UOB launches more support initiatives across all career stages at annual Better U festival, including industry-first programme for work and study targeting Polytechnic and Institute of Technical Education students

SINGAPORE, Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — UOB will progressively roll out more comprehensive support for employees across all career stages. Announced at the Bank’s annual employee festival – Better U today, graced by the Minister for Education, Mr Chan Chun Sing, the programmes cover start-of-career opportunities to benefits extending beyond retirement, including:

• an industry-first one-year work programme partnering Singapore’s five polytechnics and three Institute of Technical Education (ITE) colleges to hone the talents of their students;
• a physical UOB Better U Campus housed in the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) for employees to upskill and reskill; and
• a transition programme to prepare employees near retirement age for life after work.

Mr Dean Tong, Head, Group Human Resources, UOB, said, “These initiatives set a new benchmark for the industry in terms of employee training and welfare. They ensure that UOB employees are supported and enabled at every stage of their careers in a constantly evolving environment, whether they are a prospective hire, a mid-career professional looking to upskill or a veteran preparing for retirement.”

“Our employees’ success is our success. Our slew of programmes this year, which cover every stage of their career journey, bear testament to our appreciation and commitment to their well-being and future as part of the UOB family.”

Unleashing the talents of polytechnic and ITE students
According to UOB’s ASEAN Consumer Sentiment Study (ACSS) 2023^[1], seven in 10 Singaporeans said they are concerned about work-related issues in general, a six per cent drop from last year. Generation Zs^[2] were an exception, with their level of concerns relating to work rising from 80 per cent last year to 84 per cent this year. The study also found that majority of these fresh entrants into the workforce prioritise having a meaningful career (61 per cent), reflecting a more nuanced, purpose- and values-driven approach adopted by Generation Z in their career pursuits.