The Baiduri Masters arrives at the Pantai Mentiri Golf Club (PMGC) next month for its 26th edition, uniting Brunei’s best players for the country’s most poignant causes. For three decades, it has been a platform of collaboration, where companies and individuals come together and participate, with proceeds donated to selected charities.
Ti Eng Hui, CEO of Baiduri Bank, said: “As we celebrate our 30th anniversary and reflect on our legacy of co-creation, the charity element is very much a part of Baiduri Bank Group’s heritage.”
“The Baiduri Masters is a reminder each year of how important it is to engage these charities, to work with them to raise awareness and start meaningful conversations about their causes,” he added.
Golfing for a cause
Community development is at the heart of the Baiduri Masters. During the last edition, a total of BND65,000 was raised from paid registrations, with 100% donated to four charities – the Society for the Management of Autism Related Issues in Training (SMARTER Brunei), Learning Ladders Society (LLS), YASKA, and the Community Development Department (JAPEM). These funds have provided crucial support, enabling these organisations to continue their invaluable work in the community.
All golfers’ registrations from this year’s tournament will go to five charities – the Child Development Centre (CDC), the Centre for Children with Special Needs (KACA), the Paraplegic and Physically Handicapped Association (PAPDA), the National Association for the Hearing-Impaired (OKP), and LLS. By participating in the Baiduri Masters, golfers are directly contributing to these vital causes, making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
Dr. Sharina Yunus, President of LLS said: “Our ABA programme focuses on helping children with autism and other related disorders learn new skills, improve their relationships and their quality of life,” she said.
“All of these require a lot of resources, hence we are extremely grateful for the continuous support from the Baiduri Masters and all other donations we receive as it allows us to continue the work we do for the community.”
Over the years, as the golfing community grew in parallel with the Baiduri Masters, more categories, including ladies and juniors, were added to cater to the increasing number of golfers wanting to give back while enjoying a day out on the greens. Some golfers travel from neighbouring Malaysian states Sabah and Sarawak to show their support, others play multiple rounds, while a handful will donate without the swing of a club.
Community partners
The Baiduri Masters has grown into one of the largest CSR initiatives in the country, thanks to the great deal of support it has received from its partners and the business community. QAF Brunei Group and Brunei Press were the charity golf tournament’s first ever event and media partners, and they have supported every edition since.
“The Baiduri Masters has only been able to grow to this scale and impact more communities thanks to long-term partnerships like QAF Brunei and Brunei Press. Their support and dedication over the years has been instrumental in the Baiduri Masters’ growth and popularity,” said Ti Eng Hui.
Endorsement from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports has raised the tournament’s prestige and profile, while generous donations from businesses, PMGC and individual donors, as well as the time and energy from Baiduri Cares volunteers, mean the event can run smoothly, while allowing more of the proceeds to go to charity.
Friendship, community and purpose
Last year, Ak Syakir Pg Hj Alli became the first Baiduri Masters champion to lift the new Challenge Trophy – introduced to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the tournament. He recorded an impressive gross score of 67, one of the lowest in recent memory.
In 2019, Ak Syakir’s best friend, Mohd Aritz Maldini bin Haji Abdul Majid, became the youngest winner of The Baiduri Masters. “He was my main motivation throughout the tournament last year, as he couldn’t compete and defend his title. Shooting 67 on the final round was my redemption for Aritz,” said Ak Syakir.
“What I love about the Baiduri Masters is you accomplish two goals with one action – you get to play golf and donate to charity and see how much the community’s contributions are appreciated by the organisations at the prize presentation.”
“It creates a buzz among the golfers – WhatsApp groups are active round the clock, people are sharing tips and advice and when we get out on the course, there are a lot of jokes and banter.”
Make a difference
Online registration for The Baiduri Masters is open and offers a discounted rate of BND115 for Men’s, Ladies, and Senior’s categories, and BND60 for Junior’s category. Interested golfers can register online through the Maribali platform at www.maribali.com.bn and search for the Baiduri Masters. Players also have the option to confirm their participation at the full rate of BND120 for Men’s, Ladies, and Senior’s categories by submitting the registration form and making payment in full at the registration counter of the Pantai Mentiri Golf Club.
To download the registration form or for more information, visit www.baiduri.com.
