Izah Azahari
The construction of the Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Bridge (SHOAS) has facilitated inter-district communication, travel and movement of goods which enabled the improvement of the quality of life in the Brunei-Muara and Temburong districts. Its construction is a game-changer in the development and progress of Temburong District where several projects have taken place.
This was said by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah in his capacity as the Chairman of BIBD and its Group of Companies in his keynote address during the re-opening of BIBD’s Temburong District Branch at Bumiputera Complex in Pekan Bangar last night.
The minister added that among these projects are infrastructure projects at the foyer of Pekan Bangar’s Bumiputera Complex, the Pekan Bangar Pier area, roads, parking areas and the likes.
“With the development efforts of projects in Temburong District that provide new and attractive infrastructure, we will continue to generate employment and business opportunities for locals, especially the youth, in this district,” said the minister.
The minister commended the role the Temburong District Development Authority (AKDT) has played in planning, monitoring and facilitating projects aimed at providing opportunities to the local population and the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in enhancing the district’s socio-economic development.
“Insya Allah, we will ensure that the projects carried out must be implemented with a mind-set that prioritises the preservation of the unique green nature of Temburong District so that this district will remain the Green Gem of Brunei Darussalam.”
Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew said to achieve this goal, cooperation among all walks of life is a key factor to realise these business, employment and economic opportunities.
“Alhamdulillah, this event perfectly illustrates BIBD’s role as a Partner in Progress for the nation. Through a Whole-of-Nation approach and close collaboration with AKDT, the Ministry of Home Affairs and other relevant authorities including Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD), it is hoped that this project will upgrade the district’s profile as a business and tourist destination,” said the minister.
The minister added by adopting the Whole-of-Nation approach and close cooperation among relevant authorities, the re-opening of the BIBD Temburong branch as a Heritage Branch is expected to promote the development of the Temburong District, especially in terms of business and tourism.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew said the unique design of the Heritage Branch highlights the eco-style architecture, in line with the district’s identity as a Green Jewel. It is hoped that the uniqueness of the design and architecture of the Heritage Branch can become the identity and landmark of tourist attraction to the district.
“This unique and distinctive eco-concept and design will be further developed with the construction of the third BIBD Connects community hub in the Labu area which will begin soon,” the minister added.
BIBD Connects brings families and communities closer, provides a platform to highlight MSMEs, increase tourism attractions in Temburong District and increase economic activities.
“The re-opening of this Heritage Branch is one of the BIBD Community Outreach initiatives in strengthening the relationship with the local community. It symbolises BIBD’s commitment to the local community in ensuring that every layer of population can access the banking services offered by BIBD and its subsidiaries,” said the minister.