DBS Bank India, celebrating three decades of its presence in the country, has announced the launch of the ‘India-Singapore Connect’ initiative in collaboration with CNBC-TV18. This strategic initiative aims to deepen the bilateral relationship between India and Singapore by fostering collaboration and dialogue across various sectors, including trade, investment, technology, and cultural exchange.

According to a press release, its inception in 1994 with its first office in Mumbai, DBS Bank has been a key player in India’s banking landscape. The ‘India-Singapore Connect’ initiative marks a significant milestone in DBS Bank’s journey in India, underlining its commitment to strengthening the ties between these two vibrant economies. The initiative is designed to bring together stakeholders from diverse sectors in both countries to identify synergies and create opportunities for mutual growth.

Surojit Shome, Managing Director and CEO of DBS Bank India, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “As we celebrate three decades of growth in the country, DBS Bank reaffirms its commitment to India and to continuing to deliver value to customers as a trusted partner over many more decades to come. We envision the ‘India-Singapore Connect’ to be both a celebration of strong bilateral ties, while also looking ahead to further deepen existing relationships and forging new ones through meaningful interchange between both countries. As the largest bank in South-East Asia, it is a privilege for DBS to be able to catalyze greater collaboration between India and Singapore.”

The ‘India-Singapore Connect’ initiative will unfold over the course of the year, leveraging DBS Bank’s established networks in both Singapore and India. It will include contributions from government leaders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, economists, and opinion leaders, offering insights on key themes such as regional trade, investment flows, innovation, emerging technology, sustainable development, and cross-cultural interests.

The campaign will commence with a curtain-raiser episode featuring an interview with Piyush Gupta, CEO and Director of DBS Group, conducted by Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor of CNBC-TV18. This discussion will focus on the evolution of the India-Singapore corridor and how its strengths can serve as a blueprint for developing successful economic and people-to-people relationships between the two nations.

The initiative will culminate in an exclusive event, the ‘India-Singapore Connect Summit,’ hosted in Mumbai. This summit will bring together thought leaders and dignitaries from across the region to share insights and discuss actionable pathways for inclusive growth.

Reflecting on the partnership, Shereen Bhan remarked, “As India’s premier business news platform, we at CNBC-TV18 are passionate about curating meaningful conversations and focusing on issues that matter. We are proud to partner with DBS Bank India on the ‘India-Singapore Connect’ campaign that touches upon many transformational trends, as seen through the eyes of corporate and cultural leaders in two of Asia’s fastest-growing economies. It presents us with an invaluable opportunity to combine forces with DBS Bank to help develop an important bilateral relationship.”

DBS Bank India Limited, known for being the first large foreign bank in India to operate as a wholly-owned, locally incorporated subsidiary, continues to provide a range of banking services to enterprises and individual consumers. Through initiatives like ‘India-Singapore Connect,’ DBS Bank reaffirms its dedication to enhancing customer experiences and fostering growth in both India and Singapore.