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DBS LAUNCHES LOAN TO HELP SMES DEVELOP MANAGEMENT TALENT

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Loan scheme first of its kind for SMEs in Singapore

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SINGAPORE, 28 Jan 2008 - DBS Bank today officially launched Singapore's first dedicated loan scheme aimed at helping bosses and managers from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop management expertise and know-how.

The DBS Enterprise Education Loan scheme is the first to lend direct support to SMEs following SPRING Singapore's call to SME bosses to upgrade their management talent to take their companies to the next level.

Edwin Khoo, head of Enterprise Banking, said: "Whilst many SMEs recognise the need to nurture talent, this priority has often been neglected due to many other competing demands of the business. However, it is critical for SMEs to build a strong management team which is kept abreast of best practices in business management, market developments and areas by which they can differentiate themselves. By training and developing this talent pool, SMEs can attract and retain their best talent and have an edge in the global marketplace."

Under the DBS Enterprise Education Loan scheme, each SME can borrow up to
SGD 200,000 from the bank to fund expenses incurred by staff pursuing management education in local or foreign universities. These costs include not only tuition fees for the study programme, but also related travel expenses for their overseas project work and business missions. No collateral is required. What is unique about the scheme is the flexibility that the SME has in servicing only the interest for the duration of the programme.

Said SPRING Singapore Deputy Chief Executive Png Cheong Boon: "With business getting more complex and dynamic, and with increased global competition, companies need more than ever to build their management capabilities for greater competitiveness. SMEs can definitely do with more resources to invest in formal training for their management team. We are happy that DBS is committed to enabling SMEs in this area, by providing them better access to capital. More SMEs will now be able to build a strong management team to support their growth plans."

DBS Enterprise Banking is the premier financial institution for SMEs in Singapore , with a dominant SME market share.

About DBS

Headquartered in Singapore, DBS is one of the largest financial services groups in Asia with operations in 15 markets. The largest bank in Singapore as measured by assets, and a leading bank in Hong Kong, DBS’ "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the Asia-Pacific region. DBS has leading positions in corporate, SME and consumer banking, treasury and markets, wealth management, securities brokerage, equity and debt fund raising. Beyond the anchor markets of Singapore and Hong Kong, DBS serves corporate, institutional and retail customers through its operations in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and The Philippines. More information about DBS Group Holdings and DBS Bank can be obtained from our website www.dbs.com.