KUALA LUMPUR: OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd has appointed Tan Chor Sen as its chief executive officer effective from Jan 1, 2023. 

Tan, a seasoned OCBC banker, is succeeding Datuk Ong Eng Bin who will be retiring. 

The bank said Ong would stay on as an adviser.

Tan has been with OCBC Bank in Singapore for more than 17 years and is a member of the management committee at the group level. 

He is currently the head of international, global enterprise banking in the OCBC Bank head office in Singapore, overseeing the growth of the cross-border flow businesses of small and medium enterprises (SME) and mid-cap companies in the region.

He joined the OCBC Group in May 2005 and led the formation of the emerging business unit, redefining the bank's coverage of small businesses and positioning OCBC Bank as a leading SME bank in Singapore serving one in every two small and medium enterprises (SME). 

OCBC said he was instrumental in expanding the SME business regionally in Malaysia, Indonesia and Hong Kong, introducing new business models, digital solutions and service innovations tailored for SMEs.

In Malaysia, the team launched the SME cash business and digital account opening for businesses.

"Tan has actively led the bank's strategic thrust in capturing the cross-border trade and investment flows within Asean and with Greater China.

" He extended the market coverage by developing onshore and offshore financing opportunities," the bank said.

OCB Malaysia chairman Tan Ngiap Joo said Chor Sen had a solid track record with the OCBC Group. 

"Not only has Chor Sen built strong businesses, but he has also built strong teams across the region. 

"I am confident that Chor Sen will take the OCBC franchise in Malaysia to the next phase of growth and transformation," he said.

In 2021, total income for OCBC Malaysia grew 27 per cent to reach RM2.8 billion. 

For the first nine months of this year, OCBC Malaysia recorded a net profit of RM959 million, doubling the net profit recorded for the same period in 2021.

"We would like to thank Eng Bin for his 35 years of dedicated service to OCBC Malaysia. 

"OCBC Malaysia is in a strong position today. The team will continue to benefit from Eng Bin's experience and knowledge as he stays on as an adviser," said Ngiap Joo.