Baiduri Bank unveiled its Enterprise Hub above its Serusop branch yesterday, a space designed to give MSMEs a place to network, collaborate and increase productivity as well as serve as a melting pot where ideas are born and connections are formed.
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Trade and Industry) at the Ministry of Finance and Economy Mohammad Harris bin Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Haji Ibrahim and Baiduri Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ti Eng Hui were on hand to launch the hub.
“We created the Enterprise Hub with the objective to foster networking and collaboration among our MSMEs,” the CEO said.
“MSMEs, which comprise over 97 per cent of our economy, are a vital component in helping us realise our goals for Brunei Vision 2035. Therefore, it is through the initiative that we hope to create an accessible platform where ideas are born, connections are formed and entrepreneurial dreams can be made a reality,” he added.
The hub is a co-working space equipped with modern amenities such as audio-visual equipment, hot-desking, discussion rooms, free Wi-Fi and sound-proof pods to meet the needs of budding entrepreneurs. It also features a multi-function space which can be converted to host forums, panel discussions, talks and workshops. There are also pods for use that comes in one person or two person’s sizes.
“Our ambition doesn’t stop at infrastructure. We have dedicated staff at the hub ready to assist with enquiries related to financing, payment services and other banking facilities. We are also able to provide value added services beyond banking,” the bank CEO said.
He added, “We envision the hub as a one-stop centre to meet MSME requirements ranging from sales and marketing, operations and quality assurance, training, logistics as well as book-keeping.”
“We are taking a whole-of-nation approach in fostering the Sultanate’s entrepreneurial spirit through partnerships with Darussalam Enterprise where we collaborated on initiatives such as the MSME Empowerment Series, or the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Brunei where we conducted Powerlunch series.”
Also present were guests from AITI who launched the PENJANA scheme – a joint funding scheme for ICT vendors and Shell LiveWIRE Brunei who provide workshops and trainings for MSMEs. – James Kon
