United Overseas Bank (UOB) says it has expanded its award-winning group-wide learning and development programme, Better U, on Oct 27.
The programme, which is one of the bank’s flagship training programmes for its employees, will now enable its staff to master skillsets in data analytics and project management, two areas deemed to be essential to future employability.
According to research conducted by the Institute of Banking and Finance Singapore (IBF) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), data analytics will augment or transform 90% of jobs in the financial sector within the next five years.
Similarly, project management skills will continue to be sought after in the future of employment.
Better U, which open to all UOB employees who have completed the mandatory foundational modules, which develop competencies in five core areas – growth mindset, problem-solving, digital awareness, human-centred design and data storytelling.
“At UOB, we believe that continuous learning is essential for long-term sustainability. The new world presents tremendous opportunities and challenges and we are committed to investing in the future and in our people”, says UOB deputy chairman and CEO Wee Ee Cheong.
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“So far, more than 8,000 colleagues around the world have participated in the foundational module. Better U has been important in inspiring 96 per cent of participants to continue developing their skills, while 98 per cent have said they are committed to applying what they have learnt in their roles.”
“These results are very encouraging as we believe every individual should be given an opportunity to take the initiative and be responsible for their own learning and growth journey. With this in mind, we are adding two new tracks to Better U – project management and data analytics – that are essential skills that can be applied across all functions in the bank,” he adds.
Shares in UOB closed 21 cents lower or 1.1% down at $19.64 on Oct 27.
