Dean Tong

Dean Tong believes that the most meaningful impact isn’t measured by numbers — it’s reflected in the lives we touch. As UOB’s CHRO, Dean has witnessed this impact firsthand — from celebrating colleagues who have dedicated 50 years to the bank, to seeing employees gain the confidence to take their careers in new directions. These moments continue to shape his belief that leadership is less about having all the answers and more about inspiring people to find their own. Through initiatives like ‘The UOB Way’ and ‘Better U’, Dean has focused on creating an environment where employees feel empowered to unlock their potential. By providing the right tools, support, and encouragement, he has helped drive positive change across the organization. Whether guiding his team, playing his guitar, or spending time with family, Dean lives by one guiding belief: Life is short, so make every moment count. He hopes that those he’s worked with — whether for a day or a decade — feel that he has helped them find purpose, build courage, and take pride in their journey. To Dean, that is what lasting impact truly means. Before joining UOB, Dean spent over 20 years with Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he specialized in talent, leadership, and organizational transformation across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. During his time at BCG, Dean led the firm’s People and Organization Practice in Southeast Asia and was a global executive member of the practice. In this role, he worked closely with organizations to build strong leadership pipelines, drive cultural change, and enable sustainable growth through effective people strategies. Dean has also authored several reports on talent, leadership, and family businesses, including the notable “Growing Pains, Lasting Advantage” report, which explores Indonesia’s evolving business landscape and the strategies required for long-term success. With extensive experience across industries such as financial services, industrial goods, consumer goods, and telecommunications, Dean is known for his ability to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to complex challenges. He has played a pivotal role in creating impactful business models, including the development of an award-winning low-cost bank in Malaysia and several successful multi-finance businesses in Indonesia.