DBS and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create opportunities for Australian companies and investors to expand into DBS’ markets in Southeast Asia including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.
In line with Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 to grow two-way trade and investment, the agreement provides a practical pathway to increase market awareness and support to facilitate investments between Australia and one of the world’s fastest growing regions.
The MOU – the first-of-its-kind between Austrade and a Singapore bank – was announced in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of DBS’ Sydney branch. It builds on DBS’ longstanding commitment towards advancing Australia’s economic priorities onshore and abroad.
Australia, with its deep capital markets and well-capitalised corporate sector, is well placed to accelerate economic engagement with Southeast Asia. The region also represents a significant economic opportunity for Australian businesses. By 2040, Southeast Asia as a bloc is projected to be the fourth largest economy in the world, with a young and dynamic working population.
Against this backdrop, the initiative sets out a comprehensive framework through which DBS and Austrade will collaborate to help Australian companies establish and expand their footprint in the region.
Under the agreement, the partners will make available a suite of essential resources including market insights and regulatory guidance, and will facilitate connections with regional partners and industry leaders to unlock commercial opportunities. Where appropriate, DBS will leverage its capabilities to provide advisory services such as support on market entry strategies, financial planning and risk management. Plans are already underway to jointly organise an investor roundtable in Sydney in 3Q2025 to engage businesses and showcase regional investment opportunities.
Southeast Asia’s expanding middle class, rapid urbanisation and growing demand for digital and sustainable development are reshaping the region’s economic landscape. Supply chains are being remapped and trade routes re-written. These trends present compelling opportunities for Australian businesses. Through this collaboration, Austrade and DBS will combine expertise to provide timely, practical support to help them unlock the enormous potential of the region.
DBS established our presence in Australia 10 years ago, in recognition of its strategic location and increasing economic cooperation with Asian partners. We are pleased that over the past decade, we have been able to facilitate investment and trade flows for our customers in Australia and to structure and support business initiatives of Australian corporates in the region. Looking ahead, the bank will continue to dial up support for customers in key growth sectors such as technology, renewables, energy and infrastructure. We will also continue to support the growth of financial institutions including superannuation funds. The MOU with Austrade reaffirms our belief in the potential of Australia-Southeast Asia connectivity and enables us to deliver on our shared ambition to drive meaningful impact across the region.
DBS set up its Australia branch in 2015 to facilitate business growth in Australia, as well as to connect clients in Australia with Asia and vice-versa, and support them more meaningfully.
Over the years, the bank has facilitated inbound investments by Asian companies in the Australia real estate sector, as well as supported Australia’s energy transition and the growth of its digital infrastructure. It has also supported outbound investments by Australian businesses in line with their regional expansion strategies.