In 1971, UOB began a transformative journey of growth with the acquisition of Chung Khiaw Bank, deepening our presence in Malaysia.

The following year, the Bank adopted the “five-barred gate” logo retained to this day – symbolising security and unity, while combining Asian elements and a modern style.

Advertisement in The Straits Times, featuring UOB’s “five barred gate” logo (1972)

The Straits Times report of UOB’s purchase of Chung Khiaw Bank in 1971, Dr Wee’s first bank acquisition

The next significant milestone in 1972 was the acquisition of Lee Wah Bank, boosting UOB’s presence across Singapore and Malaysia.

In 1984, the Bank expanded further in Singapore with the takeover of Far Eastern Bank; then in 1987, the acquisition of Industrial and Commercial Bank expanded our footprint in Singapore, and in Hong Kong and Japan via the representative offices in those markets.

These strategic acquisitions placed UOB firmly as one of the four largest banks in Singapore then.