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UOB Private Bank brings next-generation leaders to the frontlines of China’s innovation economy
Five days. Two cities. One immersive journey for Asia's future family business and wealth stewards.
Participants and speakers of UOB Private Bank’s 2026 Next Generation Programme during a company visit to Unitree Robotics in Hangzhou.
Singapore, 17 September 2026 – UOB Private Bank brought the next generation of Asia's wealth and business leaders and future family stewards into the heart of China's innovation economy through its 2026 Next Generation Programme, held in Shanghai and Hangzhou from 31 August to 4 September 2026.
Now in its sixth run since its launch in 2020 and its third international edition, the programme reflects UOB Private Bank's commitment to helping clients achieve generational success. Beyond wealth management, it supports families in preparing future leaders to navigate the opportunities and responsibilities of multi-generational wealth, business ownership and stewardship.
Developed with the Wealth Management Institute (WMI) and the China Europe International Business School Centre for Family Heritage, the programme combines academic rigour with immersive real-world experiences. Unlike traditional next-generation programmes that focus primarily on wealth and investment topics, UOB Private Bank takes a broader approach, exposing participants to leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, technology and the forces shaping Asia's future.
The five-day programme brought together 26 participants from seven markets, giving them direct access to business leaders, academics and companies at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, digital finance, renewable energy, consumer brands and the creator economy.
This year’s programme took place amid renewed investor interest in China, particularly in sectors aligned with the country’s long-term innovation agenda. UOB’s Hong Kong-related trading activity rose nearly 80 per cent from 2024 to 2025, driven largely by yield-enhancement and accumulation structures. This suggests that investors are increasingly looking for opportunities to rebuild exposure to China’s growth potential, while maintaining a disciplined and selective approach to risk.
This growing interest is also evident in the technology-heavy ChiNext market. Turnover rose from CNY18.2 billion in 2024 to CNY35.0 billion in 2025, and reached CNY45.1 billion year-to-date in 2026, exceeding last year’s total. The trend suggests that investors are increasingly differentiating between China’s cyclical economic challenges and its long-term opportunities, particularly in the areas of AI, semiconductors, automation and advanced manufacturing.
Mr Chew Mun Yew, Head of UOB Private Bank, said, “Preparing the next generation goes beyond transferring wealth. Increasingly, our clients want to ensure that their next generation are equipped not only to inherit wealth, but also to steward businesses, make sound decisions and uphold the values that shaped their family’s success.
At UOB Private Bank, we believe true wealth stewardship is measured across generations. That is why our role extends beyond managing wealth today to helping families prepare future leaders for tomorrow. Through our Next Generation Programme, participants gain first-hand exposure to the people, ideas and innovations shaping Asia’s future, equipping them with the perspectives, networks and experiences needed to lead with confidence and purpose.
As UOB continues to invest in its wealth management business across ASEAN, we are strengthening not only our advisory capabilities, product platforms and regional network, but also the experiences and opportunities we provide to clients and their families. Supporting the next generation is a natural extension of this commitment, reflecting our belief that enduring wealth is built not just through financial success, but through the ability to sustain family values, purpose and continuity across generations.”
A live classroom for innovation, leadership and stewardship
Built around the themes of Entrepreneurship, Digital, Innovation and Technology (EDIT), the 2026 programme combined classroom learning with immersive exposure to China's innovation ecosystem. In Shanghai, participants explored the country's financial, fintech and entrepreneurial landscape, while Hangzhou offered insights into advances in robotics, embodied AI and intelligent hardware.
Beyond technology and innovation, the programme examined family business succession, responsible ownership and family office management, helping participants understand the responsibilities of leading enterprises and stewarding wealth across generations.
Through visits to companies including Unitree Robotics, Ant Group, Jinko Power, YX Digital and Semir Group, participants gained first-hand insights into how businesses commercialise innovation, scale new technologies and navigate evolving market opportunities. Discussions with founders, senior executives and industry leaders brought these lessons to life, offering practical perspectives on leadership, strategic decision-making and long-term growth. The programme also featured a fireside chat on innovation and internationalisation, using CP Group as a case study.
Mr Yeo Zong Han, one of this year’s participants, shared, "Coming from a labour-intensive industry, one of the highlights of the programme was visiting Unitree Robotics and seeing first-hand the developments in robotics and how this could potentially transform the way businesses operate. Beyond learning about new technologies, the opportunity to connect directly with companies and explore potential collaborations made my experience especially valuable. Most importantly, the programme gave me fresh perspectives that I can bring back to our business in Singapore as we think about its future growth and transformation."
Ms Foo Mee Har, Chief Executive Officer of WMI, said: “Next-generation family leaders are preparing to become stewards of significant businesses and family capital in a world being reshaped by AI, technology and new business models. Through direct engagement with founders, entrepreneurs and companies in China, this programme gives them first-hand exposure to the mindset, ambition and the extraordinary scale and speed of innovation, entrepreneurship and business transformation taking place. Drawing on WMI’s deep expertise in family wealth education across Asia, we are privileged to partner UOB Private Bank, which has a long track record of supporting businesses across generations, to help the next generation navigate succession and carry their families’ legacies forward with purpose.”
Beyond the programme
The learning journey extends beyond the five-day experience. Participants join UOB Private Bank's growing Next Generation alumni network, connecting them with peers across Asia who are navigating similar questions around family, business and wealth. Through these relationships and continued engagement opportunities, the Bank seeks to foster a community of future leaders and family stewards who can learn from one another's experiences and perspectives.
