POSB and Singapore Athletics Join Forces
POSB, Singapore’s largest local bank and part of DBS Bank, is sprinting into the country’s sporting future with a new multi-year partnership with the Singapore Athletics Association – a commitment to nurture homegrown talent, empower young athletes, and inspire the nation ahead of the 2029 SEA Games on home soil.
POSB has long stood for helping Singapore’s young people dream big – whether in saving, studying, or striving. Now, the bank is extending its support to the track, teaming up with the Singapore Athletics Association (SAA) to cultivate the next generation of athletic stars, according to a media release issued on Saturday.
«POSB has always stood for supporting Singapore’s children and youth at an early age, whether learning to save, to persevere or to dream,» said Nelson Neo, Head of POSB.
«We believe that sports help children discover the value of focus, effort and teamwork. By supporting young athletes who embody these qualities, we hope to inspire children, parents and families to believe that excellence can be achieved with courage and determination,» he added.
Investing in Dreams
As part of the partnership, POSB will channel S$500,000 over the next five years to help promising athletes pursue their sporting goals.
The first tranche of S$100,000 in 2025 will go directly to four standout young talents – Marc Brian Louis (23), Elizabeth-Ann Tan (22), Laavinia Jaiganth (19), and Harry Irfan Curran (17) – who have already represented Singapore at the senior level.
«POSB helps me to chase my dreams with less financial pressure. This allows me to do my best for Singapore. I can focus fully on training and give my best in competitions. POSB's sponsorship will help develop the sports community in Singapore,» said Laavinia Jaiganth.
From Track to Community – Athletes as Ambassadors
The remaining funds will be distributed annually until 2029, providing consistent backing for national athletes with high potential to reach new heights.
Beyond financial support, the partnership will see the four athletes serve as community ambassadors. They will take part in POSB’s financial literacy programmes and family-oriented events such as the popular «Run for Kids» charity race.
These initiatives align with POSB’s mission to build lifelong habits of resilience, teamwork, and financial well-being among Singaporean families – both on and off the track.
Building Momentum
The partnership arrives at a crucial moment as Singapore Athletics ramps up its preparations for the 2029 SEA Games, where the nation aims to field its largest and strongest squad yet.
«This partnership is more than financial support – it’s about building pathways for our athletes to grow, excel and inspire. POSB’s belief in resilience and community deeply aligns with ours, and together we look forward to empowering our athletes as we prepare for the 2029 SEA Games and beyond,» said Lien Choong Luen, President of the Singapore Athletics Association.
Broader Commitment to Homegrown Excellence
The collaboration with SAA builds on DBS Group’s wider mission to champion Singapore’s sporting ecosystem. Last year, DBS backed kitefoiler Max Maeder, one of Singapore’s youngest world champions and Olympic medalists.
