|     James Kon     |

BAIDURI Bank Group hit great heights last year, netting an operating profit of $66 million, an increase of 14 per cent compared to 2012.

The group profit before tax increased from $45.2 million to $54.5 million, an increase of 20 per cent. In addition, the group total asset at the end of 2013 stood at $2.7 billion.

Baiduri Bank Group CEO Pierre Imhof, in his speech during the company’s Chinese New Year dinner yesterday, said the bank received three major awards in 2013 – Domestic Retail Bank for Brunei from Asian Banking and Finance magazine, Best Banking Group for Brunei from World Finance for the fifth consecutive year and Strongest Bank Balance Sheet for Brunei from Asian Banker magazine.

Despite 2013 being a challenging year for the banking industry, he added, Baiduri bank group had performed remarkably well.

“The strongest bank balance sheet award is an endorsement of the group’s financial strength, derived from the sustainable recurring income from our business model despite the challenges faced.”

The guest of honour was Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II and his spouse Datin Tan Bee Yong.

Also in attendance were Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin and Pehin Bendahari Cina Dato Paduka Onn Siew Siong as well as Dato Paduka Timothy Ong.

Four schools from Brunei-Muara District received donations from Baiduri Bank.

Imhof presented the donations to received by Jane Keasberry, Principal of St Andrew’s School; Janidi Jingan, Principal of St George’s School; Kho Guik Lan, Principal of Chung Hwa Middle School; BSB and Dr Mary Lim, Director and founder of Seri Mulia Sarjana International School.

Some 2,000 guests turn up for the celebration including foreign dignitaries, prominent businessmen, customers, partners and associates.

The crowd were wowed by performances by local artistes Maria Grace Koh, Kevin Lo, Anabelle Voon, Rachael Malai Ali and Nadzri Harif.

A similar celebration was held on Friday night in Seria for Baiduri Bank’s customers in Belait District.