Residents of Temburong District will soon have a new landmark to visit following the groundbreaking ceremony for the latest Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) Connects facility at Labu Square, held on Tuesday.
The upcoming BIBD Connects Temburong will be a state-of-the-art community hub, designed to enhance local engagement and provide modern amenities for residents and businesses. Scheduled for completion by mid-2025, the multi-storey building will prioritise sustainability, featuring energy-efficient designs, rainwater harvesting systems, and solar-powered lighting to minimise its environmental impact. This initiative aligns with BIBD’s broader commitment to green infrastructure, as seen in its eco-friendly Heritage Branch in Bandar Seri Begawan.
The groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by Minister of Home Affairs, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, who also serves as Chairman of BIBD.
Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Haji Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir, along with other government officials, BIBD’s Managing Director and CEO Awang Junaidi bin Haji Masri, BIBD senior management, and representatives from the Temburong District Office were present to witness the event.
As the third facility in the BIBD Connects series—following successful projects in Lambak and Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas—BIBD Connects Temburong will offer essential services such as ATM facilities, rentable spaces for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and a dedicated food and beverage (F&B) area for anchor tenants.
Designed as more than just a banking center, BIBD Connects facilities serve as community hubs, integrating financial services with retail opportunities to support local economic growth. The Temburong facility will provide rentable spaces tailored for MSMEs, offering local entrepreneurs affordable platforms to grow their businesses and generate income.
In addition to banking and retail services, the building will feature a central communal space, offering a versatile venue for pop-up markets, social gatherings, workshops, and corporate events. With flexible seating arrangements and a modern aesthetic, this space will cater to both formal and casual functions, fostering a sense of community.
This development is part of BIBD’s ongoing efforts to contribute to Brunei’s Vision 2035, which focuses on sustainable economic diversification and equitable growth. BIBD Connects Temburong will play a key role in providing infrastructure and opportunities for the district, reinforcing the bank’s dedication to supporting development across all regions of Brunei Darussalam.
As the only bank maintaining a full-fledged branch in Temburong, BIBD remains committed to ensuring that essential banking services and sustainable development reach every corner of the nation. – JAMES KON
