Seeding Hope for the Future

OCBC Seagrass Restoration Project

It was Singapore's first corporate-led seagrass research and restoration initiative in partnership with the National Parks Board. Now in its second year of research, the three-year initiative explores the reproductive ecology of seagrass, develops innovative transplantation techniques, and quantifies the ecological and carbon sequestration benefits of restored seagrass meadows. Seagrass are vital blue carbon habitats that can store carbon up to 40 times more effectively than terrestrial forests and better support marine biodiversity. OCBC staff volunteers and volunteers from the general public participated firsthand in seagrass transplantation and monitoring.

OCBC Mangrove Park and Tree Planting Programmes

Now in the fourth year of supporting Singapore's first large-scale, corporate-supported mangrove restoration initiative with the National Parks Board, our efforts continued to strengthen coastal resilience and biodiversity. More than 50 volunteers participated in mangrove planting in 2025. Through active employee and community involvement, the programme fosters environmental awareness and reinforces the connection between urban communities and Singapore's natural heritage.

Falcon Research

We expanded our nature conservation efforts by supporting Singapore's first documented peregrine falcon breeding study in partnership with the National Parks Board. For the first time on record, a nesting pair of peregrine falcons at OCBC Centre successfully hatched two chicks, contributing to urban biodiversity. This study complements our broader environmental strategy by promoting urban wildlife conservation and demonstrating how corporates can play a meaningful role in supporting wildlife within city landscapes.

Malaysia

Coral Reefs

As part of OCBC Malaysia Sustainability Week 2025, the Kota Kinabalu branch headed to Usukan Island in Sabah to support marine conservation efforts. The team propagated 143 coral fragments, benefiting 4,000 members of the local indigenous community. These coral fragments were then transferred to the OCBC-adopted coral nursery supported by a contribution of RM53,900 from OCBC and our staff. Healthy coral reefs play a vital role in climate adaptation, protection of coastlines from storms and erosion, and maintaining livelihoods in fishing, conservation, and tourism-related activities.

Indonesia

Mangrove Tree Planting in Semarang

OCBC volunteers planted 1,000 mangrove seedlings along the Tambakrejo Coast, Central Java to support coastal restoration. Working alongside local farmers, these volunteers also checked on the 10,000 mangrove saplings previously planted by the team in Trimulyo to monitor their growth. These efforts help protect vulnerable coastlines from rising sea levels and environmental risks, while strengthening long term community resilience.

China

Dongtan Wetland Planting

Since 2019, the OCBC China team has been supporting reforestation efforts every year at the Chongming Dongtan Wetland Park by planting Taxodium distichum trees. This hardy tree species was chosen for its strong resilience and effectiveness in capturing carbon. In total, 135 trees have been planted. The trees are expected to absorb approximately 15,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide.

Hong Kong

Tree Planting at Tai Lam Country Park

40 OCBC volunteers planted 300 tree seedlings at Tai Lam Country Park, as part of the "Tree Planting Challenge" organised by Friends of Earth Hong Kong. The activity brought OCBC volunteers together with a shared purpose: to care for our environment, support biodiversity, and leave behind a greener world for future generations.