His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Deputy Sultan, yesterday morning graced the Foundation Laying Ceremony of the Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) Building at Jalan Menteri Besar in Kampung Melabau, Mukim Kianggeh. AMBD was established as a statutory body in 2011 and acts as the central bank of Brunei Darussalam. The headquarters is currently situated at the Ministry of Finance building in Commonwealth Drive.

Upon arrival at the project site, His Royal Highness was greeted by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Doctor Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs as the Deputy Chairman of AMBD's Board of Directors; Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Paduka Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Awang Yusof bin Haji Abd Rahman, the Managing Director of AMBD.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of surah al-fatihah and doa selamat led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.

The Minister of Home Affairs in his welcoming speech among other things said the construction of the building will be carried out via the issuance of 'Sukuk' or Islamic Financial Certificate or Bonds based on infrastructure financing and shariah compliance. This is a significant initiative to develop the country's financial market, particularly in Islamic Finance. It is hoped that the issuance can act as a catalyst for a more innovative 'Sukuk' issuance for domestic projects in the future.

His Royal Highness then consented to officiate the foundation laying of the AMBD building, then proceeded to sign the commemorative plaque, and received a pasambah.

His Royal Highness then proceeded to view the AMBD building construction project exhibition. The project will include the construction of the main building, a currency gallery and a multi-purpose hall. With its 'modern classical' concept, the building design also features a strong Islamic identity and maintains the national heritage with a motif that symbolises the country's sovereignty as an Islamic Malay Monarchy. The appointed Leading Architect, OWMP International architect firm cooperated with several local consultants towards providing the AMBD building design.

The design or dimension and building layout are aligned with the future requirement and development of AMBD in tackling the increasingly challenging complex and dynamic global issues. The approximately 22 thousand square metres building complex is located on a 16-acre site. The groundwork for the building site commenced in November 2017 and the construction of the main building is expected to be completed by early 2020. Before leaving the ceremony, His Royal Highness was invited for a Breakfast.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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