UOB building staff skills with ‘Better U’
United Overseas Bank (UOB) has launched the learning and development programme “Better U” to help its more than 26,000 employees build successful careers in the digital age.
Given that job roles will continue to be redefined by emerging technologies, Better U focuses on five core competencies essential for people to “remain relevant in the future”.
Through a 12-week foundation course, all employees will complete modules designed to teach skills for solving complex problems and progressing in the fields of digital innovation, human-centred design and data.
UOB designed the course based on behavioural science and training best practices. For example, many modules have been designed as games or interactive team-based formats for a more engaging experience. Almost all are also digital so that employees can learn at their own convenience.
Next, there are career pathways and learning tracks in the areas of data management and project management, and meanwhile a dedicated team will advise and guide employees as they navigate the future demands of work.
“By designing a holistic development programme that covers both soft and technical skills, we are sowing the seeds of learning to prepare our people for successful careers in an industry that is undergoing significant change,” said Head of Group Human Resources Dean Tong.
Better U is the first such training initiative that covers soft skills as well as digital and data skills to receive accreditation by the Institute of Banking and Finance Singapore (IBF).
Upon completion of the foundation course, employees will be awarded a UOB-IBF Certificate of Achievement.
Following the foundation course, UOB employees can choose to pursue specialised learning tracks or educational opportunities that are aligned with their capabilities and interests. They can also apply for financial support to advance their education up to a master’s degree should they meet the bank’s selection and sponsorship criteria.
UOB launched Better U in Singapore with close to 1,500 employees participating in a showcase at the bank’s headquarters at UOB Plaza. UOB will roll out Better U progressively across the group. By the end of 2020, the bank expects that at least 70 per cent of employees globally will have completed the foundation course.
