OCBC has announced a strategic partnership with the International Coaching Federation Singapore to equip 100 senior leaders with coaching skills by 2027. This initiative, witnessed by Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng and OCBC Group CEO Helen Wong, is part of OCBC’s commitment to fostering a skills-first workplace and aligns with Singapore’s national skills development strategy.
The collaboration is timely, as a recent NTUC LearningHub survey highlighted coaching skills as a top priority for organisational growth. Nearly 90% of business leaders and employees believe that leaders should possess coaching capabilities, with over 70% acknowledging the benefits of coaching, such as increased productivity and reduced turnover.
To achieve the International Coaching Federation Associate Certified Coach accreditation, participants must complete 60 hours of coaching education, 100 hours of coaching experience, and 10 hours of mentor coaching. The partnership also aims to promote coaching excellence through joint workshops and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Lee Hwee Boon, Head of Group Human Resources at OCBC, emphasised the importance of coaching in navigating organisational transformation, stating, “Coaching empowers our employees to manage transitions confidently and take ownership of change.”
Since September 2023, 52 senior leaders have begun their coaching journey, with nearly 300 employees benefiting from internal coaching sessions. This initiative builds on OCBC’s previous $50 million investment in employee development, with an additional $30 million committed from 2023 to 2025.
ICF Singapore President Lisa Yeoh praised the partnership, noting, “This collaboration signals a strong commitment to embedding coaching into the fabric of the organisation.” The initiative is expected to inspire other organisations in Singapore to embrace coaching as a tool for leadership and cultural development.
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