DBS

You don’t need to be a savvy investor or big risk-tasker to get more interest out of your savings! 💰

There are more and more options that give you relatively safe and reliable returns on your funds without needing a high level of financial commitment or skill. 😊

Read on to find out how: go.dbs.com/sg-idlecash

Whether you're planning a quick escape for the September holidays or a longer year-end vacation... hold up! ⚠️ Last year, over SGD 1.2 million was lost to travel package scams in September alone! 🤯

In this victim account shared on www.scamalert.sg, the victim enquired about a good deal online and was asked to make payment within 20 minutes to secure their booking. Once they made the payment via PayNow, the scammers blocked them.

Last year, most of the travel package scams were done through malware. Although malware attacks are less prevalent today, there are still many ways scammers can get to you. Here's how travel package scams often work:

1. Fake accounts, websites and/ or travel agencies
Scammers create fake social media profiles, websites, and even online travel agencies that look very realistic. They might use stolen photos and logos to build trust.

2. "Too good to be true" deals
They advertise unbelievable discounts and deals that are much lower than market prices. They often target people looking for last-minute trips or budget-friendly options.

3. High-pressure sales tactics
Scammers pressure you to book quickly, often using limited-time offers or "last few spots available" tactics to create a sense of urgency.

4. Requests for immediate payment
They may ask for full payment upfront using untraceable methods like wire transfers or gift cards. Once you pay, you might never receive the promised travel package or the company disappears.

5. Fake booking confirmation
You might receive a fake booking confirmation, making you believe the transaction is legitimate. However, the flight or hotel reservation is never actually made.

So, before you book that "amazing" travel deal, do your research on the travel agency's reputation and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true. Always use trusted payment methods to protect yourself against scams.

If you suspect you have been scammed, call DBS’ dedicated fraud hotline 1800-339-6963 or 6339-6963 immediately and block your account(s) with our Safety Switch.

For more scam updates and anti-scam tips, visit DBS' Bank Safely Hub: https://go.dbs.com/4fCQNZm

As a nurse in the ICU wards for 52 years and counting, Madam Zainab has been at the frontline of Singapore’s healthcare defence, supporting her patients through some of the country’s most challenging disease outbreaks, including SARs, H1N1 and Covid-19.

Reflecting on her journey, Madam Zainab says simply, "There's a bond you form with your patients."

The fourth of eight children, Madam Zainab has devoted her life to caring for others. “I never sat down to consider what my purpose in life was, but I think I was born to care.”

Beyond her nursing duties, Madam Zainab was also the primary caregiver to her late parents and family members. She would accompany her mother for dialysis treatment at 6.30am before heading to work from 8am to 5pm.

For someone who afforded herself little time, errands like banking services would be kept to a minimum, and avoided if possible.

So it’s surprising to learn that today, Madam Zainab is best friends with the most unexpected person – her bank relationship manager, Jimson Ding.

The two first encountered each other when Madam Zainab was at the bank to update her passbook, and her queue number was assigned to Jimson.

Upon reviewing her finances, Jimson noticed the absence of a retirement plan for Madam Zainab, then already in her 60s.

This realisation prompted her to consider her own future care needs.

“When I advise clients, I consider what I would recommend to my own mother,” shares Jimson, on his approach to client relationships.

“We are humans after all. When you are sincere, the other person can feel it.”

With the help of Jimson’s advice and the trust she had in him, Madam Zainab was able to build a comfortable nest egg for her retirement years and even for her family’s future.

Now approaching her 70s, Madam Zainab continues to wear her uniform with pride. She has moved on to an educator role where she imparts five decades of invaluable experience to new nurses.

Her commitment to care now extends to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals, and finally – to herself as well.

More at go.dbs.com/trustyourspark

Switch, Spend & Get Up to S$500! 🎉

All you need to do is:
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⏰Promo ends 31 October 2024.

Find out more here:

T&Cs apply. SGD Deposits are insured up to S$100K by SDIC.

“The goal is supposed to spark you, and it’s supposed to get you to start doing it. Build a system or a routine that you like…because it’s not liking where you’re going to be which gets you there. It’s liking HOW you're going to get there which gets you there. So just enjoy the process!” said Bronze Medallist Max Maeder while addressing more than 200 youth.

To wrap up the sixth edition of the DBS x Institute of Technical Education (ITE) mentorship programme, we were thrilled to have DBS brand ambassador Max Maeder share what it takes to stay resilient in the face of challenges.

He credits his own mentors – co-pilot and kitefoiling pioneer Daniel Leow as well as coach Johnny Dolenc – for inculcating in him values such as kindness and discipline which have gone a long way in empowering him to excel at his sport.

Taking the stage with Max, DBS Singapore Country Head Han Kwee Juan and DBS data analyst, Ryan Goh, who is an ITE alumnus, echoed the athlete’s sentiment on the role of mentors in encouraging the youth to take the road less travelled.

The session, moderated by Head of Group Strategic Marketing and Communications, as well as Head of DBS Foundation, Karen Ngui, drew out the importance of being clear about one’s goals and cultivating the discipline to achieve them.

“It’s important to have an end goal in mind in what you do. A lot of times there are things that I don’t want to do…but if I don’t invest in it now, how would I feel in 20 years? And because I'm so afraid of how I'm going to feel like in 20 years, I better wake up and do something,” said Kwee Juan.

Launched in 2019, the DBS x ITE mentoring programme aims to empower and guide ITE students to develop essential skills, build confidence and achieve career goals.

The partnership has expanded over the past five years to include all three ITE colleges, connecting 240 DBS mentors with 280 students, and is set to deepen to further address the growing needs of youth.

Are you diversifying your portfolio with foreign stocks and bonds?

The fluctuating exchange rates can have a significant impact on your investment portfolio returns, and understanding movements can help you take pre-emptive measures to protect your investment gains against FX losses.

Ready to start? Dive in and explore tailored investment picks on digibank to make your money work harder!

Learn more here: go.dbs.com/sg-fxportfolio

As the sun set, the team at DBS was still hard at work – eyes heavy with exhaustion, but spirits unyielding. The successful adoption of Electronic Shares Application (ESA) during the highly-anticipated Singtel IPO issue rested on their shoulders, and they were determined to make history.

Step back in time with us to 1993, when Singapore was buzzing with excitement over the Singtel IPO – the largest issue in the nation’s history! Discover how ESA transformed the financial landscape, making it easier for everyday Singaporeans to own shares.

🎙️What did it take to bring this groundbreaking innovation to life? Join us as we go behind the scenes and hear first-hand accounts from those who worked on this project. Tune in to this episode of Singapore’s Firsts at https://go.dbs.com/472S2xj or search for 'DBS Archives' on your favourite podcast app.

People aren't always who they seem...
Be wary of scammers posing as government officials, bank staff, or even long-lost loved ones!

Impersonation scammers pretend to be someone they're not to trick you into sending them money and/ or revealing your banking credentials or any other sensitive information.

Scammers might:
- Contact you with an urgent request. They might claim to be a police officer investigating a crime and need your help or a bank employee asking for your account details to verify a transaction. They may even try to trick you into withdrawing your CPF savings!
- Create a sense of fear or urgency. They might threaten legal action, account suspension, or even arrest if you don't comply with their demands.

How you can protect yourself:
1. Be sceptical: Don't trust anyone who contacts you out of the blue and asks for sensitive information or money.
2. Verify: If someone claims to be from a legitimate organisation, hang up and call the organisation directly using a known number to verify their identity.
3. Never share personal information: This includes your bank details (username, PIN, OTP), SingPass details, and other sensitive information.

Share this with your friends and family to help them stay safe!

For the latest scam updates and anti-scam tips, visit our Bank Safely Hub: https://go.dbs.com/3Z9hCyu

If you suspect you have been scammed, call DBS' dedicated fraud hotline 1800-339-6963 or 6339-6963 immediately.

“He might be getting older, but if he’s constantly forgetting details and unable to remember things, you might want to get it checked out,” a close friend said to Miao Ting.

In 2020, Miao Ting’s grandfather brought home fried dough sticks for breakfast instead of his granddaughter’s favourite hawker dish. Puzzled, she asked what made him get her a snack he knew she didn’t like. “It was uncharacteristic of him because he knows me like the back of his hand,” said the 32-year-old, who was raised by her grandparents.

Over time, Miao Ting grew more concerned. Her grandfather, whom she often relied on for advice, couldn’t recall information she had shared with him. She decided to bring him to a polyclinic where the doctor confirmed her fears: he was in the late stages of dementia.

Feeling guilty for not recognising his condition sooner, Miao Ting began to meticulously record photos, videos, and voice notes of their time together. These small but precious keepsakes help her cope with his decline and provide him comfort in the moments of anxiety that often accompany memory loss.

“If there’s one thing dementia hasn’t taken from him, it’s his kindness,” she said. “I want my life to be in memory of him, even though he no longer remembers the people he has touched.”

In the years since her grandfather's diagnosis, Miao Ting has carried his kindness as a spark to guide her with important decisions in life.

Since joining DBS in 2016, the accountant turned data analyst volunteers after work at financial literacy workshops and befriending programmes. She particularly finds tapping on her skills from work to teach children from low-income households financial literacy skills fulfilling.

In one of the workshops Miao Ting volunteered for, she was paired with Sophie Arianny who had one-to-one guidance on key financial concepts such as budgeting, identifying needs and wants, and saving for the future.

Sophie was one of 23 students who participated in the DBS Financial Literacy workshop co-organised with Big Heart Student Care, an after-school centre that equips students, including those from low-income households, with life skills.

Sophie was initially too shy to even raise her hand in class. But with patience and kindness, Miao Ting drew her out, and the nine-year-old felt comfortable enough to share her dream of becoming a veterinarian. She even sets aside part of her savings each month to buy science comics.

Miao Ting credits being able to make such meaningful connections and impact to her grandfather. In 2023, when she was recognised with a DBS People of Purpose award for her dedication in giving back, Miao Ting knew she couldn’t accept it alone.

She invited her grandfather to join her at the ceremony to receive the award together, proud to share the moment with him.

While his dementia means he doesn’t quite recall the speech Miao Ting dedicated to him, the photos of them at the event help to jog his memory.

"When I shared photographs of us at the event with him, he exclaimed: 'Oh I remember your boss really likes you.' It took me by surprise because dementia patients often experience permanent memory loss, but he kept that interaction close to his heart."

In that moment, Miao Ting knew her grandfather was proud of her. And that it was stronger than anything else.

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For more inspiring stories of resilience, visit: go.dbs.com/trustyourspark

Exciting times ahead for Singaporeans! 🎉 The National Day Rally 2024 showcased a series of bold initiatives designed to improve the lives of all citizens. Swipe to learn how these initiatives can benefit you and your family!

"This is a job nobody wants to do, so why do you want to do it?" Gary Hsieh's mother challenged, her skepticism rooted in years of experience as the pioneering founder of leading textile company UKL Enterprise.

As a second-generation entrepreneur set to take over the business, Gary’s proposal to transform what most would consider trash — discarded pineapple leaves — into sustainable textiles was a departure from traditional garment methods.

His mother’s concerns were valid, given significant challenges many businesses face when transitioning to sustainable practices — from steep initial costs to the complexities of establishing eco-friendly supply chains.

Despite the lack of support, Gary saw the bigger picture.

“I am convinced that if we remain steadfast and continue to choose to do things that benefit the environment and community, we will inspire more people to join us on the path to sustainability,” Gary shared.

Resolute, he promised his mother he would not “take a single cent from the company” and started product development and research with the pineapple leaves.

Gary’s steadfast belief in his work eventually won his mother over.

One day, without saying much, she left a newspaper clipping on his desk — an advertisement for the DBS Foundation Grant Programme, inviting SMEs that address critical social issues to apply for funding.

It was the silent nudge of encouragement that he needed.

Gary applied and was awarded the grant in 2022.

Reflecting on this moment, Gary calls it the “seed” that gave him the affirmation to press on despite the challenges, and also reminded him of his mother’s love — her actions revealing a belief in his vision, even if it had not been expressed in words.

Since winning the grant, Gary has gained international recognition, including design awards at the 2024 iF Design Awards in Germany, establishing himself as a leader in green fashion. With his eco-friendly fibre production, known as Pineapple Leaves Fiber (PALF), the company will recycle up to 540 tons of pineapple waste this year. This new approach significantly reduces environmental impact, saving 2.4 metric tons of carbon emissions per metric ton, equivalent to the emissions from driving a regular car for half a year, and cutting water use by 97%, compared to cotton.

“I am proof that if you dare to trust your Spark, you can build a better world,” he asserted.

By transforming what was once considered trash into a valuable resource, Gary is not only making a difference in the textile industry but also paving the way for a more sustainable future.

More at go.dbs.com/trustyourspark

“The wind never blows in a straight line,” Daniel Leow mused. “You can’t tell the wind where it should blow, and that’s a lot like life.”

They say it takes a village to raise a child, but what about a Bronze Medallist and two-time world champion kitefoiler like Max Maeder?

While Max has always had the steadfast support of his family, there’s another figure who’s played a pivotal role in his journey — Daniel Leow, his co-pilot.

A former multiple champion in the Asian kitesurfing circuits and a pioneer in kitefoiling, Daniel is more than just Max’s co-pilot, he was Max’s coach before Johnny Dolenc, and a companion on this extraordinary path.

Daniel recalls meeting the Maeder family at a 2017 kite event in Thailand, and he quickly became an integral part of Max’s world.

As Daniel and the Maeders continued to cross paths at various kiting events, a bond began to form. Eventually, Hwee Keng approached Daniel with a heartfelt request: Could he coach her son?

Daniel accepted.

From 2018, except for the hiatus during Covid-19, Daniel and Max were almost inseparable, traveling together around the world to compete in kiting events, oftentimes as opponents. “He still had a squeaky voice back then, before his teenage years,” Daniel recalled with a laugh.

In all these years, Daniel has only missed two of Max’s events.

When he’s not competing with Max, Daniel, a Malaysian, can be found at the seaside town of Kuantan, Malaysia where he runs a kite centre. It’s a place where the wind always seems to call, reminding him of how simply going where the wind blows brought him and Max together.

Daniel’s love for water sports started young, a passion passed down from his father, a windsurfing legend.

“My dad represented the country in the SEA Games when I was still in diapers,” Daniel said fondly. “He used to put me on the front of a wind surfboard when I was just a child, and we’d head out to sea together.”

This early bond with the water shaped Daniel’s life. He started with windsurfing in his teens, but quickly became hooked onto kitefoiling in his 20s.

Dubbed “our country’s best water sportsman” by the Malaysian press, Daniel looks back on his competitive days with pride, especially the time he placed second at the Kitefoil World Series 2019.

“When I’m kitefoiling, it feels euphoric. You’re controlling the elements — using the wind and waves to go where you want. You become a part of nature. You have complete freedom.”

This deep connection to the sport and his mastery of the elements naturally translated into his coaching. It was Daniel who taught young Max all the basics—how to read the weather, repair and tune his kite, how to analyse his manoeuvres and tracks using GPS on the computer.

It wasn’t long before Daniel, who retired from competing in 2022, realised Max was no ordinary student. “At that time when I coached him, I knew this boy was special — he had talent. He could analyse his technique and improve on it without me even telling him.”

With Max’s progress, Daniel’s role naturally evolved to support his growth. Now as the co-pilot, Daniel takes charge of managing the kite equipment, freeing Max to focus entirely on the race. While Max is on the water, Daniel is on land, ensuring everything is in place. Before each training session or competition, Daniel assembles the kitefoil components, including the board, fuselage, bar, and lines.

“My role is to make sure Max's equipment is race-ready so he can concentrate on strategy.”

During the races at Marseille, with multiple postponements due to low winds, Daniel and Max faced the uncertainty together. Daniel stayed alert and ready, prepared for any change in conditions. “I kept a VHF radio on at all times. If I heard the wind was picking up from 15 to 20 knots, I’d prepare his 11m kite. If it was dropping, I would get the larger kite ready.”

Reflecting on the race’s conclusion, Daniel said, “The results weren’t what mattered to me. I’m immensely proud of what he’s achieved. How many 17-year-olds can claim a medal?”

He added, “When I look at Max, I see him like a son.”

In Max, Daniel sees a reflection of his own passion for the water — the exhilaration of discovering a calling, the joy of mastering the wind, and the pleasure of sharing that journey with someone who truly believes in him.

Their story is one of two lives intertwined by the wind, each guiding the other toward new and uncharted horizons.

More at go.dbs.com/trustyourspark

✨ On 3 Oct 1986, the late Mr Hon Sui Sen’s family gathered, together with other guests, to celebrate the culmination of his vision. It was the grand opening of Raffles City, a “city within a city”, that housed an impressive convention centre, two luxurious hotels, an office tower, and a vibrant mall.

How many of us remember shopping at the iconic SOGO department store? Or perhaps you got to enjoy the views atop Westin Stamford, the world’s tallest hotel then.

🎙️What did it take to bring this grand vision to reality? Join us as we explore what went on behind the scenes – from the 72-hour concrete pour to the scholarships created to prepare the much-needed workforce. Tune in to this episode of Singapore’s Firsts. Search for "DBS Archives" on your favourite podcast app or listen to the full episode here: https://go.dbs.com/4dtPYk7

With home prices and mortgage rates continuing to stay elevated, albeit at a slower pace, planning your finances before buying a home is more crucial than ever. 🏡📈

😉 Here are some tips to help you navigate the challenges of buying a home in this macroeconomic environment: go.dbs.com/sg-buyhome

When Dr Shen Yiru broached the idea behind GentleFoods to her parents and some friends, they thought she was crazy.

“But I told myself, I want to do something that is meaningful and impacts people’s lives directly – and that I should do it while I was still young.”

Their initial offerings were limited to just a few items such as fish curry and chicken rice, packed in bento boxes that they publicised and sold on their e-commerce platform.

Then, Covid-19 happened.

“During this time, we approached corporations to sponsor the donation of our bento boxes to nursing homes. People were stuck there because of the lockdown, so these boxes brought a lot of joy.”

The journey has not been easy for Dr Shen, who went without a salary for three years. But her determination is now paying off.

Online sales are rising, and nursing homes and hospitals such as St Luke’s are now ordering meals for their patients. They now serve about 1,500 meals a day, freshly prepared and then frozen for easy steaming and serving.

Dr Shen is grateful for partners such as DBS, which believed in her vision.

“Singapore is well known for being multicultural and famous for its great food. I hope to do my bit and bring GentleFoods to the world.”

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In a six-part series with The Sunday Times, we are spotlighting individuals who have trusted their spark to catalyse impact. In this fourth instalment, scientist Dr Shen Yiru shares the power of nostalgia in making life brighter for individuals with swallowing difficulties.

Read the full article by features editor Wong Kim Hoh here: go.dbs.com/gentlefoods

Do what nourishes the human spirit. There’s a Spark in you. Feed it, nurture it, and change lives.

“What invigorates me even more is to see what I’ve come back to, the pride of the people here... All that gives me way more motivation than just simply competitiveness, to continue to do well to try and improve and persevere in the sport.” - kitefoiler, bronze medallist and DBS brand ambassador Max Maeder

Inspiring words from Max, who brings to life the spirit of excellence, resilience and passion that we truly believe in.

A big thanks to everyone who joined us at Saturday’s meet and greet with Max, held at Esplanade Mall’s Foreword Coffee. It was an inspiration hearing him share his journey and the Spark that keeps him going. In particular, Max shared some very important words his parents have supported him with, “We’ve got you.”

It gave him the assurance that it’s okay to have missteps, and the confidence to try again.

Addressing the many young people in the crowd, Max urged them to trust in their capabilities and not to give up if they don’t succeed at first “You’ll be surprised at how far you can go.”

After the meet and greet, we were honoured to host Max and his family as well as other national sailors on a boat parade around the Marina Bay on our DBS sailboats, a collaboration with the Singapore Sailing Federation.

Read more here: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/olympic-bronze-medallist-max-maeder-buoyed-by-support-keen-to-resume-racing-again-in-september

Step aside, spreadsheets – there’s a better way to keep track of your investments! 📊 By using DBS Vickers and digibank in tandem, you have the tools to view all your Central Depository Account (CDP) stockholdings, trade, get research, and perform stock analysis, all at your fingertips. 😎 📈


Not convinced? Read on: go.dbs.com/sg-vickersresearch

After absolutely smashing it at Marseille, where kitefoiler Max Maeder became the youngest Singaporean to win a medal, we were honoured to welcome him back with a special celebration at the office. Proud parents Valentin and Hwee Keng Maeder, along with 200 DBS fans and supporters, joined in on the fun. 😍😍

The mood was buzzing with laughter as Max, DBS' brand ambassador, shared jokes, stories, and some seriously inspirational advice. The best part? After the chat, some of our colleagues got the chance to get his autograph and take pictures with him!

A heartfelt congratulations to the Maeder family, and thank you for sharing your joy and warmth with all of us. You've truly inspired a nation, and we couldn't be prouder to have you as part of the DBS family.

Read more about what Max said: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/max-maeder-calls-on-more-corporate-bodies-to-back-singapore-athletes