OCBC has announced a donation of $50,000 to support emergency relief efforts in Myanmar following a devastating earthquake. The funds, channelled through the Singapore Red Cross, aim to provide immediate humanitarian assistance, including essential supplies such as food, water, blankets, and hygiene kits.
Helen Wong, Group Chief Executive Officer of OCBC, expressed the bank’s condolences, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the significant loss of lives and damage caused by the devastating earthquake. Our hearts go out to those who have lost their loved ones and homes. We hope our donation will help those affected in some way.”
OCBC has a long-standing relationship with Myanmar, dating back to 1923 when the Oversea-Chinese Bank, one of the three banks that merged to form OCBC in 1932, opened its first branch in Rangoon. The bank has maintained a presence in Myanmar for 70 years, operating as a branch until 1963 and later as a representative office in Yangon from 1994 to 2015. In April 2015, OCBC was among the first foreign banks to receive regulatory approval to operate a branch in Myanmar.
In addition to the donation, OCBC has launched a staff support programme to ensure the welfare of its Myanmar branch colleagues and their families. From 3 April 2025, OCBC customers will be able to contribute to the relief efforts via the bank’s ATMs, internet banking, and mobile banking platforms, with all donations directed through the Singapore Red Cross.
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