(Bandar Seri Begawan, 19th) Baiduri Bank and Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) recently co-hosted the 20th edition of the SME Empowerment Series at the Baiduri Enterprise Hub, bringing together over 20 local enterprises with export capabilities for a day-and-a-half-long seminar on international trade and logistics.
This series holds unique significance, with participants from a range of industries including consultancy, manufacturing, food & beverage, design, technology, and professional services. The aim is to help local enterprises better prepare for regional and international expansion by offering practical knowledge on trade, logistics, market access, and export execution.
During the event, experts from DHL GoTrade delivered engaging keynote sessions, including “The Way of Logistics” and “Introduction to International Trade: Navigating International Agreements”. These modules were led by Kamarul Azman Hashim, Manager of DHL Express Brunei, who has over 26 years of experience in sales, operations, customs and regulatory affairs, and shared practical insights into global supply chains, shipping processes, and the international trade framework.
Attendees also benefited from specialized training provided by Saiful Azlan Ramli of Indonesia's PT Startconn Berjaya Komunikasi. He shared practical experiences on entering the Indonesian market, covering topics including market entry and development, execution strategies, targeted marketing, distribution models, and how to meet regulatory requirements in one of Southeast Asia's largest economies.
To support more personalized learning, the seminar also featured consultation sessions, where participants could receive customized guidance on export requirements, regulatory considerations, and market challenges relevant to their business goals.
As a complement to the curriculum, attendees had the opportunity to hold one-on-one consultations with Baiduri Bank trade finance experts to discuss financing solutions and trade facilitation that could support their export objectives and business growth plans.
Baiduri Bank's Head of Business Banking, Evelyn Ang, said: “We are seeing more and more local enterprises looking beyond Brunei for growth, but taking the first step into a new market is no easy task. From understanding trade requirements and logistics, to how to enter the market and establish the right distribution channels, there are many factors to consider.
Through the SME Empowerment Series, we hope to help enterprises reduce their apprehension about venturing into new markets, connect them with individuals who have practical experience and unique insights, and enable them to learn from these experts. At the same time, we can discuss the financing and banking support that companies may need in their development journey.
Ultimately, we hope that participants will be able to gain valuable takeaways, be it a clearer understanding of their target markets, forging new business connections, or building greater confidence in taking the next step to export their products and services.”
The SME Empowerment Series is part of Baiduri Bank’s ongoing efforts to support the development and internationalization of Brunei’s SMEs, aiming to provide knowledge, professional skills, and banking solutions to help companies confidently seize new opportunities.
The collaboration between Baiduri Bank and BEDB reflects both parties’ commitment to strengthening Brunei’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and helping local enterprises enter regional and global markets.
Over the years, the series has developed into a practical business learning platform, bringing together industry experts, market practitioners, and finance professionals to jointly explore the opportunities and challenges faced by growth enterprises.
This series holds unique significance, with participants from a range of industries including consultancy, manufacturing, food & beverage, design, technology, and professional services. The aim is to help local enterprises better prepare for regional and international expansion by offering practical knowledge on trade, logistics, market access, and export execution.
During the event, experts from DHL GoTrade delivered engaging keynote sessions, including “The Way of Logistics” and “Introduction to International Trade: Navigating International Agreements”. These modules were led by Kamarul Azman Hashim, Manager of DHL Express Brunei, who has over 26 years of experience in sales, operations, customs and regulatory affairs, and shared practical insights into global supply chains, shipping processes, and the international trade framework.
Attendees also benefited from specialized training provided by Saiful Azlan Ramli of Indonesia's PT Startconn Berjaya Komunikasi. He shared practical experiences on entering the Indonesian market, covering topics including market entry and development, execution strategies, targeted marketing, distribution models, and how to meet regulatory requirements in one of Southeast Asia's largest economies.
To support more personalized learning, the seminar also featured consultation sessions, where participants could receive customized guidance on export requirements, regulatory considerations, and market challenges relevant to their business goals.
As a complement to the curriculum, attendees had the opportunity to hold one-on-one consultations with Baiduri Bank trade finance experts to discuss financing solutions and trade facilitation that could support their export objectives and business growth plans.
Baiduri Bank's Head of Business Banking, Evelyn Ang, said: “We are seeing more and more local enterprises looking beyond Brunei for growth, but taking the first step into a new market is no easy task. From understanding trade requirements and logistics, to how to enter the market and establish the right distribution channels, there are many factors to consider.
Through the SME Empowerment Series, we hope to help enterprises reduce their apprehension about venturing into new markets, connect them with individuals who have practical experience and unique insights, and enable them to learn from these experts. At the same time, we can discuss the financing and banking support that companies may need in their development journey.
Ultimately, we hope that participants will be able to gain valuable takeaways, be it a clearer understanding of their target markets, forging new business connections, or building greater confidence in taking the next step to export their products and services.”
The SME Empowerment Series is part of Baiduri Bank’s ongoing efforts to support the development and internationalization of Brunei’s SMEs, aiming to provide knowledge, professional skills, and banking solutions to help companies confidently seize new opportunities.
The collaboration between Baiduri Bank and BEDB reflects both parties’ commitment to strengthening Brunei’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and helping local enterprises enter regional and global markets.
Over the years, the series has developed into a practical business learning platform, bringing together industry experts, market practitioners, and finance professionals to jointly explore the opportunities and challenges faced by growth enterprises.