SINGAPORE – Clutching a 5kg bag of rice against her chest like a prized trophy, Jennie Kwek was all smiles when she stepped out of the Sheng Siong supermarket in Clementi West on July 18.

The 62-year-old homemaker was one of the early customers tapping the DBS Saturday Savings programme which gives those using DBS or POSB cards $3 off select brands of rice and eggs at Giant and Sheng Siong supermarkets islandwide.

Kwek, who paid $4.90 for the item instead of the usual $7.90, said such initiatives provide some breathing room for household budgets amid higher prices.

“Having more support is crucial, because there’s only so much we as individuals can do,” she added.

Rolled out on July 18, the promotion by Singapore’s largest bank runs until Aug 29. It is part of a $10 million initiative by the bank to help Singaporeans manage cost pressures.

In September, DBS will introduce a $3 cashback offer for those who use PayLah! at hawker centres and heartland shops on Saturdays.

Education Minister Desmond Lee, who attended the event at Clementi West on July 18 along with Cassandra Lee (West Coast-Jurong West GRC), said the DBS initiative complements the Government’s efforts to ease cost pressures brought on by geopolitical conflict and trade tensions.

“Each of us, whether individuals or corporations, we thrive when the community thrives,” he said, adding that he hopes other businesses will also step forward to lend a helping hand to Singaporeans.

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