Professionalism in Public Service

Image: CLCS, Bhutan

Perhaps, listening to Dasho Chewang Rinzin, the Director of Royal Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies (RIGSS), about professionalism in public service was truly an amazing pursuit in collectively building a great future for our nation. 

The topic on professionalism in public service from the Lee Kuan Yew school Alumni was great in so many ways. 

However, to know that the lack of unity, poor leadership, and self-serving behavior within the government and organizations is in fact posing some unprecedented challenges.

The quote "Above the clouds, every day is a clear day" was a powerful reminder for all of us to keep a positive outlook, knowing that better days are always ahead.

We were reminded that as educators, we must choose to prioritize the important tasks, like supporting our students, over less important ones like fixing archery matches. 

We also discussed in length about the growth vs. fixed mindset which captured everyone's attention. 

As Bhutanese, we are lucky that we are guided by His Majesty the King. We have the potential to shape our country and the future of our students to remarkable individuals—scientists, entrepreneurs, and, most importantly, good human beings.

The idea that small contributions can lead to big changes was illustrated beautifully with the example of an airplane, where every part—no matter how small—is essential. If we excel at the little things, we can achieve great things.

It was disheartening to know about the misuse of power by some public servants and the lack of professionalism, such as playing card games and archery during office hours. Such behavior taints the system and complicates the work culture. He reminded teachers [us] to become role models for our young children, as they are eager for guidance and inspiration.

The story of President Kennedy and the NASA janitor was a touching reminder that no one is less important. When Kennedy asked a janitor what he was doing, the janitor replied, "I'm helping put a man on the moon." This story beautifully illustrates that everyone's role is vital to nation building.

In simple terms, professionalism is about how we carry out our responsibilities. As a teacher, my influence feels vast and profound, far beyond what many other professions experience.

Perhaps, we are encouraged to paint a beautiful portrait of our lives as active citizens of the country.

The key qualities of professionalism we have learnt were;

1. Specialized knowledge
2. Competency
3. Conscientiousness
4. Honesty and integrity
5. Accountability
6. Self-regulation
7. Appropriateness

I've learnt a great deal of Hummingbird stories which highlighted the power of the individual. Every sense of the words, sentences and examples stated in the discussion were inspiring, memorable, and deeply patriotic, leaving me with a lasting sense of purpose and humility.

Declaimer

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any organization or individual. 

Dasho currently serves as the Director of the Royal Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies (RIGSS)

 

We Have Mountains of Food to Eat

Source: Dani Redd, 2024

Bhutan's journey towards food self-sufficiency started long before the First Five Year Plan in 1961, and since then, it has been a key priority at every level of the country’s policy.

In 1961, a solid foundation was laid after assessing the country’s agricultural needs. However, progress has been slow, and the impact of Dasho Keiji Nishoka, who significantly shaped Bhutan’s agricultural development, seems to have faded over time.

To achieve food self-sufficiency, we need to refocus on agriculture, invest in our people, and encourage a mindset of growth. Bhutan needs a leader like Dasho Keiji—someone who is practical, dedicated, and able to inspire real change in every citizen.

For a small nation like Bhutan, food self-sufficiency is easy. If we unite and work together, we can lay the groundwork for a sustainable and reliable agricultural future for our children.

Ken Haigh pointed out that although 93.8% of Bhutan’s population is involved in agriculture, only 3.4% of the land is arable, and just 6.4% is suitable for grazing. Despite these challenges, with proper planning and care, we could easily increase our self-sufficiency by at least 50%.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed serious weaknesses in our food system. During the lockdown, our limited food supply became a major concern, and our diet—mainly rice and curry—felt monotonous and lacking in variety. 

Ken Haigh’s observation from the 1980s, asking, "Rice for breakfast, rice for lunch, and rice for dinner?" still holds true today. 

Looking for something different to eat, I found that Italian and Japanese dishes could easily be adapted to our local diet. There are many healthy and easy-to-make alternatives that don't rely on rice. We can grow a variety of foods in our gardens—fruits, vegetables, and more—that can add variety to our meals. By expanding our food options, we can lessen our dependency on rice.

The pandemic also showed how much rice we import. What the United States consumes in a year, we consume in a month. Reducing our rice consumption by even one-third could significantly improve our food self-sufficiency.

The government’s efforts to ensure food security during emergencies were admirable, but the overwhelming stock of rice—making up more than three-quarters of the emergency supply—was concerning. Our over-reliance on imported rice weakens our economy and limits our agricultural independence.

To make real progress, we must embrace mechanized farming, support larger agribusinesses, and encourage family farming. Planting more fruit trees and expanding kitchen gardens are crucial steps. Even in remote areas like Lingzhi, we can explore new agricultural methods.

Ultimately, achieving food self-sufficiency isn't just about producing more rice—it's about diversifying our diet, modernizing farming practices, and fostering sustainable agriculture. 

This will help us reduce dependence on imports, strengthen our economy, and ensure food security for the future. The way forward is clear, but it requires collective effort and a change in mindset.

The Power of a Positive Workmate - V

I have had the great privileged of meeting one great soul from an oil-rich country, South Sudan. I shared many fascinating stories with him about endless things. His name id BOL and he has been living in Australia for over a decade now. Over the months, Bol has become more than just a colleague; he is a great friend. Like anyone, we both have many beautiful dreams. 

Through the scorching sun and long days, week after week and month after month, we have shared countless conversations—not just to pass the time but to learn from each other. Our discussions have taken us on a journey through education, healthcare, democracy, government, and even personal experiences. And, of course, we never escaped talking about CORRUPTION!

Bol is one of the most interesting people I have ever met from South Sudan. His humility and kindness are too far to describe.

 

Free Health and Education

"Did you know, Bol, that in my country, both health and education are completely free?" I asked him one day.

"Are you sure, Sancha?" he replied, clearly doubtful. He had never heard of a developing country providing free healthcare and education.

"Yes, I am 100% sure," I assured him.

He was amazed. "That’s incredible! It must take an enormous amount of money to run these systems. I have never seen a government that can afford such things!"

I explained to him that this was all made possible because of our beloved Kings—a commitment to ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their background, has access to education and healthcare.

Bol was deeply moved. "That’s the sign of a great nation and a corruption-free government," he said.

I smiled. "We are still a developing country, but we believe that one day, we will succeed just like any other great nation."

"Yes, your country will!" he said confidently.

 

The King of Bhutan

Bol wasn’t sure whether Bhutan still had a monarchy. Curious, he asked me more about it.

I quickly pulled out my phone and showed him pictures of His Majesty the King and the Royal Family.

"Oh wow, your King and Queen are so beautiful!" he exclaimed.

I smiled. "They’re not just beautiful; they’re kind, compassionate, and truly care for their people."

"Your King is really handsome!" he added, and I laughed, agreeing wholeheartedly.

I went on to tell him that His Majesty was educated at the University of Oxford.

"Are you sure?" Bol asked, still surprised.

"Absolutely!" I replied, showing him a video of His Majesty’s speech in English.

Bol was impressed. "He speaks like a native English speaker!"

I nodded proudly. Seeing his admiration, I also showed him more pictures of His Majesty, and Bol was humbled by his presence.

"Sancha, you are lucky to be born in such a country," he said. "With a leader like him, I believe Bhutan will continue to grow and prosper."

I smiled and added, "And we already have a charming Crown Prince who will be our 6th King in the future."

 

Democracy and Government

"Did you know, Bol, that Bhutan is the youngest democracy in the world?" I asked.

"No, I didn’t!" he replied, intrigued.

"Yes, we transitioned to democracy quite differently from other countries. Bhutan is a Democratic Constitutional Monarchy, meaning we still have our King, but we also have an elected government."

Bol was curious. "But why did Bhutan become a democracy?"

I explained, "Unlike other nations where people fight for democracy, our 4th King voluntarily handed over his absolute power to the people. At first, we were shocked because we were happy under our King’s rule. We had no demands—just a simple desire to live happily under His Majesty’s care. But our King insisted that for the country’s long-term success, democracy was necessary."

I told him about March 24, 2008, the historic day when Bhutan held its first democratic elections. Although many people were hesitant at first, we accepted it because we knew it was for the greater good.

"So does your King still have power?" Bol asked.

"Yes, he remains the Head of State and continues to guide and protect our nation," I explained.

Bol listened carefully, impressed by how smoothly Bhutan transitioned into democracy.

Our conversation made me realize just how unique Bhutan’s journey has been. Talking to Bol about my country gave me a renewed sense of appreciation for our leadership, values, and vision for the future.

 

Corruption!

Corruption has a profound impact on a nation's fate—it can by no chance destroy the nationhood. It is not an issue to be overlooked or taken lightly. Transparency must be embedded in all aspects of society, from the smallest actions to the highest levels of governance. History has shown that corruption weakens institutions, erodes trust, and ultimately destabilizes entire nations.

However, some countries have successfully kept corruption at bay, and the contrast is striking. These nations flourish in multiple ways, offering their citizens a stable, peaceful, and well-functioning society. The driving force behind this success is strong, visionary leadership that prioritizes accountability and integrity.

One country that frequently came up in our discussions was Singapore. We reflected on how Lee Kuan Yew led Singapore’s transformation from a struggling nation into a prosperous, first-world economy. His leadership was built on transparency, ensuring that corruption had no place in governance, business, or daily life. His legacy stands as proof that a nation can thrive when great leaders and strong institutions work together.

Real change, however, doesn’t rely solely on governments—it begins with each of us. By making honesty and integrity a part of our daily habits, we can collectively foster a culture of accountability. 

 

Building Knowledge, One at a Time - Part II

 

Source: Samuel Spencer, PPT Slides

One of the most fascinating things I came across in this lecture was a slide discussing “the future trends in data and why documentation remains more important than Artificial Intelligence (AI). But what struck me the most was how this slide encouraged me to think beyond the obvious.

The moment I saw it, I couldn’t stop analyzing it—processing each detail, trying to understand the connection between the topic and the three images on the slide. As a photographer, I found each picture visually striking, and they sparked deeper thoughts and emotions, from simple observations to more complex reasoning.

The Clock at 8:13

The first image showed a wall clock displaying 8:13. At first look, it's just a clock on a wall, symmetrical and visually appealing. But when AI was asked to generate an image of a clock at 8:13, it created one showing 10:10 instead. Why? Because clock manufacturers typically set their product images to 10:10—it makes the clock hands look balanced and aesthetically pleasing. AI, lacking its own understanding or real-world context, followed the pattern it had learned instead of fulfilling the exact request.

The Half-Filled Wine Glass

The second image was of a half-filled glass of wine, even though the prompt was for a full glass. Again, AI didn’t truly comprehend the request because it doesn’t have its own context—it just generates what it thinks is the best match based on available data. Interestingly, when I searched for "wine glass" images on Google, almost all of them showed half-filled glasses. Why? Because in photography and society, a half-filled glass is seen as a responsible way to present wine—it looks elegant and balanced in composition. A full glass, on the other hand, is rarely photographed, as it doesn’t carry the same aesthetic or cultural meaning.

The Room Without an Elephant

The last image was more philosophical. The AI was given a prompt for a room without an elephant, and it generated... just a regular room. Of course, almost every room in the world doesn’t have an elephant in it, so taking a photo of one seems pointless. AI simply followed logic, assuming the most obvious solution. But from a photographic view, the image was well-framed, with a thoughtful arrangement of objects—exactly how a human photographer would compose a shot.

The Bigger Lesson

This experience taught me something profound: thinking beyond the obvious is essential. There are endless possibilities and perspectives, and while AI is improving rapidly, documentation remains critical. AI only learns from existing patterns—it doesn’t truly understand meaning the way humans do. That’s why proper documentation and human reasoning will always be more important than AI-generated information.

I shall continue to put down my thoughts and feelings through my writing on this page.

 

Building Knowledge, One at a Time

Source: Scholarship Positions

I had yet another insightful and eye-opening learning experience during a guest lecture session for my ITS-Capstone Project, featuring Samuel Spencer, CEO of Aristotle Metadata. One of the most rewarding aspects of studying at a university with strong ties to industry partners and business associations is the opportunity to learn directly from experts who have navigated real-world challenges. It's a mutual exchange, give and take —universities produce a skilled workforce, while industries provide invaluable exposure and opportunities for students.

One of the best ways to understand the realities of the job market is by listening to influential leaders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs. These are the individuals who have worked relentlessly, experimented with various ideas, encountered failures, yet persisted with unwavering determination. Their experiences offer lessons far beyond textbooks—they embody the resilience and innovation crucial for nation-building and personal growth.

Building Your Fundamental Foundation

What resonated with me the most from Samuel Spencer’s talk was his concept of "Building Your Fundamental Foundation." He drew a compelling analogy between software development and carpentry, asking whether carpentry is an art. His point was that software, much like carpentry, is both an art and a craft, requiring patience, dedication, and continuous improvement. His advice was simple yet profound: find a technology you enjoy, practice it repeatedly, and master it over time.

It was inspiring to hear how Samuel himself followed this principle, refining his skills through trial, error, and persistence, ultimately leading to the creation of his own successful software company.

Volunteer, Learn, and Practice

I was particularly drawn to his emphasis on three key principles: Volunteer, Learn, and Practice. These words struck a chord with me because I have personally experienced the power of volunteering in shaping both professional and personal growth.

As a school teacher, I have engaged with local communities, helping them tackle everyday challenges. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of work ethics, professionalism, and social responsibility, shaping me into a more resilient and adaptable individual. Volunteering is more than just giving back—it's an opportunity to learn, unlearn, and relearn, providing a real-world platform for experimenting with new ideas and honing essential life skills.

Even after the lecture ended, the phrase "volunteer, learn, and practice" stayed with me. It reinforced the belief that success doesn't happen overnight—it's built through continuous perseverance, self-improvement, and a commitment to lifelong learning. 

Perhaps, this session was a powerful reminder to stay curious, dedicated, and open to growth.

Celebrating My Girl's Birthday Through Video Calls, Thanks to the Magic of the Internet

👯👯

Time flies so fast —it's hard to believe it's been already two years since we last held our beloved kids. So much has happened, some moments were beautiful and others unforgettable, but the hardest part has been missing them every single day. Some days, it felt almost unbearable to exist on the other side of the world just missing them, too much —their absence was felt so deep. 

There were some moments that knocked so hard, pierced my heart  so deeply, and the world had just collapsed over my chest and emotions ran over the sky. And it was this moment I felt real pain in my heart. (All the whats and hows👀👀👯👯)

Birthdays are incredibly special, both for parents and children. They are a time to connect, share love, impart values, and strengthen family bonds. 

For my daughter’s 8th birthday, we celebrated through video calls. Thanks to the internet and modern technology, we were able to make the moment feel real and unforgettable, even from miles away.

Being away from kids is never easy—ne'er!!! 

We have already missed many precious moments like smell, cuteness, milestones, and emotional growth. But no matter the distance, we make sure they are well taken care. 

As a parent, I have often thought, I wouldn’t mind begging on the streets, or stealing if it meant providing happiness for my kids. This thought is so genuine, yet it reflects the universal truth of parenthood—even the dumbest animals go to great lengths to care for their young ones.

In this long journey, there are a few people who have made it possible is my brother, my in-law and my mom. They have ensured that our children are well looked-after and for that, we are eternally grateful.

As we celebrate my daughter’s 8th birthday, I wish her continued good health, prosperity, and happiness. 

May she grow into a kind, caring, and compassionate person who helps others and becomes a beacon of light for her family and country.

May she serve her King, Country, and People with the utmost loyalty, dedication, and highest INTEGRITY.