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The IMPIAN Project Brunei

Commonwealth Point of Light 216. Lailatul Zubaidah

Lailatul Zubaidah, representing Brunei, aged 43, is a former ​​Magistrate and Intermediate Court Judge at the Supreme Court of Brunei and a disability rights advocate who founded ‘The IMPIAN Project’ (Inclusivity Means Purposefully Including Another Person With Special Needs), a community platform for families of children with special educational needs.

Lailatul Zubaidah

Inspired by her two disabled children Fatimah and Hassan, Zubaidah wanted to empower other families like hers through networking events and training workshops for parents. The project also works with healthcare professionals to provide free expertise for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Zubaidah is also a special advisor at ‘Girls4GirlsBrunei’, a global mentoring leadership programme for young women to prepare them for careers in the public sector, and has played a key role in supporting the Coronavirus pandemic response with her project #scrubs4Brunei.

Zubaidah said:

“This award means so much to me because it acknowledges the power of human connection and is a testament of the solidarity amongst the people of Brunei in a time rife with fear, uncertainty and separation from loved ones. The projects I ran were successful only because the hearts of the people of Brunei were completely invested in protecting our country and her people. It was a privilege to facilitate Bruneians coming together, to take care of each other and fight the pandemic as One. The pandemic brought about many realisations but most profound, for me at least, is that the flame of humanity burns bright in my country. I am extremely proud to be Bruneian and extend my heartfelt gratitude to Her Majesty the Queen for this incredible honour of receiving the Commonwealth Points of Light Award.”

John Virgoe, British High Commissioner to Brunei, said:

“I was very impressed with Zubaidah’s advocacy for special needs children and families. Moreover, during this pandemic, Zubaidah has inspired people to look at how they can contribute to the front-liners and Brunei’s Covid-19 efforts, working on amazing projects like #scrubs4Brunei. Her passionate volunteerism and advocacy has been remarkable.

“We are truly delighted that Her Majesty The Queen has recognised Zubaidah’s outstanding contributions with the her Commonwealth Points of Light award.”

The daily Points of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers - people who are making a change in their community.

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