The 11th edition of the Baiduri Bank MSME Empowerment Series, in collaboration with Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) through Darussalam Enterprise (DARe), featured a comprehensive workshop on “Unlocking MSMEs Brilliance: Business Management and Oversight” delivered by Charles Harbottle, SAGE Faculty Expertise: Corporate Governance, B2B Business Development.
“We firmly believe in supporting our local MSMEs, recognising their pivotal role in the economic fabric of our nation. Through these series, we aim to empower and enable small and medium-sized enterprises to thrive and grow, contributing to the prosperity and development of our local economy,” said Mohd Isa Liew Mohd Amin Liew, Head of Business Banking at Baiduri Bank.
Representing SAGE, a leading provider of learning solutions, Mr. Harbottle is a 35-year financial service veteran whose career has involved customer-facing roles at investment banks Mizuho, UBS and Lehman Brothers.
Local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) attended the workshop – held at iCentre Building, Anggerek Desa Technology Park – which delved into the fundamental components of corporate governance, emphasizing its role in building trust and reputation through accountability, transparency, and ethical decision-making.
Participants learned about the ideal characteristics of a Board of Directors and the benefits of Advisory Boards. The training also emphasised the need for clear management structures, effective ways to motivate their team, and risk management.
The challenges faced by MSMEs, including owner involvement, conflicts of interest, limited resources, and a lack of awareness, were also addressed, underscored by case studies illustrating the consequences of governance failures.
The MSME Empowerment Series is a cornerstone initiative of the economic pillar of Baiduri Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme and aims to give local businesses access to all the necessary resources to develop sustainably.
For more information on Baiduri Bank’s MSME services, visit https://www.baiduri.com.bn/business/services/baiduri-enterprise-hub or the Baiduri Enterprise Hub located above Baiduri Bank Serusop branch at Units 2 – 4, Block A, First Floor, Pelangi Complex at Kampong Delima Satu.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
