Airin’s story

How the ASEAN Leaders Programme enabled Airin to leverage diversity

Nyimas Azizah Airin Aziz, Development Manager Group, PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero)

Airin leads a team tasked with implementing social and developmental projects for Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), in Sumenep, East Java.

As task force leader, Airin holds multiple roles requiring her to build teams with the skills to work effectively in diverse communities. This is where learnings from the ASEAN Leaders Programme strengthened her hand.

“Leveraging the experiences and knowledge that I gained from participating in the ASEAN Leaders Programme, I had a new confidence to lead and manage the team to become the best performance achievers in East Java (a National area) for Micro Financing for Farmers, as well as for distributing Farming Cards. As a result of the programme, I was more open to listening to ideas from others within the team, and outside; to identify and locate bottle necks; and ensure a win-win strategy for all. Initially, the challenges to implement the programme appeared insurmountable, but by building trust, maintaining a constant flow of communication, and continually engaging with diverse parties, we pulled it off.”

According to Airin, recognizing the benefits of engaging with diverse groups of people, was a key learning from the programme, and a game changer at work. It drove her to develop a model framework to collaborate with multiple, influential groups, and community leaders, across sectors governing farming practices in Indonesia.

“I’m glad I was a part of the ASEAN Leaders Programme. It enriches your experience and learning journeys, helps you get to know more about yourself, improves the quality of your life, as well as teaches you how to influence, deal with, and engage better with those around you.”