WHEN I was here last year, I fell in love with Brunei. There was something different about the place and the people that made me feel welcome and at home.
I have returned and I sense that special kind of warmth and friendliness all over again in the diverse group of people I interact with at the Berakas Book Fair – from the cabinet minister to teachers, other professionals, and assorted strangers.
So it got me thinking about what is it that sets, you apart from others. Why is it that when I waited at the bank before it opened, the kindly man next to me smiled and graciously said, “You arrived first, Sir, please go ahead”? What a gentleman.
Why is it that while I stay at my hotel the staff has accommodated me with winning hospitality that comes from the heart? Served with a smile and without exception. Why is it that when my friend’s son left his bag on a public bench, he would find it intact the next morning? I thought this only happens in Japan.
Then I turned to the radio and heard Izan. I can imagine why she is a hit with her listeners. She
cheers you with her chirpy voice as she converses with you. She disarms you with her warm candour and listening to her can be more entertaining than the music.
You’d think that she was chatting away to her family.
On second thought, she was talking to her extended family. It dawned on me that a main part of the Brunei charm has to do with your family culture, whether in the individual home or in the national context.
Outsiders I talk to say this is a peaceful place and some have chosen to work and live here. You have a beautiful country but it is more than the glorious, gorgeous greenery and landscaping that paint this slice of tropical paradise.
It’s the family values that keep you close together and sets you apart from all your other neighbours. Cherish and keep what you have that is missing elsewhere. Be proud to be a Bruneian!
As a Canadian visiting your country, I appreciate the Brunei experience and I thank you for the hospitable welcome yet again. -Larry Siah
Latest by Featured Writer:
- An appeal from Royal Brunei Airlines passenger to London
- Brunei Charity Help: 'Hand in Hand, Help Brunei & Help the World'
- McLaren Automotive introduces the McLaren MP4-12C
- Energizer battery charger allows unauthorized access
- The Civil Guard dismantle computers "zombies" network made up of more than 13 million infected PCs
