geography, attractions, local heritage and culture.

The book is published by PHMD Publishing, a local publishing company managed by Ak Mohd Khairi Pg Hj Metussin, the co-author of Business Icons.

Speaking with The Brunei Times, Ak Mohd Khairi said the book is designed for all ages and is aimed to support the government incentive in promoting tourism in Brunei.

One of the 15 puzzles requires the player to solve a crossword based on the 11 names of places in Brunei that ends with 'ong', such as 'Sengkurong'; another mind game challenges the player in an analysis game involving the Simpur, the Sultanate's national flower.

"We have printed 2,000 copies of the puzzle and we will distribute them to a number of major bookstores in Brunei within the next few days," he said.

He also revealed that the Ministry of Education has already placed an interest in distributing the book for schools nationwide.

"So far we have already made over 140 pre-orders prior to its launch," he added.

He said that the puzzle book marks another milestone for his publishing company following the success of Business Icons.

"We intend to publish a wide variety of local books, and we hope to produce more puzzle books of this kind in the future," he added.

The puzzles were invented by Michael Guan, a Brunei-based chartered accountant, who formulated the ideas from his years of puzzle passion.

Guan is also an associate member of the Institute of Chartered Accounts in England & Wales.

Guan said that Brunei.Q Puzzle promotes creativity and innovation, and encourages the player to think outside the box.

"When you try to solve the puzzles, you will realize that it enhances your problem-solving and critical thinking skills," he said.

Guan collaborated with PHMD Publishing for the puzzle book.

To attract more local puzzle enthusiasts and encourage the love of puzzle-solving among young Bruneians, Guan and the publishing firm organised a lucky draw for all its customers.

"We believe that anyone and everyone will be able to solve all the puzzles in this book, and that's why we want to reward they players' time, talent and effort by entering them into the Brunei.Q Puzzle Lucky Draw," he said.

In addition, the book includes the "Reverse Puzzle" challenge, which requires the player to cut 49 pieces of different puzzle shapes and assemble the pieces to form a the island of Borneo. The puzzle comes with a reward of $10,000, courtesy of Guan.

"I'm willing to give away $10,000 to those who can solve this puzzle. This is because I want to reward those who have the creativity and love a good challenge," said Guan, who has a similar interest.The Brunei Times