SINGAPORE - Unlike my first two stories with Virginia Cruz of Timor Leste and Anderson Hewe of Papua New Guinea where both individuals are timid, Ruby Ang of Brunei is certainly cut from a different cloth.

Ang is one of the most vocal youth leaders in the International Basketball Foundation (IBF) Youth Leadership Seminar. She usually breaks the ice with a witty remark or jokes around even at her own expense.

Read more here: IBF Youth Leadership Seminar inspiring young leaders from South East Asia / Pacific region

“I’m a very proactive person and don't like things moving slowly. I like to learn new things and my dream is to be happy with whatever I’m doing and be passionate about it,” said Ang.

She also walks the talk. Ang is currently a referee in Brunei, the second female in 10 years, while also working as a sales representative for Wisegeneration Trading, a kitchen and hotel supplies chain.

"I love my job as a sales representative but basketball has always been my passion because I get to meet and work with a lot of people that share my interest even though basketball is not that popular in Brunei,” the 21-year old shared.

Ang sheepishly stated that she wasn't expecting much from the seminar and expected it to be dull but it exceeded all her expectations. The half-Filipina was very grateful for the opportunity to interact and learn from her colleagues and mentors.

"It was such a great experience to get to know everyone. 16 youth leaders from 15 countries. We came from different places but we all accepted each other. We all became friends and also learned from each other," said Ang who speaks fluent Malay, Filipino, Chinese, and English.

"I would like to thank IBF for giving us a platform to learn about Basketball for Good I didn't know that it was worldwide, it's an amazing experience for me," she added.

3x3 Basketball Challenge

Brunei is a religious country that abides strictly by their tradition and culture. Ang had to deal with a few obstacles while preparing the Mixed National U18 3x3 tournament.

"Brunei is a very strict Muslim country that doesn't allow mixed teams at all. So I had to find another way. It took me awhile just to get approval from my federation. Fortunately, I had a lot of help from FIBA and the IBF." she said

The tournament will run a boys and women's tournament and the winners will be the representatives to the IBF Youth Leadership Cup in Bali, Indonesia on September.

"This tournament will be a great starting point for our country in regards to 3x3 basketball," she said. "It is also a great opportunity for the winning teams to gain experience and compete in Bali.”

Wise beyond her years

Even without asking her, Ruby usually helped me in my duty to document the seminar by directing her colleagues while keeping the mood light with her infectious personality. She would volunteer to demonstrate how to make everyone look comfortable in front of the camera.

But behind the jolly personality, is a person that has gone through a very difficult phase in life that would've broken down a person that lacked the emotional maturity to take on what she faced.

Ang, lost her best friend when she was in Year 8, had to deal with the separation of her parents and ultimately also had to cope with the passing of her father at a young age. She bravely admitted going through depression for a few years but shared that her work with basketball has been her sanctuary.

"I was coping with depression for a couple of years. I looked for something I loved to do and basketball was always there for me. I became so active that it took my mind off my problems and it became my outlet," shared Ang.

Ang exudes a very happy demeanor that belies her tumultuous past. I couldn't imagine how a person with less resolve could have handled what she went through, but the mental fortitude and drive she has shown at such a young age is truly admirable and commendable.

"After everything I went through, I have learned to appreciate what I have and not take things for granted. We can either sulk in one corner or stand up and enjoy life as we should." Ang beamingly said.

With her all-out effort and commitment to everything she does, this young leader will surely take on the best and the worst the world has to offer and no matter the circumstance she will face it with a smile and joy in her heart.

- Aldo Avinante