Christine Ip graduated from the University of Hong Kong with the dream of becoming an actress. But it was her parents’ wish that she pursue a corporate career, so she applied for a job as a banking management trainee instead. “The many opportunities within a bank made me feel comfortable. In the event that I ended up in a role I didn’t like, I could move to another within the industry,” she recounts.
Spearheading product and sales management, customer segment management, and risk management at various banks had her rising through the ranks. In 2012, she was appointed CEO of UOB Hong Kong, and in 2016 assumed the expanded role of CEO of Greater China. Ip will however say she isn’t a typical banker.
“This is because of my creativity. While I did not pursue a career in the arts, it is embedded in my DNA. I channel artistic qualities like empathy, curiosity, and imagination to humanise my work.”
Christine Ip on utilising her artistic flair in banking
It was as such with equal ease that she introduced cash and cheque service machines for a global retail bank—which optimised customers’ access to cash—and helped establish the Art Academy at UOB. Aside from fostering artistic talent, the academy promotes and preserves Chinese ink art and recently received charity status.
Last year, Ip was also appointed Head of Group Strategic Communications and Brand at UOB, the scope of which includes overseeing its art programme initiatives. UOB has long been a patron of the arts, with its current collection comprising some 2,600 pieces.
As it stands, UOB’s Painting of the Year (POY) award is not only the longest-running art competition in Singapore, but also one of the most prestigious in the region. Besides, UOB POY artists don’t just enjoy bragging rights and cheques. Apart from opportunities to showcase their works and sponsorships for overseas artist residencies, there are commissions to create artworks for the bank’s charity auctions wherein they sell them through the bank’s sponsorship of major art exhibitions.
Additionally, the bank works with them to conduct art workshops for underserved children and communities to create social impact. A recent collaboration with Journey by Touch Community Services had POY artists work with special needs artists to create a capsule wearable art collection.
UOB also partners with a variety of organisations to expand its ecosystem. For instance, a partnership with National Gallery Singapore involves building the world’s largest collection of modern Southeast Asian art through acquisitions for the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery. Likewise, a collaboration with NAFA supports programmes that promote art education and practice throughout the region.
In recognition of its efforts in the arts space, the National Arts Council Singapore recently recognised UOB as a Distinguished Patron of the Arts. It was the 22nd time the bank received this accolade and Ip was the representative on stage.
Holding the reins means Ip is in a position to encapsulate the bank’s unwavering support for the arts. “Art helps to preserve and advance culture and identity. Furthering the cause of art not just in banking, but across Singapore and the region as well requires both private and public sectors to work closely together, pooling ideas and resources to do more for the scene.”
Art director: Ed Harland
Videographer: Alicia Chong
Photographer: Mun Kong
Photographer’s assistant: Hizuan Zailani
Hair: Eunice Wong W. Y. using Keune
Makeup: Keith Bryant Lee using Shiseido
