Financial technology (FinTech) may have been identified as a major disruptor in the banking and financial services sector, but complexities still abound on how it works.
This is where the new FinTech Foundation Programme will come in useful in helping professionals better understand how new emerging technologies can help make financial services more efficient and effective.
Co-developed by NTUC, the Banking and Financial Services Union (BFSU), Singapore FinTech Association (SFA) and Ngee Ann Polytechnic, the 2.5-day course will introduce essential concepts behind FinTech, emerging technology trends and the opportunities they bring to the workplace.
The programme was launched by NTUC Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) Patrick Tay on 27 March 2019, with some 20 participants attending the pilot run. They got to learn about design thinking, blockchain, cryptocurrencies as well as the necessary skills needed to perform higher value-added financial services.
A FinTech Fundamentals Programme and FinTech Deep Dive series is also available for participants who wish to further develop their knowledge on the subject.
“The banking and financial services sector is experiencing widespread digital transformation, and PMEs in the industry must ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to stay relevant and competitive in this rapidly evolving landscape. We have received ground feedback that there is growing interest in FinTech, but workers are overwhelmed by the technicality and costs involved in undergoing such programmes.
“We hope the FinTech Foundation Programme will bridge this gap to provide workers with foundational knowledge so that they can equip themselves with this new knowledge to operate in the new operating environment.
“It will also serve as a platform for those interested to segue into this exciting growth area. I urge all our local banks to partner with us to send their employees for this enriching programme,” said ASG Tay, who is also a FinTech Foundation Programme participant.
Echoing ASG Tay’s sentiment, BFSU General Secretary Wee Soon Guan added: “Fintech is growing globally and in Singapore. With this, opportunities and new job roles are created. In order for our workers to remain relevant to the sector and not miss out on the growing opportunities, we encourage our members to sign up for the course as an entry to the FinTech world.”
FinTech Talent Fair
With a focus on career opportunities in the industry, NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) and SFA also organised a FinTech Talent Fair on 27 March 2019 at M Hotel Singapore.
Attended by over 100 jobseekers, the career fair showcased the uses of technology by incorporating a smart job-matching platform where jobseekers could search, pitch and engage with potential employers for roles such as software developers, business development managers and data scientists.
“Singapore sits at the centre of this exciting ecosystem of innovation and growth where we see burgeoning FinTech start-ups, e-commerce platforms and digitalisation of traditional financial institutions. In the FinTech landscape, workers with the right mindset and relevant skills will be able to take advantage of the emerging job roles and opportunities.
“At the FinTech Talent Fair co-organised with SFA, job seekers and employers can understand each other better by tapping on a smart analytics platform which enables direct discussion and appointments. e2i has been working with our partners to build up the talent capacity for the industry and will continue to create opportunities like this to support workers who wish to build a career in FinTech,” said e2i CEO Gilbert Tan.
Find out more about the FinTech Foundation Programme, the course fees and available subsidies here.
