After a challenging 2023, Bruneians look to face this year with determination, resolve and faith.
For Khadijah, 2023 was full of life lessons and new challenges. She will use the experience to guide her journey in 2024, she told the Bulletin.
“Difficulties are not an end to a story,” said Khadijah. “As a Muslim, what is important is to always remember to perform our religious obligations, do good wherever we are and that Allah the Almighty is always by our side.”
She hopes to be able to perform more religious activities in 2024, increase her savings and spend more quality time with her family.
Meanwhile, Siti Nur Nazihah reflected on an eventful 2023 as she underwent a four-month internship in Malaysia.
It was her first time away from her family. “I learnt how to manage and take care of myself in all aspects – physically, mentally, spirituality and financially,” she shared with the Bulletin.
“Living separately from my family gave me new insights on how to be independent, as well as to learn more about myself as an individual.”
At her internship, she learnt how to liaise with a diverse range of people, adding she found it both challenging and exciting. “Quite frankly, being in Malaysia forced me to be more of an adventurer. I realised while I was in Brunei, I never really participated or socialise outside of my university circle, so 2023 was quite pivotal for me.”
For 2024, she said she is going to strive to be more passionate and appreciative of the smaller things in life, while also graduate from her bachelor’s programme with flying colours.
Work colleagues Mosdi and Rafiq hope to advance their careers in 2024 by aquiring new skills and seeking out opportunities for professional development.
Mosdi also looks to strengthen his financial stability by setting a budget, saving consistently and making informed investment decisions. He also hopes to nurture existing relationships and engage in new social activities.
“For 2024, I resolve to maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting clear boundaries, prioritising self-care, and taking breaks to recharge,” he said.
Rafiq plans to pursue a new hobby or passion project to express his creativity. He also hopes to reduce stress by incorporating meditation or yoga into his daily routine.
And he hopes to be more environmentally friendly, hoping to reduce using single-use plastics and minimising his carbon footprint.
For Stephanie, 2023 was a busy year. “It had a lot of ups and downs, but it also gave me the push to be more goal oriented,” she said.
She will begin 2024 with her personal and professional goals set after reflecting on her past mistakes, learning and contribute as much as she can.
Emmy Shahir and her husband find themselves preparing their first-born son for school in 2024.
They are both excited at the prospect, she said, adding that preparations include learning more about the school facilities, policies as well as getting their son familiar with the school environment.
She said 2024 will be a new experience, “especially in our duties as parents. When our son starts his first day of school, it will be an emotional day as he will be embarking on a new phase in life”.
And Misah is just grateful to get through 2023, getting through numerous difficult tasks she had to shoulder.
“Sometimes we are tested, not to expose our weaknesses but to discover our strengths,” she said to the Bulletin.
“May this year bring new happiness, new goals, new achievements and a lot of new inspirations and experience, Insya Allah.” – Lyna Mohamad
