As a member of ASEAN, the youth of the Sultanate have steadily amplified their voices, striving to be on par with their regional counterparts.
For future leaders and changemakers, staying active on regional platforms offers invaluable opportunities not only for networking but also for personal and professional growth.
These bright young minds converge to exchange ideas and experiences, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
For five of the nation’s youth, this became a reality at the YSEALI Institute on Civic Engagement, hosted by the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Partner Institutions Alumni Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia earlier this month.
The summit, themed ‘SEA Changemakers: Empowering Alumni for Impact’, brought together approximately 150 participants from across ASEAN member countries and Timor-Leste.
The event featured workshops, showcases, and cultural sharing sessions, offering a platform for the participants to represent their countries and share their unique perspectives.
One of the participants, Tina Afiqah, a creative therapist, award-winning social entrepreneur, and published author of indigenous Murut descent, was selected to represent the 2024 spring cohort for the farewell speech.
She has authored books and organised events for children with autism and indigenous communities in Brunei. In 2024, she participated in the Academic Fellowship Program focused on Civic Engagement, collaborating with Native American tribes and children’s communities in Nebraska.
Tina also served as a mentor, conducting a workshop titled ‘Truth-telling to Spark Social Change’. She showcased various projects initiated by her social enterprise, Parabelle Studios.
“While conducting my workshop on truth-telling, I also learned from other cultural perspectives on how young leaders initiated their passion projects and the obstacles they faced along the way,” shared the 27-year-old.
She highlighted the importance of initiatives like YSEALI in creating a safe space for individuals from diverse backgrounds to express themselves and share their passions.
“From this experience, I gained confidence as a young leader and public speaker, while also having the opportunity to represent my indigenous heritage,” she added.
Tina believed that Brunei’s participation in initiatives like YSEALI and the summit provides a perfect opportunity to showcase the Sultanate to other regional participants.
During Cultural Night, the Bruneians showcased a variety of traditional kueh, including bahulu and kueh sumpit. They also performed a traditional song and presented Bruneian traditional attire, along with Puak Murut indigenous clothing.
“From our experience, Brunei is often the least known among the ASEAN member countries, so we always strive to put forth our very best,” Tina continued.
She noted that many fellow alumni showed genuine interest and curiosity about Brunei’s culture. Another YSEALI fellow and a practising lawyer Brandon Chin, took on the role of Master of Ceremonies (MC) at the event. At just 27 years old, Brandon has already represented clients in high-stakes civil and criminal cases, including capital drug offences and corruption matters.
“The YSEALI Summit was a melting pot of dreams and ideas, where I connected with incredible people who are just as passionate about creating change as I am,” he reflected.
Brandon, who is deeply committed to championing the rights of the stateless and marginalised, shared how the summit left him feeling inspired and driven to do even more for his community.
For 23-year-old Ahmad Zahid Borhan, a recent graduate of the YSEALI Fall 2024 cohort, the three-day summit was more than just a reunion with fellow participants – it was an opportunity to forge connections with alumni from other cohorts.
Ahmad Zahid, whose interests lie in fostering community development through sports, education, and civic engagement, found the experience particularly enriching.
“I am deeply inspired by the experiences shared by my fellow Southeast Asians. This opportunity has not only enhanced my personal growth but also fuelled my commitment to fostering safe and healthy transformations in our society,” shared the national taekwondo athlete.
Echoing his sentiments is the youngest participant, 22-year-old Qaisara Qusyairey. Growing up in a multicultural environment, she developed a deep appreciation for diversity and inclusivity.
“It has been an incredibly impactful experience to reconnect, build new networks, and acquire new knowledge and skills,” said Qaisara, an active volunteer in various initiatives. She is dedicated to creating a brighter and more inclusive future for her community and beyond.
For 24-year-old Zainatul on the other hand, who is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and is driven by the goal of breaking barriers for economically disadvantaged youth and advocating for inclusive education.
As a Student Management Officer for Special Needs Students, she focuses on fostering an environment where every student’s needs are met.
“When I shared my thoughts (during the summit), I talked about something close to my heart: the importance of meeting people from different places.
“I believe that when we step out of our comfort zones and connect with others, it changes the way we see the world. It helps us understand different perspectives and shows us how much we all have in common, no matter where we come from.”
Ultimately, for Zainatul who also represented Brunei Darussalam during a press conference, the summit served as a reminder that she is not alone in her efforts to make the world a better place.
“I left the summit with new friends, fresh ideas, and a stronger belief that even small steps can lead to big changes when we work together.” – Wardi Wasil
