A career diplomat and respected public servant, H.E. Haji Haris bin Haji Othman, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Bangladesh, believes that golf, diplomacy, and leadership are united by the same enduring values—patience, humility, and integrity. In this exclusive conversation with GolfHouse, he reflects on his unexpected journey into golf, the friendships it has fostered, and how the game continues to strengthen ties between Brunei and Bangladesh.
Golf is often described as a game of patience and integrity. How did your golfing journey begin?
It’s a really funny story because I wasn’t a golfer at all before I arrived in Bangladesh in 2019. If you had asked me then whether I’d spend weekends on a golf course, I probably would have just laughed. It’s amazing how things can change!
A few close friends here, especially Mr Syed Rahman and Brigadier General Manzur, kept encouraging me to give it a try. Mr Syed Rahman even lent me a set of clubs. After a few lessons, I confidently headed onto the course—and quickly discovered golf is much harder than it looks! I lost plenty of balls, but I also found something much more valuable: patience, humility and a wonderful community of friends.
Today, I honestly treasure the friendships golf has given me more than the game itself.
People often say golf and diplomacy go hand in hand. Do you agree?
Very much so.
Both teach you that patience is usually more important than speed. In golf, one poor shot doesn’t mean the round is over. In diplomacy, one difficult conversation doesn’t define a relationship.
Golf also creates an environment where people simply talk. You’re walking together for four or five hours, sharing stories and getting to know one another naturally. That’s exactly how trust is built, and trust is at the heart of diplomacy.
Has golf helped you in your diplomatic work?
Without question.
My career has been a little unusual because I spent over thirty years in Brunei’s public service before becoming High Commissioner. Bangladesh is actually my first overseas posting.
Golf opened many doors for me. It allowed me to meet diplomats, military officers, business leaders and friends from many different backgrounds. Some of those relationships have grown well beyond official work, and that’s something I’ll always value.
How would you describe the golfing culture in Brunei and Bangladesh?
Both countries have something special.
Brunei has beautiful courses surrounded by rainforest and nature, and golf is very much part of our social life. People enjoy the game, but they also enjoy the company.
Bangladesh surprised me in the best possible way. I’ve had the pleasure of playing at Army Golf Club, Kurmitola Golf Club and Jolshori Golf Club, and I’ve been impressed not only by the courses but by the warmth of the golfers themselves.
The members of Tiger Golf Club, in particular, welcomed me from the very beginning, even though I was a complete beginner.
Can golf strengthen ties between Brunei and Bangladesh?
Absolutely.
Golf brings together people who might never otherwise meet. Business leaders, diplomats, government officials and professionals all spend hours together on the course, and conversations happen very naturally.
One of my fondest memories was the visit of thirty-two members of Tiger Golf Club to Brunei. Watching Bangladeshi and Bruneian golfers enjoying each other’s company reminded me that a round of golf can sometimes achieve what a formal meeting cannot—it builds friendship.
Brunei is diversifying its economy. Where do you see opportunities for Bangladesh?
Brunei continues to diversify under Wawasan Brunei 2035 (Brunei Vision 2035). While oil and gas remain important, we’re placing greater emphasis on sectors such as halal industries, food production, ICT, tourism, logistics and innovation.
Bangladesh has impressive strengths in many of these areas, particularly pharmaceuticals, agriculture, garments and digital services. I believe there’s real potential for both countries to work together in ways that benefit us both.
How do you see Bangladesh as an investment destination?
I’ve been in Bangladesh since 2019, so I’ve had the opportunity to witness its transformation first-hand.
Infrastructure development has been remarkable. Combined with a young population, an energetic private sector and a strategic location, Bangladesh offers exciting opportunities for investors.
Of course, every country can continue improving its business environment, and with a favourable business ecosystem, I’m optimistic about Bangladesh’s future and the prospects for stronger investment cooperation with Brunei.
How can both countries deepen economic cooperation?
I think the foundation is already there.
Brunei and Bangladesh enjoy a warm friendship built on trust and mutual respect. Now it’s about creating more opportunities for businesses and young professionals to work together.
The halal economy, ICT, healthcare and skills development are all areas where our strengths complement one another.
Looking ahead, what gives you the greatest optimism about Brunei-Bangladesh relations?
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s visit to Bangladesh in 2022 gave fresh momentum to our relationship.
Since then, we’ve seen encouraging progress in labour cooperation, trade and people-to-people exchanges. I believe the next phase should focus even more on business partnerships, investment and human capital development.
I’m genuinely optimistic because both countries have much to offer each other.
Finally, if golf, diplomacy and leadership shared one lesson, what would it be?
Patience, with integrity.
Golf teaches you that every round is a new beginning. Diplomacy teaches you that relationships take time to grow. Leadership reminds you that people will always remember how you treated them.
If we stay patient, remain humble, and always act with integrity, success usually follows.
