Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) has once again affirmed its leadership in the Islamic banking sector, receiving two prestigious accolades at the Islamic Retail Banking Awards (IRBA) 2024 held recently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The bank was awarded Best Islamic Retail Bank for Premier Banking and Most Sustainable Islamic Retail Bank in Brunei.
Commenting on the recognition, Managing Director and CEO of BIBD Awang Junaidi bin Haji Masri said “These awards reflect BIBD’s commitment to being the best Islamic financial institution, not just in Brunei but on the global stage. Our initiatives in sustainability and premier banking are designed to ensure that we are not only serving our customers with excellence but also contributing meaningfully to the broader national agenda. Our mission remains rooted in serving the wider community and achieving sustainable progress and growth.”
Receiving the awards on behalf of BIBD were Head of Government Relations and Special Projects Awang Haji Yusri bin Haji Wahsalfelah, Chief Marketing Officer Hjh Nurul Akmar binti Hj Mohd Jaafar, and Deputy Head of Retail Banking Awang Junaidi bin Bahrum.
The Most Sustainable Islamic Retail Bank awards highlight BIBD’s unwavering commitment to advancing its sustainability agenda and delivering exceptional service to its customers.
In their citation, the Awards Committee commended BIBD’s robust sustainability framework, which aligns with the Maqasid Shariah and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among the initiatives that demonstrate BIBD’s leadership in sustainability are:
Recycled Plastics for Banking Cards: A nation-leading initiative transitioning all banking cards to recycled plastic, reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Projek Alam Mampan: This impactful programme contributes to environmental preservation through the planting of 660 trees and the installation of 20 reef balls along Brunei’s coastlines to create natural carbon sinks.
Educational Campaigns: The Waste Not and Save More programme, which has reached over 1,500 students in 15 schools, underscores BIBD’s role in shaping a financially literate and environmentally conscious generation.
Renewable Energy Leadership: As the first financial institution in Brunei to install rooftop solar panels at its headquarters, BIBD has set a new standard for corporate sustainability, reducing energy costs by 20 per cent and contributing an environmental impact equivalent to planting 750 trees.
Through these initiatives, BIBD has not only set benchmarks in environmental and social responsibility but also showcased its ability to align its strategies with global standards while serving the local community.
Meanwhile, the award for Best Islamic Retail Bank for Premier Banking underscores BIBD’s unwavering commitment to delivering excellent service that meets the evolving needs of its valued clients, through its exclusive PERDANA Privilege Banking service.
Through PERDANA, eligible individuals can experience an elevated banking experience through our Relationship Managers where one can manage their accounts, plan greater returns for their savings to understanding available Islamic wealth options for future legacy needs, in the comfort of our exclusive PERDANA lounges.
Other benefits tailored and curated to an individual needs includes Access to global Wealth Management opportunities, preferential deposit rates, NAQD Facilities, World Mastercard Privileges, remote instructions and exclusive lifestyle events are amongst many other services available to all PERDANA clients.
BIBD in a press release said that this recognition reflects not only BIBD’s dedication to enhancing the customer journey but also the international acknowledgment of its efforts in setting new benchmarks for service delivery.
By continually refining its products and services, BIBD demonstrates its ability to compete on a global stage while staying true to its promise of putting its customers at the heart of everything it does.
As Brunei’s leading Islamic financial institution, BIBD said it remains dedicated to contributing to the nation’s socio-economic progress. These accolades reflect BIBD’s alignment with Brunei Vision 2035, which aspires to make the nation recognised for its educated and highly skilled people, high quality of life, and dynamic, sustainable economy. Guided by its core values and its commitment to being “Bruneian at Heart,” BIBD will remain a trusted partner in fostering a more sustainable future for Brunei Darussalam.
