UOB has launched a comprehensive initiative to prepare its workforce for an AI-driven workplace. The bank’s new organisation-wide upskilling and reskilling programme aims to provide employees with foundational skills in Generative AI (GenAI) and automation, enabling them to improve productivity as technology continues to change the nature of work.
The programme is designed not only to equip staff with technical abilities but also to foster confidence in adapting to future challenges. Employees will have opportunities to learn advanced digital skills, such as data science, and participate in a network of innovation champions who will support GenAI adoption and business process improvements throughout the bank.
This new effort builds on UOB’s existing Better U Pivot Programme, which helps employees transition into roles in emerging areas through personalised skills assessments and structured career pathways. Since its launch in 2019, the flagship Better U programme has helped over 26,000 employees develop core banking and critical skill competencies.
UOB formalised its commitment by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF), Workforce Singapore (WSG), and Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP). The agreement was signed during the bank’s Better U Festival, attended by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
Through this partnership, UOB will collaborate with IBF to create industry-recognised training programmes aligned with the Skills Framework for Financial Services. These programmes will cover areas such as Generative Artificial Intelligence, Digital Literacy, and Data Fluency. Employees can also access IBF-accredited workshops focused on prompt crafting for AI tools. IBF will continue supporting job redesign efforts and employee development by integrating technical training with structured career plans.
Additionally, UOB will work with WSG under the Career Health SG initiative to develop measures that promote career growth and agility. This includes using WSG’s Career Conversion Programme to redesign jobs affected by technological changes and helping employees move into new roles that are expected to grow in demand.
The collaboration with NP involves embedding behavioural prompts into learning journeys to encourage openness to change—a strategy that will also inform NP’s research and curriculum development.
To further support these initiatives, UOB has established an Innovation Academy offering courses in AI, data, and blockchain for all employees. The academy provides practical learning opportunities aimed at deepening expertise among those working in data-related fields.
"These initiatives reflect our commitment to nurturing a resilient workforce—one equipped not just with new skills but also with the adaptability needed for today’s fast-evolving financial landscape," said a representative from UOB.