The 30-year banking veteran replaces Harry Loh, who returns to Singapore to lead group non-financial risk management, according to a statement.
He started working for UOB in 2004 and has occupied several key positions, including head of group internal audit and head of group compliance.
Since 2015 he has been active in Vietnam, including helping establish the bank’s first foreign subsidiary in 2017.
"With [Ngo’s] extensive experience in the banking industry and within UOB Group, he is well placed to drive our Vietnam franchise to new heights," UOB deputy chairman and CEO Wee Ee Cheong said.
UOB, which opened a representative office in Vietnam in 1993 and a branch in HCMC two years later, is the sixth largest foreign-owned bank in the country by charter capital (VND5 trillion, US$215.5 million).