From left: OCBC Singapore head of group human resources Lee Hwee Boon, OCBC Malaysia CEO Tan Chor Sen, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, OCBC Al-Amin Bank Bhd CEO Tuan Syed Abdull Aziz Syed Kechik and OCBC Malaysia head of human resources KC Loo.
KUALA LUMPUR: OCBC Malaysia is committing over RM10mil annually to people development programmes, with a significant focus on artificial intelligence (AI), reskilling and upskilling.
At the launch of its people development-centred “OCBC Grow Your Way with MOBI” event, OCBC Malaysia chief executive officer Tan Chor Sen said the investment is aimed at equipping more than 5,000 employees with the skills to navigate challenges and seize opportunities from rapid global changes.
“AI is rapidly transforming the world, and OCBC Malaysia is committed to ensuring our people are well-equipped to harness this technology effectively to innovate and work efficiently.
“Today, we offer close to 480 AI programmes, spanning from foundational AI concepts to advanced topics such as Generative AI and Agentic AI. Nearly 3,890 employees have participated, with close to 12,500 course completions recorded to-date,” he said.
“To support the nation’s development of local talent in artificial intelligence, we are pleased to announce that starting next year, the Bank will dedicate two scholarships under our OCBC Scholarship Programme for students pursuing AI-related disciplines,” he added.
This year’s event focuses on the role of generative AI in staff development, highlighting the future landscape of skills, enhancing capabilities in the era of advanced technology, showcasing success stories from OCBC’s AI projects, building resilience amid uncertainties, and fostering continuous learning to stay ahead.
Tan said that beyond AI, the bank will roll out more forward-looking programmes, including growth and skills coaching, to strengthen career development and connect employees with experts and coaches.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, who launched the event at OCBC Malaysia’s refurbished collaboration centre in Kuala Lumpur, said that while some conventional jobs may be replaced by AI, digitalisation and green technology, the shift will also create many new high-skilled roles that better fit future needs.
“It is critical that we embrace AI along with the numerous opportunities it brings, and I am pleased to see OCBC Malaysia leading the way for its staff and the industry. I encourage all Malaysians to pursue a similar path to future-prove ourselves and remain ready to adapt.
“AI will not replace workers, rather it will create new roles and opportunities by redefining current job scope. We should embrace this technology and turn it into opportunities,” he said.
OCBC Malaysia comprises of OCBC Bank (M) Bhd and its Islamic banking subsidiary OCBC Al-Amin Bank Bhd.
