UOB Private Bank recently completed its 2025 Next Gen Programme, which took place from August 3 to 9 in Oxford and London. This marks the first time the programme was held outside of Asia, with the University of Oxford serving as the main venue. The event brought together 20 participants from eight countries.
The Next Gen Programme is a week-long initiative aimed at preparing future leaders of Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) family businesses for their roles in managing family wealth. Now in its third international run, the programme focuses on themes such as entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and technology while maintaining an emphasis on heritage.
Chew Mun Yew, Head of UOB Private Bank, said, “The hard work and commitment of family business leaders should be preserved and nurtured for generations to come. In the Asia Pacific region, up to USD 6 trillion worth of assets are expected to be transferred to the next generation by 2030, with financial hubs Singapore and Hong Kong being the key hubs facilitating these wealth flows.1 Our award-winning Next Gen Programme empowers UHNW families to navigate the complexities of wealth transition with confidence, equipping next-generation leaders with knowledge and practical skills to manage, grow and preserve their family wealth across generations. We are grateful to the University of Oxford for hosting this inaugural Europe edition, which brings global perspectives and offers valuable networking opportunities for our young leaders.”
A significant focus this year was placed on artificial intelligence (AI) within family-owned businesses. Participants explored how AI can be used in decision-making processes, integrated into wealth management practices, and addressed ethical considerations related to AI adoption. Sessions also covered leadership strategies for operating in a technology-driven environment.
In addition to AI-related topics, attendees participated in expert-led sessions on multigenerational leadership and governance within family businesses. The Ownership Project 2.0: Private Capital Owners & Impact at Saïd Business School added depth through discussions led by Dr Bridget Kustin about responsible ownership practices based on research into private capital ownership.
Dr Bridget Kustin stated, “Family enterprise is a backbone of global business activity. Family owners’ inherent interest in legacy, community, and intergenerational time frames for value creation favour responsible ownership. I’m grateful that financial institutions like UOB are recognising the need to support the next generation of responsible family owners through educational programmes that can challenge and inspire. In translating our global family business research data and theory into actionable insights for Programme participants, we equip them with the skills and mindsets needed to navigate this quickly changing world.”
Participants experienced Oxford’s academic environment by staying at St Edmund Hall and engaging with faculty at Saïd Business School, Magdalen College, and Balliol College. Industry immersion activities included visits to Founders Factory—a leading UK startup hub—and other cultural sites.
One participant commented on his experience: “From exploring the applications of AI to reflecting on family business stewardship and gaining strategic insights at Macfarlanes on private and family wealth, the programme was a masterclass in technology and next-generation leadership. Engaging with peers from diverse family business backgrounds, against the inspiring settings of Oxford and London, provided fresh perspectives and meaningful lifelong connections I hope to carry forward.”
Launched in Singapore in 2020 amid growing demand among UHNW clients for training successors in wealth management competencies needed for legacy protection, UOB Private Bank’s Next Gen Programme has now completed five runs. Its partnerships with academic institutions provide participants access to industry expertise as well as opportunities for networking through an alumni network comprising over 50 members.
UOB Private Bank continues its commitment toward supporting Asian UHNW families through intergenerational wealth transfer planning.
According to McKinsey & Company research (https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/asia-pacifics-family-office-boom-opportunity-knocks), up to USD 6 trillion worth of assets are projected to move between generations by 2030 within Asia Pacific's major financial centers such as Singapore and Hong Kong.