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Bank Seeks to Connect Capital and Innovation in AI Sector
DBS Bank is hosting its inaugural DBS Asia Future Forward Conference on Oct 12 to explore how artificial intelligence can shape Asia’s next wave of growth. The event gathers influential voices across technology, business, policy, and investment to discuss the application of AI in the region.
The conference is anchored by the theme "Intentional AI," which posits that the greatest impact of artificial intelligence lies not in the technology itself, but in how it is applied with strategic intent to create real economic and societal value. DBS Chief Executive Officer Tan Su Shan stated that the bank aims to establish itself as a trusted and neutral interlocutor capable of connecting capital, fostering innovation, and providing trusted governance to help AI-led solutions scale across Asia.
Tan described the background to this conference as an effort to "create a platform to learn and explore key questions arising from the next phase of AI growth." She noted that with the world at the crossroads of geopolitics and tech inflection points, there are concerns about what AI will do to jobs. However, she emphasized that society has ways to harness AI for good.
Speakers and Regional Context
Confirmed speakers for the event include Intel CEO Tan Lip-Bu, Broadcom CEO Hock Tan, TikTok CEO Shou Chew, Franklin Templeton CEO Jenny Johnson, and Danantara chief investment officer Pandu Sjahrir. Canadian author and futurist Salim Ismail will lead a session on maintaining corporate competitiveness in an AI world.
The conference will conclude with a dialogue hosted by Tan Su Shan featuring Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Tan highlighted Singapore’s position as a trusted hub for capital, talent, and innovation. She cited the city-state as the world’s second-largest destination for foreign direct investment in 2025 after the United States. As evidence of Singapore's ability to attract AI ecosystem investment, Tan pointed to semiconductor giant Micron’s S$30 billion investment in the country.
Additionally, Tan noted that Singapore assuming the chair of Asean in 2027 offers opportunities to strengthen regional connectivity and scale solutions across South-east Asia.
DBS's Internal AI Capabilities
DBS has invested in artificial intelligence for over a decade. The bank has built data and machine-learning capabilities that now support generative and agentic AI usage within its own operations.
