Law Siew Vui, Head of Merchant Services, BIBD, Atika Hj Mahadi, Station Manager, Roxana Shell Service Station and Radi El Fassed, Head of Product Development, Progresif Cellular during the press conference for the launch of the first cashless payment system at Roxana Shell Service Station recently

Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sendirian Berhad (BSM) has collaborated with Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and Progresif to provide a cashless payment solution for customers at Roxana Filling Station in Seria.

The BIBD QuickPay and ProgresifPay cashless payment methods will provide convenience to customers who visit the self-service station. Customers can just pay via scanning of the QR code using their BIBD QuickPay or ProgresifPay mobile app inside the Roxana Kedai at the cashier. These cashless payment methods can be used for both fuel and non-fuel purchases.

This is in line with BSM’s efforts towards digitisation and commitment to provide the best service to customers by giving them convenience and safe fuelling at the stations. The newly added service will create an enhanced next generation customer experience by enabling them to pay with their mobile phones at the counter.

BSM Head of IT, Hajah Natrah Hj Ahmad said: “Roxana Station is our pilot project with the objective of providing an alternative cashless payment option to the Roxana station customers. This new mode of payment will provide ease for both our customers as well as to our daily operations at the Station where this will help mitigate risks relating to cash handling at stations.

For further information, please call BSM 24 hours Call Centre at 2244739.

Pg Fitri Pg Shahminan – Corp Communication, BIBD, tested BIBD’s QuickPay over the service counter to pay for his petrol

Abby Chu, Segment Manager, Progresif Cellular, successfully paid her petrol through Progresif Pay

Congratulations Roxana Shell Service Station for making it convenient for customers and hopefully the trend will pick up in the coming weeks

The signing ceremony between BIBD and Progresif with Universiti Teknologi Brunei for the cashless service at the university premise with the Deputy Minister of Education as the witness.

Group photo after the MOU

Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Berhad (BIBD) and Progresif Cellular Sendirian Berhad (Progresif) at the Lecture Theatre 2, Library Complex, UTB.

Present as the Guest of Honour at the event was Yang Mulia Datin Seri Paduka Dr. Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, Deputy Minister of Education, Ministry of Education. Also present were Yang Mulia Dr Awang Haji Azman bin Haji Ahad, Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education as well as Yang Mulia Dr Awang Chin Wei Keh, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education.

Signing on behalf of UTB was the Acting Vice- Chancellor, Yang Mulia Awang Haji Ady Syarmin bin Haji Mohd Taib, witnessed by the Registrar and Secretary, Mr. Lim Chui Hua. Representing BIBD were the Deputy Managing Director, Yang Mulia Dayang Noraini binti Haji Sulaiman and the Head of BIBD’s Retail Banking Group, Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Nurul Akmar binti Haji Mohd Jaafar as witness. Yang Mulia Mr. Paul Taylor, the Chief Executive Officer signed on behalf of Progresif with Yang Mulia Dayang Nurul Haniah binti Haji Mohd Jaafar, Chief Administration Officer witnessed the signing.

With a younger generation that is more likely to carry a smartphone than cash, this partnership hopes to be a driver for digital innovation by developing new digital banking products and services that will enhance the student’s banking experience.

Students will now be able to use Progresif Pay, which is powered by the BIBD NEXGEN platform, to make cashless payments across the entire campus. Businesses based at the campus will benefit from increased security and efficiency as they no longer need to manage large sums of cash.

Progresif’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Paul Taylor said, “Progresif PAY is a key part of the driving process for a digital economy. The signing of the agreement with UTB is set to turn the university into the second cashless university in Brunei.”

Meanwhile BIBD Managing Director and CEO, Mubashar Khokhar welcomed the partnership saying, “Again, we are taking branchless banking to yet another level by FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ` providing access to financial services without the need to physically come to a BIBD branch. Today’s collaborative effort illustrates BIBD’s commitment to being Brunei’s economic partner of growth. Our aim has been to partner with industries beyond the financial sector, and to empower these sectors with banking and payment capabilities for better financial inclusion. This is in full support of Brunei Darussalam’s Smart Nation initiative and the goals of Brunei Vision 2035”.

UTB, acclaimed for being at the forefront of engineering and technological knowledge, welcomed the partnership with BIBD and Progresif. The implementation of the cashless campus initiative is aimed at providing greater convenience to students who can now transact without the need to bring cash, and paves the way towards a new digital lifestyle as the younger generation prepares for the Industrial Revolution 4.0 mindset.

Acting Vice- Chancellor, Yang Mulia Awang Haji Ady Syarmin bin Haji Mohd Taib With Progresif Cellular’s CEO Paul Taylor

Acting Vice- Chancellor, Yang Mulia Awang Haji Ady Syarmin bin Haji Mohd Taib With BIBD’s Deputy Managing Director, Yang Mulia Dayang Noraini binti Haji Sulaiman

Demo-ing Progresif Pay to the guest of honour

BIBD’s QuickPay

Progresif Pay

Shaun Hoon of Curious Mind and Maurina Abd Hamid, Senior Officer of the Group Communications Department of Baiduri Bank during the press conference for the upcoming event, Youth Empowerment Conference

Hafiza binti Mohamad, Corporate Communications Manager at Progresif, presents a certificate of appreciation to Maurina Abd Hamid

Youth Empowerment Conference (YEC). First we have the Youth National Congress which was a huge success. Soon it will be the National Youth Day and next up will be the Youth Empowerment Conference where 700 youths will be involved, come 7-8 September 2019.

Shaun Hoon of Curious Mind and also the master mind of Youth Empowerment Conference was able to muster great international speakers from Canada, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines and let’s not forget the local youth leaders from Brunei Darussalam.

The Youth Empowerment Conference is co-organized by Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd and Curious Mind with Baiduri Bank as the platinum sponsor of the said event.

A press conference was held as well as handing over of certifications to the contributors and also relevant institution and schools where students will be attending the YEC.

The press conference was chaired by Shaun Hoon, founder of Curious Mind and Maurina Abd Hamid, Senior Officer of the Group Communications Department of Baiduri Bank.

During the press conference, Shaun Soon said that the goal of the YEC is to inspire young people using fellow young people as role models so they are listening to a voice they can relate to and really believe that anything is possible when our young people set their minds to it. His goals of the YEC are 1) to cultivate a global mindset 2) to expose the youth to the future employment and 3) to instill good values in the youth.

Some of the keynote speakers include winner of JCI’s Top Young Person of the World in 2013 Linh Do, who worked alongside Al Gore’s climate change initiative and Harvard Alumnus, Stevie Award winner and VP of United Nations in Western Australia Dr Sandy Chong, together with member of the Forbes Coach Council KarFei Cheah. Such a beautiful line up but sadly, I won’t be in Brunei for the YEC as I will be outstation for work.

As mentioned before, Baiduri Bank is the Platinum Sponsor for Youth Empowerment Conference where they will provide 100 seats on complimentary basis to students from Institute Of Brunei Technical Education, Laksamana College of Business, Cosmopolitan College of Commerce Technology, Kolej International Graduate Studies and Politeknik Brunei. Each seat is worth $100 each for the two-day event.

Some of the beneficiaries represented by Mahakarya Institute, Cosmopolitan College of Commerce Technology and Laksamana College of Business

The attendees during the press conference

YEAB’s president receiving a certificate from Progresif

Takaful is sponsoring students from UBD to attend the YEC

Jerudong International School is one of the partners for the conference

Chief Executive Officer of Baiduri Bank Ti Eng Hui said, “Baiduri Bank is a great believer in investing in youth, who are leaders of tomorrow. Events such as the Youth Empowerment Conference connect them to international speakers, entrepreneurs and youth leaders.

“It helps them to build a network, increase their global awareness and prepare them for opportunities beyond Brunei through the use of technologies.”

Chief Marketing Officer of Progresif Devin Edwards said, “Support of the Youth Empowerment Conference is part of our Progresif Minds initiative.

“Progresif Minds is a platform that will serve to contribute meaningfully to society by working with thought leaders, captains of industry and change makers in Brunei and beyond,” he added.

“We believe that a progressive mind is a curious one and we aim to feed that curiosity with creative, innovative and inspirational experiences which expand knowledge and help unlock Brunei’s potential.”

Shaun Hoon confirmed that early promotion of the event has already seen the reservation of 500 of the 700 available seats from high schools and higher institutions across Brunei including members of I-Usahawan and i-Ready Apprentinceship programme confirmed to participate at the conference.

It was also shared that complete details about the Youth Empowerment Conference and registration will be available soon at www.progresifminds.com.

Representatives from Chung Hwa Middle School (BSB)

Representatives from VitaWorld, Gong Cha and Yippy Tune

Representatives from Excapade Sushi, Fitness Zone and Luxe Development

Devin Edwards, Chief Marketing Officer of Progresif with Wu Chun, Managing Director of Fitness Zone, during the exchange of documents as Progresif being the title sponsor for “Fitness Zone New Me Transformation Challenge 2019”

I remember the days of B.Fit organized by b•mobile (defunct) and Fitness Zone back in 2012. Whoaa. That’s like 7 years ago. Now there is a different and better version known as the “Fitness Zone New Me Transformation Challenge 2019”, an initiative by Fitness Zone Managing Director, Wu Chun.

FZ is always looking ways to create and faster an environment that will make Bruneians fitter and healthier by changing their habits and lifestyle. Wu Chun has seen how social media has been distracting many of us in our daily habits.

“Internet and social media seems to get out of control and that what makes people get lazy sometimes. Spending 30 minutes on just scrolling down on our feeds, we could use it more productively by working out, “ said Wu Chun.

Doing exercise is a good initiative and it could be a life decision benefit and also allow one to be prioritize his or her life on what is more important that could reap you in a long run.

This time, Fitness Zone, has engaged Progresif as the Title Sponsor for the “Fitness Zone New Me Transformation Challenge 2019”.

The transformation challenge is set to fun from April to October 2019, limiting to 300 participants for each category. Each month, an elimination process will be undertaken after the Weigh-In session.

Venue: Fitness Zone Kiulap.
Registration Period: 8th March to 31st March 2019
Challenge period: 1 April to 12 October 2019

There will be a $50 fee to join this competition and do see the poster to see what is inclusive in the $50 registration fee.

The old bFit competition back in 2012. The winner was Azim and now he is a successful spinning instructor.

The good old days when bFit was very popular.

Devin Edwards, Progresif’s Chief Marketing Officer, 3rd from left, with students from Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College, Meragang Sixth Form, Rimba Secondary School, Raja Isteri Girls High School, Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College and Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School. Also in the photo were representatives from Brunei Film Blitz.

Progresif is paving the way for the development of future filmmakers and producers in its latest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative for Brunei’s creative industry.

The company announced that they are sponsoring 15 students from six schools for their entry into the Brunei Film Blitz 2018 (BFB), giving them the opportunity to expand on their talents and passion for film.

Abd Mateen Yakof, Wan Wafiy Hasif Hj Wan Joffry, Md Adam Aiman Hj Mohd Firman, Md Ilyas Abdullah @ Ilyas De Lara Bautista, Md Rosmuliamin Mustapa, Md Haziq Hafizzudin Shahron, Mohd Danial Basyri Zamain, Md Azizul Halif Hj Bagul, Lim Hui Ying, Muhammad Adam, Dk Syarifah Afiqah binti Pg Hj Shamsir, Dk Aida Nabilah binti Pg Haji Dahlan, Nabilah Munazah binti Raup, Abdul Hazim bin Mastadi and Rauufah will all have full access to film workshops and screenings during the BFB 2018.

The nominated students are currently studying at Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College, Meragang Sixth Form, Rimba Secondary School, Raja Isteri Girls High School, Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College and Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School.

This is also the second consecutive year that Progresif has supported the Brunei Film Blitz as part of ongoing efforts support and nurture the growth of Brunei’s creative industry.

Devin Edwards, Progresif’s Chief Marketing Officer, said: “Our investment into the local creative industry stems from our belief that Brunei’s creative talents can grow much further when they have a platform that supports them.”

“This is our second year of supporting the Film Blitz and we’re proud to be able to play a role in nurturing the abilities of young filmmakers, so they are inspired to pursue their passion and turn their talents into viable careers or businesses,” he said.

The BFB aims to push the abilities of local filmmakers to international standards through a series of workshops, screenings and a competition to produce a short film in 96 hours.

The winner of this competition will receive a full scholarship for a two-year Diploma in Screen and Media, also sponsored by Progresif. Winners will be announced on December 24 during the Gala Awards Night.

Registration for the BFB is open from November 9 until December 20, 2018. To register for the event, visit www.bruneifilmblitz.org

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

Well done, Progresif Radio, on the well organised audition and the flow of things

A long queue before the start of the audition. Progresif building was definitely buzzing that day.

Progresif Radio attracted almost 100 registrants in the second audition two weekends ago. The numbers were close to the first audition held back in August 2017. Now Progresif Radio is expanding their team due to increase demands for content and the radio internet app is gradually gaining traction from listeners from their Progresif Radio app.

I, myself, am involved in sharing content on Progresif Radio for my movie section called “Popcorn Panel”, which reminds me to get back in the podcasting game after my last review was on Black Panther and the local hit Bodyman.

Anyway, back to the audition, it attracted different walks of life and age is not big factor as Progresif Radio are looking for those with personalities and charisma.

This time the audition was streamed live on Facebook and Instagram so the public are able to catch on how the auditions are being conducted and also support their friends/families during the audition. So far 44 made the cut into the second round and DJ Jenny, renowned DJ in Brunei, will be conduct another session for the shortlisted finalists before Progresif Radio make their final decisions.

Let’s find out pretty soon who will be the new faces of Progresif Radio in the coming weeks. I am excited.

I wasn’t the 28th person but this is my family’s number. Why not pose as well 😀

I had a demo in front of the DJs. Until now, I didn’t have a clear answer if I made it or not *lol*

The DJs interviewing one of the participants

Did he make it to the next round? I believe he did.

The room that delivered the good or the bad news. But they delivered it with compassion and encouragement.

Yay, she made it to the next round. How far will she go? @thelittlelifter_

Another movie enthusiast who made it to the next round @marinagusdin

Adib Noor had his round with DJ Jenny in the second round. Will he get called for the third session? We shall wait & see.

Guest of Honor, Hj Azhar Hj Ahmad, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Chairman of AITI (3rd from right) 

Progresif marked a new milestone in its ongoing network expansion plans with the launch of a new tower at the Telisai highway today, bringing enhanced coverage and connectivity into the area.

The new tower is part of the company’s series of network expansion plans for Telisai which will see a total of three new sites going on-air in the area to improve coverage and to strengthen the overall experience for Progresif customers.

Paul Taylor, CEO of Progresif, said that the new tower sets the stage for the company to continue delivering innovative products and services to customers that travel along the highway for work or leisure.

“We believe that communication is all about providing access. The new Telisai highway tower will help drive connectivity and coverage for our customers so that they can continue to work or enjoy their favorite websites and entertainment, including Progresif Radio.”

“The new sites reflect our commitment to constant improvement and progress which are expressed through our core values of passion, communication and innovation,” he said.

Tony Hanley, Chief Technology and Information Officer of Progresif, said that the number of sites has increased by 20 per cent with 40 new sites going live over the past year.

“We’ve invested to enhance the capacity for our customers at over 120 existing sites. By making these continued investments, we can deliver a network that is readily able to keep up with the heavy demand for communications and data use,” he said.

“We’ve also worked hard to increase our overall network capacity by 50 per cent and built sites in less well served areas, such as in Temburong. We’re planning to drive our network into the more rural areas of Brunei so that the population can have access to communication through the Progresif network,” he said.

The launch of the Telisai highway tower was officiated by the Guest of Honor, Hj Azhar Hj Ahmad, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Chairman of AITI.

Also present was Legislative Council Member YB Ramli Hj Lahit, Dr Nor Imtihan Hj Abdul Razak, in her capacity as the Acting Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the Ministry of Development, Board Member of Progresif Edzwan Zukri Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Adnan, , CEO of AITI Pg Hj Mohd Zain Pg Hj Abd Razak and senior officials from Progresif.

Visit https://progresif.com/support/coverage-area/ to use the Progresif Coverage Map to learn more about our network footprint.

Progresif  announced its Open Mic School Edition competition on Progresif Radio to help inspire creativity in all schools in Brunei as part of its ongoing support in education.

The contest is open to students from all schools in Brunei from Year One to Year 13 from today until March 15. To participate, students can download the Progresif Radio app and use the Open Mic feature to record their song of choice.

More that $10,000 in Cash and Prizes will be distributed to the top three schools with the most entries from its students, and to the top three most voted entries from individual students.

School winners of the contest will be announced on April 4 while individual winners will be announced on April 23, on both radio and social media.

The program was designed as a way to promote the youth focused programming that has been created in partnership with a handful of local schools and the larger opportunity that the Progresif Radio application can provide to schools to develop and share content.

Devin Edwards, Chief of Marketing at Progresif, said “Progresif Radio was built as a platform not just to entertain, but to expand our CSR efforts by providing a platform for schools to promote their own activities, events and initiatives to radio listeners.”

“Education is one of the core pillars of our social responsibility programme so we made sure that this was represented in the Progresif Radio app. Now, schools have a greater opportunity to develop their own content and distribute to their intended audience,” he said.

Schools can use the on-demand platform as a tool for their own educational radio programmes and as a platform to share educational content to listeners.

Since its release, the Progresif Radio app has brought fresh innovation into Brunei’s radio industry by combining the best of live streaming and on-demand content on a new mobile platform.

Progresif Radio follows the global movements of internet radio and online streaming, an industry disruption which gives the listener full control of content.

Interested participants can find more information on the competition at www.progresif.com

The Progresif Radio app is available for download on both iOS and Android platforms. Follow @progresif_cellular on Instagram to stay updated on daily radio programmes.

Group photo with VIP guests, management and associates of Progresif at the Progresif Flagship store

Paul Taylor, the newly Chief Executive Officer of Progresif, giving his welcoming remarks

Progresif Cellular unveiled its newly renovated Tutong branch today, further reinforcing its retail network and capacity to serve a growing customers base in Brunei’s third largest district.

The Tutong store, which is located at Petani Mall, has been renovated as a modern reflection of the Progresif brand. Renovation works for the store took a few months to be completed to ensure that the store’s overall design and look aligns with a progressive retail experience.
The store’s launch was officiated by the Guest of Honour Edzwan Zukri Pehin Dato Adanan, Board Member of Progresif.

Also present during the event was Tutong District Officer Shamsul Bahrain Hussein, Legislative Council representative for Tutong YB Hj Abd Wahab Hj Apong and Ade Nurismah Azurine Hj Ismail in her capacity as Chairman of the Tutong Municipal Department.



The event started with the recital of prayers followed by welcoming remarks by Paul Taylor, the new Chief Executive Officer of Progresif.
In his speech, Paul stated “We believe that quality of service is at the centre of what we do and providing the best customer service is one way we differentiate ourselves. In keeping with this critical theme, our flagship stores are built to offer a unique experience through a consultative approach, catering to the needs of our customers.”

Bob Gill, Chief Sales Officer of Progresif, stated “We are delighted to re-open our new retail experience store in Tutong, which is completely different to what we had before. Now, our customers can touch, feel and experience the latest technology in mobile handsets and tablets we have on offer. Our store team are also readily available to advise and recommend on which solutions best fits the customer needs.”

Hafiza Mohamad, Corporate Communications Manager or Progresif, explained “The Progresif brand is all about constant improvement and progress. The company has grown so much in the last two years. Now, we’re happy to solidify our presence in Tutong with the refurbished store so that our customers can get a fresh perspective on the Progresif brand.”

The guests were also treated to a brief tour of the new Progresif branch which was facilitated by Bob Gill.

Officiating the Tutong Flagship store

Bob Gill, Chief Sales Officer of Progresif, sharing what customers can experience at their flagship store

Customers checking out the store

Have you registered for the unlimited plan?

Photo opportunity with the newly appointed CEO of Progresif – He used to play rugby and football 😀