Baiduri Bank welcomed an esteemed delegation from the Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC) and business leaders from China, Hong Kong SAR and Thailand at a networking luncheon held at the Baiduri Community Space, located at the Bank’s headquarters.
The delegation was led by Clara Chan, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation, and included representatives from diverse industries such as venture capital, biotechnology, clean energy, medical technology, and smart mobility.
Representing Baiduri Bank were Ti Eng Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Baiduri Bank, together with members of the management team.
In his welcome remarks, he highlighted Brunei’s ongoing economic transformation, guided by long-term reforms and national strategies such as the Digital Brunei Transformation Plan and Brunei Vision 2035. He emphasised how Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, and data governance are being placed at the heart of national development to modernise services, drive innovation, and secure the wellbeing of Bruneians.
He noted that Brunei may be small in size, but it offers strong fundamentals—political stability, a strategic location in the heart of ASEAN, a stable currency, and unrestricted border access that facilitates the free flow of goods, people and capital. Sectors such as ICT, logistics and downstream industries were highlighted as key areas of opportunity for regional investors.
“Brunei is among the most connected countries in the world, with over 99% internet penetration and nationwide 4G and 5G coverage — even in remote areas,” said Ti Eng Hui. “Investments in submarine cable systems and broadband infrastructure are helping expand our digital reach, while platforms like the BruHealth ‘Super App’ reflect how technology is being embedded into daily life.”
He shared that Brunei is contributing to ASEAN’s push for a trusted and interoperable digital economy, including through the upcoming Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which aims to align regional rules on digital trade and data governance. Complementing these efforts, Brunei has introduced national policies to strengthen cybersecurity, data protection, and intellectual property rights—reinforcing investor confidence in the country’s digital landscape.
Ti Eng Hui also highlighted the robust digital ecosystem supported by national agencies such as the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) and Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB). “Through regulatory sandboxes, innovation hubs, and partnerships with academic institutions like UBD and AITI, Brunei is building the local talent pipeline to support its digital future.”
“Baiduri Bank is actively aligning with national priorities, from being the first in Brunei to adopt a cloud-native SaaS core banking platform, to pioneering Tap2Pay, a mobile-based digital payment solution for MSMEs,” he stated. He also shared the Bank’s integration of AI and automation in credit decision modeling and operations, as well as its focus on internal upskilling in areas such as generative AI and analytics.
“Through these efforts, we aim to create a new level of banking experience, support real-time payments, and expand our role in regional trade facilitation,” he shared. He added that the opening of Baiduri Bank’s Singapore Representative Office earlier this year further reflects its regional aspirations and commitment to cross-border collaboration.
To conclude his remarks, Mr. Ti encouraged the delegation to see Brunei not in isolation, but as part of a larger ecosystem. “Think of Brunei as a gateway to Borneo and ASEAN,” he said. “From minerals to energy, Borneo holds vast potential and is central to regional ambitions such as the ASEAN Power Grid.”
The event provided a platform for mutual exchange and a deeper understanding of Brunei’s evolving financial and digital ecosystem, particularly in light of growing interest from regional players in emerging Southeast Asian markets.
The Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC), established in 2023, plays an important role in advancing Hong Kong’s strategic investment initiatives and supporting long-term economic development. The presence of business leaders from sectors at the forefront of technological innovation further underscored the shared interest in understanding Brunei’s transformation and regional positioning.
For more information on Baiduri Bank, visit
www.baiduri.com, follow the Bank’s social media accounts, or contact its 24-hour Customer Helpline at 244 9666.
