| Azlan Othman |
BANK Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) closed the first phase of its Special Underprivileged Mothers Empowerment Entrepreneurship Development (BIBD SEED) programme yesterday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BIBD, the Brunei Islamic Religious Council, the Islamic Da’wah Centre under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Community Development Department under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
The event also saw the confirmation of 12 finalists who qualified into the BIBD SEED programme’s second phase with the presentation of certificates of completion.
The BIBD SEED programme’s first phase was held from October 16-19 with a qualification process held during the four-day empowerment entrepreneurship workshop.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Yussof was the guest of honour.
BIBD Deputy Managing Director Hajah Noraini binti Haji Sulaiman, said, “Alhamdulillah, this public-private sector collaboration that embodies a whole-of-nation approach will seek to create more opportunities to the people of Brunei Darussalam by developing its human capacity, particularly for the underprivileged.
“Insya Allah this will create more highly skilled individuals as measured by international standards that will contribute towards the sustainable, dynamic and progressive future of Brunei Darussalam.”
BIBD’s Head of Government Relations and Special Projects Haji Mohd Yusri bin Haji Wahsalfelah said the programme Division intends to change the livelihood of underprivileged mothers through successful entrepreneurship.
“BIBD SEED is a comprehensive programme that encapsulates several phases with the themes – Self-Discovery and Values Set up; Starting Your Business; Developing Products and Services; and Entering the Market.
“It is not impossible if such business is conducted continuously. Right guidance will enable to expand to become a business entity capable of generating profits not only to the BIBD SEED participants but also to the nation and also generate employment to the locals.” Participant Nurulhanisah binti Brahim said as single mothers they accept the challenge and will go international with the products in the future.
“We are also touched by BIBD’s trust in our products which in the past was hard to come by. People are sceptic of our capability to be successful businesswomen,” she said.
“We must leave the past. There is still light at the end of the tunnel and we must move on. We will strive for our success for the sake of our children. We do not want our children to be affected by failure, grief and poverty issues.”
Director of Islamic Da’wah Centre Haji Abdul Rajid bin Haji Mohd Salleh, Acting Secretary to the Brunei Islamic Religious Council Haji Abdul Aziz bin Haji Akop and Acting Director of the Community Development Department Rostinah binti Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Sura Pahlawan Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Tahir were also present.