PDSP Hjhh Zety Sufina B. PDP Hj Sani

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Starting Point

Pengiran Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Zety Sufina binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani is the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Fiscal) which plays a crucial role in supporting the overall peacebuilding and security landscape. She also holds various board positions in many statutory bodies and government-linked companies.

Peace Journey

Her contributions are rooted in her work, where she has been in finance for over 30 years. Since becoming Deputy Minister in June 2022, she has focused on ensuring budgets are allocated to areas that promote the safety, well-being, and development of women and youth. She believes this is one way she can contribute to peace and security, even if indirectly.

Through her fiscal portfolio, she oversees budget allocations, and wherever possible, the ministry tries to prioritise programs that directly benefit women and youth. For example, from 2018 to 2023, it allocated BND 22 million to youth development programs under the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports (MCYS). Similarly, BND 3.7 million went to he Department of Community Development for programs focused on women and children, including facilities like Rumah Kebajikan Anak-Anak or Children’s Welfare Home. This safe space supports abused children and juveniles, providing shelter and rehabilitation. These initiatives aim to create environments where women and youth feel safe and empowered to thrive.

She mentioned that another key area is entrepreneurship. Under Darussalam Enterprise (DARe), the ministry supported programs like the Institute Business Academy and Micro Business Bootcamp, which help women and youth establish businesses and gain essential skills. Programs like Go Digital ASEAN, a regional initiative, have been especially impactful. For instance, during the first phase of Go Digital ASEAN, over 1,030 women in Brunei Darussalam were trained in digital skills, enabling them to access online markets and expand their businesses. This initiative is ongoing, with further funding to reach more individuals, particularly those in disadvantaged communities.

The ministry also has projects like i-Usahawan, which supports youth-owned businesses by giving them access to government contracts. This program has expanded beyond the energy sector and now includes areas like catering, cleaning, and logistics. By focusing on smaller businesses, particularly those run by women or youth, the program helps them gain the experience needed to compete in larger markets. This initiative is crucial because many small businesses struggle to compete with established players.

Internationally, the ministry collaborated on programs like the ASEAN-Korea IDEAS Project, which focuses on building the digital economy for women entrepreneurs. Through this initiative, it provides e-business training and resources, ensuring women have the tools to succeed in a competitive and digital-driven market. These efforts are part of a broader goal to promote inclusivity and ensure that women and youth, especially those from low-income families, have opportunities to grow and succeed.

Success Stories

In her view, women bring a unique perspective to issues affecting women and youth. As natural nurturers, women are often more empathetic and understanding, making them effective leaders in education, healthcare, and social development. For instance, women tend to approach problems with a focus on collaboration and compassion, which helps create lasting solutions.

In her role, she has seen how women leaders prioritise family-friendly policies and programs that directly benefit children and youth. For example, programs that provide safe spaces for children or empower women entrepreneurs often have a ripple effect, improving the well-being of entire communities. Women understand the importance of balancing professional and personal responsibilities, and this perspective is invaluable in policymaking.

She always says that behind every successful man is a successful woman, and the same applies to society. Women play a critical role in shaping the next generation, instilling values that contribute to a more caring and respectful community. Involving women in leadership and decision-making processes ensures that these perspectives are included, which ultimately leads to better outcomes for everyone.