Next Stop: Brunei Darussalam

Commonwealth Poetry Podcast

In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet with poet, writer, and actor Hariz Fadhilah. Hariz explores themes of love, nature, culture, youth empowerment, and mental health in his poetry, writing in both English and Malay—sometimes blending the two. From an insightful discussion of Syair Awang Semaun, an ancient Bruneian epic, to a poem offering commentary on the capital city, Bandar, this episode invites listeners to delve deeper into Bruneian culture and its rich poetic tradition. Poems this episode include For the Misfits, Pantun Sayang, and Ode to a Son by Hariz Fadhilah, and When in Bandar by May Cho.