DBS has announced its intention to recruit more than 500 young professionals in Singapore this year through its Management Associate, Internship, and Traineeship programmes. This initiative is part of the bank’s commitment to nurturing future talent in the AI era, with a total of nearly 1,600 young individuals expected to join DBS between 2024 and 2026.
DBS CEO Tan Su Shan emphasised the importance of these opportunities, stating, “AI is enabling young graduates to learn faster, contribute earlier, and take on higher-value work from the outset.” The bank’s Young Talent Programme for AI in Finance aims to enhance the career readiness of graduates, in collaboration with the Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF) and industry partners.
The flagship Management Associate Programme at DBS is designed to develop future leaders through a structured 12-month journey based on the Triple E framework of Education, Exposure, and Experience. In 2026, DBS has hired 112 Management Associates, more than doubling the average annual intake of previous years.
The DBS Internship Programme offers students practical experience in banking, technology, and innovation, with over 400 interns expected this year. Additionally, the Graduate Industry Traineeship (GRIT) Programme provides fresh graduates with a six-month immersive learning experience, with DBS planning to recruit a similar number of trainees as last year.
Clarissa Jew, a data scientist who joined DBS in 2024, shared her experience: “Using the bank’s in-house AI tools such as CodeBuddy and DBS-GPT has really accelerated how quickly I can contribute.” Her journey highlights the opportunities for young professionals to engage in meaningful work and develop their skills in a supportive environment.
DBS’s continued investment in young talent underscores its commitment to future-proofing Singapore’s banking talent pipeline in an increasingly AI-driven world.
