Standard Chartered (“the Bank”) will accelerate training in areas such as generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) and data among its workforce in Singapore and globally, as part of its vision to harness the power of technology to drive innovation, improve efficiencies and create new skills pathways for its employees.
Doing so will ensure the Bank, which is present in all 10 ASEAN markets, continues to lead in key areas across Cross-border and Affluent banking.
Structured learning pathways via industry-recognised, IBF-accredited training programmes
The Bank has invested more than S$4.5 million to create different training programmes and initiatives to help all employees work faster, better and smarter. As part of this investment, it launched a one-stop AI Learning Hub last November (2024) that includes a foundational AI literacy course aligned to the IBF Future-Enabled Skills and accredited by the Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF). Employees can also choose to deepen their skills through programmes run by industry-recognised vendors under SkillsFuture@SC, a learning initiative funded by the Bank.
To date, more than 15% of all Singapore-based employees have undergone one or more of the AI programmes on offer, with more colleagues expected to be trained over the next two years. In parallel, the Bank also launched its own Gen AI tool, SC GPT across multiple markets including Singapore in March this year to enhance operational efficiency and client engagement, making it one of the largest enterprise deployments of its kind in banking. Most recently, it introduced the Data Management Learning Marathon (DMLM), an interactive, multi-phase and multi-year programme to help employees learn about concepts such as the Data Life Cycle, Data Quality, and Responsible AI.
Mr Patrick Lee, CEO, Singapore and ASEAN, Standard Chartered Bank, said, “Standard Chartered prides itself on being a skills-based organisation. As part of our skills development journey, we aim to empower our people through continuous learning, enabling them to transform the work they do, stay ahead of the changing landscape and help the Bank to deliver on our business and people goals.”
Bank’s efforts at upskilling employees recognised at IBF Awards
For its success in developing comprehensive training programmes to upskill its employees, the Bank received the IBF Advance Award for Skills Development (Sustainable Finance) at an event graced by Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister for National Development and Deputy Chairman of Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and Mr Chia Der Jiun, Managing Director, MAS and Chairman, IBF.
Three senior leaders from the Bank, as a nod to their professional achievements and contributions towards the financial industry in Singapore, were named IBF Fellows. They are:
• Ms Jaclyn Dove, Global Head, Sustainable Finance Strategic Initiatives
• Ms Lee Woei Shiuan, Head of CEO Office
• Mr Richard Sykes, Co-Cluster Treasurer and Head of Treasury Markets, ASEAN and South Asia
“As a key global market that is central to our cross-border and affluent banking strategy, the Bank will continue to invest in our talents in Singapore so we can contribute positively to the industry’s success. We are confident that Richard, Woei Shiuan and Jaclyn will continue to lead by example in their respective areas and strengthen Singapore’s status as a leading financial hub in the region,” Mr Lee added.