Regional trade momentum was in focus at the Gateway to ASEAN Conference, where business leaders discussed strategies to respond to shifting global dynamics
Singapore, 16 October 2025 UOB today reported strong growth across its cross-border business in ASEAN and Greater China, as companies continue to reconfigure supply chains in the region. These developments were shared at the Bank’s Gateway to ASEAN Conference, themed “Reshaping Global Supply Chain Pathways”.
The shift in global supply chains, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, has accelerated due to trade tensions and broad-based tariffs. ASEAN has emerged as a key beneficiary, with businesses moving sourcing, production and sales into the region to mitigate risks. According to UNCTAD's World Investment Report, inbound foreign direct investments into ASEAN reached US$225 billion in 2024. UOB projects this figure to grow to US$370 billion by 2030.
As companies reconfigure their supply chains, UOB has seen increased demand for trade and Financial Supply Chain Management (FSCM) financing, digital payments and collections solutions.
UOB Infinity, the Bank’s digital platform for cash management, trade services and FSCM, continues to gain traction. In the first half of 2025, FSCM anchors grew by 21 per cent and spokes increased by 18 per cent year-on-year, with over two-thirds being ASEAN-based companies.
Digital payments accounted for 90 per cent of total transaction volumes in the first half of 2025, reflecting sustained business momentum across both domestic and cross-border electronic channels.
To enhance supply chain connectivity and working capital efficiency, UOB has developed industry-leading solutions incorporating sector insights. Through a dedicated FSCM program management team and streamlined credit onboarding, the Bank is able to onboard suppliers at scale, including deep-tier suppliers beyond direct partners. With financing extended further into their ecosystems, corporates benefit from improved business continuity and competitiveness.
Today, UOB hosted the Gateway to ASEAN Conference at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Into its fourth year, the annual gathering of regional business leaders brought together more than 1,000 attendees in-person and online.
This year’s conference addressed the strategic role that ASEAN plays as companies reconfigure their supply chains in response to global trade tensions.
- Mr Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UOB, delivered the opening address to welcome delegates to the conference.
- Mr Frederick Chin, Head of Group Wholesale Banking and Global Markets at UOB, helmed a fireside chat on supply chain shifts and nearshoring in ASEAN.
- Mr Amit Mohta, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Unilever International and Mr Donghyun Kim (Don Kim), Chief International Business Officer at Lotte Shopping Holdings, spoke on a global panel on reshaping global supply chain pathways.
- Mr Choy Dawen, Chief Financial Officer of Changi Airport Group, presented a showcase about the company’s vision for the future of aviation and how financial ecosystems are supporting operational efficiency through supplier relationships.
UOB also launched the Gateway to ASEAN Paper, a strategic study that explores how global businesses are navigating supply chain shifts, investment priorities and the region’s expanding economic influence.
The Paper found that:
- 75 per cent of global executives plan to reconfigure their supply chains within the next three to five years.
- 52 per cent of businesses are considering nearshoring within the next three years.
- 45 per cent of companies looking at ASEAN investments intend to build local supply chains.
- Singapore will attract the largest investments in the Asia-Pacific region, with businesses allocating more capital for the city-state than any other market.
- China is also a top investment destination, with 15 per cent of businesses prioritising it over the next three years.
- 70 per cent of businesses want banks to help manage tariff exposure, foreign exchange volatility and trade finance.
The full Gateway to ASEAN Paper is available here.
UOB's Mr Frederick Chin said, “Global supply chains are being reshaped rapidly, driven by trade realignments, and ASEAN is benefitting from strong trade and capital flows. As these shifts accelerate, businesses need trusted strategic partners who can provide connectivity and insight across borders. We are confident in our track record of being the right partner as our clients seize the region’s growth potential.
