United Overseas Bank Malaysia Bhd (UOB) has expanded its partnerships with top brands across the region, in line with UOB’s objective of building the future of ASEAN, serving and connecting more than seven million customers across the region, when the acquisition of Citigroup’s consumer banking businesses in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam is completed.
The partnerships will also reinforce UOB’s existing strong position in ASEAN, with the bank’s total year-to-date billings in the region growing by almost 30 percent year-on-year in September 2022 as borders reopen region-wide, it said in a statement.
“This is more than 10 percent higher versus pre-COVID levels in 2019. UOB’s total year-to-date cross-border billings also experienced more than 80 percent year-on-year growth during the same period. Given projections[1] of an estimated 430 million more passengers flying into the Asia Pacific this year compared to 2021, UOB is well-positioned via these partnerships to capitalise on the resurgent travel outlook for the region,” it added.
Working with established names such as Singapore Airlines (SIA), The MICHELIN Guide, Club21 and Shopee, the Bank further augments its rewards programme for UOB customers by offering cross-border discounts, attractive rewards and unique experiences to UOB cardholders in the region.
These deals can be accessed via the UOB Mighty app and UOB’s the Travel Insider, a one-stop platform that aims to inspire customers to pick up ideas, guides and tips for their trips via featured key opinion leaders, as well as personalise their holiday itineraries with the best deals for flights, accommodation, packages and activities.
Jacquelyn Tan, Head, Group Personal Financial Services, UOB said, “Every customer is unique, and at UOB, we are continuously expanding our catalogue of deals and rewards to ensure that there is an abundance of choices for every lifestyle, passion and need. We are honoured and excited about the strength of the brands that are coming on board, and the exclusive privileges they are extending to our customers across the region.
“Our partners share our ambition to serve consumers living in and connecting within ASEAN, and this is how we differentiate ourselves as a true regional bank, where geographical borders are not limiting factors to us providing the best rewards to our cardholders across the region.
Ronnie Lim, Managing Director and Country Head of Personal Financial Services, UOB Malaysia said, “We are excited to expand our partnership with these regional brands to ensure that we continue to offer a robust suite of regional and local deals that is relevant to our cardholders.”
This includes Citi cardholders, who have recently been transferred to UOB following the completion of our acquisition of Citigroup’s consumer banking business. All UOB cardholders can look forward to more benefits, a wider range of privileges and an enhanced rewards redemption programme as we leverage our expanded partner ecosystem.”
Connecting ASEAN with Singapore’s flag carrier airline
In a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) inked in October 2022, UOB and SIA will explore developing a co-branded credit card for customers in Thailand, where cardholders will be able to enjoy benefits such as earning attractive KrisFlyer miles per dollar spend and travel-related privileges.
To offer existing UOB customers in ASEAN an even more rewarding banking journey, there are also plans to offer enhanced privileges, such as more miles rewards based on their banking segment tier and miles rewards when they achieve certain banking milestones. The MOU will also expand the range of perks for customers through exciting promotional offers to be launched over the coming months.
Food always makes the heart fonder
Malaysian and Thai UOB cardholders are in for a treat, as UOB will be the exclusive partner of the renowned The MICHELIN Guide in these two countries. For Malaysia in particular, where The MICHELIN Guide is making its debut in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, UOB is proud to be the official bank partner.
As the sole bank partner, UOB cardholders across ASEAN will receive exclusive invitations to private dinners and gala events at MICHELIN-starred restaurants in Malaysia. The customised dining experiences by The MICHELIN Guide are synonymous with UOB’s dedication to personalisation, where the Bank celebrates every customer’s uniqueness by tailoring offerings to their specific lifestyle and needs.
“For over 100 years, The MICHELIN Guide has acted as a destination guide for travellers all over the world, creating memorable experiences for food lovers through our recommendations. Through this partnership with UOB, The MICHELIN Guide enables UOB the opportunity to offer their valued customers unique and delightful fine dining experiences in Thailand and Malaysia,” said Mr Chris Gledhill, Director of MICHELIN Guide Asia and Middle East.
Style in every region
In support of UOB cardmembers’ pursuit of individual style, the Bank has partnered Club21, the leading purveyor of luxury fashion, to offer exclusive access to more than 150 celebrated brands and specially curated seasonal events in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia to all its cardholders across the region.
“Club21 celebrates 50 years of fashion this year. Our cachet in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand complements the influence that UOB has over stylish, affluent consumers in these markets. This partnership crystallises the synergies between our two brands,” said Howe Chegne, Chief Operating Officer of Club21, which is under the COMO Group.
Beyond fashion, the COMO Group will also extend a whole suite of travel and dining benefits to UOB cardholders from 14 November 2022.
