UOB Celebrates 90 Years with $30M for Disadvantaged ASEAN Students
UOB has announced a significant commitment of $30 million towards educational programmes aimed at supporting disadvantaged children and students across Southeast Asia. This initiative is a part of the Bank’s 90th-anniversary celebrations and underscores its dedication to making a meaningful impact on the communities it serves. By focusing on education, UOB aims to uplift and empower over 120,000 children and students from less privileged backgrounds, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to build resilience and secure a brighter future.
A Commitment to Education and Community Development
UOB has always placed a strong emphasis on supporting its communities, and this latest initiative is a testament to its unwavering commitment to doing right by society. Recognizing education as a powerful tool for social mobility and economic progress, the Bank has designed four key programmes that address various aspects of educational accessibility and support.
These programmes will provide direct and tangible benefits to children and students across the region, ensuring they have the resources they need to excel in their studies and beyond. The initiative aligns with UOB’s broader vision of fostering sustainable development and creating opportunities for future generations.
The Four Pillars of UOB’s Education Initiative
1. Expanding Access to Quality Digital Education
UOB is collaborating with a leading education technology (EdTech) platform based in Indonesia to enhance learning opportunities for 90,000 underprivileged children across 60 cities in Southeast Asia. This partnership is designed to offer young learners in countries like Indonesia and Vietnam access to high-quality digital educational resources. These resources include essential skills such as coding, computational thinking, and digital literacy, which are crucial for success in the modern world.
By leveraging the power of technology, this programme ensures that children who may not have access to traditional learning materials can still benefit from quality education. Over the next three years, students will receive structured and interactive learning experiences that will equip them with the foundational skills needed for the digital economy.
2. Bridging the Digital Divide with the UOB My Digital Space Programme
UOB’s My Digital Space Programme, launched in 2020, continues to make a significant impact on children from disadvantaged backgrounds across the region. This year, around 20,000 students will receive digital learning tools and training, further bridging the digital divide and opening doors to new educational opportunities.
The programme, which has already benefitted 38,000 students since its inception, provides essential digital learning resources, including laptops, tablets, and internet access. It also offers workshops and training sessions to help students develop critical digital skills, preparing them for a future where technology plays an increasingly dominant role in the workforce.
By addressing digital literacy gaps, the programme empowers young learners to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and competence, ensuring they are not left behind in an ever-evolving technological world.
3. Supporting Low-Income Families Through Financial Assistance
In Singapore, UOB is partnering with The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund to provide much-needed financial assistance to approximately 11,000 students from low-income families. Each student will receive 90 days’ worth of pocket money, which can be used for essential school-related expenses such as meals, transportation, and extracurricular activities.
This initiative not only alleviates financial stress for families struggling to make ends meet but also ensures that students can focus on their studies without the burden of financial insecurity. By removing economic barriers to education, UOB is helping these students stay in school and pursue their academic aspirations with greater confidence and stability.
4. Providing Pre-Tertiary Scholarships for Outstanding Students
To further its commitment to educational excellence, UOB will award pre-tertiary scholarships to 90 outstanding students from Southeast Asia. These scholarships will enable recipients to study in Singapore, covering their education fees and living expenses.
By offering financial support to high-achieving students from underprivileged backgrounds, UOB is helping to nurture the next generation of leaders and professionals in the region. This initiative not only provides students with world-class educational opportunities but also fosters cross-cultural exchange and collaboration, strengthening ties between ASEAN nations.
Leadership Perspective: A Commitment to ASEAN’s Future
UOB’s Deputy Chairman and CEO, Mr. Wee Ee Cheong, emphasized the Bank’s long-standing commitment to community development and social responsibility. Reflecting on UOB’s 90-year journey, Mr. Wee highlighted the importance of education as an investment in the collective future of the ASEAN region.
“UOB has always been steadfast in our commitment to doing right by our communities. As we celebrate and reflect on the past 90 years, we know we could only achieve what we have because of the loyal and continuous support of all stakeholders, including the community. We believe strongly in supporting education as this is an investment in our collective future across the ASEAN region. As we look to the future, we will continue to be guided by our core values of honour, enterprise, unity, and commitment,” Mr. Wee stated.
Celebrating UOB’s Heritage: The Opening of the UOB Gallery
In addition to announcing these impactful education programmes, UOB has also inaugurated the UOB Gallery, titled “Right By You: The UOB Story”. This gallery serves as a tribute to the Bank’s rich history and remarkable journey since its founding in 1935.
The gallery chronicles the key milestones that have shaped UOB over the past nine decades, offering visitors a deep dive into the Bank’s contributions across the pillars of culture, commerce, and community. Through engaging exhibits and archival materials, the gallery highlights UOB’s role in the economic development of the region, as well as its efforts in uplifting communities and fostering financial inclusion.
Visitors to the gallery can explore:
- UOB’s evolution from a small local bank to a leading financial institution in Asia.
- The Bank’s contributions to regional economic growth and social progress.
- The values and principles that have guided UOB’s business strategies and community initiatives.
Honoring a Legacy: Tribute to Dr. Wee Cho Yaw
The gallery also dedicates a special section to the life and achievements of the late Dr. Wee Cho Yaw, Chairman Emeritus and Honorary Adviser to the Group. As a visionary leader, Dr. Wee played a pivotal role in shaping into the institution it is today. His contributions to business, society, and philanthropy continue to inspire generations, and the gallery pays tribute to his enduring legacy.
Public Access and Future Initiatives
Located at UOB’s Main Branch in Raffles Place, the gallery is open to the public during branch operating hours. Admission is free, making it accessible to everyone interested in learning more about legacy and impact on society.
UOB plans to introduce a series of UOB90 initiatives throughout the year, reinforcing its commitment to giving back to the communities in which it operates. These initiatives will include more educational support programmes, community engagement activities, and sustainability-focused projects, all aimed at creating lasting and positive change.
