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Dr Wee Cho Yaw, visionary, banker extraordinaire, community pillar and celebrated pioneer, is highly regarded in Singapore and internationally.

He retired from the UOB Board in 2018 following more than 60 years at the helm of the UOB Group. Under his leadership and guidance, UOB became one of the leading banks in Asia. The Bank’s regional network grew from 75 to more than 500 branches and offices and through disciplined and sustainable growth, assets increased from $2.8 billion to more than $253 billion.

While Dr Wee was at the helm, UOB
  • 1965
    Opened 1st overseas branch in Hong Kong
  • 1971
    Acquired majority stake in Chung Khiaw Bank (CKB)
    Opened Tokyo branch
  • 1973
    Acquired Lee Wah Bank
  • 1975
    Opened London branch
  • 1977
    Opened New York agency
  • 1980
    Opened Los Angeles agency
  • 1983
    Opened Seoul representative office
  • 1984
    Opened Beijing representative office
  • 1985
    Expanded into Sydney and Xiamen
  • 1986
    Expanded into Vancouver
  • 1987
    Acquired majority interest in Industrial & Commercial Bank in Singapore
  • 1992
    Set up representative office in Vietnam 
    Set up Taipei representative office
  • 1994
    Expanded into Yangon
  • 1997
    Subsidiary UOB Malaysia merged with subsidiary CKB Malaysia
  • 1998
    Opened Shanghai branch
  • 1999
    Acquired Westmont Bank in the Philippines
    Acquired Radanasin Bank in Thailand
  • 2001
    Acquired Overseas Union Bank in Singapore
  • 2004
    Acquired 96.1% in Bank of Asia Public Company in Thailand
  • 2005
    Increased controlling stake of PT Bank Buana in Indonesia to 61.1%
  • 2009
    Opened Mumbai branch
  • 2010
    Merged PT Bank UOB Indonesia with PT Bank UOB Buana
  • 2015
    Completed full acquisition of Far Eastern Bank in Singapore
    Officially opened Yangon branch, adding to UOB’s unparalled Southeast Asian network
Dr Wee has received many accolades for his business achievements and support of education, community welfare and the business community. Among the awards conferred on him are the Distinguished Service Order, Singapore’s highest National Day Award, ASEAN Business Advisory Council Legacy Award for Singapore and Honorary Degrees of Doctor of Letters from the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University.  

In recognition of his contributions and given his wealth of experience and insight, he remains as Chairman Emeritus and an Honorary Adviser to the Board.
Board of Directors
Group Management Committee
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