More than 250 guests gathered on 15 September 2006 at the anniversary dinner to enjoy the contrasting views of the old shophouses and skyscrapers of the central business district decorated with the SEB logo that was projected on the night time cityscape. SEB Singapore’s Jubilee party coincided with the IMF/ World Bank Conference held in the city the same week.
“We see a new Singapore and an emerging Asia. We are very proud to be part of this development. Without your confidence in us and all your support, we would not be where we are today”, said Sven Björkman, General Manager of the Singapore Branch and local host of the event, when he welcomed guests to the celebration.
“SEB has been present in Singapore since 1979 serving companies in this expansive region and acting as a link to South East Asia for Scandinavian and other foreign companies”, added Marcus Wallenberg, who co-hosted the event with CEO Annika Falkengren. He further emphasized the tradition of continuous renewal that has made SEB 150 years old. However, more than continuous renewal, lasting values like entrepreneurship, an international outlook and long-term relationships allowed the bank to look forward with vitality and confidence to meet customers’ demands in the future.
Since 2005, SEB Group also started a fully fledged private bank operation, the only Nordic private bank to do so in Asia Pacific. SEB Private Banking serves Scandinavians living and working in the Asia Pacific region, providing a financial home away from home. The new private banking operations in Singapore demonstrates the Bank’s historical commitment and strategy to serve its Scandinavian customers and meet their increasingly complex personal financial needs.
The guests were taken on a culinary journey that incorporated the delicate tastes and spices from Asia and wines from Australia and New Zealand. Guests danced to the Jackson Twins’ rendition of Abba’s best loved songs. Musicians from Ho Chi Minh City entertained guests with the indigenous sounds of traditional musical instruments. Traditional and contemporary, the evening was a cross-fertilization of cultures and generations.
