‘We will not stop hiring’: UOB CEO on plans to recruit 1,000 graduates as AI reshapes entry-level work
The roles will include those in personal financial services and anti-money laundering
The United Overseas Bank (UOB) has announced plans to recruit 1,000 young graduates over the next year, as artificial intelligence is set to transform entry-level work. At the Better U Festival 2026, UOB CEO Wee Ee Cheong emphasized that while AI can handle routine tasks, the bank will not cease hiring. Wee expressed that the bank remains committed to investing in the next generation, offering opportunities for experience, expertise development, and career growth.
The recruitment will focus on personal financial services, anti-money laundering, management associate roles, internships, and the Future Bankers Programme, a 24-month development program for fresh graduates. Starting in Q1 2027, UOB's enhanced Gig+U programme will introduce customer-facing and sales advisory roles, providing a monthly S$500 retainer for select roles requiring certification.
The programme, open to both UOB employees and external hires, aims to form a pool of 200 participants, with assignments based on business needs. UOB's Gig+U initiative, launched in 2021, allows experienced employees to contribute their expertise through flexible work options, mainly in operational and customer support functions.
As AI reshapes the workplace, UOB's leaders must adapt and build new capabilities, while maintaining sound judgment on technology usage. To support managers, UOB launched the Better Leader Programme, equipping 5,500 managers with skills to lead effectively in an AI-enabled workplace. The program emphasizes developing capabilities that technology cannot replicate, such as judgment, empathy, resilience, leadership, and trust-building.
Written by urgent.news from The Business Times - Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
