Bangkok: Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda met Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in Singapore today, where he set out plans to double the size of ADB's Singapore office. He also reaffirmed the bank's $10 billion pledge to help finance the ASEAN Power Grid and underscored the importance of deeper regional cooperation as Singapore prepares to assume the ASEAN chair in 2027. According to Asian Development Bank, Mr. Kanda highlighted Singapore's role as a hub for ideas, talent, and capital, stating that expanding ADB's presence in the city-state will enable the bank to mobilize more private investment, connect economies through clean power, and share Singapore's innovations with its developing member countries across Asia and the Pacific. ADB's Singapore office, which opened in 2020, has been instrumental in generating private sector mobilization and trade finance for the region. The office taps into Singapore's ecosystem of innovation, digitization, and education to strengthen ADB operations. Doub ling the size of the office will enhance these channels and assist ADB in achieving its target of $4.5 billion in direct private capital mobilization annually, as part of its broader objective to increase private sector financing fourfold to $13 billion a year by 2030. ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. By collaborating with its members and partners to address complex challenges, ADB leverages innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and protect our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members, with 50 from the region.