Singapore's United Overseas bank is to put all of its 26,000 employees through a 12-week learning and development programme designed to help them prepare for a digital future.
Given that job roles will continue to be redefined by emerging and new technologies, UOB's 'Better U' programme identifies five core competencies considered essential for employees to remain relevant in the future.
Staff will be expected to navigate a range of interactive modules built to encourage a growth mindset and the development of complex problem solving skills, as well as acquiring skills in the fields of digital innovation, human-centred design and data
In addition to the foundation course, UOB has devised career pathways and learning tracks and will also set up a dedicated team to advise and to guide employees as they navigate the future demands of work.
Dean Tong, head of group human resources, UOB, says: “To help our people find their place in an environment where work is being transformed by technology and customer expectations, we designed the Better U programme to nurture a mindset that is curious and open to new avenues of personal and professional growth.
"By designing an holistic development programme that covers both soft and technical skills, we are sowing the seeds of learning to prepare our people for successful careers in an industry that is undergoing significant change."
By the end of 2020, he expects that at least 70% of all UOB employees globally will have completed the course.