On November 18,1954, a team which included Lee Choo Seng and KC Thomas, sought the support of employees of seven banks to set up a union. This number was necessary as seven signatories were required before a new trade union could be registered. The Singapore Bank Employees' Union (SBEU) was officially registered.

With 1,000 members from Bank of India, Bank de L'Indochine et de Suez (Banque Indosuez), Chartered Bank (Standard Chartered Bank), First National City Bank of New York (CitiBank), Mercantile Bank (since absorbed by Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Corporation), Indian Bank and Indian Overseas Bank, these Banks became the first seven Union Branches of SBEU.

After 50 years, we represent a total of 2,448 ordinary members, 1,832 general members from a total of 36 local and foreign banks.

Standing firm on its guiding principle that solidarity gives the workers strength, the SBEU continues to work hard to play a constructive role in giving the workers a voice in their place of work.

Through unity, SBEU strives to build an effective team to represent the workers. Through its strength, the Union protects the long term interest of workers.