Staff Correspondent

In a vibrant gathering that united students from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), academics, and the environmental sustainability advocate group, Green Brunei, Nahida Rahman Shumona, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Brunei, opened her doors to encourage connections and celebrate achievements.

The event, which commenced at 12:30 pm on Monday, 27th November 2023, was a testament to the High Commissioner's commitment to community engagement and her passion for supporting women in science, arts, and other endeavours.

The High Commissioner graciously introduced herself and her dedicated staff to the more than 18 guests. Expressing her admiration for women achievers, she highlighted the accomplishments of Malai Haniti binti Sheikh Abdul Hamid from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) as one reason for putting the gathering together.

Malai Haniti, a close friend of the High Commissioner, received the recognition award for innovative women from the Bruneian government at the World Intellectual Property Day 2023 event.

The Associate Professor at the Faculty of Science, UBD, has filed a patent on an invention to produce green electricity harvested from plants in the Sultanate.

The High Commissioner also introduced Malai Zeiti Binti Sheikh Abdul Hamid, an Assistant Professor at the Centre for

Communication, Teaching, and Learning (CCTL), Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB). Zeiti, a close friend of Her Excellency and sister to Malai Haniti, was acknowledged for her contributions as the President of Brunei's Literary and Reading Society.

Providing a glimpse into the rich history of Bangladesh, the High Commissioner traced her country's roots to its founding father,

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and it's over 25 years of bilateral relations with Brunei while emphasizing the importance of promoting cultural exchange and collaboration.

Notably, she invited the guests to an upcoming event on 16 December, underlining her commitment to fostering international ties.

During a reflective moment, the High Commissioner shared insights into her unique approach to diplomacy.

Describing herself more as a crisis manager than a traditional diplomat, she recounted experiences from her posting in Brazil.

She revealed how the time spent in Rio, this diversity-rich location, played a crucial role in understanding the need for a holistic approach in the development of a country.

When questioned about overcoming challenges women face in diplomatic roles, the High Commissioner emphasized her identity as an official rather than projecting herself as a woman.

She stressed the importance of treating team members with respect and addressing mental health challenges within the workplace.

The High Commissioner highlighted the significance of maintaining connections within teams and fostering a supportive work environment by offering valuable advice to young leaders.

Drawing inspiration from her time in Brunei, she underscored the importance of family values, empathy, and compassion in leadership.

In a humble and candid moment, the High Commissioner expressed that while she may not measure her career success against her colleagues, she finds immense joy in her daily work and life.

As a self-proclaimed book lover, particularly drawn to the thriller genre, she shared some of her readings, including a novel by the revered Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe.

The intellectually enriching event included a delightful lunch, photo sessions, and a tour of the Embassy guided by the High Commissioner herself.

The event concluded on a note of gratitude, with the High Commissioner encouraging attendees to take inspiration from Brunei's values while emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community.

The gathering served as a testament to the High Commissioner's dedication to fostering meaningful connections and promoting collaboration across borders.

Present at the event were the former Legislative Council member and Co-founder/Community Engagement Director of Green Brunei, YB Khairunnisa Ash’ari, and her team members.

The UBD students at the event were drawn from different nationalities, including Iran, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Brunei, the Maldives, and India.

Silas Emovwodo is a PhD candidate in the Professional Communication and Media programme at Universiti Brunei Darussalam. He is an editor for Plaudit Magazine and a researcher.