My fellow patriots,

There is something I want to tell you. As a government scholarship recipient, I feel a weight of obligation has been set on me to give something back to society.

I am very well aware of the investment made could have otherwise been used to feed the needy or into other infrastructural projects. Therefore you, ladies and gents, have the option if not duty to demand from me service.

A notable individual once said that we should not be like ‘kangaroos’, a description given to those unemployed choosy young scholar graduates even AFTER being invested $80,000.

I am guilty of this too; a feeling pronounced as I studied in the U.K and all the more now now as I am unemployed.

Despite almost working myself to death to promote the cause of the nation throughout these times I feel there is something greater things to do for the state and for its people.

The nation after all has, as Plato in his seminal work “Socrates’ Last Days”, given me life, education, and security. So put me to the test by demanding from me than just what he has achieved in the past.

I also request readers to QUESTION from me my actions: Will my ventures warrant the $80,000 worth of investment made? Will working in an office, becoming a paper pusher, and ‘tahu goyang kaki’ level of pandering be worth it the cost?

I also like to point out, is education if it is not utilized for the benefit of society? As my father once scolded me “Ke sekolah saja indada jua pandai bepikir!” Yes that was when I was sixteen yeas old, and I have since promised myself to use what I know to think and to make change.

As I close this ‘open letter’, I ask from you to demand from me to achieve a standard that fit what you would see would make positive change to society (so long as it does not go against my personal beliefs and not impossible), and always question what I do.

The way I see it, it is my obligation as a scholar recipient (who has received $80,000+ worth of funding) to give, while it is your obligation as locals to demand and ask.

While you are at it, do the same to the other Bruneian scholars as well.

This work is inspired after my readings of Cicero’s “On Obligation”. I highly recommend it!

My fellow patriots, was originally published in Personal Reflection on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

1) Sidney Sheldon, American best-selling author.
When I was 16, my father used to drop me off in Yayasan after high school. One day I wondered about the Elizabeth bookstore located on the third floor. There amassed books that seem to fill every space and cupboard. I sat down in one corner, and upon seeing a blue novel book entitled “Rage of Angels” picked it up and started reading. It was magic! Captivated by the story, I forgot time and space and sat motionless for hours. I felt I was in the story! Gone were the days when I’d just speed read through the Peter and Jane series just to finish it for the sake of homework. Man, right here, this guy’s work is legit! Ever since then I’ve brought his other books. And every book has its distinct style, theme and gripping narrative that made me want more! “Master of the Game”, one of his other masterpiece is akin to the modern day House of Cards opened my eyes on the interplay between power, money, and love.

Why do I want to have lunch with him? Learn from the best in the trade I believe I’m fit in: Writing.

2) John D. Rockefeller
Born second to the 6 siblings in the family, he lived at a time when rugged American capitalism was at its height. JDR had little schooling and education from the very start. But by the time he died, he was credited to have built the American Oil industry. Through his company Standard Oil, he pulverized, outfoxed, and consolidated his competitors and partners into working with him. Those who oppose saw their business squeezed and partnerships destroyed. Conjured by JDRs clever and often deadly machinations, he ensured that he was always ten steps of ahead of everyone. “Take a false step, you’ll go bankrupt” as he would often infer to his competitors with his suave speech and sphinx-like look. And many who opposed him did went bankrupt. His ride to riches however did not happen instantly. It took a lot of cold-blooded and heartless calculations hellbent in making the most out for the company’s profits, be it a hundred dollars or a penny(!) and destroying those who stand against him. At the company’s infancy, the company had almost nothing. At the company’s height, it controlled 90% of the world’s oil FREAKING industry, effectively making him the richest man in history.

Why do I want to have lunch with him? To further learn how he thinks in this seemingly unjust world.

3) Augustus Caesar
-Could possibly one of the greatest leaders in Western Civilization if not on earth. Born Gaius Octavious in ancient Rome, he was an adopted nephew to Julius Caesar. Following Caesars’ assassination on the Ides of March(Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar perfectly illustrates the tragedy; a must read!), he took upon himself to bring reign and order to the chaos that ensued within the Roman empire. The Second triumvirate or three factions of Rome was thus formed. Heading each factions were himself, Mark Anthony and Marcus Lepidus. Together they went, routed, and destroyed Caesars’ assassins. Naturally however, the triumvirate as per design, cracked leading to prolonged internal warfare in hopes one of them would become sole ruler of Rome. Many great battles were won and lost in the epic struggle for power. But one faction eventually emerged victorious: Gaius Octavious’. Reigning as Emperor of Rome he was conferred the title ‘Augustus’ and his last name ‘Caesar’ to pay homage to Julius. Under his rule, he restored the Republican system, giving power to the people and its representatives at a time when corrupt men could simply take absolute control. He institutionalized the Police force and fire fighting force, and strengthened the standing armies of Rome effectively bringing peace, security, and order within the empire and those beyond its walls. He expanded Roman territories until it stretched to Spain in the East to Syria to the West. He ruled almost forty years, and his last words were prophetic: “I found Rome a city made of bricks and left it a city of marble.” With that Rome became one of the largest and longest lasting civilization known to ancient mankind. To give you perspective, it took 1000 years before the Empire actually dissolved.

Why do I want to have lunch with him? I want to learn how he thinks.

4) Sindbad the Sailor
-Sindbad the Sailor is an epic fictional character set in Basrah, the capital city of Baghdad in ancient Arabia. His adventures took him across the seven seas and boy what a story it is! Reading from The One Thousand One Night novel, he has five adventures with each filled with shining joys and dark tragedies. There he encountered magical creatures and beasts that roam across the land and seas he visits, making suspense and fun along the way. Once in a naval expedition he and his men came across an island when suddenly dwarfed apes appeared nearby, swam onto the ship, kicked Sindbad and his crew off into the freezing waters, and destroyed it until it was no longer. There Sindbad and his men took refuge in the nearby island to escape the creatures. Scarcely had they felt relieved when they encountered a One eyed giant! Upon seeing the men, the giant took one of the crew, broke his neck, roasted him in his giant kitchen and finally consumed him. It was not until much challenges did Sindbad escaped the tumults event alive! Every start has him possessing riches and wealth, and every adventure losing them and risking his own life. His reason? To explore the unexplored seas and lay not in an idle life. Amid the dangers, he continued. I still remember him weeping to himself “By God Sindbad! A vase hitting the floor twice will surely break!” And yes he continued. Five chapters all-in-all! Five epic adventures to be marveled! It is Sindbad at his finest!

Why do I want to have lunch with him? I want to be a modern day Sindbad so I can seek endless thrills and risks to live a life fully lived!

5) My British/Scottish ancestor
-I don’t know who he is and I don’t know his name. The only mention of him was by my late Grandmother of how he was once a pilot during World War 2. Under his profession he transported Allied officers to fight the Imperial Japanese army. Inferring from written history, I believed he flew as far from UK at that time, transited in Singapore before finally arriving in Brunei to send in required reinforcements and supplies. Since bombs were falling from the skies as we kicked the enemies butt, he too may be one of pilots who have undertaken the bombing operation. Not surprising since a tidal blood of heroes were required to fight against the Axis forces. After the war he settled down marrying a Chinese woman (thus my Whittish skin, why I look Chinese (and perhaps my natural affinity for Chinese girls)) and how he flew back to UK, leaving his daughters behind (one of them is my grandmother) once they are adults. I never really knew about him nor have I seen his picture. It is a sad thing. But I want to meet him. He’s like a hero to me. I have high regard for him. He risked his life to protect Brunei. Without him I wouldn't have been here today. With such courage and contribution to the country, I can’t help but to feel ashamed for not doing more to surpass his accomplishments. Such is my affinity for the country borne out of his duty and valor to protect Brunei at a time that tried men’s souls. As the saying goes “ Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once.”

Why do I want to have lunch with him? To discuss history and those who came before him so as to finally uncover my historical lineage! If I were to choose but one of the five options, I’d choose my ancestor!

He was the Commander in the Imperial Russian Army when the Russian Empire fell and his province attained independence. This led to a civil war and later, the World War. Elected to become the Commander-in-Chief by the newly independent state, he successful defended and ultimately preserved his home county from Stalin’s Reds attempted invasion(one of which is the Winter War); a defeat that could result to the extermination of the new state. His name: Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerhiem, eventually to become the greatest Finn of all time and the father of modern Finland.

His career never made any sense. Animal herding, trading goods was all was known of him during his days in the Arabian desert. It was not until he was 40 years old when he received a revelation that calls upon him to spread of a new religion. There he led the new movement. But he was soon met with hostility by the ruling tribal leaders. Escaping prosecution, he and his followers migrated to Medina. It wasn't until 8 years later did he captured Mecca and ultimately spread Islam. His name: Muhammad S.A.W.

I understand the sentiment of how “disloyal” those bond breakers may be. But no one mentioned the flip side of the coin.

Those people, having work abroad for years or decades, have the capacity and the brains to help move the country forward. They can inject new ideas, new working ethics, and new innovations.

In the process, them helping build external private assets across the globe that we Bruneians could tap to reverse the impending disaster which we may face once the oil runs out.

So stop with this “think local, act local” mindset. It’s pathetic.

Was it not Sultan Bolkiah the 5th that once said to the Bruneians to continually explore and gain new knowledge across the region? Look at where we were then?

On the contrary, look at where we were in the past hundred years? Let us learn our lesson not to be guided by ignorance, envy, and hatred.

Instead let us be guided by reason. In fact, it is the only path to on which we can build a better Brunei.

In the depressing slump that hit the French economy in 1681, the finance minister hastily called upon a meeting with a group of French businessmen.

When the troubled minister asked how the French state help the merchants and help promote their commerce, one of the businessman stood up, look at him and indignantly replied “Laissez-nous faire!” or in English terms, “Get your hands off!”

Dear Minister and those who may be concerned in economic policy-making,

If you are really sincere in building a vibrant economy then you should keep your hands off the market. You don’t know the amount of damages and lost opportunities you've incurred to the small time entrepreneurs with your ‘regulations’ and ‘policies’, and ‘grants’.

For the former, by imposing regulation and policies is equivalent to branding creatives as latent criminals. Paperworks is as only good as providing statistical certainty. But it should not stifle people’s business ideas and branding them as potential criminals or snake oil-salesman. It is an insult.

As for the grants, you are like a parent who spoils his children wanting to strike their own separate paths; you submerge their individuality, self-reliance, and self-esteem with your ‘free money’. It’s shameful on both parties, and you’ll encourage Malinvestment in the process.

Solution to all of this? Get your hands off. Reduce the unnecessary paperwork. Stop this mindset about government trying to manage everything for everyone and every time. Stop central planning. Let the market decide for itself. Let’s introduce market economy once in a while.

I always give advise to people that the best regulation is deregulation. Example? Look at how Bandar Seri Begawan City being badly managed by the Public municipal Department(Public Sector) in comparison to that of The Mall owned by Pehin Hapidtz(Private Individual).

According to my noob research, an office in Rockefeller Plaza in NY cost USD$900 per month to rent while in Bandar Seri Begawan, it is USD$3000(a direct call to the local real estate agency). Is there any wonder why few MNCs want to set an HQ here?

Whomever heads the business sector development in the country is either ignorant or clueless of how the economy works. They do not know what they are doing and the damage they inflict to the private sector.

Consider the recent Brunei Times report that saw the Brunei economy tumble 9.7% in Q3. Borrowing one of the commentors sayings, this is a national disaster.

To say this country is immature in the commercial aspect isn’t right because we’re once the bastion of trade across the region 600+ years ago during Brunei’s Golden Age.

The Kedayans-which the majority of the Brunei population and I are decedents of-were natural businessmen then but many today seem to forget that. Heck, I might forget that if it wasn’t for my dad doing his business and his father doing his business(which I found later on as his occupation in his death certificate).

Let’s remember our Bruneian roots as the traders of the region. Kg. Ayer, from which we base our commercial headquarter, was a strategic point of passage for commercial ships between Chinese sea and Indian Ocean. It was so busy that Antonio Pigafetta dubbed it as the Venice of the East.

But what is Venice anyway?

Consider below:

“During the 9th and 11th centuries, Venice experienced a period of prosperity, as it became an important commercial enclave, which made it the merchant capital of the Adriatic. Venice became a city of great importance, not only from a commercial point of view, but also from a military and political one.” — http://www.newvenicetravel.com/history.html

The parallel is noteworthy.

It was largely thanks to Sultan Bolkiah the 5th’s insistence of continuous learning among its people and economic growth that led us to achieve that status.

What happened then seems more like a Greek tragedy. Slowly, the Brunei empire crumbles as centuries past, from a once powerful dynasty stretching across ancient Philippines, Singapore, and Malaya into the small size equivalent of Norfolk today.

According to Tom William’s White Rajah, it was due to its incumbents close-mindedness and corruption then led to Brunei’s accelerated downfall. He asserted that the ancient Brunei society was so “corrupt that the weak are willing to pass off honesty to get protection from the strong.” This level of “inequality and dishonesty permeates heavily within the whole system” that by the time James Brooke landed at the shore of Sarawak, the people were already prepared to make change.

You know what happened next.

My message in this article call for the whole lot of us to understand and appreciate our glories(and shames) past. It is a history which has been engraved in our hearts whether we like it or not. On that note it is an important aspect to create and motivate a united front of skilled individuals to help make better the nation. It is time to learn history again.

And no, I do not mean learning about those MIB stuffs-these are recently made concepts.

What I mean is the books that you can get in the bookstores such as White Rajah by Tom Williams, The Brunei Revolt 1962-1963 by Nicholas van der Bijl, Rebellion in Brunei: The 1962 Revolt, Imperialism, Confrontation and Oil (International Library of Twentieth Century by Harun Abdul Maji, and Time and the River: Brunei Darussalam 1947 — 2000 (Hardcover) by Mohamed Bolkiah- despite its simplicity, it’s actually a good book.

Then there are those unformalised histories that seem to be mysteriously and subtly passed down throughout the generations. The Golden Age story and Golden Mountain and the Weeping Rice was told by my late grandmother whilst I was still a kid. It inspired me so much that it subtly influenced me into becoming a businessman.

We can become great again. The best approach is a free-market setting which I am confident will set us towards economic self-sufficiency. This requires a greater awareness among the intellectuals on the importance of creating a business-friendly environment. The relative result will either make us or break us for good.

It is time to relive and recreate a modern version of the Venice of the East. Pulau Muara Besar (PMB) will be key to this.

We have a chance. The US is only 250+ years old, while we have over 600+. Surely we can improve. And surely we can learn from others’ history i.e. the Dutch. This as a way to accelerate our learning process. Consider the quote below:

“History is a poor way to predict the future, yet it is the only predictor we have.”
Winston Churchill

In concluding, it is my longing to be able to rent an even better and cheaper office in BSB than in NY one day. This will require the assistance of many throughout the whole national structure. The philosophy that must be in the minds of decision makers will be that of free-markets. I have faith that we can do this. I have faith that we can achieve or even surpass our former glory. I hope it is not too late by then.

Related Article: Have you read the Reading List?

Abdul Malik Omar is a Bruneian writer and entreprenuer whose the founder of AMO Times, the nation’s prominent youth onilne blog. His writings have been featured in Brunei Times, Investvine.com, AdventAsia.com, and Bloggers without Borders.

2. The Intellectual and Socialism by Frederic Von Hayek
In the battle of ideas stood freedom against tyranny. It’s agents, intellectuals. In the height of battle shall stand only one, and it is either those two which could seal the fate of a nation. It is a fight I’m willing to take, through my writings on amotimes.com, in longing to see a better Brunei through expounding the virtues and necessities of the former not only to those around me but to the public at large.

3. Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller by Ron Chernow
From humble beginnings to the richest man in history, this book recounts a quiet yet sly John D. Rockefeller in consolidating, scheming, and ultimately controlling 90% of the then world’s oil resource out of complete scratch. His is the epitome of a man whose life reflects on a God-like ability to create order out of complete chaos. He is an inspiration of inspiration for me.

4. Man Search for Meaning by Dr. Viktor Frankl
A narrative of horrific proportions about the holocaust, endured by the author during the height of World War, shocked me to the very core forcing me to ponder long and hard on Nietzsche quote he often shares in his book “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how”. If there is any book you should read this year, this is it.

5. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
The philosophies outlined in the book built up within me a spirit of epic persistence and unshakable faith that has enabled me to achieve most of the successes I have achieved, insofar and years henceforth. It is quite possibly the greatest motivational self-help book you will ever need to kickstart and attain your longings right now.

Original post at http://amotimes.com/reading-list/

Abdul Malik Omar is a Bruneian writer and the founder of AMO Times, the nation’s prominent youth onilne blog. His writings have been featured in Brunei Times, Investvine.com, AdventAsia.com, and Bloggers without Borders.

For a tourist who that just landed in Brunei the first thing you would do is to find a hotel, which in most instances would be in the Bandar Seri Begawan, the city.

The cheapest form of transport going there is the bus($1.00 per person) and the alternative, Taxi($10).

In the city, you’d have a chance to go and walk around town to see some of our famous landmarks. Given their proximity, you should finish your Brunei tour within a day.

In the city, I recommend visiting the Royal Regalia building, SOAS mosque, Yayasan Commercial complex, and then a taxi boat ride around Kampong Ayer*

After the city tour, you could then take a short 10-mins bus ride to the national museum where you could then see the history, artifacts, and heritage of our 600+ year old kingdom.

A 10-minutes walk journey from the museum will then bring you to Sultan Bolkiah the 5th Tomb. He’s the great king renowned to have led Brunei into its golden age. It is under his rule that Brunei got its name “Venice of the East”.

Then in terms of shopping, you can either take another bus from the city, costing you another BND$1.00 or use the taxi boats straight to Gadong (I recommend the latter-it is quite fun ☺*).

Once arrival, you can then shop and entertain yourself at the biggest mall in Brunei, “The Mall”.

It may not have Selfridges or Harrods standard but hey you could still have some good dining and shopping time with your family there. The best we could offer for our vistors.

There’s also an uncongested 3D cinema where you can watch the latest Hollywood blockbuster movie for $8/per person. Should you like movies that is ☺

In the evening, you’ll get a chance to purchase foods in a nearby hawker market. Dubbed as the “Night Market” you can get some of the best and exotic food taste that Brunei has got to offer. A typical $5.00 meal will still leave you stuffed til’ the next day!

Of course we have other places that you could visit outside the city. Examples would be Temburong National Park, Tasek Merimbun, Tasek Lama and Muara Beach. So if you like greenery or the chance to chillax do visit these places.

If you want to experience luxury and high quality living, then Empire Hotel and Country Club will sure to delight.

With its Presidential rooms costing over $5000 per night, the finest resort in Borneo will provide visitors, especially golf lovers, out there a state of the art golfing facility frequented even by the Sultan of Brunei himself.

While you play golf, your kids could go bowling, swimming, or water parachuting. All these outdoor experience amid the blue oceans breeze.

So…above is all I can help you out with. To tourists visiting Brunei reading this, do enjoy your stay! We are always open for new people to see our place! For more info you can visit http://www.bruneitourism.travel*

(**Do note that the taxi boat prices should be below $10.00 for each tourist. More than that, they screwing you. Report it to the authorities at +673 238 2832 should they do that. Be careful.)

Story originally posted in Quora Brunei: What is there to see in Brunei as a tourist?

Abdul Malik Omar is a Bruneian writer and the founder of AMO Times, the nation’s prominent youth onilne blog. His writings have been featured in Brunei Times,Investvine.com, AdventAsia.com, and Bloggers without Borders.

What separates the good from the Great, the mediocre from the Champions, and the normal from the Napoleons?

Those are the questions have plagued my mind for a very long time. But no longer.

After finishing Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers-recommended by Tim O-it made more sense now than ever that those who work hard and seize every possible opportunity are bound to achieve success.

The word “success” may comes to us like an oxymoron but it is more than just that. Success is the joy of achieving what Dr. Victor Frankl calls a meaningful purpose.

It is that experience that will make you smile and say “Hey, I’ve achieved this. It may not be as good as what I can do now but hey I feel proud of myself.”

But what made Gladwell’s insight unique is his “10,000 hours” theory. Simply put, it is when you concentrate your mind into polishing a particular set of skill on that length of time that you’ll finally achieve mastery(check the comment section).

Because once you pass that threshold, lo and behold, you’d be the King of your industry.

-

Consider Eminem’s experience in making his hit single “Rap God”. It was made in one single freestyle. No revisions. No corrections. No holding back.

It was a miracle.

Still, let us not turn a blind eye that he was in the industry for decades.

That 6 minutes song was the product of the 10,000 hours of hardwork, grit, and dedication he has put in.

—

Likewise for Napoleon Bonaparte who, if it wasn’t for the tragic Russian expedition, may have conquered and proclaim himself the de facto Emperor of Europe.

It is no coincidence thus considering him being brought up in the military from a very tender age.

Because when the French revolution broke out, he-as a young general commissioned into battle-has already armed himself with the 10,000 hours.

With it, he crushed his enemies ranks and made a striking impression on his superiors right then and there.

From then on, he rapidly rose to power winning strategic battles after another until his ultimate defeat in the Battle of Waterloo.

—

So what can you learn from Gladwell’s “10,000 hours" theory?

Well you’ve got to pick a skill you want to be committed too.

The best way to identify a skill is to ask yourself: does the skill I want to master aligned to my purpose in life?

It’s a pretty philosophical if not broad question but believe me you will gradually find it. The best way is to read the books linked in this article.

Moving on…thus so

If you want to be a writer, you write for 10,000 hours.

If you want to be a singer, you sing for 10,000 hours.

If you want to be a businessman, you do business for 10,000 hours.

If you want to be a strategist, you plan and execute strategy for 10,000 hours.

Not continuously of course but rather persistently for eight-ten hours daily for ten years+. That is formulae Malcolm gave to which I then pass you.

So there you go.

Hard Work. Meaning. Mastery.

So to reiterate and paraphrase the question once more, what is the skill are you willing to put in your 10,000 hours into?

Abdul Malik Omar is a Bruneian writer and the founder of AMO Times, the nation’s prominent youth onilne blog. His writings have been featured in Brunei Times, Investvine.com, AdventAsia.com, and Bloggers without Borders.

Considering my being a young writer, it is my deepest hope that these “tips” may reach out to aspiring writers that would like to venture into the forays of journalism or book writing. It helped in my case so it’s my duty to impart to those who want to learn the art of writing. So here is my top five advise.

1. Write, write and write
   The best way to write is….well…write. Just write your piece. Don’t worry about what people may think of your work. So long as it is completed and ready to publish then please do go ahead and publish it. There is more room for editing later on. And if you are truly worried about your English or grammar do note that this will take time and practice. You don’t just go Shakespeare over one writing. You do it in the course of hundreds of articles or essays. Let the dictum “practise makes perfect” be your guiding force. Because there is no other way to master a subject other than ruthless hard work. Malcom Gladwell put it well in his book “Outliers”, you’ll only master your subject once you put in your 10,000 hours into it. (In setting up a blog, I’d recommend Wordpress.)
2. On Grammar. So what?
   The idea that you are not a natural born “orang puteh” does not mean that your English is automatically bad. On the contrary, it gives you the opportunity to practise. To get that feedback of improvement and to get an understanding on the English language in the course of your adventures is the best feeling of all, believe me. Was it not Lao Tzu who told us that the reward is in the journey itself? But do improve your grammar by investing in Strunk and White’s Elements of Style. That book will be an English teacher you never had. One of the takeaways from that book is to use an “active voice” in your writings. It’s like imagining yourself having a conversation with the reader as you write your piece. That connection is important.
3. Finish your draft first. Then polish it.
   Yes, it is okay to produce a horrible first draft. No author imaginable could produce in one single sitting the Great Gatsby, Selfish Gene, or Othello. It takes much time, editing and research to produce those work. But it is much easier to do those things after you finish your first draft. Mario Puzo, in writing Godfather, did not even know a nickel about the Mafia until he revised his first draft (Fun fact: His inspiration for those Don Corleones was his sweet but ruthless mother). But eventually, as all writers do, he polished his work, and went on to publish one of the best-selling novels of all time. The key takeaway here is you don’t edit while you are doing your first draft. Otherwise you’d get analysis paralysis or writer’s block. And that is the worst experience of all writers.
4. Read, Read a lot.
   Stephen King, on his seminal book “On Writing”(highly recommended), recounted how he psychologically face-palmed countless times whenever he heard aspiring writers who are not willing to read. ‘If you do not have the time to read, then you do not have the time to write’ King said. In the course of my ‘career’, I have read close to 300+ books, Ryan Holiday, 5000+! Reading will not only enhance your style but it will build up your wisdom and sharpen your prose. Another advise, inspired by Stephen Koch in his book Modern Library, is to read on a subject on what you “know”. Meaning if you intend to write about Crime Thrillers, you’d read Sidney Sheldon’s Master of the Game; Science Fiction, Orson Scott’s Ender’s Game; Romance, EL James’ 50 Shades of Grey (J.K., but seriously). Only with these stock of ‘knowledge’ or ideas will you be able to write, well.
5. Tell the Truth
   Writing is about telling the “Truth”. That is your ultimate duty as a writer. So do not be surprised when you encounter trolls or well-thought but totally misdirected people along the way who would want to undermine that “truth”. And no, I don’t encourage absolute ignorance, I’m advocating selective ignorance. How many dreams have been shattered by negative comments, I dare not count. How many people thought AMO Times was a pretentious website, I’d say to hell with them. So my advise to you, aspiring writers, is to build within yourself a heart of metal, to write on what you believe is true, and to build whatever thoughts that come into your way. “Art is long,” said Hippocrates “life is short”. So publish your art and let it forever change history.

Abdul Malik Omar is a Bruneian writer and the founder of AMO Times, the nation’s prominent youth onilne blog. His writings have been featured in Brunei Times, Investvine.com, AdventAsia.com, and Bloggers without Borders.

2013. It is at this year I turned 21.

Along the journey I met up/re-connected with a lot of wonderful and inspirational people. The ‘top five’ who I like to mention are Izam Ryan,Dubem Menakaya, Radin Abdullah Basiuni, Totu La(my Viet boss), and River Tam. You guys inspire me.

I am also extremely happy for being able to serve under some of the best and brightest people out there. This goes to the Brunei Students’ Union team , BIA Interns, The AMO Times Brunei team, WCOPA part-timers(Prismworks Events Management), Launch48 participants, Kem Hijrah team (Brunei Hall),Startup Hacks entrepreneurs/tech-preneurs and of course my current uni group mates.

It was a fun, challenging and sometimes uncomfortable experience. But that’s the only way to level up (I think).

On that note, I made a lot of mistakes. Multi-taking and over-promising is bad policy and they are to be avoided at all cost. To those whom I have broken my words and promises, I sincerely apologise.

Events-wise, I was lucky to be able to hear Muhammad Yunus, Jimmy Wales, Richard Dawkins, Yaron Brook, Bill Bailey and Richard Wiseman speak-that last person made a magic trick :D. These events are awesome to attend, though sometimes I almost went broke in the process(!).

On sharing the best book reads this year — to knowledge seekers or book worms alike — I’d say it’ll be “Capitalism and Freedom” by Milton Friedman, “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Dr. Victor Frankl, “Road to Serfdom” by Friedrich Von Hayek, “Mastery” by Robert Greene and “Ascent of Money” by Niall Ferguson.

My advise in those especially to my juniors back in Brunei reading this is to read more. I believe it will change you for the better as it did to me. Never be confined to the same ideas. Always challenge your ideas. Furthermore do not spend a majority of your time in watching TV (except maybe Breaking Bad. That series is gold) or what-not. Educate yourself. Educate. Educate. Educate.

And finally to repeat what I’ve posted almost a year ago I’d say make your resolutions resolute, and be bold in your decisions to grasp the future, for it is all yours for the taking.

Hope 2014 will yet again be a glorious year, if not greater.

Reflections of a Bruneian Dreamer was originally published in Personal Reflection on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.