Singapore kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder inks 4½-year partnership with DBS

SINGAPORE – Maximilian Maeder’s sporting ambitions were given a boost as DBS Bank announced a 4½-year partnership with the national kitefoiler on July 11.

Already a two-time world champion at 17 years old, Maximilian has been one of Singapore sport’s most promising talent and is one of the favourites for the gold medal at the July 26-Aug 11 Paris Olympics, where kitefoiling will make its debut at the quadrennial Games.

DBS chief executive Piyush Gupta commended the teenager’s drive and achievements, saying: “I’m very impressed by how young Max is driven by an unwavering sense of purpose and by how much he has achieved on the world stage.

“It gives us great pride in joining him on his journey ahead, both in and out of the water.

“His drive to do better, combined with hard work and determination, resonate with all of us at DBS, young and old alike.

“These qualities attest to how we can achieve more when we lean into our spark within, believe in it and trust it.”

The partnership is an encouraging development for Maximilian, who was recently granted full-time deferment from national service (NS) until August 31, 2028, by the Ministry of Defence.

The DBS collaboration and his NS deferment will provide Maximilian with the support and runway for another medal bid at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

The teenager has established himself as one of the world’s top kitefoilers, winning all the trophies on offer this season, including retaining his world championships crown in Hyeres, France, in May.

Since 2021, he has won the youth world championship thrice and also bagged the gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023.

But beyond collecting medals, Maximilian hopes that his journey can have a positive impact on those around him.

On the partnership with DBS, he said: “I learnt that in navigating through the wind and waves, being mentally prepared for uncertain and changing conditions, coupled with the joy I feel while kitefoiling, will also prepare me well to lead a team in the corporate world.

“There was a spring in my step when I left as I now realise there is indeed a bigger purpose in what I am doing – a chance to touch the lives of young people, to share my journey and inspire them to trust their spark and fulfil their aspirations.

“I am energised about the relationship with DBS, grateful and excited about the opportunity.”

The Singapore bank had previously inked a three-year partnership with former national swimmer Joseph Schooling, who won Singapore’s first Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Games. Penned in 2018, the deal was reportedly worth a seven-figure sum.

In addition to DBS’ multi-year partnership with Maximilian, POSB Bank recently also signed one-year partnerships with national track and field athletes Ang Chen Xiang and Marc Louis.

The bank’s involvement in local sport also sees it co-sponsor the Singapore National Paralympic Council’s Athletes Achievement Awards (AAA), which provide a cash payout to athletes who win gold, silver or bronze at the Asian Para Games, Commonwealth Games and Paralympic Games, and a gold medal at the Asean Para Games.

DBS will match the AAA scheme supported by primary sponsor Tote Board, with the initial commitment spanning two Paralympic Games cycles until the upcoming Aug 28-Sept 8 Paris Games.