Ask what AI can do for you, not what it will do to you: DBS HR chief
Lee said the number of new hires in Singapore is up about 10 per cent so far in 2026.
DBS Bank's Human Resources Chief, Lee Yan Hong, believes artificial intelligence can be a leader, not a crisis. Having witnessed the 2008 global financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic, Lee finds AI to be a manageable challenge and an opportunity for growth. She emphasizes that AI is a tool that can compensate for cognitive limitations, aiding in faster pattern recognition and synthesis.
DBS' AI momentum stems from a digital transformation journey that began in 2014. In 2023, the bank quickly adopted generative AI, providing tools like DBS GPT and Microsoft Copilot. This encouraged broad-based use across DBS' 19 markets, with over 70% of employees now using AI tools. Lee notes that AI has reduced repetitive tasks, allowing employees to recharge and return with better ideas.
However, concerns about AI reducing resume screening to a game of numbers persist. DBS has opted to use AI for resume-screening in practical situations, such as in India, where a single job posting can attract from 10,000 to 100,000 applications. GenAI is allowed for writing and coding tests, but hiring remains a human process. DBS is also focused on creating roles to grow the bank and keep it safe, with about 10% more new hires in Singapore compared to 2025, potentially reversing a recent decline.
Moreover, DBS promotes internal mobility, allowing staff to move into various roles within the growing wealth management business.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
