DBS announced today the launch of an in-house digital training institute to keep its close to 5,000-strong technology workforce updated with the most cutting-edge skills for the future.

Dubbed the DBS Future Tech Academy, the training institute will cover three technology disciplines for a start – (1) Site Reliability Engineering or SRE; (2) Data Processing and Analytics; and (3) Application Security. DBS will evaluate more programmes to cover other key technology domains in the next twelve months.

The DBS Future Tech Academy aims to build a learning ecosystem that incorporates a blended pedagogical approach tapping on both external experts as well as internally developed content and certifications. DBS believes that this will enable employees to acquire the latest technology skillsets from external industry experts and immediately apply their new skills to relevant technology projects being rolled out by the bank.

To complement the training programmes offered by the DBS Future Tech Academy, the bank’s technologists will also be granted complementary access to technology-focused digital learning libraries such as O’Reilly and Pluralsight. This will enable the bank’s technologists to pick up salient skills and knowledge in a just-in-time manner.

Jimmy Ng, Group Chief Information Officer, DBS, said, “DBS is always looking for innovative ways to maximise the potential of existing and emerging technologies to deliver differentiated and exceptional services to our customers. To do that, we need to ensure that our technologists are equipped with the right skills so that we can continue delivering joyful banking experiences. Having our own DBS Future Tech Academy gives us the agility to adapt our training curricula according the bank’s needs and enables us to stay ahead of the massive changes around us.”

At the same time, DBS is doubling down on its commitment to help grow the technology talent pool in Singapore by sponsoring the training of around 200 Singaporeans who are currently undergoing traineeships with the bank. The trainees will go through skills certification programmes offered by the DBS Future Tech Academy and will also be given free access to the digital learning libraries. By equipping the trainees with foundational skills in growth technology areas, DBS hopes to encourage them to pursue a longer-term career in technology regardless of whether they stay on with the bank after their traineeships.

Ng added that as a purpose-driven organisation, DBS is contributing to the national Smart Nation agenda by helping to groom a pool of young Singaporean technologists prepared for the future. “With digital trends and adoption set to accelerate in the next normal, technology will continue to be a core driver of change in the way we live, work, and play. Growing the pool of technology talent in Singapore will place the country in good stead as we respond to the disruptions ahead.”

Vanessa Leo, who joined DBS under the SGUnited Traineeship Programme in September 2020 after graduating from Nanyang Technological University, is one such beneficiary of the DBS Future Tech Academy’s training programmes. “When I joined DBS, I did not expect to be able to go through the same training and certification programmes as full-time employees. I am grateful for these learning opportunities as they are helping me lay a strong foundation for a technology career in the banking and finance industry.” With the training provided by the DBS Future Tech Academy and encouragement from her managers, Vanessa has since successfully joined the bank’s Skill Enhancement Education & Development (SEED) Programme, which grooms young graduates for technology careers in roles such as development, DevOps and cybersecurity.

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About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 18 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.

Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney, “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker and “Best Bank in the World” by Global Finance. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia” award by Global Finance for 12 consecutive years from 2009 to 2020.

DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, and positively impacting communities through supporting social enterprises, as it banks the Asian way. It has also established a SGD 50 million foundation to strengthen its corporate social responsibility efforts in Singapore and across Asia.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. The bank acknowledges the passion, commitment and can-do spirit in all of our 29,000 staff, representing over 40 nationalities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.

DBS launches in-house Future Tech Academy to equip its technology workforce with skills for the future