UOB Malaysia appoints first female CEO 

UOB Malaysia on Monday (Apr 18) named its deputy chief executive officer (CEO) Ng Wei Wei as the bank’s first female CEO effective May 1, 2022. 

Ng assumed the role of deputy CEO in 2021, and spent the earlier part of her career with UOB Malaysia from 2000 to 2006. She held various leadership roles at other financial institutions in Malaysia and Hong Kong before returning to UOB Malaysia in 2019 as managing director and country head of wholesale banking.

Ng succeeds Wong Kim Choong, who will relinquish his current position as chief executive after leading the bank since 2012. He will become senior adviser to oversee the acquisition of Citi’s consumer banking assets, up until his planned retirement. 

In a statement on Monday, UOB Malaysia said Ng has been instrumental in growing its Wholesale Banking franchise; advancing the bank’s strategic priorities including its environment, social and governance (ESG) and innovation agenda; as well as supporting its customers to expand regionally by tapping on the bank’s connectivity, expertise and capabilities.

“Wei Wei’s appointment reflects our firm belief in the importance and benefits of diversity as we anticipate customer needs in an increasingly complex, changing and volatile environment,” said Wee Ee Cheong, deputy chairman and CEO of UOB.

Wee also thanked Wong for his years of strong leadership, noting his track record of advancing the bank’s position in the areas of customer service, regional connectivity, innovation and sustainability.