Aziz Idris
Entrepreneurs can learn to boost their business activities by using platforms offered by Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) at the Borneo Bulletin Yearbook (BBYB) MSME Showcase at One Riverside which began yesterday.
The public can experience the bank’s digital business solutions and use cashless payment methods.
BIBD Head of Corporate Banking Koh Swam Sing said, “Products including BIBD BizNet, the micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) current account and BIBD QuickyPay have helped fill the gaps and improve operations, in line with the bank’s objectives to serve the needs of MSMEs.
“BIBD has always been committed to the development of local MSMEs, and have complemented national efforts by boosting SME-related initiatives and programmes by empowering them with robust and comprehensive digital business solutions.”
The public can also learn about the bank’s all-in-one SME360 platform – a comprehensive banking solution that complements the needs of businesses, especially SMEs which includes a dedicated relationship management team, financial solutions and digital payments.
Local entrepreneurs Gelatiamo and At-Taqwa Travel & Tours, both locally owned and operated businesses that have benefitted from the SME360 ecosystem, will also be present at the MSME Showcase.
The latest cohort of mothers from the BIBD SEED programme, one of the bank’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes aimed at empowering underprivileged mothers through entrepreneurship, are also participating.
BIBD also works closely with stakeholders including DARe (Darussalam Enterprise) to provide support, advice and mentorship to its MSMEs through the BIBD Catalyst programme, which focusses on providing acceleration programmes intended to help promising small businesses scale and grow into medium-sized enterprises.
Visitors can also meet with BIBD Catalyst participants, Mumtaz Collections and Mukaku Cosmetics.
BIBD aims to support the local economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic, by encouraging customers to buy locally.
Entrepreneurs and business owners can visit the MSME Showcase and get advice from BIBD’s relationship managers.
BIBD was recently named Best SME Bank in Brunei 2020 by Global Banking and Finance Review in recognition of the bank’s efforts at supporting SMEs, continued investment in technology, deployment of innovative services and commitment to the socio-economic development in Brunei.