WITH an emphasis on fun and education, this year's TechXpo seeks to offer its participants and visitors a valuable insight into the latest global trends in technology and related areas.

Brunei's premier technology fair will have its third showing at the International Convention Centre in Berakas from December 1 to 4, 2012.

A wide range of displays, activities, and bargains will be on offer for young and old alike at the TechXpo.

The main attraction is sure to be Titan, the giant robot. Flown in to Brunei all the way from the United Kingdom by Ifini Sdn Bhd exclusively for the TechXpo 2012, visitors are warmly welcomed to go to the fair to meet the 8-foot tall gigantic robot to see its amazing abilities up close and personal. Titan is well-travelled across the world, and has performed with celebrities and appeared on television.

More than 80 companies will be taking part in the TechXpo. Among these are well-known local brands such as Sony, Acer, Microsoft, Canon, Dell, Samsung, Akira, Huawei and many more who will be offering dazzling displays, comprehensive information and exclusive promotions on modern gizmos and gadgets.

The STEP Centre of the Ministry of Education will be conducting its "Innovative learning is fun" activity. This is in collaboration with several agencies to introduce innovative learning to school leaders, teachers, students and other prospective stakeholders. There will be opportunities for students to learn in a fun way through KODU, a game-based learning programme for students for Year Four to Year Nine. Visitors can also try out the innovations and robots created and exhibited by the winners of the Brunei Robotics Olympiad (BRO) 2012.

Well-established organisations Tech One Global & Microsoft will be running free literacy training during the TechXpo. Qualified instructors and computer units will be available to allow those interested members of the public to have hands-on training sessions.

Visitors to the TechXpo can also avail themselves of exclusive discounts and offers on a wide range of products and services. Amongst these great items will be free health checks, free installations, and one-off discounts.

And as simple as filling in the event's survey form, lucky early visitors can stand the chance to win limited TechXpo door gifts in the daily Spin and Win activity on Plenary Hall Stage.

The TechXpo is a must-visit for everyone. Technology influences all our lives on a daily basis, and where better to be updated on the latest technology trends and have fun doing it than the TechXpo 2012.

Opening hours for visitors will be from 12pm to 10pm on December 1 and for the following days, opening hours are 10am to 10pm. A convenient free shuttle bus service will run from the Indoor Stadium on a daily basis.

The TechXpo is supported by the Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Communications, and Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI). It is organised by InfoCom Federation Brunei (IFB), and managed by Sunlit Advertising Sdn Bhd.

A FOUR-DAY TechXpo 2012 was opened yesterday at the International Convention Centre in Berakas.

Launching the TechXpo was Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Masna, the Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MoFAT). Soon after the launching, HRH was led to tour the expo accompanied by Acting Minister of Communications, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya and Chairman of InfoCom Federation Brunei (IFB) Hj Abdul Ghani Pg Hj Matusin.

The TechXpo is Brunei's premier technology expo and this year's marked its third showing. It features 80 companies and institutions from various countries including Malaysia, China and Poland and it focuses mainly on education and information technology and its related sectors.

According to the TechXpo 2012 website, the expo aimed to expose all types of technology and will be a gathering point for all who are into technology business, industry and research and development.

Among other objectives include to provide the perfect platform for all players in the technology industry, may it be local or international, to introduce and promote their products and services to the Brunei community in particular and as a venue where people may be introduced to the latest technologies and inventions in all areas of technology.

One of the main attractions of the TechXpo is "Titan", the singing and dancing eight-foot tall robot who has travelled the world. Among the places Titan has visited are the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Titan was shipped from the United Kingdom by Ifini Sdn Bhd and will be performing at the TechXpo 2012 three times a day. Other interesting and interactive games to be found at the expo are the "Innovative Learning is Fun" activities organised by the Science, Technology and Environment Partnership (STEP) Centre under the Ministry of Education (MoE).

Visitors can also experience fun learning through KODU, a game-based learning programme for Year Four to Nine students. The public can also try out the innovations and robots created by winners of the Brunei Robotics Olympiad 2012.

The public can visit the TechXpo from 10am to 10pm. A free shuttle bus service for visitors' will be available daily from the Indoor Stadium of Hassanal Bolkiah Sports Complex. The last day for of the expo is on December 4, 2012.

The event organised by the InfoCom Federation Brunei, and managed by Sunlit Advertising Sdn Bhd. It is supported by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), MoE, Ministry of Communications and Authority Info-communication Technology (AITI) Brunei Darussalam.