OCBC

From being accorded over 20 awards across the region to being recognised as the top ESG loans lead arranger in Asia ex-Japan, 2024 has seen us strengthen our position as a regional leader in sustainable finance. However, our focus on sustainability goes beyond just numbers and accolades. We are committed to empowering both SMEs and large corporates across the region achieve their green and social ambitions, and uplifting key industries through sharing our expertise and knowledge. As we look back on our initiatives in accelerating the transition to a net-zero future, we are energised by the opportunities ahead to support our clients in creating a more sustainable future for all. Watch this space for more updates! #NetZero #Sustainability

We have extended COFCO International our OCBC 1.5oC loan, a US$600 million ($815.54 million) sustainability-linked revolving credit facility that is the first to have interest rate incentives tied to Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) targets. FLAG is the world’s first framework for companies in land-intensive sectors to set targets that include land-based emissions reductions and removals. COFCO International is the first non-Singapore company to take up this solution, which we launched last year to incentivise corporates to set and work towards clear carbon emissions reduction targets aligned with science-based Net Zero decarbonisation pathways for their sectors. We are committed to supporting our customers around the world to transition to a low-carbon future.

The well-being of our people remains a top priority. While inflation is forecasted to moderate in 2025, we acknowledge that cost-of-living concerns persist. To help colleagues alleviate some of these concerns, we will provide a second one-time payment totalling S$7.5 million to 11,000 colleagues globally. Beyond that, we are committed to providing upskilling and reskilling opportunities to ensure that our colleagues are equipped to meet the challenges of the future, while also empowering them to take charge of their own financial well-being.

Check out the journey of a FRANKpreneur and discover how this structured programme provides mentorship from industry leaders, essential entrepreneurship tools for agile development, opportunities for cross-collaboration, and the potential to fast-track your entry into our Graduate Talent Programme. Learn more and apply at https://lnkd.in/gKt-9hx2 #OCBCFRANKpreneurship

The shipping industry plays a critical role in the global economy and is responsible for an estimated 90% of world trade. That means decarbonising the maritime sector will require collective action. The Poseidon Principles – an assessment and disclosure framework covering over 80% of the global ship finance portfolio – is one such initiative to support responsible decision-making. This year, our results in the Poseidon Principles 2024 Annual Disclosure Report show an improved climate alignment score of +4.9% (2023: +11.2%), bringing our portfolio closer to the International Maritime Organisation’s revised 2023 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Strategy minimum trajectory of 20% emissions reduction (from 2008 levels) by 2030. Our score places us fourth among 35 signatories globally in terms of alignment, with the progress a testament to our clients' efforts in reducing emissions in their operations, and our role as a trusted partner in their decarbonisation journey. As the first and only Singapore bank among Poseidon Principles signatories, we’re committed to supporting our clients in their transition efforts through sustainable financing, strategic advisory and ecosystem partnerships. Re-affirming this, Angeline Teo , OCBC Head of Global Transportation, shares, “We are proud of our clients’ continued commitment and progress in reducing emissions amidst the volatile environment fraught with challenges such as increased regulations, safety issues and having to exercise operational agility amidst uncertainty. As their trusted partner, we will continue to support their investment decisions on their decarbonisation journey.” Interested in learning more about how we’re supporting the shipping industry in navigating the green transition? We outline the details in an interview with ship classification society DNV on how we’re aligning our financing strategies to chart a course towards a net-zero future: https://lnkd.in/gcRvR7Te Together, we can create a more sustainable future for the maritime sector. #PoseidonPrinciples #SustainableShipping #Decarbonisation

The upcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) marks a milestone chapter in the partnership between Singapore and Johor, presenting opportunities for firms across both sides of the Causeway. Having a trusted partner makes all the difference in turning your ambitions into achievements. As Singapore’s longest established bank, we also have a history in Johor dating back to 1917, and have been helping firms find success in Malaysia long before the JS-SEZ. Key to this has been our network of partners in international markets such as Malaysian Investment Development Authority and Invest Johor, with whom we partnered for our recent OCBC One Connect roundtable where our clients got the opportunity to meet the Johor authorities, industry experts, and local partners. Highlighting the JS-SEZ’s potential, YB Lee Ting Han, Johor State EXCO Member for Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs & Human Resources shared: “Johor’s proximity to Singapore provides unparalleled access to major markets. The JS-SEZ will leverage the strengths of both regions.” Echoing this view, Mr Vinothan Tulisinathzan, Director of MIDA Singapore, said, "The JS-SEZ is attracting significant interest from firms in Singapore and the region. As our valued partner, OCBC works with us to help firms navigate opportunities and access resources in the JS-SEZ. We look forward to continuing our collaboration in catalysing economic growth not just in Johor but across Malaysia.” Supporting companies to realise their international aspirations isn’t new to us. Businesses such as RMS Marine & Offshore Service (S) Pte. Ltd. and Tianma Precision Machinery are already thriving with OCBC’s support. “We have identified numerous positive opportunities in the Johor Bahru (JB) region. The visit [OCBC One Connect] provided us with firsthand insights into the plans and opportunities available in JB… enabling us to connect with like-minded business partners and government agencies.” – Mr Zhiyuan Seow, Managing Director, RMS Marine & Offshore Service (S) Pte. Ltd. “They [OCBC] have proven to be more than just a banking partner; they are a knowledge partner, facilitating connections with fellow business owners and government agencies in the region.” – Mr Hui Yang, Managing Director, Tianma Precision Machinery With OCBC, you don’t just get convenient and competitive financial solutions; you build on a foundation of trusted partnerships and decades of experience and expertise across markets. #OCBCOneConnect #BusinessExpansion #ASEANGrowth #OCBCJSSEZ #JSSEZ

Are you ready to hit the fast track to your future? Join us as we explore the exhilarating journey of the OCBC Graduate Talent Programme!   🚀 Over the next 24 months, you’ll navigate customizable rotations, receive personal mentoring, and dive deep into domain expertise that will prepare you for the banking world.   This is your pit stop for innovation projects and regional collaboration, giving you the tools to accelerate your career like never before. Whether you’re a recent graduate from any discipline or someone with less than two years of work experience, if you have the raw potential, we have the track laid out for you! Take your places and launch a future-ready career at the forefront of banking in Asia. Don’t just stand on the sidelines—race on and apply for the OCBC Graduate Talent Programme today! https://lnkd.in/gDjB56S2 #OCBCGraduateTalentProgramme

Congratulations to our inaugural batch of OCBC SOAR participants on their graduation from OCBC SOAR EDP 2024! Our 6-month leadership journey with the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) took off in Singapore in June (https://lnkd.in/gtKErvSg), making its way to Hong Kong and Shenzhen in September (https://lnkd.in/gsX8vcKZ), before landing a touchdown in Singapore with its final module in November. The capstone 1.5-week module kicked off with the IMD flagship Orchestrating Winning Performance conference which allowed participants to customise their own learning journey specific to their roles. They were also immersed in learning sessions taught by esteemed and veteran professors who enhanced their leadership perspectives across the five dimensions of strategy, execution, stakeholders and people. On top of that, the team got to learn from special guest speakers and expand their horizons on company immersions where they glimpsed first-hand the applications of business concepts in different industries.   A key highlight in Module 3 was the highly anticipated final presentation of their micro-experiments to the Group Chairman, Group CEO, and OCBC Management Committee Members. Over the course of their 6-month journey, each group plunged into a series of micro-experiments, leaning into a productive failure mindset to fail fast and learn fast, as they focused on identifying, assessing, and solving for a pain point or opportunity to help OCBC achieve its strategic objectives. The steep learning curve sharpened their critical thinking, stretched their agility, and reframed their thought patterns and mindsets to tackle novel and ambiguous challenges beyond their usual day-to-day work to prepare for the future. Ultimately, the presentation finale was a culmination of their collaborative efforts. Met with valuable insights from the management team, participants gained additional perspectives on their micro-experiment topics.   Most pertinently, participants emerged from their journey with deepened connections and a renewed sense of leadership with wings broad enough to uplift, nurture and inspire those around them to do what best serves the bank in building the future we want.   #OCBCSOAR2024 #OpportunityStartsHere

What does it take for my business to expand to, and succeed in, Malaysia?” That was the primary question on our clients’ minds at our recently organised OCBC One Connect Luncheon with Malaysian Investment Development Authority The by-invite luncheon provided a conducive platform for our clients to pose their questions – ranging from regulations to tax incentives to employment laws – directly to MIDA; and the agency to share how companies can navigate the local business landscape to succeed in Malaysia. Mr Vinothan Tulisinathzan, Director of MIDA Singapore, shared, “Through such small-scale events, we find that the conversations are a lot more in-depth; it was clear that their [Singapore companies’] plans, questions and path of growth are varied and the sharing amongst the group helps everyone understand things better. We are very happy to partner OCBC in advising and supporting their customers to explore opportunities in Malaysia, especially the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).” Mr Roy Tan, Head of Enterprise Banking International, re-affirmed the potential opportunities in JS-SEZ, “We are very excited that the soon-to-be-launched JS-SEZ will accelerate more collaboration, tapping on each other’s strengths. As a Singapore bank with a deep history in Malaysia, we are well poised to add value to our customers from both sides of the Causeway, and such curated events allow for deep and candid discussions.” As a trusted partner for businesses in ASEAN, OCBC supports companies in their market entry and expansion through networking events such as this. By leveraging our comprehensive network of strategic partners such as MIDA, we connect our clients with in-market ecosystem players such as government agencies and trade associations – paving the way for our clients to realise their international business ambitions. With updates on the JS-SEZ expected later this month, we’re doubling down on our commitment to help business capitalise on the ensuing opportunities. Watch this space for more updates. #JSSEZ #OCBCJSSEZ

It’s been a deeply fulfilling journey for our current batch of Ignite interns so far! Having journeyed over halfway through our Ignite Programme, our gutsy and passionate team of interns from Group Data Office captivated the room full of their fellow Ignite peers with an in-depth sharing of their experience. Now entering its 3rd run with a host of interns hailing from the polytechnics, our 18-month accelerated career development programme puts diploma students on the fast track to a permanent position, and provides promising candidates with an immersive and challenging learning environment, equipping them with real-world skillsets while providing coveted opportunities for stakeholder management, leadership development and mentorship. Diving into the details of how they tapped into their data analytical prowess and data-driven insights to implement practical solutions to improve workflow processes, the team enthusiastically walked their fellow interns through their thought trajectory and how they worked with their mentors to automate AI processes and enhance OCBC’s internal chatbot, Buddy, while contributing significantly to key teams across Group Data Office. Seeing how they can directly impact and transform the realm of work kindled the embers of aspiration among their peers present. Most importantly, the session was an affirming reminder that there is much potential in our new generation of bright minds, and that tangible impact begins with a spark of vision. Through nurturing that spark, we ignite a new generation of talents confident of their gifts and invested in building the future we want. #OCBCIgnite #OpportunityStartsHere