DBS has launched the fourth season of its award-winning web series, Sparks. The series follows a group of young bankers as they navigate various challenges at work and in life. Inspired by true stories from clients and employees, the new season focuses on social issues affecting vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.
The latest installment aims to address societal challenges such as scams targeting the elderly or emotionally vulnerable individuals, and barriers preventing persons with disabilities from accessing meaningful employment. The series consists of eight episodes that showcase efforts to promote inclusive employment and enhance financial protection for at-risk groups.
Storylines in Season 4 are inspired by initiatives from DBS and the DBS Foundation. These include support for Inclus, a social enterprise that helps people with disabilities find employment opportunities, as well as efforts by DBS' anti-scam team to monitor suspicious transactions in real-time. Additionally, it highlights how DBS relationship managers and legal staff collaborated to protect an elderly client from financial exploitation.
For the first time, scenes from Sparks will be integrated into DBS's community programs. They will feature in digital literacy and anti-scam awareness workshops, along with discussions designed to help participants better identify and respond to scams.
Karen Ngui, Head of DBS Foundation and Group Strategic Marketing & Communications at DBS, stated: “As a bank rooted in purpose, DBS firmly believes that banking is about being immersed in everyday life and doing real things for real people.” She emphasized that integrating Sparks into community programs reaffirms their commitment to supporting customers and underserved communities.
Shaun Tan, Co-Founder of Inclus, expressed gratitude for being part of Sparks: “We’re honoured to be part of Sparks... At Inclus, we recognize that addressing societal challenges like inequality starts with action.”
Season 4 features returning characters such as Adrian Pang (“Chester Teo”) alongside new faces including Loke Meng Chue (“Madam Mui”). Since its debut in 2016, Sparks has achieved over 1.5 billion views across three seasons.
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