United Overseas Bank (UOB) has raised over $1.86 million for charity at its annual Lunar New Year celebrations in Singapore, attended by approximately 1,200 Commercial Banking clients. The funds were collected through a bonsai appreciation workshop and a fundraising dinner with clients. Proceeds will be donated to several charities supporting children, education, and the arts, including The Business Times Budding Artists Fund, The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (ST SPMF), and Central Singapore CDC. Part of the funds will also help local enterprises with innovation initiatives under the UOB-Singapore Management University Asian Enterprise Institute.
UOB auctioned two artworks during the fundraising dinner on February 24, 2026. Mr Neo Kah Kiat, BBM, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Neo Group Limited, placed a winning bid of $258,888 for one piece. Mr Kelvin Lim, Executive Chairman of LHN Limited, secured another artwork for $188,000. On January 29, more than 40 clients joined Deputy Chairman and CEO Wee Ee Cheong in a bonsai appreciation workshop reflecting themes of growth and renewal associated with Lunar New Year. Following the workshop, UOB hosted a dinner for beneficiaries from ST SPMF, The Business Times Budding Artist Fund and Central Singapore CDC.
The first artwork auctioned was titled 志在千里 (Galloping Towards Greatness) by Leo Liu—2012 UOB Painting of the Year (Singapore) Platinum Award Winner—which features eight jade green horses symbolizing prosperity and growth. The second piece was 锦绣繁盛 (Prosperous Harmony) by Aaron Gan—2015 UOB Painting of the Year (Singapore) Gold Award winner—depicting nine golden koi fish representing unity and success alongside lotus flowers signifying peace and renewal.
Mr Wee Ee Cheong said: “Beyond business, we partner with stakeholders, including our clients, to support causes that matter by bringing together art, philanthropy and community engagement. We are heartened by our clients’ generosity as we continue to extend our support to children, education and the arts. Together, we aim to create meaningful and lasting impact for the wider community.”
Mr Neo Kah Kiat commented: “We value the strong and long-standing partnership we share with UOB. Beyond business, we appreciate the sense of togetherness that brings organisations and communities closer through meaningful initiatives that give back to society. We are encouraged by what we have achieved together and look forward to another year of steady progress, shared purpose, and continued collaboration with our stakeholders.”
Mr Kelvin Lim added: “Our partnership with UOB strengthens bonds beyond business, bringing organisations and the wider community together as we celebrate the Lunar New Year with warmth and joy. We value the opportunities for growth grounded in harmony and resilience, which have long been the foundation of our collaboration and shared commitment to meaningful initiatives.”
According to its official website, United Overseas Bank supports community initiatives focused on education and sustainable practices across ASEAN while providing financial solutions throughout the region (source). Since 2007,Wee Ee Cheong has served as Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at UOB (source). The bank operates an international network serving customers in ASEAN countries (source) while maintaining strong credit ratings within the financial industry (source). UOB aims to foster a brighter future for ASEAN communities through service-oriented strategies targeting customers’ needs (source).
