Baiduri Bank welcomed its fourth cohort of apprentices to its Graduate Apprenticeship Programme (GAP) at the Atrium of Baiduri Bank Headquarters on Wednesday, 8 May 2024.

After a rigorous selection process involving over 400 applicants, including interviews and psychometric assessments, the Bank selected 11 apprentices who are set to commence their six-month apprenticeship on 13 May 2024. These new apprentices have academic backgrounds ranging from Law, Engineering, Human Resources and Economics.

Present at the ceremony were Ti Eng Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Baiduri Bank, and Veronica Chong, Head of Group Human Resources and Administration, as well as other members of the Bank’s Management Committee, Heads of Departments and families of the incoming apprentices.

GAP represents Baiduri Bank’s comprehensive learning and development initiative aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry. It provides fresh graduates with an opportunity to acquire relevant knowledge, practical skills, and on-the-job experience to enhance their employability in the local job market. The programme comprises two main components: classroom learning and experiential learning through work attachments and project assignments within Baiduri Bank. Thus far, the programme has welcomed a total of 48 apprentices, with approximately 70% of those from the previous three cycles having been employed by the Baiduri Bank Group within various departments such as Corporate Banking, Retail Banking Division, Baiduri Finance, and Group Human Resources, among others.

This year’s cohort will also be witnessing a special milestone as the Bank is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year. In his opening remarks, Ti Eng Hui said, “For thirty years, Baiduri Bank has been at the forefront of Brunei's economic growth and innovation. As we celebrate this significant milestone, the Graduate Apprenticeship Programme stands as a testament to our enduring commitment to developing a skilled and educated workforce, aligned with the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035.”

Over the next few months, apprentices will engage in classroom learning activities, gaining comprehensive knowledge of various financial products and services from experienced professionals, while also contributing to the Bank’s innovative work in the financial industry. Additionally, they will attend training in soft skills such as effective communication, project management, teamwork, and collaboration to enhance their overall work readiness.

During the remainder of the programme, apprentices will receive hands-on experience in various key business units through on-the-job training within the Bank. They will also have the opportunity to participate in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and lead health and wellness activities under Baiduri Bank’s Employee Wellness Initiative (EWI).

Upon completion of the six-month programme, apprentices will have the option to apply for suitable vacancies within Baiduri Bank Group or pursue career opportunities with other organizations in the industry.

For more details on the programme and career opportunities with Baiduri Bank Group, follow the Bank’s social media accounts or visit www.baiduri.com.