A Record-Setting Evening of Art, Influence, and Philanthropy in Singapore

A private dinner with Tan Su Shan, Chief Executive Officer and Director of DBS Group Holdings, was auctioned for S$18,900 (US$14,790) at Sotheby’s over the weekend — more than double the pre-sale estimate of S$6,000 to S$8,000.

The exclusive experience includes pre-dinner champagne, a six-person private dinner hosted personally by Tan, and a private guided tour of the National Gallery Singapore, home to Southeast Asia’s most significant collection of modern art.

“Set in an elegant and intimate setting, this dinner promises stimulating conversation and exceptional company,” Sotheby’s described in its catalog.
“It’s designed for the discerning bidder seeking inspiration, connection, and a seat at the table with one of Singapore’s most esteemed figures.”

A Banker of Distinction

Tan, who assumed leadership of DBS — Southeast Asia’s largest bank — in March 2025, brings over 35 years of experience in global finance and wealth management.

Before joining DBS in 2010, Tan held senior roles at Morgan Stanley and Citigroup, where she built a reputation as one of Asia’s leading voices in wealth strategy and financial inclusion.

Since becoming the first female CEO of the Singapore-based bank, Tan has presided over a 10% rise in DBS shares, driven by strong performance across wealth management, digital banking, and sustainable finance divisions.

A DBS spokesperson told The Wall Street Review that Tan’s participation “reflects DBS’ ongoing commitment to community development and cultural patronage,” adding that the bank “remains a proud founding partner of the National Gallery Singapore.”

DBS previously made a S$25 million corporate donation to the Gallery in 2014, underscoring its long-term support for Singapore’s art and heritage ecosystem.

A Night of Generosity and Record Bids

The charity dinner was part of the National Gallery Singapore’s 10th Anniversary Gala, held on September 13, where more than S$2.8 million was raised to support public art access and education.

According to the Gallery, proceeds will help fund new exhibitions, curatorial research, and outreach programs for children, seniors, and underserved communities, aligning with its mission of “making art accessible to all.”

Managed by Sotheby’s, the evening auction featured nearly 90 rare artworks and luxury experiences.
A standout piece — a contemporary ink painting by Li Huayi, one of China’s most acclaimed artists — sold for S$517,000, setting a record price for an artwork auctioned at the Gallery.

When Dining Becomes a Statement

The practice of auctioning private meals with high-profile figures has become a hallmark of modern philanthropy, blending elite access with public benefit.

In 2022, a bidder famously paid over US$19 million to dine with Warren Buffett, the legendary CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, in a record-breaking charity auction.
Similarly, in 2014, a Singaporean businessman spent US$2 million for a luncheon with Buffett, underscoring the global appeal of such symbolic encounters.

In Tan’s case, the elevated bid price highlights her status as one of Asia’s most influential bankers — and the growing prestige of Singapore’s financial and cultural institutions on the world stage.

Philanthropy Meets Prestige

“This event exemplifies how art and finance can intersect to create meaningful social value,” remarked a Singapore-based wealth advisor in attendance.
“It’s not just about exclusivity — it’s about leadership demonstrating purpose beyond profit.”

The success of the Sotheby’s gala reinforces the intersection of high finance, art, and civic engagement in Singapore’s evolving philanthropic landscape — one increasingly defined by female leadership and regional influence.

Reporting by the Wall Street Review Asia Business Desk, with additional coverage from Singapore and Hong Kong bureaus.