Izah Azahari
The High Commission of Canada in Brunei Darussalam and its event partners, The Impian Project and Baiduri Bank organised a digital photography exhibition to showcase #AbilitiesNotDisabilities in conjunction with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Over 40 differently-abled individuals and their families were involved in the photography project with about 15 local amateur and professional photographers capturing moments around Brunei’s landmarks and in Bruneian businesses.
Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan launched the exhibition at the Atrium of Baiduri Bank Headquarters yesterday.
High Commissioner of Canada to Brunei Darussalam Ambra Dickie expressed the honour to work on the exhibit, which seeks to bring into focus the diversity, strength and beauty in Brunei’s special needs community in her opening remarks.
“I also believe that beyond advancing change for those living with disabilities, Canada’s #SheLeadsHere Champion for Brunei Lailatul Zubaidah binti Haji Mohd Hussain, will also inspire many young women to follow her example and fearlessly commit themselves to improving their communities in their own way,” she added.
The high commissioner also shared that Canada is a great advocate for diversity and inclusion as they believe that societies and economies are stronger and more prosperous when everyone is included – including those with disabilities and special needs.
Founder of Impian Project Lailatul Zubaidah said it is an incredible privilege to be given the opportunity to further advance disability awareness and disability inclusion in Brunei as Canada’s #SheLeadsHere Champion.
“To know that I have the support of the High Commission of Canada in Brunei Darussalam to do so, also reassures me that I will have the best of resources available to me in working owards taking best practices from a country that has an established disability framework,” added the founder.
According to Baiduri Bank Chief Executive Officer Ti Eng Hui, the bank is delighted to be working with The Impian Project and the High Commission of Canada in Brunei Darussalam as event partner for the photography exhibition. “As part of the social pillar of our CSR programme, we have always been supportive of creating awareness on the needs of differently abled individuals in our community. With the right support, we strongly believe these individuals can be empowered to make positive contributions to society and lead fulfilling lives,” said Ti.
The high commissioner called on all launch participants to promote inclusion by considering if their offices or homes are accessible, supporting businesses which employ diverse teams, and by finding resources to learn how else to support people with special needs.
Through the exhibition, the High Commission of Canada in Brunei Darussalam and its partners, The Impian Project and Baiduri Bank, hope to remind that everyone has the ability to make their own unique contribution to businesses, schools and societies.
The event as part of the Brunei December Festival 2022 will be held from December 5 to 17 at the Baiduri Bank Headquarters during banking hours.
