Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) has been recognised for its commitment to workplace and community well-being, winning the Brunei Health and Wellness Initiative of the Year – Banking award at the Asian Management Excellence Awards 2025. The award was presented at a ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, where BIBD Deputy Chief Operating Officer Lyndsay Spray accepted the accolade on behalf of the bank.
The recognition highlights the impact of BIBD’s Wellness Ambassadors initiative, a pioneering programme that empowers BIBD employees and strategic partners to serve as first responders in both physical and mental health emergencies. By equipping ambassadors with essential life-saving and psychological support skills, BIBD has redefined the role of financial institutions in championing holistic wellness.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Spray shared, “At BIBD, we strongly believe that promoting both physical and mental well-being is the key to creating a workforce that is not only happy and productive but also capable of contributing meaningfully to Brunei’s national progress. The Wellness Ambassadors initiative reflects our commitment to this belief, ensuring that our people are equipped to support both their colleagues and the wider community. As Brunei’s Partner in Progress, it is our hope that this approach inspires other organisations to adopt similar initiatives, fostering a culture of holistic wellness across industries and society at large.”
Since its launch in 2022, the Wellness Ambassadors initiative has played a crucial role in both workplace and community health efforts. Internally, the programme has strengthened employee engagement, with over 1,000 employees benefiting from health screenings in 2023, alongside the introduction of mental health advocacy initiatives that provide safe spaces for psychological support.
Beyond the workplace, the Wellness Ambassadors have actively supported national level events, including serving on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing medical and psychological assistance during the royal wedding celebrations and offering first-response support at key public gatherings. Their contributions have made them a recognised community asset, assisting emergency response teams and ensuring public safety at major occasions.
As part of their ongoing commitment to public health, the Wellness Ambassadors have also conducted free health screenings at various national events, most recently at the BIBD Mega Karnival, where visitors were able to receive health assessments and consultations.
The award also reinforces BIBD’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), as well as Brunei Vision 2035, which envisions a highly skilled and healthy society.
This recognition further solidifies BIBD’s position as a leader in workplace wellness and community advocacy, demonstrating its role in driving meaningful and sustainable impact.
