Mr Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and CEO, UOB (centre), Mr Frederick Chin, Head of Wholesale Banking and Markets, UOB (fifth from left), Mr Eric Lian, Head of Group Commercial Banking, UOB (first from left) and winning bidders Mr Neo Kah Kiat, BBM, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Neo Group Limited (second from left) and Mr Kelvin Lim, Executive Chairman of LHN Limited.
Singapore, 25 February 2026 – UOB, joined by about 1,200 Commercial Banking clients, raised more than $1,868,888 for charity as part of the Bank’s annual Lunar New Year festive celebrations.
The funds, raised through a bonsai appreciation workshop and a fundraising dinner with clients, will be donated to various charities to support children, educational causes and the arts. These charities include The Business Times Budding Artists Fund,The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (ST SPMF) and Central Singapore CDC. The proceeds will also support local enterprises in their innovation efforts under the UOB-Singapore Management University Asian Enterprise Institute.
Mr Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, UOB, 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.”
As part of the fundraising efforts, UOB auctioned two pieces of artworks, and the winning bids were made by Mr Neo Kah Kiat, BBM, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Neo Group Limited and Mr Kelvin Lim, Executive Chairman of LHN Limited for bids of $258,888 and $188,000 respectively at the fundraising dinner on 24 February 2026. More than 40 clients, together with Mr Wee, also participated in a bonsai appreciation workshop on 29 January 2026, reflecting the Lunar New Year themes of growth and renewal. After the workshop, UOB also hosted a dinner for the beneficiaries from ST SPMF, The Business Times Budding Artist Fund and Central Singapore CDC.
Titled 志在千里 (Galloping Towards Greatness) by Leo Liu, the first piece is a commissioned artwork by artist Mr Leo Liu, 2012 UOB Painting of the Year (Singapore) Platinum Award Winner. The art piece showcases eight jade green horses surging forward with power and vigour. As the number eight symbolises prosperity and continual growth, it conveys auspicious meaning for flourishing opportunities and business success.
The second art piece, titled 锦绣繁盛 (Prosperous Harmony) by Mr Aaron Gan, 2015 UOB Painting of the Year (Singapore) Gold Award, Established Artist Category. The painting features nine golden koi gliding elegantly through tranquil waters, symbolising unity, abundant wealth and rising success. Paired together with the lotus (荷, hé) playing on its shared pronunciation with harmony (和, hé), embodying peace and unity. The soft, blooming flowers also represents renewal and flourishing growth
Mr Neo Kah Kiat, BBM, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Neo Group Limited, said, “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, Executive Chairman of LHN Limited, said, “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.”
