HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Deputy Sultan yesterday consented to officiate the unveiling of BIBD’s fresh corporative image which the bank describes as a new banking experience, ‘Bruneian at Heart’.

Held at the bank’s newly refurbished branch at Setia Kenangan Complex in Kg Kiulap, the Deputy Sultan was greeted upon arrival by Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources in his capacity as Chairman of the Board of Directors of BIBD.

To bless the event, Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat were read by Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal.

The Deputy Sultan later launched BIBD’s new banking experience, which was followed by a video presentation of the bank’s journey and transformation which dates back to over 32 years from its humble beginnings as Island Development Bank in 1981, which was later renamed International Bank of Brunei.

The bank was subsequently converted to the Sultanate’s first Islamic bank, Islamic Bank of Brunei followed by the merger of the Islamic Bank of Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank of Brunei in 2005, to form Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD).

The Deputy Sultan also toured the bank’s newly refurbished branch which now features a more refreshed ambience, and watched a video presentation of the branch’s transformation.

During the tour, the Deputy Sultan also interacted with officers and staff of the branch, and was given a briefing on the branch’s facilities including its self-service banking platforms.

The Deputy Sultan later received a pesambah and consented to sign on a parchment to mark the occasion of his visit.

A luncheon event and a group photo session concluded the Deputy Sultan’s visit to the bank’s branch yesterday.

Also attending the event were Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Permanent Secretaries, other senior government officials, valued patrons and partners.

Also in attendance were the BIBD Board of Directors and Syariah Advisory Body, from past and present, long-serving employees of the bank, some of whom have been serving for over 30 years, and other BIBD officials. - Borneo Bulletin (27 June 2013)