UOB and SBF to connect Singapore companies to cross-border opportunities

By Edil Corneille

United Overseas Bank (UOB) announced that it is stepping up its efforts to help more Singapore companies seize cross-border business opportunities in the ASEAN economy. The bank today signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) to be the chosen financial partner of the GlobalConnect@SBF Strategic Partnerships initiative.

The collaboration combines the strengths of UOB and SBF in connecting Singapore businesses, including more than 27,000 SBF members, to opportunities opening up across ASEAN, especially in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. Trade agreements, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, are also expected to boost the region’s growth.

Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, UOB said, “Having weathered the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, companies are now looking for growth and expansion opportunities. One of the most compelling opportunities is where UOB has strongest presence – ASEAN, with its fast-growing economy and vast potential. At UOB, we have long recognised the region’s long-term strengths and uniqueness with its diverse economic landscape. Our Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Advisory Unit, set up in 2011, has helped more than 3,500 companies expand their operations across the region. Now, through the collective efforts with SBF, we will be able to help build a connected and dynamic business sector that will see more companies thrive and grow.”

Darius Lim, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of SBF, said, “UOB’s extensive network and strong presence in ASEAN will complement our GlobalConnect@SBF initiative to facilitate Singapore businesses making in-roads into the region. With the support of a renowned and trusted Singapore bank, businesses will be able to better navigate the business landscape in the respective markets, develop local networks, and access greater trade and investment opportunities.”

UOB’s FDI Advisory Unit helps companies with their market entry by providing deep in-market insights and access to the bank’s partner ecosystem comprising regional government agencies, trade and business associations.

Through UOB’s FDI Centres located across the region and SBF’s Singapore Enterprise Centres, companies will benefit from the on-ground assistance provided by both organisations. UOB will also provide financial support and help businesses in their digitalisation journey, accelerating their adoption of technology by providing its comprehensive suite of digital solutions.

A company that UOB has supported in its overseas expansion is Dou Yee Group. Dou Yee is tapping UOB’s deep market knowledge and customised financial solutions to expand its manufacturing operations in Vietnam. UOB will continue to offer Dou Yee its support by connecting the company to potential buyers, suppliers and distributors along its value chain and to opportunities arising from ASEAN’s sustainability drive.