Hajah Farida binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib, the first Bruneian female Managing Director (MD) of Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd and the first Bruneian female MD across Brunei Shell Joint Ventures was honoured at the investiture ceremony yesterday.
In an interview, Hajah Farida, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Brunei LNG, expressed gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang
Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for awarding her The Most Blessed Order of Setia Negara Brunei 4th Class (PSB) medal.
“It shows that we, as the contributors from the private sector, are also recognised as one of the nation’s foundations for the growth of our nation. I hope this encourages everyone in the private sector to do their best because we can also receive the recognition for the efforts, the time and the contribution we have made to the country.”
She also emphasised the importance of the oil and gas industry and driving the country’s energy transition towards de-carbonisation.
As she approaches retirement, Hajah Farida reflected on her 31-year journey in the oil and gas industry, from upstream to midstream operations.
She encouraged future professionals to take pride in the industry’s role in the nation’s progress and climate initiatives. Hajah Farida’s appointment as MD/CEO marks a pivotal step towards diversity and inclusion in Brunei LNG and the wider oil and gas sector.
PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD 
“My advice to everyone joining the oil and gas sector is don’t believe this is a sunset industry.
It is not. There is still a need to have oil and gas as part of the energy field to fill the growing economies of Southeast Asian countries and our nation. To everyone who just joined and those in the industry, contribute in whatever you can and make yourself relevant for the future,” she said.
This is the second medal she received, with the first being Pingat Indah Kerja Baik (PIKB) about 14 years ago.
Hajah Farida’s line of work involves in the production and sale of liquefied natural gas – one of the main contributors to the Sultanate’s economy. Her appointment marks a key step towards diversity and inclusion and marks a significant milestone in Brunei LNG and across the oil and gas industry in the country.
Prior to her appointment as the MD/CEO, Hajah Farida held the role of Commercial/Corporate Director of Brunei Shell Petroleum Co Sdn Bhd (BSP) where she was the integrator of BSP business performance overseeing the sales of gas and crude oil.
Another recipient, Ariffin bin Dato Paduka Haji Abu Bakar, received The Most Eminent Order of Islam Brunei 5th Class (PUB). Expressing gratitude, he pledged to continue contributing to the government’s efforts in upholding Syiar Islam and religion in the country.
With 19 years of service at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ariffin’s dedication and commitment were recognised through this honorary medal.
Ariffin began from the Mosque Affairs Department, Department at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Education Attachee at the Brunei Darussalam Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, the ministry’s Public Relations Division, Department of Islamic Religious Council and now working at the Zakat, Waqaf and Baitulmal Management Department.
He also received the PIKB during His Majesty’s 68th birthday celebration.
Also receiving the state honorary medal was wushu gold medalist Md Adi Salihin bin Roslan, who was conferred the PSB. Expressing excitement and gratitude, he aims to work even harder to bring glory to the country through the wushu sport. “I would like to take this opportunity to say my Junjung Kasih to His Majesty for conferring this medal to me and I feel truly honoured to be recognised among the contributors,” he said.
He also acknowledged his coach, who guided him from day one and the continuous support from the Brunei Darussalam Wushu Federation, Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
Md Adi Salihin, who made history after winning gold consecutively at the Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines in 2019, Vietnam in 2021 and Cambodia this year, also expressed his deepest appreciation to his parents who have contributed and supported his passion in wushu, which he began in 2007 at the age of six.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in a press release congratulated the wushu gold medallist on the conferment of the honorary state medal.
The ministry also said Md Adi Salihin’s success can be a source of inspiration for other athletes to achieve sporting excellence. – Lyna Mohamad
