'Bruneian traits' can open floodgates of business opportunities

BRUNEIANS are not only well known for their affectionate nature, but also their sophistication and intelligence. If these traits are applied in a business environment, opportunities for locals are vast, said a world-reknown certified management consultant yesterday.

Rebecca Morgan, a bestselling author of several books and has also previously appeared in several talkshows including the Oprah Winfrey, was speaking at a course organised by the Brunei Islamic Bank Berhad (BIBD) on leadership, presentation and communication skills aimed to enhance and instil these values in their human resource.

In an interview with The Brunei Times, Morgan remarked that if these inherent traits are enhanced with communication and leadership skills, the Bruneian workforce will become more marketable and Brunei will be attractive to international investors.

The consultant cited BIBD as taking the right steps towards these goals.

In its bid to become globally competitive, every single individual in BIBD holding these values can act as an ambassador, not only for their corporation but for their country as well, she said.

She added the participants were at first quite unsure of themselves but later became more confident and that this fresh sense of confidence was now one of the bank's prime assets. "I am sure that this is what Brunei as a whole has: positive confidence," she said, adding that this resource must be fully tapped to secure its hidden potential.

She also said that in times of crisis, people are looking for leaders who will guide them in shaping the markets. "BIBD has that potential," she said, adding that the confidence that is now instilled in the BIBD entourage will assist them in convincing investors and new clients.

Rebecca Morgan of the US-based Morgan Seminar Group is a certified speaking professional and management consultant. Currently, she is one out of only a handful of professionals around the world who holds both qualifications.

She was invited by BIBD to hold a two-day seminar to instil leadership values amongst BIBD personnel.

In a previous phone interview, Acting Managing Director of BIBD Javed Ahmed said the seminar was part of BIBD's plan to enhance its human resources capabilities and tapping the staff's fullest potential; thus, bringing more productivity, not only to the bank but for the entire country.

Currently, BIBD is also holding an Islamic Banking course conducted by Markfield Institute of Higher Education (MIHE), an academic institution specialised in Islamic Finance based in Leicestershire, United Kingdom to educate the core elements and fundamentals of the Islamic Finance industry in all of its employees.

The three-week course was also held at the Empire Hotel and Country Club.

The Brunei Times