| James Kon |
BAIDURI Bank held a ceremony for the laying of the foundation of its multi-million dollar headquarters yesterday morning, marking another milestone in its 24 years of history.
The ceremony was officiated by the guest of honour, Dr Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Abdul Fattaah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Baiduri Bank Group.
The new building, located at the main junction fronting Jalan Gadong and Jalan Kumbang Pasang, is expected to be completed in two years.
Pierre Imhof, CEO of Baiduri Bank in his welcoming remarks said, “Our new premises serve to be the embodiment of what Baiduri Bank has become; an award-winning and leading conventional bank in Brunei.”
He also elaborated on the design elements of the new building. “It will feature a modern design with eco-friendly elements, such as large glazing panels to allow natural light, energy-efficient mechanical and electrical fittings, a rain water harvesting system and a sky garden.”
He added that the elements were done to attain the BCA Green Mark certification, a benchmark of best practices for being environmentally friendly.
Pierre Imhof thanked Dr Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Abdul Fattaah for his presence, members of the board and also the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the support and advice given for this project.
Dr Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Abdul Fattaah signed the commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.
A token of appreciation was presented to the guest of honour by the CEO of Baiduri Bank, and the guests toured the exhibition.
The new headquarters is set to be a marvel with its green building features and has many amenities to offer. According to Charles Foong of Arkitek Ting in an interview, “It’s a nine-storey building, and a majority of it is covered in Low U-Value glass, and the offices are well-equipped.”
Lee Hange Heng of Arkitek Urusreka and Harper Studio said, “The inspiration for the interior design came from the meaning of Baiduri in the Malay Language, which is opal, a precious stone. We conceptualised the design of the crystal for the ceiling, and has an open office concept.”
He added that the layout can accommodate the current staff of 500 persons, and has a total capacity of 655.
Also present were Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (ambd) and government officials, consultants, business associates, invited customers as well as the Project Leader, Andrew Young and other members of the management of Baiduri Bank Group.
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