DBS TO BRING MARINA RESERVOIR TO LIFE WITH THE INAUGURAL DBS MARINA REGATTA

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The regatta is the first-ever international dragon boat competition to be held in Singapore since 2000



SNGAPORE, 7 February 2012 – DBS today announced the launch of the inaugural DBS Marina Regatta, a new international competition for the Asian sport of dragon boating.

The DBS Marina Regatta will be held annually in partnership with the Singapore Dragon Boat Association (SDBA). The regatta is billed to be the biggest international water sports competition in Singapore and its first international dragon boat competition since 2000.

The regatta which will take place in the Marina Reservoir – against the backdrop of the new Marina Bay city skyline and on the doorstep of DBS’ new headquarters at Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3 – will bring this vibrant Asian sport to the heart of Singapore’s new financial district.

“As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS believes in the importance of Asian culture. Dragon boating, with its long Asian heritage and pan-Asian appeal, is a key part of our Asian culture. This is a great opportunity for DBS to play a part in supporting the development of the international dragon boat sporting scene and broadening the spectator appeal of the sport,” said Sim S. Lim, Country Head for Singapore, DBS.

“The DBS Marina Regatta will bring more life and excitement to the Marina Reservoir,” added Sim. As a traditional sport that has evolved with the times, dragon boating symbolises a new Asia that has similarly progressed over the years.

As the largest bank in Singapore and a leading bank in Asia, DBS has been synonymous with the region's growth. With its presence in the three key axes of growth in Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia, DBS has played a key role in connecting and helping Asian businesses grow regionally.

DBS recognises the importance of encouraging cross-border interactions between communities in Asia. Dragon boating has grown to become a pan-Asian sport with a unique ability to connect Asia: the sport is now present in more than 70 countries including DBS’ six key markets in Singapore, Hong Kong, China, India, Indonesia and Taiwan. DBS will play a significant role in driving the further development of a truly pan-Asian sport in Singapore.

SDBA will lend their expertise in organising the competition and encourage the participation of international and local dragon boat teams. Dr Lam Pin Min, President of the SDBA said, “This is SDBA’s 25th year and we are excited to partner DBS to organise the DBS Marina Regatta. After a gap of more than 10 years, international dragon boat racing has once again returned to Singapore waters in a very big way at the iconic venue of Marina Reservoir. DBS’ strong support for this prestigious international event will definitely raise the profile of dragon boating both locally and internationally."

DBS will oversee the non-competition aspects of the regatta, such as marketing and branding, and fringe activities at the competition venue for athletes and spectators. DBS is also providing S$70,000 in cash prizes for the overall winners of the following races: DBS Premier Open (22 crew), DBS Premier Women (12 crew), DBS Premier Mixed (22 crew) and DBS Tertiary Mixed (22 crew).

The DBS Marina Regatta will be held from 4 to 6 May this year. The races are divided into international and local categories. The international category will feature the DBS Premier Open (22 crew), DBS Premier Women (12 crew) and DBS Premier Mixed (22 crew) races, while the local category will comprise DBS Tertiary Mixed (22 crew), Singapore Corporate Open (12 crew), Singapore International Community Open (12 crew) and Singapore Community Open (12 crew). (More details on each race are available in Annex A.)

Registration for the international category commences on 7 February 2012 and closes on 12 March 2012. Registration for the local category will open in March 2012. Interested teams can find more details online at http://www.dbs.com/marinaregatta.

About DBS

DBS - Living, Breathing Asia

DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia, with over 200 branches across 15 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is a market leader in Singapore with over four million customers and also has a growing presence in the three key Asian axes of growth, namely, Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's strong capital position, as well as "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings that are among the highest in the Asia-Pacific region, earned its Global Finance's "Safest Bank in Asia" accolade for three consecutive years, in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

DBS provides the full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking activities across Asia and the Middle East. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. This market insight and regional connectivity have helped to drive the bank’s growth as it sets out to be the Asian bank of choice. The bank believes that building lasting relationships with its customers is an integral part of banking the Asian way.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. The bank acknowledges the passion, commitment and can-do spirit in all of our 18,000 staff, representing over 30 nationalities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.

About Singapore Dragon Boat Association (SDBA)

Founded in 1987, the Singapore Dragon Boat Association is the national sports association for dragon boating in Singapore, and a member of the International Dragon Boat Federation, the Asia Dragon Boat Federation and the South East Asia Traditional Boat Association.

The Singapore Dragon Boat is partnering DBS to present the inaugural DBS Marina Regatta, an event which will position Singapore as the centre for dragon boat events, at the Marina Reservoir in May 2012.



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For more information, please contact:

Fen Peh
Group Strategic Marketing & Communications
DBS Bank
Email: fenpeh@dbs.com
Tel: (65) 9278 0089 / (65) 6878 6519
Fax: (65) 6222 4478

Joey Chen
Group Strategic Marketing & Communications
DBS Bank
Email: joeychensiru@dbs.com
Tel: (65) 90900705 / (65) 6878 5398
Fax: (65) 6222 4478
Should you wish to remove your name from our distribution list, kindly inform us at gsmc@dbs.com.

Thank you.

Group Strategic Marketing & Communications
DBS Bank

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