SINGAPORE- United Overseas Bank (UOB) raised more than $1,250,000 for 13 beneficiaries that help underprivileged and special needs children and youth during its annual fun run on Sunday (July 8).

More than 17,000 people across the region, including in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Hong Kong and Thailand, participated in the UOB Heartbeat Run/Walk.

Participants in Singapore gathered at 6am at the Sports Hub to complete either a 3km family walk or a 5km or 10km run.

UOB deputy chairman and group chief executive Wee Ee Cheong, who completed the 10km run here, said: "At UOB, giving back to the community is very close to the hearts of our people. The UOB Heartbeat Run/Walk is one of the ways in which we unite as a bank across our key markets and do our part to help improve the lives of children and youth, especially those in need."

Beneficiaries of the run, which is in its 12th year, include the Autism Association (Singapore) Eden School, Association for Persons with Special Needs Chaoyang School, Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School and Dyslexia Association of Singapore.