UOB & AWS plan hybrid cloud push for ASEAN banking

UOB and Amazon Web Services have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a hybrid infrastructure model for banking in ASEAN, centred on a dedicated cloud environment in Singapore.

The agreement will explore how cloud and artificial intelligence can support UOB's operations across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. The focus will be on hybrid cloud architecture, data and analytics, and AI-led customer engagement.

The arrangement is intended to create a model in which the bank's systems and data can operate across on-premises infrastructure and cloud environments. It includes an isolated cloud extension that could be deployed in specific countries or jurisdictions where local regulatory requirements apply.

The dedicated environment in Singapore is intended to meet UOB's security, governance and data residency requirements across its five ASEAN markets. The bank said its data and systems would remain within that environment while being configured to support compliance with rules in each market.

AWS and UOB described the project as their first collaboration to combine hybrid cloud arrangements in ASEAN with security, governance and data residency controls designed for a heavily regulated industry.

Technology focus

Beyond infrastructure, the companies will examine how AI tools could be applied to customer experience and internal operations. Areas under review include conversational banking services and more personalised offerings for customers.

UOB said the work would build on its existing Enterprise GenAI Platform. It will also explore the use of Amazon Bedrock to develop and deploy AI-based services across the bank, from employee productivity tools to broader internal applications.

The agreement also covers workforce training. UOB plans to assess AWS learning programmes designed to help staff develop skills in cloud services, generative AI, data and analytics, as well as security and compliance.

The bank said the training would support its broader workforce transformation efforts as it equips employees to develop and manage cloud and AI systems responsibly.

Lawrence Goh, Head of Group Technology and Operations at UOB, said the collaboration forms part of the bank's broader technology plans across the region.

"At UOB, we see AI as a transformative capability that can help us become a more adaptive, intelligent and responsive organisation. Realising this vision requires a secure and resilient technology foundation, strong governance, and the right ecosystem of partners. Our collaboration with AWS reflects our strategic intent to accelerate innovation, enhance customer experiences, increase productivity and create long-term value for our customers, employees and stakeholders across ASEAN. We also see potential to broaden this collaboration over time and explore additional areas with the wider Amazon group," said Lawrence Goh, Head of Group Technology and Operations, UOB.

Jaime Vallés, Vice President and Managing Director for APAC at AWS, said the company sees banking as a practical area for wider use of AI and cloud systems.

"Financial services touches the lives of millions of people across APJC every day. This collaboration with UOB is about making sure those experiences get better, faster, more personalised, and built on a foundation customers can trust. UOB will have the tools to innovate and the training programmes to build AI fluency and cloud skills across its workforce, all while keeping customer data secure. This is what's possible when a bank with deep regional expertise and a culture of innovation combines with AI and cloud technology that drives true transformation," said Jaime Vallés, Vice President and Managing Director for APAC, AWS.