In a continued effort to support the growth of Brunei’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Baiduri Bank, in collaboration with the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) through Darussalam Enterprise (DARe), recently held a workshop titled "New Market Entry Strategy." Part of the Baiduri MSME Empowerment Series, the full-day session took place at Baiduri Enterprise Hub, led by Kevin Legg, founder of SAGE and an expert in business strategy.
The workshop provided local entrepreneurs with practical tools and frameworks for expanding into new markets. In today's global economy, MSMEs face challenges in identifying suitable markets and deploying effective strategies. This workshop addressed these barriers by offering strategic insights and customised tools to help businesses enter new markets confidently.
Participants were introduced to a market qualification scorecard to evaluate and prioritise potential markets based on factors like market size, growth potential, and regulatory environment. This systematic approach helped entrepreneurs identify markets that best align with their business objectives.
A key focus of the workshop was Ansoff’s Matrix, a strategic tool that helps businesses evaluate growth opportunities. MSMEs explored strategies such as market penetration and diversification to align their growth plans with market realities. They also reviewed tactical options like forming local partnerships, using e-commerce platforms, and launching localised marketing campaigns, ensuring they left with a practical action plan.
Mohd Isa Liew Mohd Amin Liew, Head of Business Banking at Baiduri Bank, highlighted the significance of such initiatives, stating, “
Supporting MSMEs in their growth journey is a key pillar of Baiduri Bank’s commitment to fostering local entrepreneurship. By equipping them with practical, actionable tools for entering new markets, we empower them to compete on a larger scale, ensuring their long-term sustainability and success.”
The afternoon included one-to-one clinic sessions with Kevin Legg, where participants received personalised advice to refine their market entry strategies. With over 20 years of experience in business strategy and market entry, Kevin Legg’s expertise helped participants translate strategic theory into practical steps that can be implemented immediately. “
The goal is to ensure that these entrepreneurs leave with not just ideas, but a clear plan of action that is customised to their business needs and market realities,” Legg remarked.
By the end of the workshop, participants walked away with a solid understanding of how to evaluate market opportunities, devise growth strategies, and select the right tactics to enter new markets. The collaborative nature of the session also allowed MSMEs to network and share experiences, fostering a community of growth-driven entrepreneurs ready to scale their businesses internationally.
DARe has been a partner of Baiduri Bank’s MSME Empowerment Series since 2019, as part of its wider efforts to provide capacity building for local enterprises. To learn more about the support and programmes provided to MSMEs visit
www.dare.gov.bn.For more information on Baiduri Bank, visit
www.baiduri.com or follow the Bank’s social media accounts or call its 24-hour Customer Helpline at 244 9666.