9 October 2026 – Behind every smile, conversation or ability to carry out everyday responsibilities is a person with their own pressures and experiences that may not always be visible to others. Recognising these unseen challenges and creating a workplace where employees feel comfortable seeking support were among the key messages highlighted by Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) during “The ONE Mind: Beyond the Surface,” held in conjunction with World Mental Health Day 2026. 

Guided by the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” the programme encouraged employees to Listen, Reflect and Express, promoting greater self-awareness, understanding of stress and empathy towards others. 

Mr Salehin Basir, Chief People Officer of JPMC, emphasised that fostering a mentally healthy workplace requires a collective effort. 

“A mentally healthy workplace is shaped by the way we lead, the way we work, the way we treat one another, and the environment we create together,” said Mr Salehin. 

He highlighted findings from a study published in the Brunei International Medical Journal involving 704 healthcare workers in Brunei Darussalam, which found that 71.7 per cent met the study’s threshold for burnout and 32.4 per cent for common mental health problems. While these findings do not represent JPMC’s current workforce, they underscore the importance of recognising the pressures faced by healthcare professionals and ensuring access to appropriate support. 

Mr Salehin also drew attention to the concept of the “second victim,” referring to healthcare professionals who may experience emotional or psychological distress following an adverse event or unexpected patient outcome. 

To strengthen support for affected employees, JPMC has revitalised its Second Victim Programme through clearer governance, improved processes, greater visibility and more coordinated peer and organisational support. 

“Healthcare is human work. Even highly experienced professionals can be affected by difficult experiences. And when that happens, you should not have to suffer alone,” said Mr Salehin. 

He also highlighted the support channels available to employees, including confidential Employee Counselling Services, the Incident Reporting System and the Ethics Committee, depending on the nature of their concerns. 

Recognising that wellbeing extends beyond responding to difficult experiences, the event also marked the official launch of the ‘Sejahtera Kitani’ Employee Corporate Perks Programme, offering employees exclusive perks and discounts from participating partners alongside existing in-house benefits, with opportunities to enjoy, connect and recharge beyond their work responsibilities. 

The programme featured “The 3S’s of Stress Management,” a wellbeing talk by AC-ACE Creative Training Services, which introduced practical approaches to recognising and managing everyday stress. 

This was followed by “What Matters Within,” a guided workshop by JPMC’s Art Therapy and Neuropsychology teams from the Rehabilitation Department. Through grounding activities, creative self-expression and personal values exploration, participants were encouraged to express their experiences of burnout, give themselves permission for self-care and reflect on how their everyday efforts align with what matters most to them. 

Bringing together Listen, Reflect and Express, the programme encouraged employees to look beyond the surface of their own experiences and those of others, reinforcing Mr Salehin’s reminder to take the time to genuinely ask, “How are you, really?” 

Through initiatives such as The ONE Mind, the revitalised Second Victim Programme and Sejahtera Kitani, JPMC continues to strengthen its commitment to fostering a supportive, people-centred workplace where employee wellbeing is recognised as an important part of the overall employee experience. 

About Jerudong Park Medical Centre – “Your Healthcare Partner for Life” 

The Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC), Brunei’s leading private hospital, offers comprehensive healthcare services in a serene setting along the South China Sea. Accredited four times by the Joint Commission International (JCI), JPMC is renowned for its commitment to patient safety, quality care, and global standards. Recently integrated with Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC), JPMC now delivers enhanced specialised services and advanced medical solutions. Combining expertise and innovation, JPMC continues to set the benchmark for excellence in healthcare, ensuring holistic well-being for every patient.