Deep Dive

What’s your favourite part about growing up in your city?
I’m from Bahrain, and we’re actually a small community of people—just like Singapore—so everyone knows each other one way or another. It’s a tight-knit place to grow up in and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

What prompted you to join the banking sector?
Rather than the familiar finance work, I actually review incoming proposals for changes in senior management. While pursuing my Bachelor’s degree, I wrote a dissertation exploring the regulation of executive compensation, and found that I really enjoyed such rigorous research work. Over time,  through different projects at work, I came to realise that I had a natural talent and joy for investigative work, which is how I ended up in this role.

How would you describe your sense of fashion?
I don’t shop too much, because so many precious items have been passed down to me by the people around me. Things I own have mostly lasted me years, and I appreciate the history that’s linked to each piece. 

What’s one dish in Bahrain that you’d recommend everyone to try?
Anyone visiting Bahrain must try the Bahraini Halwa! It’s a popular dessert famous in the Arabian Gulf that originated more than 180 years ago. It mainly consists of starch, sugar, and oil, with nuts, saffron, rose water, and cardamom added to it. Worried about the sugar? Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down!

Is there anything you’re hoping to change this year?
Travel more, travel widely, and create new experiences.