Meet Chau Ling from DBS Hong Kong – after her daughter graduated , she found more time to give back to society, and in the process, came out of her shell to discover new passions such as dragonboating. Read how volunteering transformed this 60-year-old's life! --- A decade ago, Chau Ling would never have believed she’d be rowing a dragonboat in her late fifties, let alone training twice a week alongside her teammates. Once a self-proclaimed introvert, the Customer Service Specialist at DBS Hong Kong preferred to keep to herself, quietly supporting customers with their digibank queries. She was content behind the scenes – until life nudged her out of her comfort zone. When her only daughter graduated from secondary school in 2015, Chau Ling suddenly found herself with more time and space to rediscover who she was outside of motherhood. That same year, she came across a DBS People of Purpose programme, as part of the bank’s culture to empower employees to volunteer and create impact in the community. “I wanted to spread the love I have within me to others,” she says with a smile. “Now that my daughter is more independent, I can nurture others who may need encouragement.” What started as an act of giving soon brought Chau Ling out of her shell. Through monthly volunteering – befriending seniors at risk of social isolation and supporting DBS Foundation-supported social enterprise ImpactHK to distribute warm meals to people experiencing homelessness – Chau Ling began seeing the world through new eyes. “I had to push myself to be more sociable,” she admits. “Because I realised that our presence and energy bring so much joy into their lives.” Her volunteer experiences also opened her heart to Hong Kong’s social realities. The city’s ageing population is rising rapidly and many seniors who live alone face loneliness. Others, affected by unemployment, housing shortages or other personal challenges, sleep on the streets and are often without the security of a meal or shelter. “Witnessing this firsthand reminds me how important it is to give my 100% when we interact with them as it gives them so much hope and encouragement,” she reflects. One of the seniors Chau Ling visits regularly is a 70-year-old woman whose eyesight has been deteriorating. Over months, their weekly chats have blossomed into a friendship. “She feels like family now,” says Chau Ling warmly. “She used to be quiet, but now she laughs and tells stories.” Fondly known as Ling Jie (“Sister Ling”), she also often rallies colleagues to join her – creating what she affectionately calls a “ripple effect of kindness”. And that has not gone unnoticed – twice in a row, Chau Ling has been awarded for the highest volunteering hours at DBS Hong Kong – a recognition of her dedication and quiet leadership in the community. (Continued below...)
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DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world. Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia“ award by Global Finance for 14 consecutive years from 2009 to 2022. DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting social enterprises: businesses with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping communities with future-ready skills and building food resilience. With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com
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Updates
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Across Asia, healthcare needs are changing. People are living longer, but the goal now is to help them live healthier too. For HMI Group CEO Ms Chin Wei Jia, the future of healthcare lies in reaching people before they become patients. That belief drives HMI’s transformation – from pioneering new models of healthcare services to expanding through technology and innovation. DBS is proud to stand by HMI Medical as it grows from a local healthcare provider in Singapore to a regional one, bringing better healthcare to more people across Asia. Watch their full story here: https://go.dbs.com/4oyfOIV DBS Corporate and Institutional Banking #DBS #SG60 #SingaporesFirsts #TransitionBankForAsia #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition #AddOurStrengthToYours #TransformingBusinessesForTheFuture #DBSBusinessClass #HMIMedical
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DBS Group Research’s recent Singapore 2040 report has been cited across multiple news outlets. Our economists forecast a doubling of GDP by 2040, anchored by capital accumulation, human capital, and productivity gains. After surpassing 4,000 in 2025, breaking a 17-year stalemate, the report projects that the Straits Times Index could rise to nearly 10,000 in the same period, driven by liquidity reforms, global inflows, and the Equity Market Development Programme. Meanwhile, disciplined policy and safe-haven appeal point to a stronger Singapore dollar, consolidating its role as one of the world’s most stable currencies, with the potential to reach parity with the US dollar by 2040. Hear it straight from DBS Chief Economist Taimur Baig in this CNA feature: https://lnkd.in/gyAXre7K Read the report: go.dbs.com/sg2040 #investing #economy #singapore #future #finance #stockmarket #asiapacific #business #innovation #growth
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Defend. Disrupt. Digitise. Diversify. DBS CEO Tan Su Shan outlined these four Ds as a call to action for Singapore to stay bold, resilient, and future-ready – while continuing to build on our competitive edge. Su Shan was speaking at a special DBS event, where she and senior management hosted Minister for National Development and Deputy Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Chee Hong Tat for a candid and forward-looking conversation on how Singapore can navigate global uncertainty and gear up for 2026 and beyond. In her speech, Su Shan also shared a fifth bonus “D” – watch the video to find out what it is!
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At DBS, we believe that investing in our people - through our comprehensive learning offerings in our Triple E: Education, Exposure and Experience - is key to building a resilient and empowered workforce. We were honoured to receive the IBF Inspire Award for the fifth year running, in recognition of progress in skills and workforce development that help our people build fulfilling, long-term careers. “I’m very grateful to DBS for supporting me in pursuing further education. With the DBS Group Education Sponsorship Programme, I was able to resume my studies part-time at Singapore University of Social Sciences to build my knowledge and skills. My colleagues supported me as I balanced work, studies, and responsibilities at home, and my manager continued to trust me and provide opportunities that boosted my confidence. Now, I officially hold a degree. From my first job at a bank branch, I now serve as a Product Management Specialist. I’m very grateful to DBS for making it easier for me to pursue further education.” - Fatin Atika Abdul Manap, Consumer Banking Group
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In a time where global uncertainty has become our new reality, Singapore needs bold ambition, a renewed sense of risk-taking and resilience. All this, while retaining Singapore’s strong competitive advantages that include stability and rule of law. This was part of the conversation at yesterday’s event where DBS CEO Tan Su Shan and senior management hosted Minister for National Development and Deputy Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Chee Hong Tat for an insightful and candid discussion on how companies can gear up for 2026 and beyond. Addressing clients present, Su Shan outlined 4 Ds for consideration: 1. Defend – defending Singapore’s competitive edge: 60 years of pioneering and creating a financial, trade, digital, and intellectual property hub, amongst others. 2. Disrupt – stepping out of our comfort zones to challenge the status quo 3. Digitise – embracing fast-evolving technologies and play boldly in the sandbox of digital transformation 4. Diversify – build resilience by expanding our supply chains and tapping into new growth markets Minister Chee reminded us that “we cannot command the wind, but we can adjust our sails”. He emphasised the need to build on Singapore’s strengths in wealth management and capital markets, create new growth pillars through AI and upskilling, deepen ASEAN and global connectivity, and grow talent pipelines by combining local capabilities with global expertise – all to keep Singapore open, connected, and competitive. DBS also unveiled our new "Singapore 2040" report that envisaged the Republic’s path to becoming a trillion-dollar economy by 2040, during which the Straits Times Index could hit the 10,000 level and the Singapore Dollar could potentially reach parity with the US dollar. A sincere thank you to everyone who joined us. DBS is committed to be a partner that you can depend on through thick and thin. As Su Shan puts it, “Think about the last D, and that is DBS. We are your dependable bank. We share your global ambitions. We want you to succeed. We want you to reach new heights.”
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In 60 years since independence, Singapore's GDP per capita has risen 176-fold since independence, becoming the world’s fourth wealthiest nation. As the city-state progresses towards 2040, sustained global connectivity, a world-class financial centre, and leadership in technology and sustainability will remain core strengths. DBS forecasts real GDP growth to average 2.3% from 2025-40, with GDP projected to more than double from USD547bn in 2024 to USD1.2–1.4tn by 2040. The STI could also near 10,000 by then. Read the full report for a deep analysis into what Singapore’s next 15 years could hold: https://go.dbs.com/4owF8Pp #investing #economy #singapore #future #finance #stockmarket #asiapacific #business #innovation #sustainability #energy #realestate #technology #healthcare
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Kee Song, one of Singapore’s leading poultry producers, has transformed traditional farming with science-led innovation, replacing antibiotics with natural lactobacillus probiotics to raise healthier chickens. DBS has been Kee Song’s partner since the 1990s – supporting its growth from a family-run business to a leading poultry supplier. From financing expansion into modern facilities to enabling sustainability-driven operations, DBS continues to help businesses like Kee Song turn bold ideas into lasting impact. 🔗 Watch their full story: https://go.dbs.com/4nj48c7 DBS Corporate and Institutional Banking #DBS #SG60 #SingaporesFirsts #TransitionBankForAsia #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition #AddOurStrengthToYours #TransformingBusinessesForTheFuture #DBSBusinessClass #KeeSong
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As a trusted partner for sustainability and business transition, DBS Bank Indonesia is proud to support the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum 2025 in Jakarta, where leaders from government, business, and communities came together to chart pathways toward a low-carbon future. Helge Muenkel, CFA , our Chief Sustainability Officer, spoke on the Unlocking Nature-Based Solutions panel. He emphasised the importance of cross-sector collaboration between governments, regulators, industry players, financial institutions, and civil society to deliver more innovative, measurable, and sustainable solutions. One example from DBS is the blended finance scheme to fund the provision of clean water for more than two million residents in Jakarta, Tangerang, and South Tangerang. This project marks the first implementation of blended finance in Indonesia’s water sector. Chu Chong Lim, DBS Bank Indonesia President Director, participated in the CEO Roundtable for the launch of the CEO Guide on Physical Risks in Global Value Chains. Hosted by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, this meeting reinforced our belief that resilience and collaboration are key to navigating climate risks in today’s interconnected world. And garnering much attention at our booth, MYCL | Mycotech Lab, a DBS Foundation grantee that innovated sustainable leather from mycelium, launched a sustainable material made from seaweed! At DBS, we continue to stand alongside our clients, partners, and changemakers, helping them transition towards sustainable growth and build resilience for generations to come!
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“‘My dad has been acting strange – more stubborn than usual, and constantly holed up in his room, talking to someone.’ I was on the phone with one of our customers’ sons. His elderly father had walked into our branch, demanding to withdraw SGD 100,000 in cash. He claimed it was a down payment for a house in the Siglap district. That raised a red flag for me. Such a price for a property in Siglap – in this economy? It didn’t add up. And neither did the customer’s demeanor. He avoided eye contact, his hands trembled with impatience, and every verification question my colleague Xu Xian (pictured below) asked only seemed to heighten his frustration. 'Why can’t you just give me my money? No one can scam me!' he snapped. When I asked to speak to his wife – listed on their joint account – he grew louder. 'Stop wasting my time!' he shouted. “And no, you cannot verify with my wife, she has dementia!' Then, his phone rang, his ringtone slicing through the tension. When he stepped outside to answer it, I used that moment to call his son, who immediately agreed to come down to the branch. He arrived 30 minutes later, walking in with his father. But the fiery man from earlier was gone. In his place stood someone pale, shaken and quiet. He’d just spoken with our anti-scam team, who’d discovered that his internet banking had been compromised, most likely through a phishing link or malicious website. There had been an unauthorised attempt to transfer nearly SGD 90,000 out, but our systems intercepted it in time and blocked the transaction. That’s when he realised that he’d been a victim of a scam. 'Thank you,' he said quietly. 'I could have lost everything if it wasn’t for you and your team.' That moment will always stay with me. After nearly five decades in banking, I’ve learnt that every conversation and small act of caution can make the difference between safety and loss. Scams don’t discriminate. They come through fake links, spoofed calls or messages that seem harmless. No race, no creed, no age is spared. So if someone you love starts acting distant or secretive – pause and ask. It might just be the question that saves everything they’ve worked for.” – Bertilla Chea, Service Manager, DBS Treasures Siglap #HumansofDBS
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