By Xinhua Writer Ren Jun
BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- The goals for high-quality development, technological innovation, green transformation and high-standard opening up set out in China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) provide DBS with meaningful development opportunities, said Tan Su Shan, CEO of Singapore's DBS Group, in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.
Amid a deficit of stability and certainty in the global landscape, China's safe, stable and transparent business environment provides robust support for enterprises operating here, said Tan.
The executive emphasized that China's economy is demonstrating strong resilience and profound transformation momentum, and that DBS, Southeast Asia's largest bank, is well positioned to capitalize on opportunities as it expands its presence in the country.
Tan noted that new quality productive forces are becoming a key engine for China's economic growth, helping to achieve its growth targets. Impressive progress in green and renewable energy, rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across enterprises, and significant growth in research and development investment in biotech and healthcare are forming new growth drivers.
"The outlook for China's economy remains positive," Tan said, forecasting that over the next decade, the value chains of China's manufacturing and service industries are likely to see a significant upgrade, completing a major transformation from a "manufacturing center" to a "value innovation hub."
China's manufacturing and AI expertise are creating vast opportunities in the robotics industry, as well as the electric vehicle and autonomous driving sectors. "Backed by a robust industrial chain and rapid technology adoption, China is well-positioned to consolidate its superior and efficient advantages in these fields," she said.
Tan said that the series of incremental policies recently introduced by the Chinese government reflect its determination for long-term structural reform.
From measures to stabilize the real estate market to those expanding domestic demand and boosting consumption, the Chinese government is making structural shifts toward high-quality development, said Tan.
She said the policy certainty effectively alleviates market concerns about systemic risks, enhances the reassurances and resilience of industrial chains, and fosters greater confidence by investors and capital markets.
For DBS, the Chinese market holds strategic importance, Tan said, adding that DBS is deepening its engagement in China to support the nation's new journey of high-quality development with professional financial services.
In support of China's new economic model, DBS has established a team to provide full-life cycle financial services for technology-focused enterprises across various fields and stages. To assist Chinese companies in going global, the bank leverages its digital economy group and local branches to support the scaling of high-growth-potential enterprises guided by global standards and brands. In serving China's high-net-worth clients, DBS plans to open more international wealth management centers.
Tan said that DBS's China-related businesses have grown rapidly, driven by the sustained momentum of China's economy, the deepening internationalization of the RMB, and the steady opening-up of the financial sector.
From the establishment of the first Sino-Singapore joint venture securities company, to becoming the first Singapore-based bank to serve as an RMB clearing bank, DBS has demonstrated its strong commitment in the Chinese market.
Tan recently attended the China Development Forum 2026 annual meeting. She said the forum sent clear signals of China's determination to pursue high-quality development amid external uncertainties and its commitment to further expand high-standard opening-up.
"China's commitment to openness and its focus on innovation provide valuable certainty for global enterprises," Tan said, adding that DBS will continue to leverage its regional strength, enhance cross-border connectivity, and support China's high-standard opening up and development. ■
