Baiduri Bank officially launched the fourth edition of its flagship community event, Baiduri Lokal Market, yesterday at the Baiduri South Lawn, Baiduri Bank Headquarters. Running until 7 December, the event brings together local vendors and sustainability advocates under the theme “Textile Waste Awareness”, highlighting creative solutions to reduce textile waste and promote upcycling in everyday life.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Guest of Honour Dr Nor Imtihan Binti Haji Abdul Razak, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Development, highlighting the shared commitment to sustainability and collaborative action in addressing environmental challenges.

As part of Baiduri Bank’s broader ESG framework and sustainability agenda, the Baiduri Lokal Market 2025 serves as a platform to raise awareness on environmental issues while supporting local businesses and community initiatives. This year’s edition focuses on textile waste, a growing concern globally and locally, and encourages visitors to adopt sustainable habits through practical, creative solutions.

The event combines education and action through initiatives such as a Clothing Donation Drive by Aewon, Upcycling Workshops by Daun Co, and a thrift pop-up by Ashella Trading Co, alongside 20 local food and beverage vendors. Shaliz Waste Recycling is also supporting the event by collecting and recycling used cooking oil from vendors. These efforts aim to reduce waste and promote circular practices.

As part of its sustainability month, the Bank recently collected 527.3 kilograms of textiles from five branches and subsidiaries - Main Branch, Serusop, Kuala Belait, Tutong, and Baiduri Finance Sumbangsih. Wearable items will be donated to La Vida and SMARTER Brunei, while fabrics will be repurposed by Aewon for upcycling initiatives.

Speaking about the event, Manuel Bulens, Deputy CEO, Consumer Banking and Chairman of Baiduri Bank’s Sustainability Committee, said: “Our fourth edition of Lokal Market is an exciting opportunity to showcase local merchants and ties into our sustainability month, which this year focused on giving uncut fabrics and wearable clothing a second life through donations to La Vida and SMARTER, and upcycling. We are proud that, with the help of our partner Aewon, we managed to collect over half a tonne of garments, an achievement that shows how collective action can make a real difference.”

To further reinforce sustainable practices, all vendors are encouraged to adhere to the Bank’s “No Single-Use Plastic” policy, and visitors will be able to experience Baiduri Tap2Pay for seamless, cashless transactions throughout the event.

For more information on Baiduri Bank’s initiatives, products and services, please visit www.baiduri.com, follow the Bank’s social media pages or call our 24-hour Customer Helpline at 244 9666.