DBS Sparks Episode 7 Premiere with Nathan Hartono and Jaime Teo

Remember DBS Sparks? It’s an industry-first mini-series that follows a group of young bankers as they navigate work and personal lives. Inspired by true stories, they challenge the status quo to go above and beyond when solving unusual client challenges. Through this mini-series, DBS hopes to convey the true meaning of banking, and to challenge the perception that banking is only about transactions.

I loved their first six surprisingly heartwarming episodes, so I was excited when I was invited to a media preview of the seventh episode last June 2.

Spot me in this photo! 😉 [Image credit: DBS]

After opening remarks, the lights were dimmed and the episode was unveiled.

I was trying my best to hold back my tears, but I couldn’t help myself! 😢 It’s the most touching episode yet, most definitely worth a watch! You can watch the episode by itself below, but you should definitely catch the whole Sparks mini-series here.

Episode 7: Stand By Me. A tragedy sees Chester reflect on the time he met his first client. Through time and trials, we see the values Chester holds close to his heart, shaping his relationships with his clients. Will he be able to help his client stand again through her devastating loss?

Now if you had a keen eye, you may have noticed two familiar faces in the front row of the picture above – Singapore celebrities Jaime Teo and Nathan Hartono. The reason they were there is because they both guest star in this episode.

After we finished the screening, they were ushered onstage for a Q&A and I have to say, I found it to be an entertaining interview. Jaime and Nathan both provided really interesting and thought-provoking answers to the questions posed to them.

My favourite quotes from them are below:

“The best strategy I find for setbacks is don’t wallow, don’t be bitter. Just keep your head down, keep working, and inevitably you’re gonna get better at what you do, the opportunities will get better and better, and all those months or years or decades of struggle – it becomes worth it when you catch that break or get that opportunity that is meant for you.” – Nathan Hartono

“Nothing that you do in life is wasted. Everything you do now, whether you learn a new skill, you something for yourself, or anything, nothing is wasted. Don’t think of it as a waste of time. Just be in the moment and enjoy it. You never know when it’s going to help in the future.” – Jaime Teo

After the interview, we had some light refreshments and given beautifully framed quotes in calligraphy.

Then we walked towards the nearby Marina Bay Regatta, which had SEA’s largest ever pop-up urban beach. The beach against the backdrop of the Marina bay Sands made for some gorgeous photographs!

We popped into the interactive art dome and was treated to a live performance by Nathan.

I had a video, but unfortunately they’re in an SD card that I accidentally snapped in half. 😢

Nathan and Jaime then faced off at Singapore’s largest inflatable water obstacle course, but unfortunately I couldn’t stay to watch because I had somewhere else to be.

The DBS Marina Regatta was a really cool spot to hang out at! I was actually there the previous week as well, for a media preview with my friend Arlyn.