Bangladesh High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Nahida Rahman Shumona stressed the importance of treating team members with respect and addressing mental health challenges within the workplace.
She said this during a gathering that brought together students from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), academics and Green Brunei, a social enterprise group promoting environmental sustainability.
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 its over 25 years of bilateral relations with Brunei, emphasising the importance of promoting cultural exchange and collaboration.
The high commissioner shared insights into her unique approach to diplomacy where she described herself more as a crisis manager than a traditional diplomat and recounted experiences from her posting in Brazil. She revealed how the time spent in Rio played a crucial role in the healing process for her husband, who had resigned from his job.
Drawing inspiration from her time in Brunei, she underscored the importance of family values, empathy and compassion in leadership and 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 Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe.
The high commissioner encouraged attendees to take inspiration from Brunei’s values, emphasising the importance of giving back to the community.
The event aimed to foster connection and celebrate achievements and was a testament to the high commissioner’s commitment to community engagement and her passion for supporting women in science, arts, and other endeavours.
Dr Malai Haniti, an acquaintance of the high commissioner received a recognition award from the Brunei government during the recent World Intellectual Property Day 2023 event.- Lyna Mohamad
