To reach this target, OCBC will go beyond conducting workshops in its branches to hosting outreach activities at various community nodes such as community centres and Housing Board pavilions. According to the bank, it has planned at least five such community events for this year. So far, over 600 “digitally shy” elderly have participated in the pilot versions of these community events.
Since its launch in September 2022, more than 3,600 seniors have gone through the programme.
Among past OCBC participants, the proportion of customers who physically went to a branch for basic banking needs dropped by 76%. PayNow transactions among this group also surged by 28%. Additionally, none of the workshop participants reported being a victim of a scam to OCBC, says the bank in its June 15 statement.
“The Digital Silvers programme is now in its third year, and we are heartened by the results of our consistent educational efforts. We are changing things up with more interactive events, to interest those who may be discouraged about digital banking, even if they are not our customers. We need to do this fast. As we firmly embrace the digital wave, the bank has made it its responsibility that no one gets left on shore,” says Sunny Quek, head of global consumer financial services at OCBC.
See also: OCBC chairman says bank's one in 10 event stress test meets market challenges
Shares in OCBC closed 16 cents or 1.12% down at $14.14 on June 14.
