Baiduri Bank launched Lokal Market 2024 under the theme ‘Make Waves, Not Waste’, bringing the community together at Tanjung Batu Beach to promote environmental awareness, support local businesses and foster a sustainable way of living.
Permanent Secretary (Planning, Land Use and Environment) at the Ministry of Development Dr Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak was the guest of honour. Head of Institutional Banking Awangku Nor Muhammad Nizam bin Pengiran Haji Tengah, Head of Business Banking Mohammad Isa Liew bin Mohd Amin Liew as well as government officials and business partners were also present.
This year’s Lokal Market shines a spotlight on the importance of environmental responsibility with a focus on proper waste management and beach etiquette. The weekend-long event aims to raise awareness about the growing impact of beach waste on Brunei’s marine ecosystems and emphasises the need for sustainable habits, such as reducing single-use plastics, properly disposing of waste and adopting eco-friendly practices like using reef-safe sunscreen.
By championing these values, the Lokal Market aims to inspire individuals and communities to take proactive steps to protect Brunei’s natural beauty for future generations. Aligned with the event’s theme, a no single-use plastics policy is enforced. This is supported by waste sorting stations, extra rubbish bins and eco-friendly initiatives led by key partners, including the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe). Volunteers from Baiduri Cares actively manage on-site waste efforts to ensure proper recycling and disposal throughout the event.
This year’s event also features a variety of fun and meaningful activities for all ages.
Attendees can join paddleboarding and reef ball fabrication workshops hosted by Poni Group, contributing directly to marine conservation efforts. Additionally, families can enjoy interactive eco-games at the JASTRe booth, with prizes to be won.
Running from yesterday to tomorrow, from 2pm to 7pm, the Lokal Market provides a vibrant platform for local vendors and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their products while promoting eco-conscious business practices. More than 15 local vendors are participating. By featuring a diverse range of offerings, the market highlights the importance of supporting local businesses and strengthening Brunei’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Mohammad Isa Liew, in a speech, emphasised the importance of empowering local businesses, “The Lokal Market 2024 is more than just a marketplace – it’s a platform for positive change. By supporting local businesses, embracing cashless solutions, and championing sustainable practices, we aim to inspire the community to make meaningful contributions to the environment and the economy. Supporting entrepreneurs to adopt eco-conscious business practices is vital for building a more sustainable future for Brunei. We hope to encourage businesses to not only thrive but also to lead in making impactful, long-term changes for our planet.”
This year’s Lokal Market also marks a significant step forward in promoting cashless payments. Participating vendors are adopting the recently launched Tap2Pay, Baiduri Bank’s new NFC-enabled payment solution. Tap2Pay transforms mobile devices into point-of-sale terminals, allowing merchants, including small businesses and mobile vendors, to accept secure contactless payments for Visa and Mastercard cardholders without the need for additional hardware.
Additionally, vendors accept payments via Baiduri QPay, further enhancing convenience for visitors and aligning with the bank’s commitment to innovation and digital transformation.
As the Lokal Market continues throughout the weekend, visitors are encouraged to utilise the free shuttle service provided for the event.
The shuttle service operates every 10-15 minutes between Meragang Sixth Form Centre carpark and the market venue, running from 2pm to 7pm.
