• Today: October 14, 2026

Students nurtured as next generation of entrepreneurs

Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Berhad (BIBD) is strengthening its efforts to develop Brunei Darussalam’s next generation of entrepreneurs through practical business education and advisory, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to nurturing homegrown enterprises and supporting the nation’s economic diversification agenda.

In its latest engagement with Politeknik Brunei during the institution’s Pesta Convo celebrations at the Ong Sum Ping Campus recently, BIBD introduced students to essential business foundations and practical business guidance, as well as financial solutions designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage micro businesses.

Organised as part of BIBD’s ongoing efforts to promote entrepreneurship and strengthen industry-academia collaboration, the session provided students with an opportunity to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career pathway while gaining a better understanding of the considerations involved in starting, managing and growing a business.

The programme featured two sessions conducted by BIBD’s MSME Division, combining an introduction to the bank’s business banking products and services with practical advisory guidance tailored to aspiring entrepreneurs and students already operating micro businesses.

The first session introduced participants to BIBD’s range of MSME banking solutions, including business accounts, digital banking services and financing facilities designed to support enterprises at different stages of development. Students were also introduced to BIBD’s broader entrepreneurship ecosystem, which provides opportunities for local businesses to strengthen their capabilities, improve market access and pursue sustainable growth. The second session focused on business advisory, helping students understand the fundamentals of identifying viable business opportunities, selecting suitable products and services, understanding customer needs and developing sustainable business models.

The interactive discussion also addressed common challenges faced by aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage micro businesses, particularly those seeking greater clarity on their business direction, target markets and long-term growth potential.

The session was intended to encourage students to approach entrepreneurship with a practical and informed mindset, recognising that building a successful business requires more than a promising idea. It also demands an understanding of customers, sound financial management, adaptability and the ability to create meaningful value in the marketplace.

Commenting on the engagement, Head of MSME Division at BIBD Muhammad Isa Liew bin DSS Dr Haji Mohd Amin Liew emphasised the importance of introducing entrepreneurship education early and integrating practical business knowledge into students’ academic development.

“Entrepreneurship should be an important part of the educational journey, by incorporating entrepreneurial studies into the curriculum and providing opportunities for students to engage with industry practitioners, we can help develop a generation of young Bruneians who are better equipped to identify opportunities, think commercially and transform their ideas into viable businesses.

“Entrepreneurship is not simply about having a product or an idea. It begins with understanding who your customers are, identifying the problems you want to solve and determining how your business can create genuine value. These are important fundamentals that students should be encouraged to explore early, regardless of whether they eventually pursue entrepreneurship or other career pathways.

“Through engagements such as this, we hope to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world business experience, while inspiring more young people to see entrepreneurship as a meaningful opportunity to contribute to Brunei Darussalam’s economic development,” he said. The engagement builds upon BIBD’s recent collaboration with Politeknik Brunei, including an MSME knowledge-sharing session held in September 2026, which brought together students, banking professionals and an industry practitioner to explore the realities of establishing and growing a business.

Through these continued engagements, BIBD seeks to establish stronger connections between education and industry, ensuring that aspiring entrepreneurs are equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with the practical insights, financial awareness and commercial understanding needed to navigate an evolving business environment.

As Brunei Darussalam continues to advance its economic diversification agenda, the development of a vibrant and resilient MSME sector remains an important national priority. BIBD recognises that nurturing entrepreneurship among young people is essential to building a stronger pipeline of homegrown enterprises, encouraging innovation and creating new opportunities for economic participation.

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the session in progress. PHOTO: BIBD
PHOTO: BIBD

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN

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