MoH suffering growing pains

On the 25th National Day of Brunei, my editors tasked me to write a feature on Brunei's Healthcare.

It was one of my firsts features so I got advice from a number of editors on what I needed to do. I set up interviews which did not pull through. I asked for stats which did not exist at the time.

In the end I learned how important research can be to a writer. This feature was based more on research and past stories than interviews and fresh statistics. It opened up a new world of possibilities for me and changed how I would approach writing stories from then on.

Always do as much research as you can.

Travel ban to control H1N1 not an option

Many Bruneians were in a state of panic during the Influenza A H1N1 epidemic in 2009. Parents were concerned, with rightful reasons, for the safety of their children. 

The Ministry of Health was doing a good job containing the disease and quarantining those infected. They also put in place many preventive measures but the people wanted to safeguard the health of their loved ones even more.

Ideas were thrown around and some suggested travel bans for people leaving and coming into Brunei. The ministry said this wasn't feasible and did not elaborate much into the matter but I think it was clear to many why this was not an option.

Low quality of Interner services not worth its price

Brunei's Internet has improved drastically over the past decade but it still lags behind most of the countries in the Southeast Asian region. In this story, gamers complained about the cost of internet and how it falls short back in 2009. 

HM, Asean leaders visit Green Growth Exhibition

I don't get awestruck or star struck easily but it was quite an experience seeing so many world leaders at the same place and the same time. This was during a tour organised by the Koreans for the world leaders, or in this particular case Asean leaders, on the sidelines of the Asean-Rok summit in 2009.

It's also quite disheartening when you realise many of these leaders are now facing trials for corruption and the lot. Problems of the rich and famous?

HM happy with progress in Asean-South Korea ties

Brunei Keen on ICT ties with Korea

Musical performance sets tone for Asean-Korea summit

When you are sent overseas for coverage, you are expected to produce stories even when there is not much going on. On this uneventful day during my coverage in Jeju, South Korea, I stumbled upon a poster regarding a Asean-Korean traditional music orchestra.

I sat throughout the orchestra without much assurance that there were any Bruneians participating. Imagine my relief when I approached the conductor and was directed to the Brunei section. I had fun interviewing them and was even happier that I met my story quota for the day.