PHOTO: BIBD

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration in community development, Islamic social finance, and sustainable economic empowerment, a delegation comprising representatives from Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), Jabatan Urusan Zakat, Waqaf dan Baitulmal (JUZWAB) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and Badan Tanmiah Harta Majlis Ugama Islam (BTHMUI), undertook an educational and courtesy visit to Kuala Lumpur and Kedah, Malaysia, in October. The visit served as a platform for knowledge exchange and engagement with leading Malaysian institutions in the areas of Islamic finance, social development, and community empowerment.

The visit reflects the strong and growing collaboration between BIBD and government agencies in advancing shared objectives related to financial inclusion, community well-being and sustainable development. Through close cooperation with JUZWAB and BTHMUI, BIBD continues to support national efforts aimed at strengthening social finance ecosystems, empowering vulnerable communities and identifying innovative solutions that deliver long-term social and economic impact.

Commenting on the significance of the visit, Yang Mulia Haji Mohammad Yusri bin Hj Wahsalfelah, Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BIBD, said, “At BIBD, we see our role as more than just a financial institution. We have a responsibility to support efforts that create positive and lasting impact for our communities, whether through financial inclusion, social development or initiatives that help people improve their livelihoods. Visits such as this allow us to learn from successful models, understand what works in different contexts and explore how those insights can be applied in ways that benefit Brunei Darussalam.

PHOTO: BIBD

“What made this visit especially meaningful was the opportunity to undertake it alongside our partners, JUZWAB and BTHMUI. While each organisation serves a different purpose, we share a common goal of strengthening communities and creating opportunities for those who need them most. By working together, sharing knowledge and learning from organisations such as Agrobank, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad and Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah, we are able to identify new approaches and build stronger foundations for future collaboration.

“The insights gained from this visit will help inform our ongoing efforts to further strengthen Islamic social finance, community empowerment and sustainable development initiatives in Brunei Darussalam. More importantly, these efforts are aligned with the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035, particularly in fostering a resilient and inclusive society, supporting sustainable economic growth and enhancing the overall well-being of our communities. We believe that meaningful progress is best achieved through collaboration, continuous learning and a shared commitment to creating long-term value for the nation.”

The delegation engaged with three leading Malaysian institutions, namely Agrobank, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad and Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah (LZNK), to gain insights into their products, programmes, operational practices and community development initiatives.

PHOTO: BIBD

The visit also provided an opportunity to strengthen silaturahim, facilitate knowledge exchange and explore practices that may be relevant for adaptation within Brunei Darussalam’s institutional context.

At Agrobank in Kuala Lumpur, discussions focused on the bank’s experience in delivering Islamic financial solutions that support agriculture and the wider economy. The delegation learned about Agrobank’s transformation from a conventional banking institution into a full-fledged Islamic bank, as well as its efforts in promoting sustainable agricultural development through innovative financing mechanisms.

Particular interest was placed on Pembiayaan Padi-i Salam, a Shariah-compliant financing facility that links financing directly to agricultural production and food security outcomes. The programme demonstrated how Islamic finance can be utilised to support the real economy through a structured ecosystem involving financial institutions, government agencies, agricultural operators, buyers and protection providers.

The engagement provided valuable insights into how outcome-based financing models could potentially contribute towards broader national aspirations relating to food security, sustainability and economic resilience.

The delegation also visited Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad, where discussions centered on the institution’s integrated approach to Islamic social finance. The session highlighted how commercial banking services can be complemented by programmes focused on entrepreneurship development, financial inclusion, charitable giving and halal-sector growth.

PHOTO: BIBD

The exchange provided useful perspectives on the value of coordinating financing, capacity building and beneficiary support within a single ecosystem. Such approaches reinforce the importance of collaboration among financial institutions, government agencies and community organisations in creating sustainable pathways towards economic empowerment and financial resilience, particularly for underserved communities and aspiring entrepreneurs.

In Kedah, the delegation engaged with LZNK and visited several community, educational and agricultural initiatives supported through zakat funding in Kota Setar, Padang Lumat and Yan.

The field visits provided first-hand exposure to programmes focused on asnaf empowerment through skills development, education, religious infrastructure, modern agriculture and value-chain participation.

The engagement with LZNK also enabled the delegation to gain a deeper understanding of the organisation’s approach to zakat administration, beneficiary support, programme governance and stakeholder collaboration.

Discussions included the role of digitalisation, innovation and continuous programme enhancement in ensuring zakat delivery remains effective, responsive and sustainable.

PHOTO: BIBD

The visit further reinforced the importance of strategic collaboration between financial institutions, government agencies and social development organisations in addressing community needs. Through the joint participation of BIBD, JUZWAB and BTHMUI, the delegation was able to gain diverse perspectives on strengthening social finance programmes and enhancing support mechanisms for beneficiaries and communities.

For BIBD, the visit provided valuable exposure to proven models in Islamic finance, financing and community development that may inform future initiatives and partnerships.

For JUZWAB and BTHMUI, the engagements offered insights into emerging practices in zakat management, beneficiary empowerment and programme delivery that may contribute towards the continued enhancement of social support systems in Brunei Darussalam.

More broadly, the knowledge gained through the visit supports national aspirations towards inclusive growth, sustainable development and stronger community resilience. The exchange of experiences and best practices offers opportunities to further strengthen programmes that promote financial inclusion, food security, entrepreneurship development and effective zakat administration for the benefit of Bruneian society.

Insights and observations from the visit will be reviewed by the participating organisations to assess their suitability and potential application within Brunei Darussalam. Through continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing, BIBD, JUZWAB and BTHMUI remain committed to supporting initiatives that contribute towards sustainable community development and positive social impact for the nation.

PHOTO: BIBD