On 31 October 1932, Oversea-Chinese Banking corporation Limited (OCBC Bank) was formed through the amalgamation of three banks – Chinese Commercial Bank Limited (1912), Ho Hong Bank Limited (1917) and Oversea-Chinese Bank Limited(1919). OCBC was born in the midst of the Great Depression (1929-33) to serve the local community.
Originally housed in China Building on Chulia Street, OCBC Bank was a familiar landmark in the business district with its distinctive roof in the traditional style of the temples in Pekin. In 1970s, the China Building was torn down for the development of the 52-storey OCBC Centre. Officially opened on 1 October 1976, OCBC Centre was then the tallest building in Southeast Asia.
Since its inception, OCBC Bank has been an integral part of Singapore’s economic history. The Bank has played and continues to play a key role in the economic development of Singapore – growing steadily from strength to strength alongside the nation.
This Historic Site was marked on 16 February 2001.