Back in 2010, I interviewed a young Bruneian PhD student studying Genetics in the UK. At the time, Ihsan spoke about her passion for science, cancer research, scientific literacy and her hopes of contributing to Brunei’s development one day. She was curious, driven and excited about the future. A lot…
Category: People
Brunei Darussalam
The Ones Who Built the Buttons
The older we get, the more we realise a difficult truth: The people who annoy us the most are often the people who love us the hardest. Our parents know exactly which buttons to press because, in many ways, they helped build those buttons. They were there when we were…
Advocacy
Dignity Should Not Be Optional
It wasn’t dramatic. No shouting match. No crowd. No one pulling out a phone. Just an old man in a wheelchair. An Indonesian helper beside him. And a stream of words that didn’t feel right. You don’t stop because you want to stare. You stop because something inside you tightens…
Brunei Darussalam
Can Pride Hide Behind Good Intentions? Yes — It’s Called Ujub.
Even the best of us can fall into ujub — the quiet pride that makes us forget Allah’s role in our success. This reflection explores how to recognise ujub in everyday life and replace it with humility, gratitude, and sincerity.
Advocacy
Brunei’s Own Road in 1963 – Bukan Menolak Tapi Menjaga
On 27th August 2025, the front page of Pelita Brunei carried a striking photograph: our beloved Sultan, Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, shaking hands with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia. The headline read, “Hubungan NBD, Malaysia Kekal Erat, Mesra.” It…
Advocacy
A Bruneian’s Take on Healthcare Reform: Balancing Progress and Compassion
As a proud Bruneian citizen, I deeply value the care our government provides for its people. The recent policy change, effective July 1, 2025, which ends free healthcare for non-citizens, including permanent residents with foreign nationalities and foreign spouses of Bruneians, has sparked much discussion. Reflecting on my own experience…