New Building for AMBD, Foundation Laying Ceremony - Redefining national economic development

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Deputy Sultan in his capacity as the Chairman of Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam’s (AMBD) Board of Directors yesterday attended the foundation laying ceremony of the AMBD Building.

Located on a 16-acre land at Jalan Menteri Besar, Kampong Melabau, Mukim Kianggeh, the 22,000-square-metre building complex will be built with Syariah-compliant Sukuk fund.The AMBD Building project will include the construction of the main building, the currency gallery and a multi-purpose hall. Currently, the AMBD headquarters is situated at the Ministry of Finance Building, Commonwealth Drive.

Upon arrival at the foundation laying project site, His Royal Highness was greeted by Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs as Deputy Chairman of AMBD’s Board of Directors and Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office. Also in attendance were Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman, Minister of education; Dato Paduka Awang Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Acting Minister of Finance II; other members of AMBD’s Board of Directors as well as AMBD’s officers and staff.

His Royal Highness then proceeded to officiate at the foundation laying ceremony of the AMBD Building which was followed by the signing of the commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

The Minister of Home affairs emphasised the significance of the building in the development of the financial market especially the Islamic finance market, with aims to meet with international standards and be at a progressive role in this development of an inclusive financial sector. The building design portrays the strength of Islamic identity, upholding the national heritage and highlights the sovereignity of Brunei Darussalam as a Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) country.

In February 2016, nine architect firms were invited to compete in designing the AMBD Building, where the assessment for the competition was made based on criteria, such as design, creativity, concept sustainability, aesthetics and functionality. OWMP International, the appointed leading architect, together with several other local consultants, designed a modern classical concept of the AMBD Building, with unique features symbolising the significant role of AMBD in ensuring the stability of the country’s financial system.

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. The ceremony was also attended by permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries as well as senior government officials and prominent figures in the local financial sector.

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