2023 – A YEAR OF RESILIENCE AND GROWTH
2023 has unfolded against a backdrop of global economic recovery, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Building on last year’s momentum, Baiduri Bank has achieved notable growth in key business areas, with strong financial performance and delivery against our strategic goals.
Celebrating global recognition
Baiduri Bank has a history of winning major international accolades. This year, we have garnered more prestigious awards, demonstrating our success in consistently delivering exceptional service and innovation, and consolidating our position as a trusted industry leader in the financial sector.
Ti Eng Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Baiduri Bank, attributes these achievements to our continuous efforts and commitment to diversifying our income streams.
Maintaining the Bank’s issuer credit rating of A-/A-2 with Stable Outlook from Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Rating was another important achievement. This marked the second year running where the Bank achieved an A- rating, cementing our position as a systemically important bank in the country.
Forging ahead in digital transformation
In 2023, we have intensified our digital engagement initiatives as we progress on our digital transformation journey, making strategic investments in emerging technologies and enhancing our capabilities in data analytics, product management, operational efficiency, and customer experience.
The Bank’s commitment to digital innovation is evident in our partnerships with Finbots.ai to modernise credit risk management using AI, and with Temenos, the world’s leading open platform for composable banking, to run our core banking services on a SaaS platform in the cloud. These collaborations make Baiduri Bank the first in Brunei to adopt an AI-led credit risk solution and first bank in Brunei to operate its core banking platform in the cloud under the SaaS model.
Continuing to deliver digital-first experiences, the Bank launched Baiduri Qpay this year, a digital wallet that allows our UnionPay Debit Cardholders to easily scan and pay at participating outlets locally and abroad. This new feature adds to the suite of digital payment services offered by Baiduri Bank as part of our digital strategy, aligning with Brunei’s Digital Economy Masterplan 2025.
In August, Baiduri Bank introduced a first-of-its-kind eMarketplace initiative in collaboration with a local SME. The turnkey digital solution Maribali – www.maribali.com.bn – offers a platform for local MSMEs to market and sell their products and services online with secure and convenient on-the-go payment options.
Strengthening community ties through CSR
Guided by our brand promise, ‘co-creating your future,’ we aim to be active and caring community members, showcasing leadership and striving for sustainable development through our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative through three key pillars: Social, Economic, and Environmental.
Socially, we have been an active community partner, focusing on community welfare and empowering various segments, including people with disabilities, and the underprivileged. A highlight this year is the return of one of our flagship CSR initiatives, the Baiduri Masters, our charity golf tournament. This year’s 25th edition saw generous donations from our sponsors and the Bank, enabling us to donate 100% of the golfers’ registration fees to four charities: SMARTER Brunei, Learning Ladders Society, YASKA and JAPEM.
Community volunteerism is an important component of our efforts. Baiduri Bank, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further enhance the volunteerism platform Mengalinga with innovative features like leaderboards and awards. Since its launch in 2021, over 140 organisations and 3800 volunteers have registered on Mengalinga, with more than 400 events successfully sourcing volunteers through the app.
On the Economic front, Baiduri Bank continues to cultivate an entrepreneurial culture and enhance financial literacy. Initiatives include the MSME Empowerment Series with DARe, boosting our local MSMEs and startups. The Bank is also the proud sponsor of the Brunei Economy Programme through the TRANSFORM series, and Asia Inc Forum. We also collaborate actively with YEAB for power lunches, providing entrepreneurs with valuable networking opportunities.
The launch of Baiduri Enterprise Hub, a co-working space equipped with modern amenities for entrepreneurial activities, further supports this objective. Partnerships with DARe, AITI, Shell LiveWIRE Brunei, and YEAB also enhance the Hub’s role in fostering business development and collaboration.
Under the Environmental pillar, our focus includes promoting zero-waste and low-impact living and supporting green businesses and activities. This year, Baiduri Bank proudly hosted the rooftop edition of Baiduri Lokal Market 2023, organised in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRE). The event highlighted the mounting issue of electronic waste (e-waste) and hosted educational booths to discuss e-waste production, recycling, and proper disposal methods.
Empowering our people for future success
In 2023, Baiduri Bank continued our systematic approach to talent management by identifying, developing, and nurturing our talents to be potential leaders and equipping them with future-ready skills to support our digital aspirations. Initiatives such as Leadership forum, Leadership Academy, and Emerging Leaders Mentoring Programme ensure a dynamic and skilled workforce that are primed for excellence in their work.
Our staff-driven Employee Wellness Initiative (EWI) continued to offer year-round activities designed to promote healthy lifestyle practices for our employees, driving key wellness activities.
Our achievements in 2023 highlight our commitment to sustainable growth and innovation. Moving into the New Year, we will continue to focus on business transformation and technological advancement, collaborating with our stakeholders to adapt and thrive in a dynamic economy.
