OCBC Malaysia is investing over RM10 million a year in people development programmes, with a significant focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), reskilling and upskilling.

At the launch of its people development-centred OCBC Grow Your Way with MOBI flagship event, OCBC Malaysia’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Tan Chor Sen said the investment aims to equip its workforce of more than 5,000 employees with the skills needed to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by rapid global changes.

“AI is rapidly transforming the world, and OCBC Malaysia is committed to ensuring our people are well-equipped to harness this technology effectively to innovate and work efficiently.  Today, we offer close to 480 AI programmes, spanning from foundational AI concepts to advanced topics such as Generative AI and Agentic AI. Nearly 3,890 employees have participated, with close to 12,500 course completions recorded to-date,” he said.

“To support the nation’s development of local talent in artificial intelligence, we are pleased to announce that starting next year, the Bank will dedicate two scholarships under our OCBC Scholarship Programme for students pursuing AI-related disciplines,” he added.

This year, the event’s theme centres on the role that Generative AI plays in the development of the Bank's staff, focusing on five key future-centred areas. They are:

• The future landscape of skills: Navigating emerging trends and technologies
• Enhancing skills in the era of AI and advanced technology
• Inspiring success stories: OCBC AI project implementations
• Building resilience and grit: Thriving amidst uncertainties
• The continuous learning advantage: Staying curious, staying ahead

Mr Tan added that beyond AI, the Bank will also introduce more forward-looking programmes soon, including growth and skills coaching, designed to strengthen and connect employees with experts and skill coaches for career and skills development.

The event was officially launched by Human Resources Minister YB Steven Sim Chee Keong at OCBC Malaysia’s newly refurbished collaboration centre on the third floor of Menara OCBC in Kuala Lumpur.

Speaking at the event, YB Steven Sim highlighted that while certain conventional jobs may be at risk of being replaced by AI, digitalisation, and green technology, this transformation will also open up substantial opportunities for new, high-skilled roles that better match future demands.

In addition, he stressed the need for a clear framework to address the ethical and legal dimensions of AI, beyond its technical development, and underscored that AI should be leveraged to enable smarter, data-driven decision-making across industries.

YB Steven Sim also applauded OCBC Malaysia for spearheading these initiatives which are closely aligned with the Government’s workforce transformation agenda, advancing an AI-driven digital future.

“It is critical that we embrace AI along with the numerous opportunities it brings, and I am pleased to see OCBC Malaysia leading the way for its staff and the industry. I encourage all Malaysians to pursue a similar path to future-prove ourselves and remain ready to adapt. AI will not replace workers, rather it will create new roles and opportunities by redefining current job scope. We should embrace this technology and turn it into opportunities,” he said.

Since its inception, OCBC Grow Your Way with MOBI has served as a cornerstone of the bank’s development approach, designed to future-proof its employees. Besides Malaysia, it is also held across OCBC Group’s core markets namely Singapore, Greater China and Indonesia. The festival features a diverse array of talks, interactions with thought leaders, immersive experiences, and activities that showcase the skills and talents across the OCBC Group.

OCBC Malaysia’s Head of Human Resources, Ms KC Loo said, “Our flagship OCBC Grow Your Way with MOBI is rooted in our people development strategy and acknowledges the challenges posed by the rapidly evolving learning ecosystem, technological advancements, and regulatory changes. Our aim is to inspire our colleagues to seize opportunities to enhance their career health, pathways, and life-long employability. MOBI is an AI Career Growth Companion that guides employees on their skills growth and mobility journey in OCBC Group. The event serves as a Group-wide platform for our colleagues to explore their skills, articulate their aspirations, and take charge of their growth and development – without fear of AI,” Ms Loo said.

YB Steven Sim had earlier officiated Menara OCBC’s newly rejuvenated Collaboration centre, which has been thoughtfully redesigned to foster enhanced teamwork and promote a more dynamic and inclusive working environment.

OCBC Malaysia is part of the Singapore-based OCBC Group, the second largest financial services group in Southeast Asia by assets.  It has been named Malaysia’s “Bank of the Year” for two consecutive years by London-based publication The Banker. In Human Resources, it was named Employer of the Year (Gold) by Jobstreet by SEEK People & Purpose Awards 2025. LinkedIn Top Companies 2025 (Malaysia) ranks it sixth in its “Top 15 companies to work for career growth” in 2025.

OCBC Malaysia comprises of OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad and its Islamic banking subsidiary OCBC Al-Amin Bank Berhad.