Reflections from Kopi Talk with MHO: A Day of Insightful Discussions and Youth Empowerment
By MHO
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, DECEMBER 2024: What an amazing experience it was hosting Kopi Talk with MHO at Hab Belia, Stadium Negara Hassanal Bolkiah!
The energy and enthusiasm of the youths were infectious, and it was so inspiring to see so many passionate individuals unite to discuss Brunei’s future and their contributions to achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035.
One of the highlights of the event was the fireside chat, where I was asked some truly thought-provoking questions about my life as a journalist - how I began my career, the hurdles I encountered, and what drives me to this day.
I shared how journalism, to me, is much more than just reporting news. It’s about being a social scientist - delving deep into issues, conducting thorough research, investigating facts, and uncovering the truth of the matter.
As a journalist, I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling, not just to inform but to educate and empower communities.
By adhering to a strong code of ethics, journalists can maintain the trust and credibility that are the foundation of their work.
It was incredibly fulfilling to share how the essence of journalism lies in its ability to shape perspectives, spark dialogues, and drive positive change in society.
The World Café Session was where the magic truly happened.
Participants, a majority of whom were young graduates - some working under the I-Ready program, others employed abroad, some underemployed, and a few still actively seeking jobs - were divided into groups that rotated through three discussion tables, each dedicated to a vital theme.
At the first table, the focus was on MIB in Development, where participants explored how the principles of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) can serve as a guiding compass for Brunei’s progress while staying deeply rooted in its cultural and spiritual identity.
The youths expressed a desire to see MIB transcend its role as merely an ideology or set of guiding principles.
They envisioned MIB as a dynamic social, political, and engineering science that could be contextualised in governance and integrated into the everyday lives of citizens.
They highlighted the need for MIB to evolve into a practical framework that addresses real-world challenges, ensuring its relevance in shaping Brunei’s development in a modern context.
The second table asked the question, What Can Youths Do to achieve Wawasan 2035? Sparking conversations about how young people can contribute through leadership, innovation, and proactive actions.
The youths emphasised the need to empower their generation through participatory governance and institutionalising civic engagement as a formal platform for their involvement in nation-building.
They expressed a desire to be actively involved in shaping policies and decisions that affect their future, highlighting the importance of creating structured opportunities for meaningful youth participation at all levels of governance and development.
Finally, the third table took on the topic of Opportunities, diving into pressing challenges like unemployment and underemployment while brainstorming ways to turn these obstacles into pathways for success, including fostering entrepreneurship.
The discussions emphasised the pressing need for a change in mindset when tackling these issues.
The youths suggested that authorities should focus on creating more quality job opportunities to address the imbalance between the supply and demand of jobs, especially with hundreds of graduates and undergraduates entering the job market each year.
They also stressed the importance of crafting policies that foster a conducive environment for entrepreneurial growth, allowing startups and small businesses to thrive and create new opportunities in the local economy.
Throughout these discussions, it became clear that the youths not only had valuable ideas but also a strong desire to be heard and included in shaping Brunei’s future.
We were incredibly fortunate to have Dato Malai Ali Othman, a retired Director of the Institute of Civil Service, join us as a mentor.
His wisdom and experience helped the youths navigate these complex issues. I couldn’t resist hopping from table to table, joining the discussions, and listening to the candid ideas being shared.
The depth of thought and creativity of the participants left me truly inspired.
A big shoutout to Vil-Laju, the youth association led by Riyan Yazid, Khaizuran Wardi, and Nabillah, for organising this fantastic event.
Your vision and dedication to creating a platform for open and meaningful dialogue are commendable.
Thank you for giving me the honour of being your special guest - it was an absolute privilege.
I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the members of Biro Tindakan Aduan Rakyat (BITAR) from the National Development Party (NDP) who joined us as observers.
Your presence and support added so much value to the event and reflected a shared commitment to collaboration and growth.
As the day came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel optimistic.
The reflections and ideas shared today have the potential to spark meaningful change.
This event reaffirmed my belief that Brunei’s youths are not just the leaders of tomorrow - they are the changemakers of today.
Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this Kopi Talk a truly memorable experience.
Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to inspire each other as we work towards a brighter future for Brunei.
Kopi Talk with MHO – where ideas brew, and change begins.
No comments:
Post a Comment