UOB, in collaboration with around 1,200 business clients, has successfully raised over $2.6 million for charity during its annual Lunar New Year celebrations. The funds were collected through art workshops and a fundraising gala dinner with clients. The proceeds will be donated to several charities that focus on arts, children, and educational causes. These include The Business Times Budding Artists Fund, The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, Central Singapore CDC, Lakeside Family Services, and Ren Ci Hospital. Additionally, some of the funds will support local enterprises' innovation efforts under the UOB-Singapore Management University Asian Enterprise Institute.
Mr Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and CEO of UOB, stated: “Our tradition of combining art, philanthropy and community engagement reflects our commitment to doing right by our stakeholders. Through the generosity of our clients, we continue to drive meaningful change by supporting children, education and the arts. Together, we are fostering a more inclusive and culturally vibrant society.”
During the fundraising event on February 6th, two artworks were auctioned off. Mr Low Kok Ann from Hafary Holdings Ltd bid $250,888 for one piece while Mr Neo Kah Kiat from Neo Group Limited bid $238,000 for another. More than 40 clients participated in an art workshop held on January 23rd where Mr Wee contributed finishing touches to these pieces.
The first artwork titled "Eternal Spring" was created by Karina D. Simon who won the 2022 UOB Painting of the Year award. It depicts the Chinese character “永” as a bonsai plant using colored pencils on paper. This piece symbolizes spring's essence—always inspiring positivity even when seasons change.
The second piece is called "Everlasting Blooms," crafted by paper artist Ceres Lau as a 3-D paper sculpture symbolizing beauty and vibrancy beyond time’s fleeting nature.
Mr Low Kok Ann expressed his motivation: “We were inspired to leverage the strength of business and our appreciation of the arts to contribute collectively to the community.” He emphasized building strong connectivity within both business communities through initiatives like this one.
Similarly moved by UOB's initiative was Mr Neo Kah Kiat who said: “In partnering UOB through years...we appreciate these meaningful initiatives that uplift our community."
Other contributors included Mr Ching Chiat Kwong from Jadeite Properties Pte Ltd along with Mr Kelvin Lim from LHN Group; each donating $250k towards supporting local communities via this annual effort led by UOB Commercial Banking division.