Turning hope into smiles, Bank DBS Indonesia and Make-A-Wish® Indonesia hold Wish Day for children with critical illnesses | Bahasa

Indonesia, 21 Aug 2025 - Elsa, portrayed as courageous in the animated film Frozen, is a source of inspiration for Hanna, a 4-year-old girl who is battling thalassemia. Hanna's admiration for Elsa helps her to remain optimistic about her treatment. Moved by Hanna's tenacity, Bank DBS Indonesia and DBS Foundation collaborated with Make-A-Wish® Indonesia to organise Wish Day on the theme of her favorite movie. The event marked the first collaboration between the two parties to bring hope, happiness, and emotional strength to children with critical illnesses.

“Today, Hanna showed us the crucial role the power of inspiration plays in every step of her journey. Seeing Hanna's smile and enthusiasm today reminds us that every little moment can bring about big changes for children with critical illnesses. We are motivated to give children like Hanna an experience that inspires hope, not only to bring momentary happiness but also to cultivate hope and enthusiasm for the future, in accordance with Bank DBS Indonesia's vision to create a positive impact beyond banking activities or Impact Beyond Banking," said Mona Monika, Head of Group Strategic Marketing & Communications at PT Bank DBS Indonesia.

The need for hope is becoming more noticeable considering the state of children with critical illnesses in Indonesia. Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the body’s ability to produce hemoglobin so sufferers often experience severe anemia and require routine treatment. In Indonesia, it is estimated that around 6-10 percent of the population, or 2.5-5 million people, are carriers of thalassemia. The World Health Organisation also notes that 5 percent of the world's population carries the thalassemia genes, with 300-400 thousand babies born each year with severe thalassemia.

In the face of these challenges, Wish Day can create hope and positive energy for children with critical illnesses and their families. Research by Make-A-Wish® International found that 90 percent of parents saw that the fulfillment of their child’s wish provided distraction and relief from the challenges of their illness. Meanwhile, 92 percent of critically ill children whose wishes were granted reported an improvement in their well-being as a result of their wish experience, and 90 percent said they felt more enthusiastic about the future. These findings motivated Bank DBS Indonesia and Make-A-Wish® Indonesia to give Hanna a fun and inspiring experience to keep her spirits up and maintain her happiness during her treatment.

Hanna's Wish Day created an imaginative experience: ice skating with professional instructors dressed in Elsa costumes to the accompaniment of the iconic soundtrack Let It Go as well as an Elsa-themed gift-opening session. These moments were made possible by Bank DBS Indonesia’s employees engaged in the People of Purpose (PoP) volunteer programme who accompanied Hanna in every activity to make the Wish Day an unforgettable experience.

The activity was part of Bank DBS Indonesia's ongoing collaboration with Make-A-Wish® Indonesia that covers multiple programmes to bring hope, creativity, and meaningful experiences to children with critical illnesses through four main programmes. One of them is Adopt-A-Wish®, which is a Train-the-Trainer Wish Workshop to equip 20 master trainers from Bank DBS Indonesia. The master trainers will then train up to 200 other employees through internal activation. This initiative is also a tangible manifestation of Bank DBS Indonesia's commitment to its aspiration to be the Best Bank for a Better World.

Head of Group Strategic Marketing and Communications at PT Bank DBS Indonesia Mona Monika and Head of Operations at Make-A-Wish® Indonesia Yani Sinulingga joined Hanna's Wish Day in Jakarta on Thursday (August 21, 2025). The event, themed after the animated film Frozen, was enlivened by Nicole Inara, a figure skater who brought the unique atmosphere of the ice world from the movie to life. The entire Wish Day event was organised by Bank DBS Indonesia’s employees who are engaged in the People of Purpose (PoP) volunteer programme to provide a fun and inspiring interactive experience for Hanna as she battles thalassemia. The activity was part of Bank DBS Indonesia's ongoing collaboration with Make-A-Wish® Indonesia to create hope, happiness, and emotional strength for children with critical illnesses.

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About DBS

DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.

Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia” award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024.

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.

Established in 1989 as part of the Singapore-based DBS Group, PT Bank DBS Indonesia (Bank DBS Indonesia) is one of the banks with the longest history in Asia. Currently operating 1 Head Office, 13 Branch Offices, 16 Assistant Offices, 1 Functional Office and 3,011 active employees in 15 Major Cities in Indonesia, Bank DBS Indonesia provides comprehensive banking services that focus on the customer experience to 'Live more, Bank less'. We also see a purpose beyond banking and are committed to supporting our customers, employees, and the community towards a sustainable future. 

PT Bank DBS Indonesia is licensed and supervised by The Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK), and an insured member of Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).

DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.

About DBS Foundation

Established in 2014, DBS Foundation is committed to uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact. It aims to bring hope to those with less today, so no one is left behind and we can all face the future with confidence.

In 2024, DBS committed up to SGD 1 billion dollars over the next decade to support vulnerable communities. It also pledged to contribute 1.5 million employee volunteer hours over the same period.

Together with an ecosystem of like-minded partners, DBS Foundation seeks to create impact that goes beyond banking, beyond borders, and beyond generations.

For more information, please visit: www.dbs.com/dbsfoundation.