UOB Thailand joins forces with local artist
to transform old branch apparel into art
UOB bank
UOB Thailand has partnered with Wishulada Panthanuvong, a renowned Thai environmental artist renowned for converting waste into artwork, to launch “Turning Trash into Treasured Art”. This partnership, part UOB Thailand’s “Waste to Wonder” sustainability programme, will see 4,903 pieces of old branch apparel that were replaced last year upcycled into an art installation entitled “Clothespocalypse”, as well as a variety of lifestyle products, including rucksacks, tote bags, notebook clutch bags, water bottle pockets, and shopping bags. These products, made by the local Samut Sakhon community, will be available for purchase, with sales proceeds to be donated in full to the Children's Hospital Foundation.
Ms Piyaporn Ratanaprasartporn, Executive Director and Country Head of Channels and Digitalisation for UOB Thailand, said, "We are committed to managing our direct environmental impact and supporting our community. Collaborating with WISHULADA on this upcycling initiative helps prevent old branch uniforms from ending up in the landfill by giving them new life while creating employment opportunities for local communities. This initiative reaffirms UOB's focus on the future and our mission to achieve positive environmental outcomes while promoting economic growth."
Ms Wishulada Panthanuvong, a social activist artist, said, "My artwork is created exclusively from waste materials to maximise the benefits of the circular economy framework. I believe that combining creativity with efficient operational planning from production to consumption can significantly reduce discarded waste. I am excited to participate in this project because, in addition to UOB Thailand's longstanding support for the art community, the initiative also aims to raise awareness about the environment and sustainability both within and beyond the Bank. I hope this partnership will inspire individuals to repurpose the waste around them for maximum benefit."
The "Clothespocalypse" art installation illustrates the environmental consequences of the voracious global demand for clothing, which generates 1.2 billion tonnes[1] of greenhouse gas emissions when disposed of in landfills or incinerated. The installation will be displayed on the 1st floor of the Tower Building at UOB Plaza Bangkok from 24 April to 9 June 2023.
In addition, the local Samut Sakhon community has produced eight upcycled lifestyle products that will be available for purchase at the site of the art installation, with profits supporting the Angel Miracle Project of the Children's Hospital Foundation, which raises fund to purchase incubators that will provide premature babies and sick newborns with the environmental conditions these infants need to heal and thrive. Orders can also be placed online at www.uob.co.th while stocks last.
The partnership with WISHULADA is expected to prevent 1,965.30 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to planting 137.646 trees. This effort is part of UOB's sustainability initiative, which aims to manage the environmental impact for the benefit of stakeholders and future generations.
[1] Source: Fashion Sustainability Report 2021 focus on change and Southeast Asia
UOB is a leading bank in Asia. Operating through its head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, UOB has a global network of around 500 offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. Today, UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.
For nearly nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within, and connecting with ASEAN.
The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to help businesses forge a sustainable future, by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders
UOB Thailand is a fully-licensed commercial bank with its network of 151 branches, 349 ATMs nationwide (as at 31 December 2022). UOB Thailand has consistently been amongst the top rated Thai banks according to Moody’s Investor Service (A3 for Long-Term Bank Deposits rating) and Fitch Ratings (A-) for Long-Term Issuer Default Rating, 'AAA(tha)' for National Long-Term Rating).
26 April 2023
For More information, please contact
Strategic Communications and Brand
United Overseas Bank (Thai) Pcl.
Nida Puwanich
Email: nida.puw@uob.co.th l Tel: (+66) 2343 4963