DBS Dialogues Tracks Charles & Keith's Steps to Asia, Middle East and Europe

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DBS Dialogues

Of course, having a bank that believes in me makes it easier to make bold decisions.

Singapore (PRWEB) January 6, 2010

Expansion is the name of the game, and Singapore-based footwear brand Charles & Keith ups the ante by venturing into Asia, the Middle East and Europe via a partnership with DBS Bank. Hear the full story from Charles Wong himself in DBS Dialogues.

"It may be unexpected, but then I've never gone by the book," says Charles Wong, co-founder and Managing Director of Charles & Keith in an interview for DBS Dialogues. Together with his brother Keith Wong, Charles made the bold decision to transform his mother's shoe shop in Ang Mo Kio into a regional empire selling 3.3 million pairs of shoes annually around the world.

Now, Charles wants to raise the bar even higher by going global-stepping into China, Europe and the US.

"Of course, having a bank that believes in me makes it easier to make bold decisions."

Charles shares how DBS, Singapore's largest bank, has backed his business over the last 10 years. In 2008, amidst the global economic crunch, DBS granted Charles & Keith a loan to construct a dream building that will enable the company to grow even faster over the next five years.

"We should always look at how we can be better at what we do. Our motivating factor is having a good business plan or a new business goal to bring positive change. As long as we remain proactive in achieving better results and new innovations, our business will be attractive to partners like DBS Bank who believe in our long-term strategy."

Charles' story underscores the importance of boldness backed up by solid business plans, which DBS highly esteems. Like Charles & Keith, small and medium enterprises can dream big and conquer the world with a sound strategy, audacity, and reliable financial support.

Find out more about Charles & Keith's story at DBS Dialogues, DBS' newest website that features the latest SME news and events, along with exclusive interviews with Asia's leading entrepreneurs. It's designed to engage and inspire business owners in Singapore and across Asia.

In addition, check out DBS' in-depth reports and videos on valuable consumer and business insights at "http://www.dbsdialogues.com/plugged_in.asp" in January 2010.

About DBS
DBS is the largest bank in Singapore, a leading bank in Hong Kong and is one of the largest financial services groups in Asia. Headquartered in Singapore, DBS has operations in 16 markets and is a well-capitalised bank with "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings, one of the highest in the Asia Pacific region.

As a bank that specialises in Asia, DBS leverages its insights, deep understanding of the region and appreciation of local cultures to serve and build lasting relationships with its clients. DBS provides a full range of services in corporate, SME, consumer and wholesale banking activities across Asia and the Middle East. DBS will leverage its growing presence in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan to intermediate the increasing trade and investment flows in the Greater China region. The bank is also focused on extending its footprint and facilitating capital flows in fast-growing Indonesia and India.

DBS acknowledges the passion, commitment and can-do spirit in each of its 14,000 staff, representing over 30 nationalities.

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