How We Can Help Brunei Darussalam Realise Vision 2035

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Fundamentally, change starts from within. It affects how we control our lives, and how we turn out into better people. Collectively, this influences the workings of our communities, the society, and, consequentially, in a grander scale, our country. In order for Brunei Darussalam to achieve the positive change it envisions, it has to come from the very core – its people.

But how can we make a change?

To work towards the realisation of this national vision, we can have our own set of simple guidelines – one that we can follow to achieve the personal change we need to empower the country. We can call it V.I.S.I.O.N. for Vision 2035.

VISUALISE HOW YOU CAN HELP. Think about the things you can possibly do. Start small – like how you can make yourself a better person. For example, as a student, you can study hard and learn as much as you can from school to augment academic competence. As teachers, with power to mold minds and transform lives, start by inspiring your students into becoming the best that they can be. There are a multitude of ways by which we can help. You see, we can do a lot of things to ignite the positive change that this country needs. Small as it seems, every contribution we make can be a catalyst – advancing, propelling the country to progress.

INTERNALISE VALUES. The values that people possess can help build a profound foundation by which a country lies on. For example, Obedience sets grounds for systematic organization. Justice lays the foundation for peace. Integrity solidifies the framework of the nation. Values serve as a driving force, affecting the way people function. If everyone could develop values which can help make us become better people, we can build a better nation.

SOAR BEYOND MEDIOCRITY. We have to go the extra mile and do better. We have to do something we have never done before. Brunei Darussalam aims to sit atop the pedestal where the world can see how far it has gone. In Vision 2035:“By 2035 we wish to see Brunei Darussalam recognised everywhere for the accomplishments of its well-educated and highly-skilled people, the quality of life, and the dynamic, sustainable economy.” To effect this kind of change and to realise this goal, we have to transcend the typical. The status quo lies on the present; however, if we want to mobilise change towards a more progressive future, we have to give our best. Do your job with extra effort, study harder, aim for more, go farther, reach deeper, soar higher – all these for us to grow and proliferate into more than what we are now.

INTEGRATE IDEAS INTO ACTION. Make those abstract plans into concrete actions. Change will not come from just making plans. Buildings do not sprout on its own from blueprints. It’s the same way with change; nothing will happen if we stagnate on the sidelines. If you think you can help the nation by being a good employee, then the next day at office, you do your job well, obey your boss, and be productive. Not only do you help the company, you help yourself become better at your job. If only we were to follow the example of our hypothetical employee, then imagine how more progressive we could be.

ORGANISE A TEAM. It is always better to have a lot of people working for a common goal; it makes the process of change a lot faster. Now that we have already incorporated change in our own lives, it’s time to start changing the lives of the people around you. We can begin with a family member, a friend, or a colleague. Inspire them to take the steps that you have taken. Motivate them to start the positive change in their lives. Help them take a look at the bigger picture – how you can help the nation. According to a saying, the power of one isn’t just one person doing something. It’s one person influencing others, passing ideas on, winning them to an involvement.

NURTURE THIS V.I.S.I.O.N. Maintain this effort of effecting change and working for the good of the nation. We have gone so far, there is not much sense in falling back. The only way to make our contribution last is to continue working on what we have started. This is the secret to sustainable development. As people of Brunei Darussalam, it’s time we give something back.

Visualise how you can help, Internalise values, Soar beyond Mediocrity, Integrate ideas into action, Organise a team, and Nurture this VISION. These are simple steps by which we can effect change in our lives, and eventually Brunei Darussalam. With our loyalty to our Sultan and our Country, our belief in the values of Islam, and our traditional tolerance and social harmony, we shall help realise Vision 2035 and build a better Brunei Darussalam.