A private dinner with DBS CEO Tan Su Shan drew a winning bid of S$18,900 (about US$14,800) at National Gallery Singapore’s gala.

The auctioned experience became one of the standout lots at the gallery’s 10th-anniversary fundraiser, which Bloomberg reported raised a record S$2.8 million to support new exhibitions, research and education programs.

Sotheby’s handled the auction of nearly 90 artworks and luxury experiences.

The winning bidder secured a six-person private dinner with Tan at chef Damian D’Silva’s venue, preceded by a champagne reception at the Singapore Courtyard and followed by a private tour of the Gallery.

Organisers said the strong bidding underscored a rising appetite in Singapore for exclusive encounters alongside traditional art collecting.

Tan took over as CEO of DBS in March, becoming the first woman to lead Singapore’s largest bank. She joined DBS in 2010 after senior roles at Morgan Stanley and Citigroup.

The bank surpassed S$100 billion in market value earlier this year and has been a founding partner of the National Gallery since 2014.

DBS described Tan’s participation in the fundraiser as an extension of its long-standing support of the arts.

Sotheby’s confirmed the final bid but did not identify the winning bidder.

The National Gallery said funds from the gala will be channelled into exhibitions, research and educational initiatives to expand public access to its collection.