BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN) - Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) made a major change to the city’s skyline with the launch of the second community hub dubbed ‘BIBD Connects’ located strategically at Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas along with a giant photo frame for visitors to take pictures with a backdrop of the iconic Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque.
The launch follows the success of the first modular community hub at Lambak Kanan which was officially opened in March last year.
It serves as a one-stop shop for the public with amenities such as banking, food and beverage outlets and a dedicated public recreational and leisure area.
The first hub was awarded the 3G Best Community Development Initiative at the 4th Global Good Governance Awards early this year.
BIBD Connects at Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas hopes to follow suit from its predecessor while aiming to boost more traffic at the park by offering visitors retail space for food and beverage as well as souvenir shops and a tourist directory.
It aims at providing a unique stop for the public to use the facilities such as banking, aside from creating a positive impact for Brunei Darussalam’s economy through its people, communities and entrepreneurs.
The new hub houses five participating micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) - Samalindang Gallery, Geo Eats, Piccolo Cafe, Happy Cream and Wan Wana Kitchen selling products from food items to souvenirs. Vendors can also take advantage of the latest cashless payments via its digital payment solutions BIBD QuickPay, providing flexibility and convenience to business owners and customers.
According to BIBD’s Head of Government Relations and Special Projects Division Haji Mohammad Yusri bin Haji Wahsalfelah, construction of the second hub was completed within a record 30 days and costs roughly BND50 per square foot.
The bank can maintain the low cost due to the hub’s modular design assembled mostly from recycled shipping containers.
While the first branch has the drive-thru automated teller machine (ATM), the second one has the branchless banking facility, explained Haji Yusri, adding that BIBD is in the process of identifying more locations to construct more Connects branches in the future.
New features at the double-storey hub include an interactive television for customers that connects with the bank via real-time video conferencing with a banker to enable highly engaged interactions for banking services and enquiries.
Other amenities include a walk-in ATM, VIP meeting room, a security cabin, a bicycle rack, shaded seating areas, recreational garden and a giant TV that functions as a tourism directory, providing information on Brunei and its popular tourist destinations.
BIBD Connects also introduced a new and prominent landmark located a stone throw away from the hub known as ‘Frame Brunei Darussalam’, which was inspired by the popular Dubai Frame.
Standing at 9.3 metres, the picture frame carries Islamic motives design and decoration, complementing the two most popular local landmarks, the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Kampong Ayer.
BIBD’s Managing Director and CEO Mubashar Khokhar said the second BIBD Connects outlet will serve a bigger community considering its very central location.
“And with several key features including Frame Brunei Darussalam, this location can be an iconic and bustling point that connects the wonderful communities in Brunei,” he added.
Launching the new facility recently was Minister of Development and Co-Chairman of BSB Planning and Development Committee Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong and BIBD Managing Director and CEO Mubashar Khokhar.
The launching ceremony also featured the world’s first remote-controlled LED kite performance which illuminated the city skyline courtesy of GoFlyKites from Singapore. The acrobatic moves and bright colours captivated the crowd as it illuminated the night skies.
