Hong Kong, 13 Jul 2016 - DBS, which recently won the inaugural Euromoney award for World’s Best Digital Bank in recognition of its digital agenda, today introduced its innovative DBS BusinessClass programme to the SME community in Hong Kong.

From today, SMEs in Hong Kong, including startups, can harness the power of DBS BusinessClass to leverage a wide range of business opportunities. The programme, which includes the BusinessClass mobile app, provides members with access to industry experts, investors, fellow entrepreneurs, as well as to insightful news articles to help foster short-term and long-term business growth and success.

At the launch event today, which was officiated by the Under Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Dr David Chung, JP, key opinion leaders (KOLs) from the retail industry were invited to share their views on promoting closer collaboration between SMEs and industry experts, as well as to showcase DBS BusinessClass. Our KOLs included Ernestine Fu, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist, Erwin Huang, Deputy Chairman of TSL Jewellery (International) Ltd., Vincent Tsui, Chief Marketing Officer of Next Digital, Kenneth She, Head of Uber Hong Kong, and Ping Wong, Director of Internet Society HK.

Sebastian Paredes, Chief Executive Officer of DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, said, “At the heart of the DBS BusinessClass programme is our commitment to shape the future of finance by leveraging our pioneering digital innovations and comprehensive understanding of local SME needs. As a leader in SME banking, DBS Hong Kong can provide SMEs with the Asian network and digital edge to capitalise on business opportunities. Our customised and innovative solutions support sustainable SME growth, allowing customers more time to grow their business and to live more, bank less.”

Features of DBS BusinessClass:  

• Strengthened Connections - SME owners and entrepreneurs can reach out to any industry experts, potential partners and even investors.
• 24/7 No border - DBS BusinessClass members can seek advice from each other through private chat. If they have a burning question or an issue they are grappling with, they can start a topic, tag the appropriate advisors and initiate an online discussion with fellow entrepreneurs and experts anytime, anywhere.
• Interactions from Online to Offline - DBS BusinessClass members can also enjoy the privilege of taking part in exclusive events, such as roundtables, seminars and talks, where investors, entrepreneurs and industry experts will come together to discuss solutions to address challenges faced by SMEs. Key learnings and innovative ideas at each event will be published on the mobile app for further discussion.
• Instant Advising - SMEs can instantly reach DBS BusinessClass advisors through the app’s chat functions, and get their questions answered on the go.
• Bespoke Data Housekeeper Community managers will curate, select and tag relevant news and articles for DBS BusinessClass members every day so they can stay abreast of latest news and events that impact them directly.

In addition to Hong Kong, DBS BusinessClass is also available in Singapore and will be rolled out regionally so entrepreneurs can also connect with other SME owners from DBS’ other key markets, including mainland China, India, Indonesia and Taiwan.

The DBS BusinessClass mobile app can be downloaded for free on Google Play and iTunes App Store.

Photo Captions

Photo 1: (Left to right) Officiating at the DBS BusinessClass launch in Hong Kong today were Alex Cheung, Managing Director, Head of Institutional Banking Group, Hong Kong, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Sebastian Paredes, Chief Executive Officer of DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, the Under Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Dr David Chung, JP, and Ernestine Fu, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist.

Photo 2: A distinguished panel of key opinion leaders, including (left to right) Ping Wong, Director of Internet Society Hong Kong, Kenneth She, Head of Uber Hong Kong, Erwin Huang, Deputy Chairman of TSL Jewellery (International) Ltd., and Vincent Tsui, Chief Marketing Officer of Next Digital, shared their insights at the DBS BusinessClass launch event Panel Discussion session.

Photo 3: Speaking at the DBS BusinessClass launch event, Sebastian Paredes, Chief Executive Officer of DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, said, “At the heart of the DBS BusinessClass programme is our commitment to shape the future of finance by leveraging our pioneering digital innovations and comprehensive understanding of local SME needs. As a leader in SME banking, DBS Hong Kong can provide SMEs with the Asian network and digital edge to capitalise on business opportunities.”

Photo 4: Alex Cheung, Managing Director, Head of Institutional Banking Group, Hong Kong, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, said in his speech that DBS BusinessClass is designed to help SMEs and entrepreneurs grow their business network and equip themselves with greater market insights.

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About DBS
DBS - Living, Breathing Asia

DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia, with over 280 branches across 18 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS has a growing presence in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's capital position, as well as "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings, is among the highest in Asia-Pacific. DBS has been recognised for its leadership in the region, having been named “Asia’s Best Bank” by The Banker, a member of the Financial Times group, and “Best Bank in Asia-Pacific” by Global Finance. The bank has also been named “Safest Bank in Asia” by Global Finance for seven consecutive years from 2009 to 2015.

DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. The bank is also at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, and positively impacting communities through supporting social enterprises, as it banks the Asian way. It has also established a SGD 50 million foundation to strengthen its corporate social responsibility efforts in Singapore and across Asia.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. The bank acknowledges the passion, commitment and can-do spirit in all of our 22,000 staff, representing over 40 nationalities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.