DBS BANK APPOINTS CHARLES G. NEWTON, JR. TO HEAD CORPORATE RELATIONS

SINGAPORE, Oct 6, 1999 -- DBS Bank today named Charles G. Newton, Jr. as Managing Director - Corporate Relations.

In the new post, he will be responsible for DBS' corporate identity and brand management; corporate advertising; management and employee communication; shareholder and financial communication; and news media relations.

"We're excited to have Chuck on the DBS team," said John T. Olds, Vice Chairman and CEO. "His experience in banking and finance, in corporate communication, and in Asia and international markets will be a tremendous resource for us during this important stage in DBS Bank's history."

Newton brings to DBS more than 30 years of corporate and financial communication experience in industries ranging from financial services and government to chemicals and transportation. He has lived and worked in the region since 1987, and most recently served as Chairman of Burson-Marsteller's Asia/Pacific Corporate Practice. Burson-Marsteller is the world's largest public relations/public affairs consulting firm.

Prior to joining Burson-Marsteller in New York in 1981, he held posts with US firms RuderFinn, Boston Edison Company and Northwest Airlines. He holds an MBA from Babson College, and a BSc in Mass Communication from Boston University.