Supa Save Debit Card
By Jex Lim

Prince Abdul Qawi using the Supa Save debit card	Prince Abdul Qawi with officials from Baiduri Bank and Dato Seri Paduka Dr. Awang Hj Ahmad Hj Jumat
The new Supa Save debit card which allows users to accumulate bonus points

Brunei is currently involved in efforts to diversify its economy away from a dependence upon the oil and gas sectors. One of these measures involves diversifying the financial services sector. In line with these efforts, Prince Abdul Qawi, Executive Deputy Chairman and Director of QAF Brunei officiated at the launch of the Supa Save Debit Card. The launch was held at the Supa Save, Gadong. The Supa Save Debit Card is the first of its kind in Brunei. Upon arrival, Prince Abdul Qawi was greeted by Mr. K.Y.Lim, General Manager of Ben Foods and Mr. E.H. Tay, Senior Retail, Manager of Supa Save. Prince Qawi became the first person to officially use the Supa Save Debit Card.

Also present at the launch were Dato Seri Paduka Dr. Awg Hj Ahmad Hj Jumat, Deputy Minister of Education, Pg Dato Hj Ismail, RTB Director, General Manager of Baiduri Bank, Mr. Luc Rousselet, senior officials from Baiduri Bank and other invited guests.

Consumers in Brunei have been caught in the IT wave where the use of cash in transactions in becoming an increasingly archaic practice. Most people prefer to use either debit or credit cards and many large department stores even issue their owns cards for the convenience of regular customers.

The introduction of the Supa Save Debit Card represents a significant milestone in the country's efforts to become a major player in the IT era. The Debit Card is a more friendly means of shopping as people will not have to worry about carrying large amount of cash with them.

The Debit Card also allows users to accumulate bonus points. Users will earn one bonus point for every $10 they spend at any of the Supa Save outlets in the country as well as the Smart outlet in QAF Plaza. The bonus points will be accumulated and then converted into shopping vouchers, which are valid at all, Supa Save and Smart outlets.

According to Mr. Lim, the Supa Save Debit Card is fully owned by Smart (B) Sdn Bhd and supported by information technology infrastructure from Baiduri Bank.

"With the introduction of the Supa Save Debit Card, all customers have to do is to produce their Supa Save Debit Card at the cashier counter. Their groceries will be totalled up and the amount automatically deducted/debited from their bank account at no extra charge," explained Mr. Lim.

In order to apply for the Supa Save Debit Card, one has to open either a Savings or Current account at Baiduri Bank Berhad. There is no charge for the application of cards or supplementary cards. There will also be no charge to replace a damaged card. However, if a card is reported as having been lost, the customer will be charged $10 for a replacement.

Mr. Lim went on to explain that there was more to the Supa Save Debit Card than convenient grocery shopping. The Supa Save Debit can be used by anyone wishing to dine at the Millennium Restaurant. They will be given a 10 per cent discount on their tab and will also be able to settle the bill using their debit card. Customers will receive a bank statement every month with a clear record of all transactions involving the Supa Save Debit Card.

Mr. Lim explained that they were trying to provide customers with a value-added service. The bonus points will be accumulated and customers will receive a notice to collect their shopping vouchers at the end of every quarter.

Customers can use their Supa Save Debit card and collect their Supa Save shopping vouchers at Supa Save outlets in Lambak, Seria, Gadong and Mabohai as well as Smart QAF at QAF Plaza. The Supa Save Debit Card Hotline can be contacted during office hours at: (02) 654955. After office hours, enquiries may be made at any of the Supa Save or Smart outlets.

Application forms are now available at all Supa Save and Smart outlets, the Millennium Restaurant and Baiduri Bank branches.

Courtesy of Sunday Bulletin