'Secretaries instrumental in facilitating country's economy'

THE secretarial profession is credited to be instrumental in facilitating the country's economic engine, and towards the smooth running of an organisation.

This was noted yesterday by the Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education, Hj Mahrub Hj Murni, at the first-ever "Executive Secretaries and Administrative Professionals Conference 2012", held at the Royal Brunei Polo & Riding Club, Jerudong.

The event was held in conjunction with "The World Secretaries Week" observed this week.

"Without doubt, this is the group of people who hold much of the latest and intimate information and data... which might be critical to the organisation itself and industry in particular, and the whole economy in general," he said.

He noted that the multi-skilled secretary does not only have clerical and administrative skills, but also "a vast array of professional, personal and managerial skills".

"Perhaps the biggest challenge facing an executive secretary is the constant need to communicate effectively with individuals of all professional levels."

"An executive secretary wears many hats. She/he is a gatekeeper, a confidant, a runner or a messenger, a record keeper and a manager," he said.

He added that being technically proficient is also a challenge for the secretary.

He then likened the secretary as the central nervous system of his/her boss' office.

"All correspondence and communications go through (the secretary)," he stated.

Hj Mahrub also took the opportunity to thank his present and previous successive executive secretaries and administrative professionals.

"For the wonderful job they have done for me and for helping me rise through the rank and file, from a normal teacher at Maktab Duli to the present position I am now holding.".

He also extended this appreciation to all in the profession for their supporting role.

Though the conference yesterday, he stated that it will allow the participants to be more exposed and involved in discussing issues ranging from work etiquettes and manners, to budgeting and finance, enhancement of employable skills, workplace psychology and relationship.

The participants included secretaries, administrative assistants, supervisors, office coordinators and office managers from the public and private sector.

The Brunei Times