United Overseas Bank : More than $700,000 raised for charity through UOB’s annual Lunar New Year event with its clients

27 January 2022

(From left) Mr Lim Han Weng, Chairman, Yinson Holdings Berhad; Mr Albert Phuay, Chairman and Group CEO, Excelpoint Technology Ltd; Mr Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, UOB; Mr Neo Kah Kiat, Chairman and CEO, Neo Group Ltd; and Dato Andrew Ng, Managing Director, ChemStationAsia Group, participate in UOB's Lunar New Year fundraiser.

UOB and its Commercial Banking clients raised more than $700,000 for charity as part of the Bank's annual UOB Heartbeat Lunar New Year festive tradition. The money raised through a series of art workshops¹ will be used to support art, children and education through charities such as The Business Times Budding Artists Fund and The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund. The proceeds will also go toward supporting education and local small and medium-enterprise innovation under the UOB-Singapore Management University Asian Enterprise Institute.

At the workshops, UOB executives and clients enameled the auspicious Chinese character "福" (fu), which means "blessings" or "fortune", on circular seals to express their wishes for a better year ahead. To commemorate the Year of the Tiger, the seals were affixed on gold-plated tiger art pieces titled "Blooming Abundance".

The art pieces, which were designed and crafted by Royal Insignia, depict a powerful tiger surrounded by lush nature, signifying prosperity and abundance. Each participating client donated at least $10,000 to take part in the workshop and they each took home one art piece. The Bank also matched its clients' donations, dollar for dollar, up to $250,000.

"Blooming Abundance", with the "福" (fu) seal as a finishing touch.

Mr Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, UOB, said, "Lunar New Year signifies a time to celebrate new beginnings. Through art, we connect with the community, bond with our clients and support those in need at the same time. We are grateful that our clients join us every year to share the joy and optimism of the festive season with those who may need a helping hand."

The art workshops were held at the Royal Insignia workshop, a local Singapore atelier that specialises in crafting gifts for royalty and heads of state.

Ms Rachel Hoe, Director, Royal Insignia, said, "We are delighted to collaborate with UOB on their charity drive as they bring businesses together to benefit the community each year. My team and I are proud to be able to share our bespoke gift-making techniques with UOB and its clients, and in contributing towards fund-raising efforts that benefit those who need our collective support."

¹ The art sessions were held in accordance to safe management measures.