DBS launches initiative to help heartland merchants build digital marketing skills
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean (left) shaking hands with Mr Lim Him Chuan, Singapore Country Head, DBS, at the launch of the Heartland Merchant Banking Package on April 6.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Follow topic:
SINGAPORE – Heartland merchants will soon be better equipped to grow their businesses online as part of an initiative by DBS Bank that aims to build the digital marketing know-how of these merchants.
The bank said on April 6 that it is offering online courses to equip merchants to go digital, so they can connect with new customers online and grow their customer base.
These courses will be made available to businesses that sign up for the Heartland Merchant Banking Package, which enables companies who partner with DBS to save up to $1,880 through waivers and cashback benefits.
Speaking to residents at the launch of the initiative at Oasis Terraces in Punggol, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, who anchors Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, said: “I’m very happy to see that companies like DBS are stepping up to support our local economy, our consumers, our seniors, our merchants as well.
“In this way, all of us can work together to prepare for an uncertain future and make sure that come what may, we will come through this together.”
SM Teo was joined by Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MPs
Noting that the world is going through a turbulent time, SM Teo added: “There are two major wars going on – very tragic wars. But there is also a very serious contestation between the two major powers in the world. Each of them is looking for dominance in a variety of areas, including in the economic domain.”
On April 2, US President Donald Trump announced a decision to impose sweeping tariffs on many countries.
Two days later, China retaliated with additional tariffs of 34 per cent on US goods.
Addressing this, SM Teo said: “This is going to cause a lot of disruptions in the whole world, with tariffs and counter-tariffs, and it will inevitably have an effect on us.
“So how do we respond, as a country, as a people? The most important thing is that we gird ourselves, prepare ourselves for the future by making sure that we remain strong and stable so that we gather all our strength to face whatever may come.”
Over 800 merchants and residents spent their morning at the launch of the DBS initiative, which is one of the bank’s moves to commemorate Singapore’s 60th birthday.
The event featured interactive stations for children to learn about healthy digital and financial habits, and a live-stream booth for merchants to better understand how to reach customers online.
Mr Alvin Chua, 46, owner of Seoul Good Korean Restaurant in Punggol East, was one merchant who tried his hand at promoting his stall’s Korean dishes on a TikTok Shop live stream for the first time.
He said: “Our regular customers have given great and continued support for Seoul Good Korean Restaurant. At the same time, we want to share our food with new groups of diners who may not live in the area.”
He added that the live stream was fun, and that he is looking forward to engaging more customers online.
Mr Lim Him Chuan, Singapore country head at DBS, said: “Heartland merchants play an essential role in society by providing the goods and services that fuel our daily lives. They are more than just businesses – they are the heart of our neighbourhoods and contribute greatly to our unique local heritage.
“DBS is privileged to have grown alongside the nation over the years, and we are excited to be paying tribute to our merchants and to continue supporting their growth in a digital economy.”
