Bandar Seri Begawan, 19 October 2020 - Baiduri Bank, Brunei’s leading conventional bank, in collaboration with our national carrier, Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) introduced their latest suite of co-branded cards, the Royal Brunei Visa Debit and Credits Cards by Baiduri Bank, today. The launch event took place at the Baiduri Community Space, Baiduri Bank Headquarters.

Present as the guest of honour was Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Economy), Ministry of Finance and Economy.

In his welcome remarks, Ti Eng Hui, CEO of Baiduri Bank said, “We are very proud of this collaboration between Baiduri Bank and our national carrier, Royal Brunei Airlines. We are pleased to build on a long-standing partnership with RB to launch yet another market first with the introduction of the Royal Brunei Visa Cards by Baiduri Bank.”

He further elaborated, “These Royal Brunei Visa cards cater to all customer segments. Though we are unable to travel at the moment, we can already start accumulating [Royal Skies] miles by using the card for our everyday spend, so when the borders open again, we will have enough miles to redeem flights for our next vacation.”

According to Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Economy), Ministry of Finance and Economy, “RB and Baiduri Bank are two strong and proud Bruneian companies with a track record of innovation, product development and most importantly serving the communities through partnership and innovation. Strong desire by the iconic Bruneian Brands to collaborate in digital innovations, that the teams at Royal Brunei and Baiduri Bank have created the all new Royal Brunei Visa Cards. This launch creates the ultimate travel card in Brunei offering a new way to earn miles on everyday spending and activities. This is one of a number of digital innovations, partnerships and collaborations that RB has worked on over the past months preparing, strengthening and building a strong platform for travel recovery. We’ve seen across Brunei the widespread adoption of digital innovation accelerated as a result of COVID-19 with customer benefits ranging from food delivery, financial services, ecommerce ordering and, when the time is right, travel. As part of the Brunei Digital Economy Masterplan 2025, highlights the opportunities of strong further collaboration between the government, Government Linked Companies, private sectors, academia and consumers alike.”

Mr Martin Aeberli, the Acting CEO of RB also commented “This collaboration is very special for RB and as one the leading Bruneian brands on digital innovation, it is only right that we continue to innovate, collaborate and bring better guest experiences to many thousands of our Bruneian guests who are loyal and strong supporters of the National Carrier”

“We would like to congratulate our valued partners, Baiduri Bank and Royal Brunei for the launch of the co-branded travel cards. Although cross border travel has not resumed in many countries due to the pandemic, we introduced this product to Visa cardholders so that they can start earning their miles whenever they spend on their cards. Once travel restrictions are lifted across the world, cardholders can redeem rewards to make flight bookings or upgrade their flights. Another benefit of the card is that it is contactless enabled, making it easy for Visa cardholders to tap and pay at supermarkets and cafes in Brunei, or any merchant across the world that accept contactless payments. Our data shows that contactless payments usage is growing in strength in Brunei, and Bruneians are embracing it as a seamless and convenient mode of payment,” said Kunal Chatterjee, Visa Country Manager for Singapore & Brunei.

The event then proceeded to the official launching of the Royal Brunei Visa Cards where the cards were unveiled by the guest of honour, the CEO of Baiduri Bank as well as the Acting CEO of RB. A token of appreciation from Baiduri Bank and RB was then presented to the guest of honour.

Also present at the event were senior members of Baiduri Bank and Royal Brunei Airlines management teams.