DBS brings back Hack2Hire to identify 150 of Singapore’s top technology talent to bolster its AI and blockchain capabilities

Singapore.20 Sep 2021
Singapore, 20 Sep 2021 - With the thoughtful adoption of emerging technologies set to become the defining competitive advantage for companies in the new normal, DBS announced today plans to hire around 150 of Singapore’s brightest technology talent through its popular Hack2Hire programme.

Back after a year-long hiatus due to Covid-19, DBS Hack2Hire will enable candidates to meet like-minded technologists and participate in exciting challenges during a virtual hackathon to assess their technical and problem-solving capabilities. Successful candidates will be invited for a final interview during the same event.

In its fourth edition, DBS Hack2Hire aims to fill positions across 14 developer and engineering roles as the bank scales up its use of artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) and blockchain technologies to reshape the future of banking. This will also contribute towards Singapore’s effort to nurture a pipeline of talent in financial technology. Both fresh graduates and experienced professionals are invited to apply.

Noting that DBS Hack2Hire presents a unique opportunity for technologists to build a fulfilling engineering career in the World’s Best Bank and World’s Best Digital Bank[1], Soh Siew Choo, Group Head of Big Data/AI and Consumer Banking Technology at DBS, said, “With Covid-19 greatly accelerating the pace of digital adoption, it is now more important than ever to ensure that our digital offerings continue to stay ahead of our customers’ needs. At DBS, we are deeply absorbed in leveraging emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain to deliver intelligent, intuitive and invisible banking services. We have made significant strides in the past year, but the journey is only beginning, and we are looking to uncover high quality talent to join us as we shape the digital finance landscape and make banking joyful for our customers.”

DBS has been harnessing the vast potential of AI/ML and blockchain technologies to introduce a series of industry-leading solutions addressing diverse needs ranging from financial planning, wealth management, asset digitalisation, and sustainability. Some of the transformative projects involving AI/ML and blockchain that DBS is working on include:

  • With asset digitalisation fast gaining traction, DBS launched its blockchain-backed digital asset ecosystem, anchored by the DBS Digital Exchange, last year, offering corporate clients and accredited investors an integrated suite of solutions across the digital asset value chain.
  • DBS and its partners have announced plans to jointly establish Climate Impact X (CIX), a Singapore-based global carbon exchange and marketplace that aims to scale the voluntary carbon market. CIX will leverage satellite monitoring, ML and blockchain to enhance the transparency, integrity, and quality of carbon credits.
  • While on a multi-year journey to democratise access to wealth management services, DBS launched DBS NAV Planner in April last year to help customers navigate through life’s changes and make better financial decisions. An intuitive financial and retirement planning tool that leverages more than 100 AI models to deliver personalised and useful insights to its 2.4 million users, DBS NAV Planner was recently upgraded with a new digital investment advisory feature that can determine individualised investment risk profiles and make specific recommendations. More than 30 million financial planning insights were delivered in 2020.

Michael Burchell-Davies, an Engineering Lead at DBS, joined the bank through the inaugural DBS Hack2Hire in 2017. Since then, Michael has been involved in complex projects to enhance DBS’ digital banking capabilities, including the building up of MLOps infrastructure to operationalise the deployment of AI models across the bank.

Davies shared, “As a Singaporean who has been following the local technology scene quite closely, I was intrigued by how a bank with decades of history was taking such a novel approach towards hiring. Having been with DBS for some time now, it’s gratifying to know that the innovation goes far beyond the hackathon. I see it every day at work, as my colleagues and I tackle new and exciting challenges to deliver the best possible digital banking services for our customers. It is very satisfying to solve large engineering challenges while applying the latest and greatest technology practices.”

To provide applicants with a peek into life at DBS, the bank is organising a virtual Hack2Hire Festival in October. This comprises a series of talks covering topics such as the DBS innovation engine, emerging technologies and the future of work and workspaces.

Those interested to apply for DBS Hack2Hire are invited to register and complete the online technical challenge at https://www.dbs.com/hack2hire/sg/index.html before 17 October 2021.


[1] DBS has been recognised as the World’s Best Bank for four consecutive years, with its most recent global best bank accolade coming from leading UK-based financial publication Euromoney, which honoured DBS with the ‘World’s Best Bank’ title for the second time in three years in its Awards for Excellence 2021. Euromoney also named DBS ‘World’s Best Digital Bank’ this year, making it the first time any bank has held both titles concurrently.



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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 and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. 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. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.