Hjh Nurul Akmar Hj Md Jaafar, Head of Retail Banking, BIBD, showcasing a sneak peek of BIBD NEXGEN Wallet (NFC) which will kick off in January 2019

As part of BIBD’s efforts to support the de-cashing of the economy (meaning less reliance on real cash in hand), BIBD has already introduced digital conveniences such as BIBD Quickypay for QR code payments (introduced a few months ago), BIBD vCard or Virtual MasterCard, its MasterCard Contactless and Visa payWave under its BIBD NEXGEN platform.

There is still room for growth in this department and BIBD will soon up their game by using NFC (Near Field Communication) where all you need is tapping your smartphone only. This is quite common in the US and UK and even in China. This is where BIBD will come in as a pioneer by introducing BIBD NEXGEN Wallet.

This will be made possible once their next BIBD app version will be available in January 2019. It will be synced from the user’s debit or virtual cards to the NEXGEN Wallet which means you don’t have to fork out your debit cards and simply tap your smartphone on the payment terminal.

Hjh Nurul Akmar Hj Md Jaafar, Head of Retail Banking, BIBD, said that all the customers have to do is place or tap your smartphone on the terminal and it will automatically open the BIBD app and it will prompt you for a pin number. After being verified, the transaction will be complete. The cool thing about the BIBD NEXGEN Wallet is that it can function without internet, for purchases up to BND 100.

This is something many will be looking forward to and furthermore, BIBD is well prepared as most of their existing merchants have card terminals which are able to receive NFC payment. Awesome!! The only thing is that the NFC service will only be available for Android users. As for IOS users (Apple), BIBD will be in talks with Apple in hoping that NFC can be readied for BIBD users on IOS.

This is the way of the future indeed and I hope the traction will be higher once NFC become available in Brunei and thank you to BIBD for pioneering this technological move.

The next update of the BIBD App will have the NFC option

Yang Mulia Dayang Dr. Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Development (centre) as guest of honour with the BIBD Senior Management during the launch of BIBD’s 13th Home Showcase Festival

Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) today organized its 13th ‘Home Showcase Festival’ aimed at highlighting the benefits of home ownership and providing a one-stop platform for current and prospective homeowners especially the young ones. The BIBD Home Showcase Festival will run until Saturday, 27th October 2018, and is open between 9am-7pm.

BIBD partnered with realtors and interior designers to showcase their products and services that will complement their search on their future homes. All home financing applications, and other eligible products and services taken up (T&C applies) during the 2-days event will automatically be entered to the BIBD Barakah 8 that offers a B$25,000 Umrah package as its main prize. The event also showcased Fabular as its featured event partner who launched their Fabular Village which introduced visitors to affordable and minimalist home opportunities and living lifestyle, the future homes targeting millennials.

Besides offering special discounted rates and waivers on processing fees, there are also Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf vouchers, and up to 100,000 Hadiah Points for new credit card applications.

The event also served as an avenue for some 30 local entrepreneurs and SMEs, and this is the first time that some participating vendors will be promoting cashless payments with the BIBD QuickPay, under its BIBD NexGen solutions.

A much better set up this time round

Check out Fabular latest product at BIBD Home Showcase

As part of BIBD’s efforts to support the de-cashing of the economy with seamless transactions via mobile-led technologies, services like QuickPay are part of the BIBD NEXGEN platform that caters towards mobility and convenience, aimed to bridge the digital gap between customers and business owners, particularly budding entrepreneurs. Also brought in to the event is BIBD’s support towards the cause of Breast Cancer Awareness, where the public also had the opportunity to understand more about it from representatives of the Pantai Jerudong Specialist Center (PJSC). This is part of BIBD’s CSR initiatives to bring awareness to the community and be in touch with the professionals.

BIBD Head of Retail Banking, Hajah Nurul Akmar binti Haji Md Jaafar, commented during the launch, “There are only a few emotions you can relate to when you first step into your dream Home. It represents the next steps in your life, where your family will grow and where you go to at the end of a busy day. We at BIBD want to ensure that your dream is realised by being with you every step of the way and bringing our friends from PJSC for the Breast Cancer awareness reinforces our position to the community of how we care about this cause for the nation.”

Present as the guest of honour to officiate the event was Yang Mulia Dayang Dr. Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Development. Also in attendance during the launch were BIBD senior management and personnel which was held at the BIBD Kiulap Branch.

Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre is selling Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirts and all the proceeds will be donated to Breast Cancer Support Group. I love their pins.

The best Breast Cancer Awareness pin to date. Only $3

JPMC also participating during the event

Food galore. Plenty of food vendors

Tried the curry puff at Piccolo booth and I love it

Find words that suits you 🙂

Check out BIBD Aspirasi. Click image to find out more.

AMBD Managing Director Yusof bin Haji Abdul Rahman being introduced to BIBD’s latest savings product – BIBD Aspirasi at last weekend’s event

BIBD Aspirasi is an awesome product introduced by BIBD (Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam). Launched last weekend during the AMBD National Savings Day Roadshow, it created a great hype and their limited BIBD Digital Coin Boxes have ran out of stock as they are only exclusive for BIBD Aspirasi customers.

So what’s so special about BIBD Aspirasi?

1) You can earn a lucky draw coupon for every BND 50 you deposit into BIBD Aspirasi. The more you invest, the better your chances.
2) The lucky draw prizes are awesome!! Monthly prize is BND 2,500, quarterly prize is BND 25,000 and the grand prize is BND 250,000. AWESOME!!!
3) You can earn 0.2% per annum if I’m not mistaken
4) You have better returns than the normal savings deposit
5) It has a flexible savings scheme allowing you to participate and withdraw anytime and no withdrawal fee imposed
6) You can open the Aspirasi account through your BIBD app and online. So easy!!! I got mine done on BIBD App.

All these are good enough to make me open an BIBA Aspirasi account and I was one of the early subscribers and I’m happy to get a Digital Coin Box of my own 😀

The BIBD Aspirasi was launched by AMBD Managing Director Yusof bin Haji Abdul Rahman last weekend.

In a nutshell, BIBD accountholders can start their ‘BIBD Aspirasi’ journey to financial freedom by subscribing to an initial ‘BIBD Aspirasi’ e-certificate for as low as BND500 with a one-time subscription fee of BND5.

So what are you waiting for? I have signed up and hundred others. Do join the bandwagon and this is also great initiative to start saving.

As for the grand prize, the BIBD Aspirasi subscribers will have a cut of date on 31st August 2019 and the grand draw will be announced maybe in September 2019 or later.

Let’s start saving and it’s never too late 😀 Thank you, BIBD, for this awesome savings product. For more information, you can click here to read more.

Group photo with AMBD and BIBD management during the launch of BIBD Aspirasi

Hajah Nurul Akmar binti Haji Md Jaafar, BIBD Head of Retail Banking. during the press conference of BIBD Aspirasi

 Adinah binti Haji Janudin, BIBD Head of Product Management Department, explaining the mechanism of BIBD Aspirasi and its benefits

Seng Yee was also on the early subscribers of BIBD Aspirasi

You will also get a digital certificate of deposit once you register for BIBD Aspirasi

Five teams from schools with BIBD

Five teams from five different schools selected for the final round of the 6th BigStart competition for secondary schools and colleges yesterday each received BND200 capital to run their business for eight weeks from August 18 until October 22.

The five teams are; Mahad Islam Brunei, Masin Secondary School, Chung Hua Middle School Kuala Belait, Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Secondary School and Seri Mulia Sarjana School.

Guest of honour, Head of Government Relations Section and Special Projects at the Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) Haji Mohammad Yusri bin Haji Wahsalfelah presented the cash to the teams.

The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah followed by a remark from Acting Director of Co-Curriculum Education Mohamed Jais bin Haji Abdul Rahman.

This year’s theme ‘Innovation – Ideas For Progress’, he said, forces the young entrepreneurs to be more creative and progressive by thinking outside the box.

“Innovation means challenging conventional ways of how things have been done before and bringing new ideas.

“Some of the criteria of being innovative are by fulfilling unmeet consumer needs, offering new ways to accomplish goals, make lives or tasks better, more exciting or more productive. Hence, innovation is one of the key to any successful business,” he added.

Through this opportunity, Mohamed Jais hoped that the students will be able to experience “the taste of running a real business” and after the competition, they will still sustain their passion in entrepreneurship and will choose it as their career path.

The event ended with a group photo session and a recitation of Doa Selamat.

The BigStart competition is one of the entrepreneurial project held annually in accordance to SPN21 to expose the students in the field of entrepreneurship.

The objectives of the project are to enhance creativity within the participating students in planning their projects and to strengthen their innovation skills and their risk taking in achieving their goals. Images courtesy of BIBD and story by Syazwani Hj Rosli of Borneo Bulletin.

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib, Minister of Communications visiting BIBD Pavilion and launching the new products from BIBD, BIBD BizNet and QuickPay at the TechXpo 2018 yesterday

First it was the eTunai (back in 2013) and now BIBD has upped their game by re-inventing the wheel, launching a better version, BIBD’s QuickPay. All you need is a QR Code and a BIBD app to settle a transaction. Easy peasy. The great thing about the QuickPay is that you won’t need physical terminals to carry out the transaction. The current eTunai which will be phased out, requires a presence of the tablet and there are currently 50 vendors using eTunai in Brunei Darussalam.

I believe BIBD’s move to introduce the QuickPay is to make payment more seamless especially among Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Brunei Darussalam and even start-ups. The other advantage is that they don’t have to invest in the cash register of point-of-sale machines to complete the transaction.

It was mentioned from a BIBD representative that they QuickPay will have a lower cost transaction than the current ones with terminal points. The other great thing is that BIBD has also launched its BIBD MSME Account which requires a minimum opening and average monthly balance of only BND 50. Now ain’t that great news?

I’m not sure which vendors have already utilized the QuickPay mechanism but before that, you will need to update to BIBD’s app version (3.8.0) so you can use QuickPay.

The other product launched by BIBD is BIBD BizNet banking platform app provides corporate customers along with government-linked companies in Brunei Darussalam mobile access to the BIBD BizNet web-based platform.

Launched earlier this year, BIBD BizNet is an upgrade to its previous digital Corporate Internet Banking platform that provides day-to-day accounts and payments operations support with real-time account access along with a collection of other enhanced features.

These include single security token access for Parent and Subsidiary accounts, payment approval, fund transfers and bill payments along with information such as foreign currency rates and branch/ATM locator and other services.

Both BIBD BizNet and BIBD’s QuickPay were launched by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib, Minister of Communications at the TechXpo 2018 at International Convention Centre yesterday.

Both products are testament for the BIBD NEXGEN initiative. I just hope one day will see NFC in form of payment where all you need to do is tap with your phone to make a transaction. I know in the UK have already carried out this technology and it’s on the rise. Let’s give it a two years or so maybe?

The Minister of Communications being briefed on BIBD’s QuickPay by BIBD representative. Image courtesy of Ridhwan Kamarulzaman of The Bruneian.

Now payment can be done as easy as 1-2-3

The press conference for BIBD’s new products the day before the launch

Pengiran Sanusi Iskandar Pengiran Haji Ismail, Senior Manager of Corporate Banking of BIBD explaining on BIBD’s new products during the press conference

ang Berhormat Dato Seri Paduka Dr. Awang Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah, the Minister of Finance II, as the guest of honour (2nd from left), Mr. Mubashar Khokar, Managing Director of BIBD, Mr. Karam Chand, the CEO of Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) and Mr. Pierre Imho, the CEO of Baiduri Bank

Guest of honour delivering his welcoming remarks at Brunei International Airport

Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) has closed the Islamic financing of one Boeing 787-8 aircraft and five Airbus A320neo and the conventional financing of two Airbus A320neo at a signing ceremony held at Brunei International Airport.

It was interesting to know that two local banks are involved in the financing where the islamic financing is under BIBD’s portfolio while the conventional term loan is under Baiduri Bank’s portfolio.

Present at the event was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Paduka Dr. Awang Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah, the Minister of Finance II, as the guest of honour. Signing on behalf of RB was Mr. Karam Chand, the CEO of RB whole Mr. Mubashar Khokar, Managing Director of BIBD and Mr. Pierre Imho, the CEO of Baiduri Bank signed on behalf of BIBD and Baiduri Bank respectively.

“The combination of conventional financing for 2 aircrafts with an islamic financing structure for 6 other aircrafts allowed Royal Brunei Airlines to achieve attractive terms. The new fleet allows RB to achieve a leaner cost structure from the combination of lower ownership and maintenance costs and lower fuel burn. Complete fleet renewal is a rarity in our industry and to achieve this by the end of 2018 will be a very significant milestone for RB,” said Karam Chand.

“Alhamdullilah, I would like to congratulate RB on another national milestone with the latest additions to their fleet, and also becoming our latest “Partner in Growth”. Together may we continue to support Brunei Darussalam’s economic diversification while strengthening Brunei’s positioning as a regional hub for economic activity and trade. The acquisition of these aircrafts is also another landmark transaction for Brunei’s Islamic banking and financial industry in general as it highlights our local capabilities to deliver on large complex Islamic transactions,” said Mr. Mubashar Khokar.

“Baiduri Bank is proud to enter into this partnership with RB, where we will be financing two unites of Airbus A320neo aircrafts. As a major local bank with a strong commitment to the Brunei market, Baiduri will continue to play an active role in providing financing to businesses, contributing to the economic growth of the country and its development programmes in order to meet the goal of Brunei’s Wawasan 2035,” said Mr. Pierre Imhof.

The board members of RB and other invited guests

A quick visit to the newly A320neo aircraft

Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) recently began its eighth annual Sirah Amal initiative aimed at providing support and relief to the underprivileged members of Brunei Darussalam’s community across all its four districts.

The Bank and its employees came together to bring joy to the families they visited, contributing relief items and offering donations such as daily requirements, prayer necessities, raya items and others to support preparations during Ramadhan and for the upcoming Syawal. The 8th Sirah Amal started with a visit to families in the Tutong District.

BIBD Deputy Managing Director, Hajah Noraini binti Haji Sulaiman commented, “Alhamdulillah, today marks the beginning of the eighth BIBD Sirah Amal as the Bank and its staff continue its commitment towards contributing to our community. The BIBD Sirah Amal provides an excellent platform for us to share our blessings, especially with the less fortunate, so that they are able to better enjoy the festive months with their loved ones. We would like to also thank SKH (Sim Kim Huat) Department store for being our community partner for this year’s Sirah Amal event.”

Click image to enter website to learn more

Yang Berhormat Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof, Minister of Communications, launched Progresif Pay last week at Rizqun International Hotel. Progressive Pay is brought to you by Progresif and powered by BIBD NEXGEN.

Other countries have implemented it. I know China is known for their WeChat. Today, it is made possible by Progresif powered by BIBD NEXGEN known as Progresif Pay. It is definitely a stepping stone in terms of cashless payments in Brunei Darussalam.

It was launched by Minister of Communications Yang Berhormat Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof who applauded both Progresif and BIBD for the collaboration in pursuing to be a smart nation in this era of digital economy. The minister shared that Brunei Darussalam is ranked 53rd in the world in the ICT development index.

Also accompany the Minister were Mubashar Khokhar, Managing Director and CEO of BIBD and Paul Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Progresif who both had inspiring quotes from Henry Ford and Michael Jordan respectively. Mubashar re-quoted, “Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success” while Paul mentioned, “Individuals win games while teamwork wins championships”.

Powered by BIBD NEXGEN, Progresif PAY creates an alliance between Brunei’s most innovative mobile operator and the country’s best digital bank at the forefront of branchless banking and mobile commerce by improving access and creating opportunities for greater commercial efficiency, diversification and development of Brunei’s digital economy.

Now what can be useful when you use Progresif Pay? A few things. You don’t need to bring a thick wallet, or even better a wallet. You don’t need a bank account to begin with to. You will still need to be a Progresif subscriber to be eligible for Progresif Pay.

Having said all that, first thing’s first – download the app, both available on IOS and Google Play. You will need to pop down to a Progresif Store or BIBD Branch for identity verification and registration. Then you will get your own virtual card (just like a virtual debit card). The maximum value that you can put into the virtual account will be BND 3,000 and the great thing about it is that your Progresif Pay virtual card is not tied to any of your bank accounts or credit cards. In other words, it’s safe and secured.

Once you have activated your Progresif Pay, you can pay your bills such as utilities or make donations. You can send money to other Progresif Pay users. You can even use your Progresif Pay to shop online, just like a credit card. Since you are a Progresif user, you can even top up to add data or minutes through Progresif Pay. Awesome!!

Marketing strategy will be a key component in helping others to adopt to the newly introduced Progresif Pay, according to Devin Edwards, Chief Marketing Officer of Progresif Pay. He envisioned that their neighbours at the popular Gadong wet market will make use of Progresif Pay among the vendors so it will be totally convenient and cashless.

It will be interesting to see the adoption rate of Progresif Pay because once they are many Progresif Pay users, it have a domino effect as users will find it very convenient in making transactions.

For more info and FAQ, you can click here to learn more of Progresif Pay.

Paul Taylor, CEO of Progresif, mentioned how the Progresif Radio app has around 17,000 downloads since its release a few months ago.

The minister touring BIBD NEXGEN outlet at The Mall

Press conference hosted by BIBD and Progresif on the launch of Progresif Pay

BIBD Head of Retail Banking, Hajah Nurul Akmar binti Haji Md Jaafar with Fashion Valet’s co-founder and Chief Creative Officer Datin Vivy Sofinas binti Yusof speaking to the press recently during the Fashion Valet pop-up event

Group photo with representatives from Rozai Hijab, Baitul Hijaab, Mumtaz Collection and MukaKu Cosmetics where they were invited to join the Fashion Valet pop-up event

Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) customers recently were treated to an exclusive cardholders-only early bird entrance to the Fashion Valet pop-up event held at The Empire Hotel & Country Club.

While the event will run until the 6th of May, BIBD customers were offered this special treat as part of BIBD’s efforts to bring more benefits to its cardholders. Throughout the event, transactions made using BIBD cards will entitle cardholders to discounts of 5% and 10% for debit and credit cardholders respectively. Customers will also accumulate double BIBD Hadiah Points that can be used to pay for utilities, donations, air miles and others.

As part of BIBD’s efforts to add more spirit to the upcoming holy month, the promotion aims to provide homes and families with more opportunities to save in preparation for their Raya celebrations, embodying the true community spirit.

In partnership with BIBD, Fashion Valet brings to Brunei Darussalam more than 30 brands from its online store and will give BIBD customers brand exclusive previews of designs that have yet to be sold online. Fashion Valet is pleased to bring more lines to the pop-up event in Brunei Darussalam and add to the festive feel with added lines for all genders and ages. In the spirit of the coming festive season, Fashion Valet prides itself in showcasing design labels that fit the needs of Bruneian customers.

FashionValet’s Co-Founder and Chief Creative Office commented in a press release, “Every year we look forward to coming to Brunei; everybody here is so nice and welcoming and honestly, our year wouldn’t be complete if we don’t make a trip here. It’s been an annual tradition since we started in 2016.”

BIBD Head of Retail Banking, Hajah Nurul Akmar binti Haji Md Jaafar in a joint press conference, hopes that BIBD customers and local fashion entrepreneurs will see value in this partnership with Fashion Valet. Four local designers (Rozai Hijab; Baitul Hijaab; Mumtaz Collection; and MukaKu Cosmetics) will be present at the popup showcase and sell their collection to the public in participation of BIBD’s Catalyst programme, an entrepreneurship project aimed at establishing mentor-mentee relationships for local Bruneian designers to help elevate them to international standards. BIBD customers are offered an early start in their plans for the coming festive season, allowing them to focus on their Ibadah in the coming month of Ramadhan.

BIBD Fashion Valet Pop-up store is open to public from10AM – 10PM from 3rd – 6th May 2018 (10AM-10PM).

Azhani taking a photo opp with the co-founder of Fashion Valet

MukaKu Cosmetics making their presence felt at Fashion Valet pop-up. They are selling locally made organic cosmetics.

Baitul Hijaab is also making their presence and their products will be featured on Fashion Valet website pretty soon

The mentoring session for the local vendors led by the co-founder of Fashion Valet, Fadz Anuar.

Hjh Tina of Baitul Hijaab and Edy Zurina of MukaKu Cosmetics listening to advices from Fadz Anuar

The ice-breaking game session held at Spaghettini last Wednesday