United Overseas Bank (UOB) welcomed the Vice Governor of Shandong Province, Zhang Haibo, and his delegation to Punggol Digital District, a key smart district in Singapore, as part of the 2026 Singapore-Shandong Week. The visit aimed to explore how digital innovation and smart infrastructure can bolster economic transformation and competitiveness.
Hosted by Tan Choon Hin, Head of ASEAN and Greater China at UOB, the delegation toured the district to understand Singapore’s integration of digital infrastructure and advanced technologies. Tan remarked, “The visit provided a valuable opportunity to discuss ideas on innovation, digital transformation and cross-border collaboration.”
The event coincides with the 2026 Singapore-Shandong Week, designed to enhance economic cooperation between Singapore and Shandong in areas such as trade, investment, and digitalisation. UOB, a longstanding connector between China and ASEAN, has been pivotal in supporting Chinese enterprises’ regional expansion, particularly into Southeast Asia.
A notable example of UOB’s efforts is its partnership with Hengfeng Bank, which has facilitated over RMB10b in business flows since 2020. This collaboration has supported more than 30 companies across sectors like artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. Additionally, UOB structured a $10 million (US$10 million) cross-border financing solution for a Shandong manufacturer investing in Vietnam.
The visit highlights the growing importance of digitalisation in strengthening economic ties between Singapore, Shandong, and the ASEAN region. UOB continues to connect enterprises with opportunities and expertise across ASEAN through its extensive network and partnerships.
