THIS CHILDREN'S DAY, DBS FULFILS WISHES OF MORE THAN 400 CHILDREN

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Collaboration with 5 CDCs across Singapore part of DBS's commitment to help
children in the area of learning

SINGAPORE, 30 September 2008 - DBS Bank announced today that in conjunction with its 40th anniversary and Children's Day, it is collaborating with all five Community Development Councils (CDCs) in Singapore to help over 400 children in the area of learning. The initiative is in line with DBS' commitment to helping children in Asia in the area of learning.

Earlier this month, DBS asked children from low-income families to make their selections from a list of more than 10 educational items, which include study desks, desk lamps and schoolbags. In mid October, DBS staff volunteers will personally deliver the selected items to the children's doorstep.

"I firmly believe that nurturing our next generation is important as children are the future of Asia" said DBS chief executive Richard Stanley. "At DBS, we hope to help the children of Asia have a brighter future. This collaboration with the CDCs will equip many young lives with essential learning aids, and we feel privileged to be part of this initiative."

DBS' commitment to helping children in the area of learning was validated by a survey of 500 individuals in Singapore that it commissioned in late 2007. The survey found that three in four believe that educating the young is key to ensuring that Asia has a bright future. This was followed in importance by preservation of the environment (60%), the development of healthcare facilities (57%), a politically stable climate (57%) and an increase in military efforts to counter terrorism (48%). In addition, over 70%, or the bulk of the Singapore respondents, believe that education is the main means by which underprivileged children in Asia can attain a brighter future. The study also surveyed 500 people in Hong Kong who echoed the view that education is the key to the future of Asia.

Mr Matthias Yao, Mayor of South East District and Chairman of the Mayor's Committee, commented: "As we enter into a period of economic uncertainty, it is heartening to know that organisations like DBS are still willing to come forward and extend help to fellow Singaporeans. The CDCs are glad to work in partnership with DBS. It is very inspiring to see the bank's employees giving of their time and effort to the children from less fortunate families through this meaningful project. The CDCs encourage more well-wishers, companies or individuals, to do the same."

One child whose wishes has been fulfilled is nine-year old Poomesha d/o Neelameham from Southwest CDC. Motivated by her mother's struggle as a kidney dialysis patient, Poomesha aspires to become a doctor so that she can treat the sick and look after her mother when she grows up. She said happily: "Having my own desk will help me to study and learn more. And I will also get to go to the Night Safari with my mum. I am so excited as it will be my first time there!"

Earlier this year, DBS launched an initiative where DBS employees volunteered to create, develop and execute their own community projects to benefit the children of Asia. Over 1,300 DBS employees across the region rallied around the cause, and completed 80 projects in just 40 days, touching 8,300 young lives in 11 markets. Close to SGD 200,000 was raised.

 

About DBS
DBS is one of the largest financial services groups in Asia with operations in 16 markets. Headquartered in Singapore, DBS is the largest bank in the country 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.

As a bank that specialises in Asia, DBS leverages its deep understanding of the region, local culture and insights to serve and build lasting relationships with its clients. DBS provides the full range of services in corporate, SME, consumer and wholesale banking activities across Asia and the Middle East. The bank is committed to expand its pan-Asia franchise by leveraging its growing presence in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan to intermediate the increasing trade and investment flows between these markets. Likewise, DBS is focused on extending its end-to-end services to facilitate capital within fast-growing countries in Indonesia and India.

DBS acknowledges the passion, commitment and can-do spirit in each of its 15,000 staff, representing over 30 nationalities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.