OCBC Bank offers postgraduates career “MAP”

by PostGraduan

THE Bank's Management Associate Programme aims to develop talent and kickstart a rewarding career

CBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad is offering postgraduates a “map” to develop their skills and capabilities at one of Asia’s largest and most respected banks with group assets of S$181 billion. MAP , an abbreviation for Management Associate Programme, was initiated in 2004 and aims to accommodate the needs of postgraduates who wish to venture into banking and finance.

According to Mr Jeffrey Chew, Director and CE O of OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad, MAP is one of the Bank’s recent programmes to provide intensive training to develop a pool of qualified and dedicated managers in the coming years.

“Training and education rank highly in our list of key ingredients to help us draw out the crème de la crème among the current crop of post-graduates. When we get this right, it would be easier to uncover their true potential. “MAP aims to hone the talents of those who are willing to take up the challenge. The banking and finance industry is at an exciting phase and we are sure there are many out there who have both the aptitude and the interest to participate in it,” he said.

To date, OCBC Bank has groomed over a hundred postgraduates through MAP , 10 who are now based in Malaysia. The programme is also open to those who are looking to switch from other fields to banking and finance. According to one of the management associates who currently serves at the Audit Division, Yeoh Boon Bin, MAP represents a fulfilling experience with great opportunity for high-level exposure.

“We are granted the freedom to explore areas of interest as we prepare ourselves to assume greater roles and responsibilities at OCBC Bank. The programme has helped to enhance my management skills as well as expand my network of friends. It has definitely provided me with a head start to a successful career with the Bank,“ he said.

As with all careers, having a good grip on one’s job requires good communication and networking skills. Sandy Yu, a management associate who is with the Operations Division testifies to this as she was able to establish strong relationships including with those from the senior management.

“The progamme skilfully directs the course of my career through training and varied job assignments. Interaction with senior management encourages a strategic view of the business and presents an opportunity to learn from the best. It’s a springboard to a successful career in banking that offers both personal and career growth”, she said.

Those who wish to apply to join the 18-month MAP may refer to www.ocbc.com/map and lookout for the recruitment window in March and September. Those selected would begin with an orientation programme in January or July.

The management associate receives comprehensive industry orientation, undergoes job rotation, participates in rigorous training activities and is provided with personal coaching from the Bank’s experienced management staff. The selected group also stands to gain regional exposure through overseas postings and short term assignments in Indonesia, China and Vietnam.

Postgraduates from diverse disciplines with interest in a career transition to Banking and Finance are encouraged to apply. Individuals with excellent first degrees or equivalent professional qualifications with significant work experience would also be considered. Apart from academic achievements, outstanding leadership potential and communication skills are also factors in the Bank’s final selection.

About OCBC Bank

OCBC Bank is Singapore’s longest established local bank. It has assets of S$181 billion and a network of more than 480 branches and representative offices in 15 countries and territories including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Hong Kong SAR , Brunei, Japan, Australia, UK and USA. This network includes more than 370 branches and offices in Indonesia operated by OCBC Bank’s subsidiary, Bank OCBC NISP. OCBC Bank and its banking subsidiaries offer a wide range of specialist financial services, from consumer, corporate, investment, private and transaction banking to treasury and stock-broking services to meet the needs of its customers across communities.

OCBC Bank’s insurance subsidiary, Great Eastern Holdings, is the largest insurance group in Singapore and Malaysia, in terms of assets and market share, and its asset management subsidiary, Lion Global Investors is one of the largest asset management companies in Southeast Asia. Additional information may be found at www.ocbc.com.