| Azlan Othman |
THERE is an increasing trend in saving among Bruneians which previously was hard to come by, an official of Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) said.
With the introduction of the National Savings Day, the trend is visible among all sections of the society, especially children and youth.
Bruneians are getting more aware of the importance of saving, Relationship Manager for Corporate Employee Special Scheme and Stakeholders Management of BIBD Norliah binti Mohd Taib told the Bulletin on the sidelines of the National Savings Day 2018’s first roadshow in the Brunei-Muara District, held at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Girls Arabic Religious Secondary School in Kampong Katok.
The roadshow, organised by Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MoE), Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), Radio Television Brunei (RTB), the Employees Trust Fund (TAP) as well as related agencies and financial institutions, saw Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari as the guest of honour.
Also present during the event were senior officers from AMBD, MoE, MoRA and Brunei-Muara District Office.
Carrying the theme ‘Financially Literate Generation’, the roadshow is hoped to increase awareness on the importance of savings, financial independence and encourage individuals and households, especially students to be more financially savvy in the future.
This is in line with AMBD’s efforts to develop a financially literate generation and drive the Brunei Vision 2035 objectives towards creating a dynamic and sustainable economy as well as highly skilled population.
“Children are now aware that it is important to save for their future. Though the culture of spending is still here and there, saving has always been in the hearts of Bruneians. It is not a hard effort and everyone is now aware of nurturing such a culture,” Norliah said.
“The roadshow aims to create more awareness among children about saving right from school days till tertiary education. During the roadshow, we educate students on saving culture and impart financial planning skills through lifestyle games that show how they can apply their skills in attaining their life goals,” the BIBD official added.
Meanwhile, a student from Hassanal Bolkiah Boys Arabic Secondary School, Mohd Waizuddin bin Haji Zaini, told the Bulletin that the roadshow is beneficial as it showcases how we can borrow money and manage our finances. “It is my aspiration to save money to set up a business,” he said.
Another student, Izyan Nadheerah binti Abdullah from Sengkurong Sixth Form Centre said, “There are several things which were unfamiliar before like the Currency Order and the roadshow helped us how to differentiate between fake and authentic bank notes. Through various games, we could also know one’s personality by analysing the spending culture. I was categorised as someone who is very cautious in spending.
“As I am taking Maths, Economics and History, this roadshow is quite new to me but very educational,” she added.
About 100 students from sixth form centres and secondary schools in the Brunei-Muara District were invited to the roadshow to participate in the interactive financial-related games and activities organised by AMBD, TAP, BIBD, Baiduri Bank and Junior Achievement.
The next roadshow will be held on July 2 the Belait District, followed by Tutong District on July 4 and Temburong District on July 11.
Other events planned in conjunction with the National Savings Day 2018 are the Financial Fun Fair, which will be held at the Jerudong Park Colonnade on August 4 from 4pm to 10pm and August 5 from noon to 6pm. The fair will feature a host of family fun-filled programmes and interactive activities.
For more information on National Savings Day 2018, members of the public can visit AMBD’s website at www.ambd.gov.bn/nsd2018 or download AMBD App from the App Store or Google Playstore or follow AMBD on Instagram at @autoriti_monetary.