UOB has signed a MoU with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to explore developing a dedicated cloud environment in Singapore as part of a proposed hybrid infrastructure model for banking across ASEAN.
The collaboration aims to help UOB strengthen operational resilience, meet regulatory and data residency requirements, and improve customer experiences across its five ASEAN markets.
According to the companies, this marks the first collaboration between AWS and a bank to combine hybrid cloud capabilities in ASEAN with security, governance and data residency controls tailored to the banking industry’s regulatory requirements.
Initial areas of focus include hybrid cloud architecture, data analytics and AI-powered customer engagement.
A Singapore-based cloud environment for five markets
Under the proposed model, UOB would operate its systems and data across on-premises infrastructure and cloud environments.
The infrastructure would incorporate an isolated cloud extension. This could be deployed in specific countries or jurisdictions to meet local regulatory requirements.
UOB would have access to a dedicated cloud environment in Singapore. The environment would meet the bank’s security, governance and data residency requirements across its five ASEAN markets.
The dedicated environment would allow the bank to configure its systems and data to meet each market’s regulatory requirements. It would also provide access to cloud tools for AI and data analytics.
The Singapore-based environment would support UOB’s regional technology requirements. It would also help the bank modernise its infrastructure and develop new capabilities.
“Realising this vision requires a secure and resilient technology foundation, strong governance, and the right ecosystem of partners,”
said Lawrence Goh, Head of Group Technology and Operations at UOB.
Exploring GenAI with Amazon Bedrock
Beyond infrastructure, UOB and AWS will explore using AI to improve customer experiences and internal operations. Potential applications include conversational banking and more personalised services.
UOB will also explore using Amazon Bedrock to build on its existing Enterprise GenAI Platform. Amazon Bedrock is AWS’s fully managed service for developing and scaling GenAI applications.
The technology could support the development and deployment of AI-powered solutions across the bank. These include employee productivity tools and enterprise applications.
Developing cloud and AI skills
UOB will also explore AWS’s structured learning programmes to equip employees with skills in cloud technologies, GenAI, data analytics, security and compliance.
These initiatives would support the bank’s ongoing workforce transformation efforts, building on its existing bank-wide AI upskilling programme.
“UOB will have the tools to innovate and the training programs to build AI fluency and cloud skills across its workforce all while keeping customer data secure,”
said Jaime Vallés, Vice President and Managing Director for APAC at AWS.
Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech New Singapore, based on image by UOB
