Media OutReach
Baiduri Bank Opens Representative Office In Singapore
Since its establishment in 1994, Baiduri Bank has undergone a remarkable transformation—evolving from a home-grown bank into a leading financial institution that has played a pivotal role in Brunei’s economic development. Its evolution over the past three decades has been marked by rapid growth, innovation, and expanded capabilities in retail, corporate, and institutional banking.
Today, Baiduri Bank is internationally recognised for its financial strength and innovation, reflected by its A-/A-2 stable rating from S&P Global Ratings. It has also been honoured with multiple international awards including “Bank of the Year 2024” by The Banker, “Best Bank in Brunei” by Euromoney and Global Finance, and “Best Banking Group in Brunei 2024” by World Finance. These accolades reinforce the Bank’s credibility and its strategic readiness to expand its regional footprint.
A strategic expansion into Singapore – Beyond Brunei
The launch of the Singapore Representative Office represents the next chapter in this trajectory. It is a strategic move to strengthen Baiduri Bank’s regional presence, promote its corporate and institutional banking capabilities, and enhance engagement with counterparty banks and financial institutions.
Singapore, as one of the world’s leading financial hubs, offers immense opportunities for the Bank to identify strategic partners and alliances. By acting as a bridge between Bruneian opportunities and Singapore’s vibrant financial ecosystem, the office supports Brunei’s economic diversification agenda while creating pathways for Singapore-based institutions and investors to access new markets and forge cross-border collaborations.
Leading the Representative Office
Leading the Baiduri Bank Representative Office is Mr Young Yi, Chief Representative Officer, a seasoned corporate banker with over 25 years of corporate banking experience across local and international banks, including Deutsche Bank, HSBC, Societe Generale, ANZ and Westpac. With a strong background in corporate banking, relationship management, Mr Young is a valuable addition to support Baiduri Bank’s presence in Singapore.
Commenting on the launch, Mr Young stated: “I am excited and privileged to be part of Baiduri Bank’s journey in Singapore and I look forward to leveraging on my network, fostering strong meaningful collaborations to achieve win-win outcomes for Baiduri Bank and our partners. With our deep local knowledge of the Bruneian market, we offer ourselves as a trusted advisor to companies based in Singapore looking to invest in Brunei. The Representative Office will also serve as a referral conduit to our banking partners for Bruneian companies looking to expand into Singapore and the region”.
Strengthening regional economic collaboration
Brunei presents a compelling value proposition for businesses, offering a stable operating environment, strong governance, and attractive tax schemes. As a signatory to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Brunei provides tariff-free access to one of the world’s fastest-growing economic regions. With its well-educated workforce, absence of capital controls, and 1:1 currency interchangeability with the Singapore Dollar, Brunei is well-positioned as a gateway for regional business expansion.
In support of this goal, Baiduri Bank is working closely with the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) to encourage greater investment engagement and regional business connectivity. The Bank’s Singapore Representative Office will serve as a touchpoint to facilitate conversations with potential investors and explore new opportunities linked to Brunei. By aligning efforts with BEDB, Baiduri Bank hopes to contribute meaningfully to Brunei’s broader economic diversification goals—while helping connect Bruneian businesses to regional markets and Singapore-based stakeholders to emerging opportunities in Brunei.
Launch and networking reception
The launch ceremony of Baiduri Bank’s Singapore office at MBFC Tower 2 was a distinguished event, attended by esteemed guests, including Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Dr Abdul Fattaah, Chairman of Baiduri Bank, senior government officials, and prominent leaders from the banking sector of Brunei and Singapore.
Baiduri Bank’s CEO, Ti Eng Hui, delivered an address outlining the Bank’s vision for regional growth, followed by the unveiling of a meticulously crafted 3D replica of Baiduri Bank’s headquarters presented alongside iconic landmarks of Brunei and Singapore – symbolising the strong economic ties between the two nations.
Following the official ceremony, Baiduri Bank hosted a networking cocktail reception at the Mandarin Oriental Singapore, attended by over 300 guests, including representatives and senior leaders from regional financial institutions and corporations.
Hashtag: #company #singaporeexpansion #bankingandfinance
https://www.baiduri.com.bn/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/baiduribankgroup/posts/?feedView=all
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Baiduri Bank
Baiduri Bank Group is one of the largest providers of financial products and services in Brunei Darussalam. The Group comprises Baiduri Bank, Baiduri Finance and Baiduri Capital, providing banking services to institutions or corporations, retail banking, consumer financing, securities trading and wealth management.
Established in 1994, Baiduri Bank’s shareholders include Baiduri Holdings and Darussalam Assets. With a combination of global outlook combined with extensive local knowledge and commitment to the Brunei market, the Bank has been acknowledged as the leading conventional bank in the country with a track record of financial innovations and pioneering activities.
In 2024, Baiduri Bank was awarded ‘Bank of the Year 2024’ by The Banker, ‘Best Bank in Brunei 2023’ by Euromoney, ‘Best Bank in Brunei 2024’ by Global Finance, ‘Best Banking Group in Brunei 2024’ by World Finance, ‘Domestic Retail Bank of the Year, Brunei 2024’ by the Asian Banking & Finance and ‘Best Retail Bank in Brunei 2024’ by the Asian Banker. The Bank was awarded the 2nd ASEAN Outstanding Social Welfare and Development Award (AOSWADA) in recognition of its CSR efforts in 2023.
Standard & Poor’s maintained the Bank’s credit rating to ‘A-/A-2’ with Stable Outlook in July 2024. https://www.baiduri.com.bn/
Media OutReach
Etiqa Insurance Singapore and AIA Singapore Join Forces to Expand Accessibility of Takaful for Customers
Under the partnership, Etiqa Insurance Singapore’s suite of Shariah-compliant Family Takaful products will be distributed through AIA Singapore and AIA Financial Advisers, the nation’s largest tied distribution channel comprising more than 6,300 highly professional, qualified AIA insurance representatives. This expanded reach significantly increases accessibility and choice for customers seeking principled and values-aligned protection and savings options.
Growing Demand for Values-Based Financial Solutions
Global demand for Takaful continues to rise as consumers increasingly prioritise financial solutions aligned with their personal values. The global Takaful market is projected to grow from US$36.5 billion in 2025 to US$63.6 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7%[1]. Since launching its Takaful offerings, Etiqa Insurance Singapore has seen strong and accelerating momentum, supported by rising consumer awareness and growing confidence in Shariah-compliant financial protection.
Creating a Unified Takaful Ecosystem in Singapore
The partnership brings together the complementary strengths of both insurers to build a more cohesive and accessible Takaful ecosystem:
- Etiqa Insurance Singapore — The pioneer in reintroducing Takaful insurance to Singapore after more than a decade, with deep expertise and a dedicated Shariah advisory framework.
- AIA Singapore — One of the nation’s leading life and health insurers with extensive distribution capabilities, broad community reach and a diverse customer base.
Together, the two organisations are positioned to significantly expand the availability, understanding and adoption of Takaful solutions in Singapore.
“This partnership marks an important step in advancing access to Shariah-compliant protection and savings solutions in Singapore,” said Claudia Soh, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Etiqa Insurance Singapore. “By leveraging AIA’s extensive distribution network and strong presence within the Muslim community, we can scale Takaful solutions more effectively and reach customer groups that have historically been underserved. As demand for values-aligned financial planning grows, this collaboration reinforces our commitment to inclusive and responsible insurance.”
“This partnership with Etiqa is a pivotal step in our commitment to inclusivity and we are excited to work together,” said Alvin Fu, Chief Distribution Officer, AIA Singapore. “By integrating Etiqa’s Shariah-compliant expertise with our highly professional AIA insurance representatives, we can serve a wider customer base, close protection gaps and help more families live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”
Bringing Takaful to the Masses
While rooted in Islamic principles, Shariah-compliant, values-based Takaful solutions serve a broad spectrum of customers and appeal to increasingly values-driven consumers seeking ethical, transparent and socially responsible financial protection and savings solutions beyond the Muslim community.
Beyond distribution, Etiqa Insurance Singapore shares a long-term commitment to raising awareness, understanding and adoption of Takaful solutions across Singapore. Through educational programmes and community engagement initiatives, the partnership aims to enhance financial literacy, deepen understanding of Takaful principles and bring Takaful education directly to underserved communities, empowering consumers to make informed decisions on protection and savings.
Hashtag: #EtiqaSingapore #EtiqaSG
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd (Etiqa Insurance Singapore)
Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (EIPL) is a life and general insurance company licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and governed by the Insurance Act 1966. Having protected customers in Singapore since 1961 under the name United General Insurance Co. Sdn. Bhd., the company transitioned into the Singapore branch of Etiqa Insurance Berhad in 2009. Today, EIPL in Singapore stands as the pivotal operating entity of Etiqa Insurance Group, a leading insurance and takaful provider in ASEAN.
EIPL offers a comprehensive range of life and general insurance products accessible through its diverse distribution channels, including bancassurance, agents, brokers, financial advisers, partnerships, direct and online sales via Tiq by Etiqa. Etiqa is rated ‘A’ by credit rating agency Fitch for the group’s ‘Favorable’ business profile. EIPL is owned by Maybank Ageas Holdings Berhad, a joint venture combining local market expertise with international insurance knowledge, with 69% ownership by Maybank, the fourth largest banking group in Southeast Asia, and 31% by Ageas, an international insurance group operating across 13 countries.
About AIA
AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets – wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR[2], Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR[3], and a 49 per cent joint venture in India. In addition, AIA has a 24.99 per cent shareholding in China Post Life Insurance Co., Ltd.
The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$345 billion as of 31 December 2025.
AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 44 million individual policies and over 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.
AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock codes “1299” for HKD counter and “81299” for RMB counter with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market under the ticker symbol “AAGIY”.
Media OutReach
Discover a season of arts and sports mega events in Hong Kong
Two more world-class arts events are coming up this week, namely, Art Basel Hong Kong (27-29 March) and Art Central (25-29 March).
Art Basel Hong Kong returns to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with new sectors and fresh curatorial perspectives. Featuring 240 galleries from some 40 countries and territories, the fair presents artworks by established artists and emerging talents from around the world.
Highlight sectors include “Encounters”, showcasing 12 artworks of expansive sculptures and installations drawing on the Five Elements — space/ether, water, fire, wind and earth, while “Insights” features 20 projects focused on artists from Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. Among the newly added themes this year are “Echoes” – a brand new sector spotlighting works created within the past 5 years –, and “Zero 10” dedicated to art of the digital era.
Other returning sectors cover “Discoveries”, which is dedicated to solo presentations by emerging artists from 25 galleries and “Kabinett”, staging thematic presentations with a total of 35 projects, as well as public programmes offering free public access to “Film”, “Conversations” and “Exchange Circle”.
Hong Kong’s strength in global cultural connectivity is reflected in its position as a leading arts trading hub. “Later this month, we will finalise the details of our collaboration with Art Basel for the next five years. This is the result of sustained investment in our role as a global financial centre, cross-sectoral collaboration, and a shared commitment to make Hong Kong a place where the arts can truly flourish,” Law said.

There’s more for art enthusiasts to enjoy, with Art Central (25-29 March) lighting up the iconic Central Harbourfront, presenting works from over 100 galleries and 500 artists from Hong Kong, Asia, and beyond. The fair’s 11th edition sees the debut of Central Stage, spotlighting artists with recent, current, and upcoming participation in institutional exhibitions, biennials, and other landmark curatorial endeavours of international standing.
This trio of arts and cultural events is part of the wider Hong Kong Mega 8 – a legendary line-up of eight world-class events throughout March and April. Completing the line-up are the Hong Kong Derby and Champions Day (horse racing), UCI Track World Cup (cycling), Hong Kong Sevens (rugby) and LIV Golf Hong Kong.
“I am sure this exhilarating blend of sports, arts and culture will bring you many enjoyable moments and fond memories, infused with the city’s unique spirit and unstoppable momentum,” Law said.
Hashtag: #HongKong #BrandHongKong #Arts #Sports #MegaEvents
https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd
https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Global family office leaders gather for Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit
“For many, the future may feel less certain, more complex, than it did when we were at this event a year ago. But rest assured: Hong Kong stands strong and unwavering – a city where capital, institutions and families can keep a firm footing, even as the world around them is shifting,” the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said in his welcome remarks. “More and more family offices are turning to Hong Kong. We are now home to over 3 380 single family offices – a 25 per cent increase in the past two years. More than half of them have second-generation members, or beyond, in leadership roles. This reflects the confidence that ultra-high-net-worth families have in Hong Kong as a base for wealth transfer between generations.”
The night was highlighted by a magnificent “human-robot lion dance” performance at the start, where traditional lion dancers performed alongside agile robot dogs, bringing the stage to life through vivid movements. The display was a seamless blend of cultural heritage and cutting-edge technology, embodying Hong Kong’s spirit of embracing both tradition and innovation, while echoing the Summit’s focus on frontier themes such as AI and robotics.
Set against a vibrant blend of heritage and innovation, attendees of the principal dinner had an enjoyable night filled with great food and lively exchanges. They were also impressed by the fascinating world-famous Hong Kong skyline, glamourised by photo spots decorated with neon light and retro Hong Kong vibes set up at an open area of the venue. The beautiful night scene created a more relaxing atmosphere for them to connect and share their ideas of bringing social impacts with their wealth.
Tomorrow, family office decision makers and successors from around the world will engage in thought leadership by speakers on three core themes – “Strategic Asset Management for Family Legacy”, “Cultural Value Foundation for a Thriving Market”, and “Smart Tech Innovation Driving Capital Appreciation”- as well as a fireside chat on “Sports and Philanthropy” at the WGHK Summit. These conversations aim to inspire participants in various ways towards building legacies, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as the premier hub for global family offices for legacy planning and value creation.
Hashtag: #WGHK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism10 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking8 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn












