Management Associate Programme

At A Glance

• Training

  • Classroom Training

    - UOB Orientation - UOB Products & Services - Banking Laws & Regulations - Legal Aspects of Banker-Customer Relationship - Compliance - International Trade Finance - Fundamentals of Credit Analysis - 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Simulation Workshops - Adventure Learning - Site Visits

    Continuous Learning

    - Dialogue with Management - Executive Presentation Skills - Case Studies/Projects - On the Job Training (OJT) - Rotations/Attachments within the Function - Mentorship - Professional Development Courses - Functional Courses

    
    

    As part of UOB’s strong nurturing and continuous learning culture, training will be ongoing and you will benefit from a highly supportive working environment as well as professional development which will help cultivate specific skills required for success in the business unit (Function) you have chosen to anchor your career with UOB. You may even have opportunities to leverage on our strong regional presence to gain valuable overseas work experience.

    
    

    There will be periodic formal and informal exchanges with Management and Human Resources to discuss your progress and experiences. These are excellent opportunities for networking and camaraderie.

    
    

    The UOB MA Programme has its very own Mentorship Programme that is designed to provide our MAs with career guidance on a one-to-one basis. Our mentors, consisting of managers from different functions of the bank, are highly experienced and dedicated in guiding our MAs towards having a more successful and fruitful career with UOB.
    

    
    

• How Far Do You Really Want To Go?
  • UOB believes in pay-for-performance. Better performers will be rewarded with an accelerated career development path and remuneration packages.
    
    Don’t just take our word for it. Check out the testimonials of our Management Associates.
• What It Takes
  • 
    Candidates for our programme should have no more than two years of working experience and:
    
    
    • Have or expect to graduate with at least a Second Class Upper Honours Degree/Magna cum Laude.
    • General Degree Holders with exceptional personal achievements are also encouraged to apply.
    • Passionate and self-motivated to deliver performance excellence.
  • The competencies that UOB looks for in an MA include:
    • REASON and ANALYSE situations and problems to identify key or underlying issues
    • ADAPT easily and comfortably into a new environment/situation.
    • LEARN, retain and apply new concepts in a useful and practical manner
    • CREATIVE and able to think outside the box and encourage others to try out new ideas
    • Currently playing a leadership role and/or has LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL
    • Captivate and convince target audience in one’s COMMUNICATION with them
    • TEAM PLAYER
    • MATURITY and CONFIDENCE in handling difficult situations
      

Roles

• Asset Management

  • UOBAM continues to be a leading fund house in the region, offering global investment management expertise through retail unit trusts, exchange-traded funds and customised portfolio management services. We were named Best Onshore Fund House (Singapore) at the 2011 Investment Performance Awards by Asian Investor, as well as Best Retail House (Singapore) at the Best of the Best Awards 2010 by Asia Asset Management. This is the second time running we garnered both awards.
    
    As we continue to grow our regional presence and network in Asia, we aim to develop investment professionals in conducting independent rigorous fundamental research within a proven investment process and framework.

• Business Banking
  • UOB Business Banking was setup as a dedicated business segment to cater business solutions for the unique needs and requirements of our SME customers through our wide range of products and services. In today’s rapidly evolving SME landscape, UOB Business Banking adapts quickly to meet our customers’ specific needs through solutions management and risk management with an unwavering commitment to meet the unique needs of our customers.
    
    Working in partnership with our customers, Business Banking builds rapport with our customers on both professional and personal levels. Providing the right business solution by understanding their needs sets us apart from our competitors.
    
    Today, UOB Business Banking is one of the fastest growing business segments. Join the winning team if you have the drive & passion to take up this challenge of the rapid evolving SME landscape and be part of Asia-Pacific’s premier bank where opportunities are aplenty.
• Business Finance

  • Business Finance is one of the 3 Group Retail Level Shared Services established in September 2009 to provide Business Partnering and Support at both Group and Country Level.  

    
    

    Our functional scope includes:
    •	Business Partnering with Strategic Focus
    •	Business Performance Management
    •	Analytics with Market Intelligence
    •	Framework on Financial Controls and Governance
    •	Interface with Group Finance for Alignment with Group wide Policies
    Business Finance compromises 2 main functional teams. They are the Central MIS & Analysis Team and the Performance Management Team. Central MIS and Analysis Team
    •	Provide centralised business and customer financial MIS information support of Group Retail
    •	Manage the industry and market analysis in support of the Group Retail strategy
    •	Provide in-depth customer/account/transaction profitability analysis across all the Business segments and Channels
    •	Consolidates financials and business performance data to create unified views across geographies for business review and decision support
    •	Put in place MIS best practices / standards for adoption and alignment across countries

• Channels

  • In line with UOB's vision to become a truly regional bank for the future, Group Retail Channels was set up with effect from 1st January 2009. Channels consist of Channels Management, Channels Risk and Assurance, Branches, Branch Support, Self-Service Banking and Internet Banking. Working closely with the various business segments throughout the Bank, Channels is responsible for driving the overall Channels strategy to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of customer touch-points across geographies.
    
    UOB maintains a strong focus on its home market of Singapore, while at the same time constantly strengthening regional capabilities. Today, the UOB Group has a network of over 500 offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Western Europe and North America. Channels' Mission is to be a Premier Bank in the Asia Pacific with the most effective Channels, committed to providing Quality Products and Excellent Customer Service. We have an extensive branch network in the region, specifically for Singapore, 58 full branches , 7 Privilege Banking centers, 2 Lite Branches, more than 700 Self-Service Banking machines and comprehensive Internet and Mobile Banking offerings to serve and exceed our customers' needs.

    
    

    The following are our Vision & Objectives:

    •	To be recognised as a leader in consumer and commercial banking services in the region providing total solutions to customers characterised by high service quality
    •	To create shareholders' value by having cost effective and optimal use of Channels
    •	To design our distribution channels for the convenience of customers
    •	To invest in the best people and provide an environment for superior performance.

    
    

    UOB was named the Best Retail Bank in Singapore by the Asian Banker for Excellence in Retail Financial services for 2 consecutive years in 2010 and 2011. In 2010, Channels was awarded Spring Singapore's Singapore Quality Class Award, which is a prestigious Singapore Quality Class standard for business excellence.

• Commercial Banking
  • Commercial banking has traditionally been a core business focus for UOB, with its roots in the early 1930s where it provided financing to the Singaporean businessmen. Today, Commercial Banking provides banking solutions to the small and medium enterprises (“SME”), delivering a comprehension suite of products and services to meet the diverse business and financial needs of our customers throughout the region with strong presence in China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. This allows Commercial Banking to provide cross border financial solutions as we support our regional customers in their business growth and expansion in the region. Some of the products that Commercial Banking provides would include working capital, fixed asset financing, trade financing, equipment financing, accounts receivable, cash management services and treasury services. We also work closely with Government Agencies to reach out to the business community. In this respect, we have been recognised as the market leader in Government Assistance Schemes.
    
    Commercial Banking has been awarded the Best SME Banking by Asian Banker in 2011. Being the best in SME banking in the region is testament of our service, commitment and long-term partnership with our customers.
• Compliance
  • A robust and independent compliance risk management capability is vital to the success of a well-managed bank. On a day-to-day basis, business units assume primary responsibility for compliance observance under a structured framework of compliance policies, procedures and guidelines.
    
    Group Compliance provides advisories on compliance with laws and regulations, as well as timely assessment of key compliance and regulatory risk exposures. It plays a key role in promoting a strong culture of ethical and professional standards in the way the Bank conducts its business, and accords high priority to preventative measures against the use of the Bank for money-laundering and terrorist-financing activities.
• Corporate Banking
  • Corporate Banking focuses on the cultivation and management of banking relationships with large private companies, public-listed companies on the Singapore Exchange, multi-national companies with operations in Singapore, government-linked companies, statutory boards and government agencies.
    
    Working in a challenging and competitive environment, the team concentrates on achieving capital efficient business growth along with risk-based pricing as crafted under the Basel rules. We leverage off our vast regional and international business capabilities and successfully coordinated cross-border collaborations with customers to meet their regional business needs. Based on a holistic client coverage model and working intimately with the various product specialists, we strive to continue to provide comprehensive financial solutions to key corporate clients across geographies.
• Finance
  • Finance provides Group level financial advisory to the Management team.
    
    Being a large listed entity on the stock exchange, one of Finance’s responsibilities is on meeting the Legal Entity and Regulatory information requirements.
    
    Looking at it from the external view, the Function is to satisfy the needs of the Bank’s stakeholders including the Board, the shareholders, investors and the analysts. From the internal view, the Function provides management information assessing business performance. Finance role includes stewardship, partner to the business as well as perform strategic functions to achieve the organisation goals.
• Global Markets & Investment Management
  • Our Global Markets & Investment Management business focuses on the sale and trading of a wide spectrum of financial instruments across various asset classes. We work with customers on investment advisory and exposure hedging, and manage third party capital for investments in various funds. We engage in propriety trading of financial products, including foreign exchange, fixed income, and money market. We are one of the largest providers of banknotes service in the region, and the only Bank in Singapore to offer a comprehensive range of Gold investment products.
    
    With the challenging market conditions, and to meet the needs of clients with varied risk appetite, Global Markets & Investment Management while seeking to optimise returns, has to be judicious in its risk management. It also seeks to manage the bank’s book through a variety of hedging instruments and ensure that trading exposures to market volatilities are controlled.
• Human Resources
  • It is the responsibility of HR to provide strategic directions for human resource management for the Bank. HR must be able to support the business in attracting the right candidates, create the right environment that motivates and develops the employees’ progression in the Bank and reward the right staff with competitive remuneration packages.
    
    To excel in this capacity, HR must keep abreast of the changing labour demography, legislation, business environment and market competition.
    
    In line with the Group’s regionalistion plans, HR has to ensure continuous nurturing of talents across the Group, high level of staff engagement and leadership succession.
• Investment Banking
  • Investment Banking provides the complete range of investment banking services which includes strategic advisory services, customised financial solutions and activities including mergers, acquisitions, corporate finance, leveraged finance and debt capital markets. With offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong, Investment Banking works closely with other partners within the Group to provide holistic investment banking solutions to meet the diverse and cross-border needs of our customers as they expand in the region.
• Personal Financial Services
  • As part of the Bank’s commitment to give its affluent customers a new standard in wealth management, UOB PFS continues to re-define the banking experience and push the boundary in terms of product offerings, advisory, benefits and access. In Singapore alone, we have 7 Privilege Centers to provide convenience of priority services to our Privilege Banking customers. We opened our first Privilege Reserve Suite at Marina Bay Financial Centre to serve the high net-worth individuals.
    
    There is more than wealth than money alone. To achieve this, we live and breathe customer segmentation, constantly enhance and innovate our product offerings and tailor financial solutions to meet customers’ needs. Our belief in targeted wealth planning for customers leads us to customer segmentation with value propositions that are designed for our valued customers. At UOB PFS, wealth management will continue to be our key focus as we walk this wealth journey together with our customers.
    
    UOB PFS will also continue to maintain its strong presence in the home loan business amidst intense competition both in the primary and secondary property markets. Our Cards remained at the cutting edge of new product and payment innovation to enhance our strength in issuing and acquiring credit cards in Singapore.
• Portfolio & Regulatory Management (PARM)

  • PARM is one of three shared service functions established in August 2009 to support management of decision science, regulatory and credit policy matters within Group Retail. There are three sub-functions under PARM, namely Risk & Decision Management (R&DM), Regulatory Assurance (RA) and Policy and Portfolio Review (PPR). 

    
    

    The scope of PARM is to be a strategic partner to the businesses, with focus on the following areas:

    
    

    1	Monitoring portfolio quality and credit risk management process
    2	Driving decision management implementation
    3	Ensuring effective regulatory management

    
    PARM’s functional responsibilities include:

    
    

    •	Developing, enhancing and institutionalising the infrastructure to support management of decision science, regulatory and credit policy matters within Group Retail
    •	Developing and deepening it’s regional support capabilities and raise the standards across all countries in the region where Group Retail operates
    •	Driving the global decision management initiatives in countries where Group Retail operates. Decision analytics will focus on providing support to the business units via customer insights (e.g. cross-selling, segmentation/profiling, lifetime value, etc), predictive models (e.g. response, propensity, market basket, risk, etc), portfolio reporting and ad hoc analysis.
    •	Defining best practices/ standards/ methodologies for the management of major regulatory risks and overseeing the compliance with relevant regulations within Group Retail
    •	Establishing credit policies and guidelines for, as well as monitor portfolio credit quality and credit cycle operations of, Group Retail business units in each country

• Technology and Operations
  • Group Technology & Operations (Group T&O) is a key strategic enabler of the Bank’s regional aspirations. It provides the back office processes, systems and infrastructure, enabling the Bank to thrive in today’s dynamic and competitive environment. It collaborates closely with various business units to focus on redefining and improving Bank-wide service standards, and enhancing customers’ overall experience.
    
    Through the re-engineering of applications and operation processes, Group T&O aims to build a common operating platform that is scalable across the region to serve the evolving needs of clients and business, and provide a unified experience to our customers. This pursuit of operational excellence is key in ensuring success for UOB.

Testimonials

• Snippets of MA Experience & Life at UOB
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    The aim of the UOB Management Associate Programme is to equip Management Associates with fundamental banking knowledge and essential interpersonal skills. They also get to learn through various interactive sessions consisting of games, discussions and presentations. Another highlight of the programme is the out-of-classroom experiences such as site visits to UOB’s business operation centres. Let’s hear from some of the management associates who attended the five-week training.

    
    

    Voices of MA 2010 about the five-week training programme
    
    
    The five-week training programme was integral in helping me to make the crucial transition from a student to a professional. The programme is well structured and comprehensive, and has aided me in the systematic learning of financial markets, banking and interpersonal skills required to grow and excel in an environment as fast-paced and challenging as Private Banking. But above all, the programme imparted to me the values at the heart of UOB, the very spirit that has brought UOB to where it is today, and the very same spirit that will drive us forward in the many years to come.   
    - Shaun Kang (Private Banking)

    
    

    What I enjoyed most about the five-week intensive training programme were the in-depth product and financial courses that were well structured and delivered by former bankers who possess a wealth of experience in Asian banking. As someone with a non-finance degree, these courses have been greatly instrumental in my learning process. Moving forward, I believe that my desire to learn from my colleagues will enable me to excel as a Private Banker in UOB.
    - Alexandra Eu (Private Banking)

    
    

    The UOB Management Associate Programme definitely exceeded my expectations. Preparing me for what lay ahead in a banking career, the pre-work programme was packed with courses and activities conducted by experienced and knowledgeable facilitators. I initially thought the credit analysis class would be too technical, but later found that the knowledge gathered from the course was clearly very applicable after starting my stint at Enterprise Banking. My credit skills were put to the test in writing credit papers as part of my day-to-day job scope. Till today, the credit analysis training material that was given to us is highly sought after amongst my teammates!
    - Samantha Choo (Commercial Banking)

    
    

    What you learn in school doesn’t always translate to your work, and the training programme helps to bridge this gap. For Commercial Banking, I found the sessions by the external trainers which UOB brought in to be highly useful and applicable. This was especially so for credit analysis which is a major part of our job scope.
    - Chow Wong Yuen (Commercial Banking)

    
    

    The greatest benefit of UOB’s training programme lies in the friendships made with the other management associates. While the knowledge from the courses gave us a good grounding in general banking, I benefited more from the help I received from my peers during my on-the-job rotations. When I was in need of recent currency markets reports, the management associates from the Asset Management division gladly helped me. Furthermore, the final presentation on UOB’s products and services allowed me to gain a basic understanding of the Bank’s retail products and served as a strong foundation for learning at my current rotation at Treasury sales.
    - Charmian Lye (PFS - Privilege Banking)

    
    

    The initial training programme has given me a better insight into the whole banking model. This is extremely useful as it helps me to see where I can create value for the company and how my work in unearthing worthy investment gems for our investors at UOB Asset Management fits into the grand scheme of things. The programme has also improved my soft skills and given me more confidence in communicating with my colleagues and external parties in my field of work.
    – Teo Gui Xiong (GMIM - Asset Management)

    
    

    Our initial training was sometimes intense, sometimes difficult, sometimes exhilarating and most of the time really fun! It gave us a crash course on what to expect in the future and I am glad to have experienced it. The training programme has given us both the capacity and ability to brave what is in store for us, and the camaraderie to brave it together.
    – Nicholas Tay (Investment Banking)

    
    

    The friendship and source of common identity that was forged during the five-week induction played a pivotal role in helping me overcome the initial apprehension of starting off in an unfamiliar environment in my first rotation. I treasure this group of friends whom I am able to share experiences and laugh off silly incidents that took place in the office with; and I believe this is what makes the five-week stint most valuable to all of us.
    - Felicia Ling (Corporate Banking- Regional)

    
    

    The UOB Management Associate training programme in the first five weeks was definitely a comprehensive package of courses ranging from technical banking knowledge to soft skills such as managing interpersonal relations required on the job. This initial training has reinforced my foundations in theoretical and functional knowledge of the credit lending process, speeding up my learning at my current rotation at Corporate Banking.
    -Yvonne Chua (Corporate Banking)

    
    

    Having been recruited into Operations, it seemed as if I would have little use for the finance courses during our training. Yet, I now realise the value of being familiar with such terms and what goes on in different areas of the Bank when I attend meetings with representatives from other departments. More importantly, the courses that covered the ‘soft’ aspects have made a real difference in how I shape my attitude at work. The first five weeks undergoing training together have also cemented the friendships I have with the other MAs. I now count them not acquaintances, nor colleagues, but friends. The UOB Management Associate Programme is indeed an enriching one!
    - Amanda Lim (Group Technology and Operations)
    
    Fresh out of school, I chose the UOB Management Associate Programme because I was drawn to its focused rotation plan. The comprehensive five-week training programme before work proper is a structured and well thought-out blend of hard and soft skills designed to give management associates an overview of key processes and concepts crucial to UOB’s success. Management Associates are also treated to site visits which gave me a deeper insight into the various operations of the Bank. Sharpening my mind, my training days have placed me in good stead for a fulfilling career with UOB, and I think of them fondly.

    - Felyna Lee (Group Compliance)
• Andy Tan
  Management Associate 2006
  Investment Banking, Debts Capital Markets
  • 
    
    “There is nothing training cannot do. Nothing is above its reach. It can turn bad morals to good; it can destroy bad principles and recreate good ones; it can lift men to angelship.” - Mark Twain. The UOB Management Associate Programme is, at the fundamental level, a training programme. Throughout the one month training period, I was challenged both mentally and physically. With a balanced emphasis on overall development, the initial training laid strong foundations for my future growth in UOB.
    
    Due to the strong pool of candidates, the UOB Management Associate Programme is made up of intelligent and capable graduates. The group synergy is dynamic leading to strong intellectual discourse. Different perspectives and alternate viewpoints made the training process high powered with unique solutions to problems posed by the trainers.
    
    In my opinion, the UOB Management Associate Programme provides a strong platform for young, fresh, goal getting graduates to develop and grow. In an increasingly global financial environment, the UOB Management Associate Programme equips its trainee with the necessary skill sets to grow with UOB regionally and globally.
• Gary Phua Her Tien
  Management Associate 2007
  Commercial Banking
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    "Mentor: Someone whose hindsight can become your foresight." The mentorship program is an excellent avenue for the new MAs to gain a better insight and advice on career progress, work issues and personal development. The mentors are usually senior managers who have accumulated years of experience. As a fresh graduate, I have definitely benefited from these experiences. The mentors are committed to your development in UOB. When you have any problems or need any advice, they are always ready to provide you a helping hand and encouragement. Since the mentor assigned to us is usually from other sectors, we can be more candid and have a more objective advice and discussion. Lastly, with the mentorship program, it is easier for us to assimilate into the UOB culture and maximize our potential.
• Laura Foo
  Management Associate 2009
  Group Finance and Corporate Services
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    The very first step I took to kick-start my career was when I joined the UOB Management Associate Programme in 2009. The core training and rotations within Finance and at Group Retail, Institutional Financial Services and Global Markets and Investment Management enabled me to grasp the fundamental aspects of banking and issues that different businesses face, and to appreciate the challenges in the increasingly competitive banking landscape.
    
    Opportunities to interact with Senior Management and to see their efforts translate into actions do not come by frequently for fresh graduates. I find the potential to work with the best people, good infrastructure and the strong emphasis on employee development very engaging to me. While knowledge acquired in school facilitates the understanding of real-life work issues, curiosity, interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to changes are key to maximising the learning experience. For me, each rotation lasted between one and three months and I had to learn quickly on the job within the short time frame. I was involved in the bank-wide stress testing project for a month, and was learning about the nature and strategic intents of Institutional Financial Services in another. This diverse exposure allowed me to build a broad “mind-map” of the banking business and how we create shareholder value while managing our risks.
    
    The most rewarding takeaway is the self-discovery process through seizing opportunities to push myself beyond my limits. No two days are the same, as I work with and learn from seniors who have a wealth of knowledge to share. I apply my technical and people skills and develop my problem-solving capabilities. For school leavers contemplating a career in banking, talk to people and take on internships to find out what exactly interests you and whether you are able to excel in it. Come with an open mind and a desire to succeed in the dynamic environment!

FAQs

• Q1. I'm interested in the UOB MA Programme. How should I go about applying if I have not received my university results?
  • If you are graduating this year, you will need to provide an estimate of your graduating degree.
    
    If you are selected as an MA, the offer will be conditional on your attaining your degree in the year of your employment with the Bank..
    
• Q2. What should I do if I am still studying overseas? Can I apply?
  • Sure, we welcome your application and the application procedure is the same.
    
• Q3. I graduated a year ago and have since been working. Can I apply for the UOB MA Programme?
  
  • Certainly, we welcome applicants with less than 2 years of working experience with or without prior banking experience.
    
• Q4. Can I join the UOB MA programme if I have more than 2 years of experience?
  • The Programme targets graduate professionals at different stages in their careers.
    
    If you have less than 2 years of working experience and possess / expect to graduate with at least a Second Upper Class Honours/Magna cum Laude degree of any dicipline, you may wish to apply to the UOB MA Programme.
    
    If you have more than 2 years of working experience and possess / expect to graduate with a Masters degree, you may wish to find out more about our other programmes such as International Managers Programme.
    
    There are career opportunities in UOB Group targeting working professionals in various stages in their careers, in other positions in the following locations:
    - China
    - Indonesia
    - Malaysia
    - Singapore
    - Thailand
    
• Q5. If I apply to the UOB MA Programme, does this automatically register me for the other graduate programme in UOB?
  • No. Your application will be considered for the MA programme specifically. You will have to separately apply for other programmes directly. Your online registration is only valid till the end of the recruitment drive for the UOB MA Programme.
    
• Q6. What is the selection process like and how long will it take? When do I start work if I am successful in my application?
  • The recruitment and selection process dates may subject to change. Below, the projected timeline:
    
    Singapore
    

    Online Application	Apply online by October.
    MA Career Talk	December.
    Selection Tests & Interviews	If shortlisted, you will be invited to attend a series of selection tests and interviews in the period between December - January.
    Offer	Offer signing in February.
    Commencement in August	We welcome you to join the elite group of UOB MA.

    
    
• Q7. Who can I contact if I encounter any difficulties in the registration?
  • You may wish to contact us at.
    • Singapore
      Email: ManagementAssociate@UOBgroup.com
    
    
• Q8. Why do I need to choose a Function in UOB to embark on my career as an MA?

  • In UOB, our MAs go through a focused traineeship programme where your career will be anchored around the Function of your choice (subject to suitability and availability).

    
    

    Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend our MA Career Forum held in December 2011 where you will get to further understand the business of your choice.

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