UOB rolls out initiative to train staff in Gen Al, automation skills

Push to help bank's employees use tech for productivity, efficient operations

- Sheila Chiang

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam viewing an exhibit at the Better U Pivot Festival at UOB Plaza in Raffles Place on Oct 1, accompanied by the bank's chief executive Wee Ee Cheong (third from right). PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

(LIANHE ZAOBAO)

UOB introduced an initiative on Oct 1 to equip employees with foundational generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) and automation skills to enhance productivity.

Singapore's third-largest bank by assets is also developing talent to take on advanced digital roles such as data science.

Speaking at UOB Plaza in Raffles Place on Oct 1, UOB chief executive Wee Ee Cheong said employees must stay ahead with their skill sets in an ever-changing world.

"Technology disruptions are transforming the way we work. We must reskill, upskill and adapt continuously. With the use of Al, our people can do more and do it faster.

"It could also bridge knowledge gaps to help reduce anxiety when our people pivot to a new role," he said.

"At the same time, our people must also have the responsibility to continuously upskill and reskill so that they can better contribute."

His comments came as the bank signed a memorandum of understanding with the Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF), Workforce Singapore (WSG) and Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) to help on this front.