SHWE Bank’s Post

So now where is our motivation to live in Myanmar?

Underpinning the fabric of Filipino society is a deep belief in God. The Philippines is primarily a Roman Catholic country and God is very present in their worldview. Bahala na is a value that articulates that belief. There is much debate, especially in academic circles, about its meaning and its impact on the behavior of the Filipinos. It literally means, "Leave it to God" (Bahala is the word for God). In practical terms this has two results: an optimistic fatalism, where the individual feels resigned to the fact that life is in the lap of the gods and there is little one can do to influence outcomes; and an adventurousness and willingness to persevere in ambiguous or difficult circumstances. "Bahala na" has given to many the capacity to cope both with poverty on a day-to-day basis, and the consequences of natural disasters. It brings hope to the hopeless; it is a coping mechanism for the vicissitudes of life. Bahala na, once invoked, puts into motion a psychology of courage, daring, and risk. A soldier said of the Filipinos that, “Apart from prayer, Bahala na is their next most potent weapon in the field of combat and in times of crisis when all odds are against them.” #culturesmart #culture #travel #phillipines #filipino #filipinoculture #expatlife

With Ramadan a week away, I thought I’d share some simple points I shared internally with my colleagues - for anyone who wants to learn more about Ramadan and support their Muslim friends who are fasting! Ramadan is a significant month in the Islamic lunar calendar observed by Muslims worldwide, it happens once a year and lasts around 30 days ☪️ What is Ramadan and why is it important? - Abstaining from Food and Drink: Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from eating, drinking and smoking 🚭 - Spiritual Discipline: Fasting during Ramadan is a form of spiritual discipline, self-control, and devotion to Allah (God) ✨ - Reflection, Gratitude & Generosity: It encourages Muslims to reflect on their faith, cultivate gratitude for blessings, and empathise with those who are less fortunate and helping those in need 🙏🏾 - Nightly Taraweeh Prayers: Special prayers called Taraweeh are performed at night in mosques, where pages of the Quran are recited over the course of the month 🕌 - Inner Cleansing: Ramadan provides an opportunity for Muslims to cleanse their souls, seek forgiveness, and renew their spiritual commitment 🤲🏾 - Self-Improvement: Muslims strive to better themselves, improve their character, increase acts of kindness, and refrain from negative behaviours during Ramadan 💜 - Gathering with Family and Friends: Ramadan fosters a sense of community and togetherness, with families and friends coming together to break their fasts (Iftar) and share meals 🍕 #inclusiveworkplace #inclusion #diversity

Not even water?! I thought it might be useful to jot a few notes below on how you can support your Muslim colleagues ahead and during Ramadan 😊   What is Ramadan? - The 9th month of the Islamic calendar which is calculated via lunar cycles. Ramadan is usually 10 days earlier each year and lasts 30 days. - In 2024 the month of Ramadan will begin around 11th March ending on the 9th April which leads to the religious celebration of Eid Ul Fitr. - Ramadan is considered the holiest month of the year for Muslims. During this month the majority of the 1.9 billion Muslims in the world pray, read the Quran (the holy book) and fast from food or drink from sunlit hours (yes – not even water). - Ramadan ends with the celebration of Eid Ul Fitr, where families meet, exchange gifts and socialise.   The why? A key aim of fasting is to enhance the connection to God and foster gratitude, self discipline and self-improvement both individually and communally, with encouragement to uphold these values year-round - like a reset to realign.   Information for managers: - It is okay to say ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ – which translates to ‘have a blessed Ramadan’ - Consider offering flexible working hours so that employees can adjust their schedules to accommodate their fasting and prayer obligations (this may be later starts or earlier finishes). - Some staff may request annual leave towards the end of Ramadan to focus on their spirituality. - Consider providing a designated prayer area or room for employees to perform their daily prayers. - Take the time to educate yourselves on the significance of Ramadan to Muslims and how you can support them.   Ramadan Mubarak to all those observing 🌙 ❤️   #ramadan #inclusionanddiversity #ramadan2024 #inclusionmatters

Ramadan is a time for reflection, spiritual growth and community. As we observe this holy month, let us remember all the innocent people around the world who are deprived of their very basic rights and needs and pray that peace and prosperity can prevail over violence and oppression. Let us also remember the values of compassion, empathy, and generosity towards others. Let us also take this time to focus on self-improvement and seeking forgiveness. Wishing everyone a blessed Ramadan filled with peace and blessings. #Ramadan #Reflection #Community #Blessings"

Ramadan blessings from Optimize Digital! May this Ramadan bring you spiritual growth, contentment, and happiness. Let's remember to keep our Palestinian brothers and sisters in our prayers during this sacred month. #ramadan2024 #RamadanMubarak #optimizedigital #Pakistan #Marketingagency #digitalmedia

Thailand's ex-PM Thaksin gets royal pardon; parole ends today #latest #vanakkammalaysia #Thailand #ex-PM #Thaksin #gets #royalpardon #parole #ends #today #trendingnewsmalaysia #malaysiatamilnews #fyp #vmnews #foryoupage

This article highlights the importance of embracing diversity and understanding the positive impact of Ramadan on the employee journey. From cultural awareness to enhanced team spirit, discover how adapting across teams during Ramadan fosters inclusivity and strengthens workplace dynamics. Let's celebrate diversity together! 

Mohima has some useful tips for employers to support their Muslim employees during Ramadan. #diversityandinclusion #ramadan2024

FAITH- Normally expressed as a leap that one needs to take to do something new. 🔦 At a church service last Sunday, the lights went out but the phones lit the stage while the sermon continued. 2 Filipino 🇵🇭 missionaries that had started this church in Myanmar 🇲🇲 some 20+ years ago were back in town for a visit. Their message? It takes faith to GO just as it takes faith to STAY. 📖 The scriptures are full of characters who had faith to do things which made 0 sense: The life of Moses was a case in point- deciding to remain true to his heritage as Hebrew rather than indulge in the richess of Egypt (being raised in Pharoah's household). Sports car 🏎 vs. beaten up Toyota 🚗? It may seem like a no-brainer, but time and again people of faith have followed paths that made no sense, looked foolish and even downright stupid. The preaching is super timely, amidst the Exodus of youth from pastor's kids to factory workers- the contagion of fear and hopelessness is in full swing. ⚠️ It takes faith to flee from danger, to be in hiding. It takes faith to move out and stay in a foreign land, away from families, friends and comforts. 💪 It takes faith to stay in a nation with so much uncertainty. The same faith that the missionaries had when they chose to remain in Myanmar for 5 years with 2 newborn kids at a time when the country was arguably in a much less ideal state. Faith is not a competition, not about specific choices. Faith is a connection. A connection is what us social creatures need, what we choose to connect to makes a world of difference: is it ourselves, our circumstances, our past or something else? For me, I choose the lenses of faith and choose to stay. #myanmar #faith #connection #perspectives #reflections #thanksgiving #hope