Hjh Zainab M.A. Omar

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Starting Point

Hajah Zainab joined Brunei Shell Petroleum in 1983, with international experience from Oman, Qatar, the UK, and Norway. During her tenure as Human Resource (HR) Director, she focused on Talent Management, Bruneianisation, and Employee Engagement. She is currently the President of The Human Resources Society (HRS), which aims to provide a platform for sharing HR best practices and knowledge to further develop and grow experienced and new HR talents and professionals. It is affiliated with the International Society for Performance Management (ISPI).

Peace Journey

One of the most significant initiatives she has been involved in is the IDEAS Project, which focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs in Brunei Darussalam. Sponsored by a South Korean university through the Asian Women Entrepreneurs Network, the project operates under Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) and runs for two years, engaging women in monthly cohorts. The program begins with comprehensive workshops covering essential skills like digital tools (like  Canva), cybersecurity, marketing, and business digitalisation. These workshops equip women with practical tools to navigate modern business challenges, especially through social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook. After this initial training, participants move into the mentoring phase, where Hajah Zainab plays a critical role. Her role involves assessing their progress, identifying gaps in their business knowledge or strategies, and providing tailored guidance. This could range from improving financial management to helping them design effective marketing strategies. The program has already seen notable successes—one of my mentees recently won the Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Award, showcasing the impact of such focused efforts.

Beyond IDEAS, she has been deeply involved in the Human Resource Society of Brunei Darrusalam, which she founded to enhance HR professionalism in the country. Over the past two years, they have hosted quarterly Learn and Connect sessions to empower HR professionals with core skills such as talent management, succession planning, and change management. These sessions also address contemporary issues like HR digitalisation, ensuring that professionals remain relevant in a rapidly evolving field. This initiative upskills HR professionals and creates a ripple effect, as improved HR practices lead to safer and more inclusive workplaces for women and youth.

In addition to these structured programs, she has also worked informally with grassroots entrepreneurs, connecting them with resources to overcome hurdles. For instance, she has guided women to access shared kitchens for halal-certified food production and use affordable facilities to kickstart their ventures. Many of these women are initially overwhelmed, but with motivation and access to resources, they gain the confidence to move forward. With her support, one entrepreneur could package her products professionally and begin exporting internationally, including to Dubai. Success stories like that and many others reinforce the transformative power of empowerment initiatives. Lastly, she has contributed to mental health advocacy through her mentoring work. Many women and youth face self-doubt and psychological barriers that hinder their potential. By providing a safe and supportive environment where they can share their struggles, Hajah Zainab has been able to help them rebuild their confidence, address their mental blocks, and rediscover their capabilities.

Success Stories

She believes that it is absolutely crucial for women to be involved in initiatives that address the well-being of women and youth. Women bring a unique perspective to these efforts, as they often have firsthand experience with the challenges being addressed. For example, in her HR roles, she has advocated for policies like period leave, which many women need but are hesitant to request due to stigma. Without women in decision-making spaces, such issues would likely be ignored or misunderstood. Women leaders and mentors also serve as role models, inspiring others to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams.

Moreover, women’s involvement often creates safer and more inclusive spaces where others feel comfortable sharing their struggles. This accelerates progress because it allows issues to be addressed at their root. Empowered women can inspire others, creating a ripple effect that benefits families, communities, and future generations. When women are equipped with confidence and resources, they not only uplift themselves but also contribute to the broader well-being of society. This is why she always emphasises the importance of teaching women “how to fish,” ensuring that they gain the skills and resilience needed for lifelong success. Empowering women is not just about individual progress; it’s about creating a foundation for sustainable, inclusive growth.