(Bandar Seri Begawan, 1st) Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) yesterday held a Hari Raya celebration and the certificate presentation ceremony for graduates of the seventh cohort of the Special Entrepreneurship Empowerment and Development (BIBD SEED) program.
Also present at the Hari Raya celebration, held at The Empire Hotel Grand Banquet Hall in Brunei, were trainees of BIBD’s Lifelong Learning for the Future Program (BIBD ALAF) and their families.
The chairman of the BIBD Board of Directors and Minister of Home Affairs, Dato Awang Aminuddin, attended the event as the guest of honor.
The 13 trainees of BIBD SEED’s seventh cohort completed a six-month intensive training course organized by the BIBD SEED management team. To celebrate the success of the project, the guest of honor also awarded business grants to the trainees to support the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
During the event, trainees showcased various products, including tailoring services and a variety of cuisines.
During their training, trainees also enhanced their visibility by selling products at markets, Tunas outlets in various ministry buildings, and other consumer events.
The BIBD SEED program is a BIBD Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at promoting and empowering entrepreneurship among disadvantaged women, strengthening their economic resilience.
Since its launch in August 2018, the BIBD SEED program has assisted 66 trainees, of whom 51 have graduated, and currently 34 trainees are actively running businesses. The program provides them with the essential business knowledge to make meaningful contributions to Brunei’s vibrant economy.
Currently, some trainees’ businesses have achieved significant growth, enabling them to fulfill zakat obligations and hire employees to manage operations.
In 2025, as the seventh cohort, 13 trainees from various organizations and the public joined the program. They underwent a rigorous selection process, including interviews and product demonstrations, before entering a five-day intensive boot camp as the first phase of the six-month program.
Since its establishment in 2013, the BIBD ALAF program has provided financial aid, mentorship, and comprehensive support to over 338 underprivileged students, helping them achieve their academic goals and create a better future.
The program reflects BIBD’s commitment to the objectives of Islamic law, while also supporting Brunei Vision 2035 and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 1 (No Poverty) and Goal 4 (Quality Education).
The annual Hari Raya event not only strengthens BIBD’s close ties with the community but also demonstrates its commitment to cultivating the next generation through education and entrepreneurship.
The BIBD ALAF program continues to bring hope and opportunities to families across National Bank of Brunei (NBD) locations, reflecting BIBD’s role as a strong partner in nation-building and community empowerment.
Attendees also included members of the BIBD Board of Directors, the BIBD Shariah Advisory Committee, senior government officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Religious Affairs, and Ministry of Education, supervisory partners from the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation (YSHHB), representatives from the Aftercare Support Association (AFSA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, BIBD senior management, BIBD ALAF working group members, and other stakeholders.
Also present at the Hari Raya celebration, held at The Empire Hotel Grand Banquet Hall in Brunei, were trainees of BIBD’s Lifelong Learning for the Future Program (BIBD ALAF) and their families.
The chairman of the BIBD Board of Directors and Minister of Home Affairs, Dato Awang Aminuddin, attended the event as the guest of honor.
The 13 trainees of BIBD SEED’s seventh cohort completed a six-month intensive training course organized by the BIBD SEED management team. To celebrate the success of the project, the guest of honor also awarded business grants to the trainees to support the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
During the event, trainees showcased various products, including tailoring services and a variety of cuisines.
During their training, trainees also enhanced their visibility by selling products at markets, Tunas outlets in various ministry buildings, and other consumer events.
The BIBD SEED program is a BIBD Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at promoting and empowering entrepreneurship among disadvantaged women, strengthening their economic resilience.
Since its launch in August 2018, the BIBD SEED program has assisted 66 trainees, of whom 51 have graduated, and currently 34 trainees are actively running businesses. The program provides them with the essential business knowledge to make meaningful contributions to Brunei’s vibrant economy.
Currently, some trainees’ businesses have achieved significant growth, enabling them to fulfill zakat obligations and hire employees to manage operations.
In 2025, as the seventh cohort, 13 trainees from various organizations and the public joined the program. They underwent a rigorous selection process, including interviews and product demonstrations, before entering a five-day intensive boot camp as the first phase of the six-month program.
The program reflects BIBD’s commitment to the objectives of Islamic law, while also supporting Brunei Vision 2035 and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 1 (No Poverty) and Goal 4 (Quality Education).
The annual Hari Raya event not only strengthens BIBD’s close ties with the community but also demonstrates its commitment to cultivating the next generation through education and entrepreneurship.
The BIBD ALAF program continues to bring hope and opportunities to families across National Bank of Brunei (NBD) locations, reflecting BIBD’s role as a strong partner in nation-building and community empowerment.
Attendees also included members of the BIBD Board of Directors, the BIBD Shariah Advisory Committee, senior government officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Religious Affairs, and Ministry of Education, supervisory partners from the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation (YSHHB), representatives from the Aftercare Support Association (AFSA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, BIBD senior management, BIBD ALAF working group members, and other stakeholders.