There are TV shows about detectives, lawyers and doctors, but no on-screen dramatisation about bankers – until now. In a first, DBS proudly presents Sparks, a three-episode mini-series inspired by a true story. Rolled across DBS’ six key markets in Asia, including Singapore and Hong Kong, Sparks communicates how our deep understanding of the world our customers live in, drives the design of our products, services and initiatives to enable our customers to do more of what they want – live.
Speaking at the Hong Kong launch, Glendy Chu, Head of Group Strategic Marketing & Communications at DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, said, “The customer is at the very heart of what we say and do at DBS Hong Kong, and this resonates in our ability, as bankers, to redefine banking and create an impact beyond banking. Through Sparks, we believe a series about what we do can be engaging, communicate what DBS stands for in a far richer way and build a deeper connection with our audience.”
Sparks embodies our larger purpose of “Making Banking Joyful”, where we strive to be a bank that people trust, and a bank that brings joy to customers in their engagement with us. Our efforts are not just in how we execute, but in the spirit in which we execute. It is a purpose that goes beyond banking to bring about customer experiences and outcomes that set us apart.
Alex Cheung, Managing Director and Head of Institutional Banking Group, at DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, said, “As a leader in SME banking, DBS Hong Kong understands that the joy of success often comes with long hours and hard work. Having the support of someone you trust, in both the good and not so good times, can help you succeed and spark a more meaningful life. Life is about living and, if DBS can help our customers get more out of life, then we have succeeded in making banking joyful.”
Inspired by the true story of a DBS customer, Sparks follows a group of dynamic DBS bankers as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of their work and personal lives. The mini-series offers a seldom seen glimpse into the decision-making processes that banks go through as the bankers work to come together for a customer. Sparks captures that sense of mission, of being easy to deal with, and of being trustworthy, that characterises the way DBS works.
The mini-series can be viewed at www.dbs.com/sparks as well as on Facebook and YouTube. In Hong Kong, it is supported by a TVC and an interactive digital campaign. For greater brand reinforcement, retargeting advertising will be employed to further enable our target audience to recall our business and brand. We will leverage traditional media and the TVC to reach multi-screen users and engage them via digital channels. From today until 23 March, the public is invited to play our “Watch & Win” game for a chance to win prizes worth up to HK$3,000 each week!
Sparks is directed by renowned director David Tsui and produced by DBS. Shot on location in Hong Kong, including at various DBS Hong Kong premises, the mini-series follows a group of dynamic DBS bankers. They include Claire Lee, the protagonist, played by Hong Kong model Jamie Ha, and her new colleague, a cocky Oxford-educated Jasper Wu, portrayed by singer James Yang. Their superiors are played by Adrian Pang, a veteran actor from Singapore, and Debbie Goh, a Malaysian and Hong Kong actress. Also playing DBS bankers are Nick English, an actor and martial artist, and Aanchal Wadhwani, a fashion designer cum photographer and actress.
Other prominent actors also feature in the cast, including father-and-son duo Richard Ng and Carl Ng. Jeanne Lau, who is the daughter of the late martial artist Lau Kar-leung, plays Lindsay, a young entrepreneur with ambitious plans for a solar energy project.
As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS believes in the importance of establishing relationships that provide continuity and stability in an evolving business environment. This is reflected in the long-standing recognition of DBS’ leadership in Hong Kong and across the region. Capping off a year of remarkable results and outstanding performance, DBS was recently named “Asian Bank of the Year” at IFR Asia Awards 2015. DBS was also previously named “Asia’s Best Bank” by The Banker, a member of the Financial Times Group, and “Best Bank in Asia-Pacific” by Global Finance. The bank has been named “Safest Bank in Asia” by Global Finance for seven consecutive years from 2009 to 2015. DBS Hong Kong has also been recognised as “Best SME’s Partner” by The Hong Kong General Chamber of Small and Medium Business since 2009.
To enjoy the SPARKS mini-series, please click www.dbs.com/sparks or scan the QR code below.
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About DBS
DBS - Living, Breathing Asia
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia, with over 280 branches across 18 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS has a growing presence in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's capital position, as well as "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings, is among the highest in Asia-Pacific. DBS has been recognised for its leadership in the region, having been named “Asia’s Best Bank” by The Banker, a member of the Financial Times group, and “Best Bank in Asia-Pacific” by Global Finance. The bank has also been named “Safest Bank in Asia” by Global Finance for six consecutive years from 2009 to 2014.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking activities across Asia. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. These market insights and regional connectivity have helped to drive the bank’s growth as it sets out to be the Asian bank of choice. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, and positively impacting communities through supporting social enterprises, as it banks the Asian way. It has also established a SGD 50 million foundation to strengthen its corporate social responsibility efforts in Singapore and across Asia.
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 22,000 staff, representing over 40 nationalities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.
Click here to read DBS' 2018 Annual Report - Best Bank in the World.