Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar stressed the importance of working hard, taking the initiative and seizing opportunities during the Future Leaders Academy (FLY) programme at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) on Friday. Some 150 students attended the event where the minister shared insights into his leadership experience.
He recounted his time as an intern in Scotland, working long hours under demanding doctors, which he believes shaped his character as well as built his problem-solving skills and resilience.
During a question-and answer-session, he emphasised the need for youth to develop critical thinking skills, while advising them to be intentional in sifting through their own wealth of knowledge, “Don’t just cast a wide net; find what is useful and true.”
He also discussed his leadership role during the COVID-19 pandemic and shone light on the vital support system as well as the dedication of medical personnel and volunteers.
The minister attributed open communication as the most important factor in the whole-of nation approach against the virus.
He added, “The strategy was on quickly addressing fake news through daily televised press conferences and maintaining transparency with a clear and consistent guidance as the key to success.”
The minister also outlined the Ministry of Health’s role in achieving Brunei’s Vision 2035 goal of having a high-quality healthcare.
He also noted the Incident Reporting System, allows healthcare personnel to share feedback directly, helping improve the processes and foster ownership within the system. – Lyna Mohamad
