(Bandar Seri Begawan, 6th) Baiduri Bank recently officially launched its fourth flagship community event, the Baiduri Local Market, at its headquarters.
This market will run until December 7, with the theme of “Textile Waste Awareness”, bringing together local businesses and sustainability advocates. The goal is to promote reduction of textile waste and foster innovative solutions for upcycling in daily life. The opening ceremony was officiated by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Development, Nor Imtihan, who emphasized the shared commitment to sustainable development and the determination to collaborate in addressing environmental challenges.
As part of Baiduri Bank’s broader ESG framework and sustainability agenda, Local Market 2025 aims to raise public awareness of environmental issues while supporting local businesses and community initiatives. This year’s market focuses on the increasingly recognized textile waste problem both globally and locally and encourages visitors to foster sustainable living habits through practical and innovative solutions.
This event combines education and action, adding vitality by featuring Aewon’s clothing donation drive, Daun Co’s upcycling workshop, Ashella Trading Co’s second-hand goods pop-up shop, and 20 local food stalls. Shaliz Waste Recycling also participates by collecting and recycling used cooking oil from the stalls. These initiatives aim to reduce waste and promote the circular economy model.
As part of Sustainability Month, the bank recently collected 527.3 kg of textiles from five branches and subsidiaries—head office, Serusop branch, Kuala Belait branch, Tutong branch, and Baiduri Finance Sumbangsih branch. Wearable items will be donated to La Vida and SMARTER Brunei, while fabrics will be reused by Aewon for upcycling projects.
Speaking about the event, the bank’s Deputy CEO, Consumer Banking and Chairman of the Sustainability Committee, Manuel Bruns, said: “The fourth Local Market is a great opportunity to showcase local businesses and is closely linked with our annual Sustainability Month. This year’s Sustainability Month focuses on giving unused textiles and old clothing a second life through donations to organizations such as La Vida and SMARTER, or through upcycling. We are proud to have collected over half a ton of clothing with the help of partner Aewon, a testament to the power of collective action.”
To further reinforce the sustainability concept, all vendors are encouraged to comply with Baiduri Bank’s ‘No Single-Use Plastics’ policy. In addition, visitors can experience Baiduri Bank’s Tap2Pay cashless payment system during the event, enjoying the convenience of cashless transactions.