Peter Seah

Chairman, DBS & Singapore Airlines 

BBA, Class of 1968 

Growing up as the third of six brothers and a sister, Peter Seah Lim Huat learned early on the value of perseverance and resilience. “If you have never failed, you have never matured, and you have not learned,” he once remarked, reflecting on the importance of embracing challenges as a pathway to personal and professional development. 

Despite his successes today, Peter’s professional journey was filled with challenges that tested his leadership. These began very early on in his career. 

Peter Seah graduated from NUS Business School as part of the pioneer batch of graduates in 1968. From there, it was obvious that his business education had had a significant impact on his career, as he went on to assume multiple leadership positions across his 32-year career in the banking industry. 

His journey started at Citibank, where he thrived for eight years in a dynamic and innovative environment, before joining Overseas Union Bank (OUB). He recalls that the transition was not easy, “When I joined OUB, it was a very family-type organisation. Coming from Citibank, which was ahead in terms of technology and management, I suggested changes. The response was, ‘We’ve done well this way for years, why change now?’” 

Instead of being discouraged, Peter took a patient approach, realising that leading change required patience and the ability to lead by example. “If you want to change mindsets, you have to change culture. You have to be a role model,” he claimed. Over his tenure at the bank, Peter successfully transformed OUB’s operations and culture, demonstrating that perseverance and a clear vision could overcome even the most deep-rooted challenges. 

Peter’s contributions extend far beyond his corporate achievements. As Chairman of the Finance and Banking Committee in 1998, he recommended major changes that transformed the financial services sector in Singapore. Now the Chairman of DBS and Singapore Airlines, he has played a pivotal role in guiding them through periods of both stability and crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, the National Wages Council also implemented crucial measures that helped sustain businesses, protect jobs during the pandemic, and helped raise the income of lower wage workers. In addition, Peter has chaired Lasalle College of the Arts since 2007 and is a member of the Council of Presidential Advisors. 

His commitment to public service is reflected in the numerous accolades he has received, including the prestigious Order of Nila Utama (With Distinction).  

“I see it as my duty—and my privilege—to give back to Singapore. Not just for today, but for generations to come,” he said.