When the United Overseas Bank (UOB) realised digital transformation’s impact on job roles and skill demands, the company created an L&D programme designed to future-proof the workforce with an initial SGD3 million investment for the first three (3) years.
Dubbed “Better U,” the programme features a 12-week foundation course accomplished through modules spanning five (5) core competencies: growth mindset, problem-solving, digital awareness, human-centred design and data storytelling. This course was designed based on behavioural science, featuring gamified or interactive team-based formats to maintain that level of engagement. Almost all the modules are also digital for enhanced flexibility in completing the course. By the first half of 2021, around 15,000 employees had completed the foundational modules.
Unique to Better U is its focus on soft skills as well as digital and data skills. This enables employees to enhance their learning capacities and employability as well as help them decide with greater confidence regarding the direction of technical specialisation they will opt for in the ongoing wave of digital transformation.
In addition to relevant upskilling, the programme includes start-of-career pathways such as annual exhibitions for students and other members of the public to explore potential opportunities with UOB. They also offer a one-year work programme in partnership with Singapore’s five (5) polytechnics and three (3) colleges under the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) to hone industry-first talents of their students.
In late 2023, the bank finished construction of a physical Better U Campus, which is situated at the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM). It spans 975 sqm. and includes six (6) training rooms to further enhance the upskilling and reskilling of the UOB workforce.
“The Better U programme is part of our long-term approach as we nurture our talent and empower them to take control of their future. Through it, we hope our people will be able to discover their full potential and for some, possibly chart a new course in their career,” said Mr. Dean Tong, Head of Group Human Resources.
“Our people are our family, and we will do our utmost to protect and nurture them for success.”
COMPANY PROFILE: United Overseas Bank (UOB)
Industry: Banking
Headquarters (Southeast Asia): Singapore
Other Locations: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand
No. of Employees (Southeast Asia): 46,045
FACT FILE: SPEAKUP!
Timeline: Ongoing (Since October 15, 2019)
HR target areas:
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- Learning & Development
- Digital Transformation
- Training Initiatives
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