This week, we're adding more pages to our Spellbook. Here's what we'll be talking about:

One big idea we’ve learned each week, shaped into words you can carry forward.

One of the habits from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey is simple.

Seek first to understand, then to be understood.

At first, it sounds obvious.

Of course we listen.

But when we looked closer, we realised something.

Listening is harder than it sounds.

In most conversations, we don’t actually listen.

We prepare.

Someone is explaining something.

We nod.
We hear them.

At the same time, we’re already thinking:

What should I say next?
How do I respond?
What’s the solution?

By the time they finish, we’re ready to speak.

But we might not fully understand.

So we’ve been trying something simple.

Let people finish.

No interruptions.
No rushing.

Then pause.

Even just a few seconds.

Then respond.

When we slow down, things change.

Questions become clearer.
Answers become more accurate.
Conversations become shorter.

People feel heard.

And when people feel heard, they explain better.

Which helps everyone.

Listening is not just hearing.

It’s effort.

It’s patience.

It’s choosing to understand before trying to respond.

We’re still learning this.

But it’s already making a difference.

1. Listening takes intention
It doesn’t happen automatically.

2. Fast answers are not always good answers
Understanding matters more.

3. Most delays come from miscommunication
Not from the work itself.

4. People explain better when they feel heard
That improves everything.

Snapshots from our week — the work, the people, and the little victories worth sharing.

Amal, Hisham, Imamull, Hafiz and Judin were in attendance, enjoying the wide variety of food (always a plus when it means supporting local businesses). The decorations were a standout — especially the setup featured in our group photo — and made the whole experience feel even more festive.

It was also a great time catching up with the DST team — Joonman, Nabihah, Fizah, Aimuni, Amni, Jannah, Khai and Najihah — conversations that made the event all the more enjoyable.

It’s been a busy week for the media team — packed with event coverages and corporate shoots, leaving the office noticeably quieter (at times, like they were never even in). Some highlights include covering the Brunei Shell Joint Venture Hari Raya Celebration for Le Voeu Events Co., as well as a feature on the British High Commissioner, Ken O’Flaherty, and his six-month journey in Brunei.

The meeting kicked off with Imamull sharing Q1 agendas, along with a few new updates and work policies moving forward. Haziyah followed with a rundown of the marketing report, before Hafiz wrapped things up with the financials for the quarter.

MAKASEROOOO

After seven months of rejoining the team as a full-time Business Developer, Nuur Batrisyia Ali has made the difficult decision to move on and pursue new opportunities. Some of you may remember that she was AICREATIVV’s very first physical intern back in 2023 — there from the early days, witnessing the company’s growth from the very beginning. And for the rest of us, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing hers too.

We’ll miss her energy, her bubbliness, the snacks she generously shares (and the drinks she occasionally forgets in the fridge), and all the little moments in between. We sent her off with a team lunch at Excapade Jerudong — a small way to celebrate everything she’s been to us.

Thank you, Batrisyia! <3

Our three IBTE interns — Syed Inayat, Hariisah Halwa and Farah Yasmin, are officially halfway through their time with AICREATIVV. As per tradition, it was time for their profile photos, because everyone gets one here; full-timers and interns alike.

It’s been amazing seeing how much they’ve grown since their first day. Big shoutout to Hisham Firdaus for capturing and directing the shoot. Keep an eye out — you’ll be seeing more of this bunch soon

The media team (joined by Fariz from The Focal Juncture) were on the ground for a formal coverage at the Yayasan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Raya celebration, with His Majesty as the guest of honour. For Alimin and Hisham, it was their first time having to experience the sandwiching in between — navigating the crowd and positioning themselves strategically to capture the best shots of His Majesty. A high-pressure but exciting moment, and definitely a memorable one for the team.

A collection of our latest uploads on our website & socials worth checking out.

Things we’re loving lately, because inspiration hides where you least expect them.

Raf Zaini, a lover of prints (especially batik), recommends Javatik — an online business offering beautiful batik pieces perfect for both daily wear and the Raya season. They regularly release new designs, but in limited quantities, so there’s always something fresh (if you’re quick enough to grab it).

If you weren’t already aware, the AICREATIVV team loooveee their trinkets. Our latest obsession? The Smiski Phone Strap — a tiny, cute companion that hangs off your phone. It’s super affordable (only $7), comes in really fun packaging, and there are three different series to collect from. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them… they’re all just too cute.

Brunei's first all-in-one app! As the only local search engine for Brunei, you can find movies, restaurants, record community issues, local news and more!

If you want to read the previous pages, head over to this link right here:

That’s all for this week. See you on the next page of the Spellbook.

At AICREATIVV, we aim to make everyone who engages with us 1% better—from clients to community. Public Victory, always.

Each week, we'll share insights, tips, and recommendations to help you learn the magical combination of strategy, creativity, and business know-how that truly enchants your audience.

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