In a coordinated effort to future-proof a robust pipeline of financial workforce, Singapore hosted the Financial Industry Fiesta 2025, unveiling a suite of internships, traineeships, and work-study pathways targeted at polytechnic students.

Spearheaded by the Institute of Banking and Finance ( IBF ) and supported by 12 major financial institutions, the initiative will open up 300 hands-on opportunities over the next two years.

These placements are designed to immerse young talent directly into the financial sector, offering practical experience in areas ranging from SME banking to digital HR transformation.

The participating financial institutions included both local and international organizations – Amundi, BNY Mellon, DBS, Howden, ING Bank, JPMorgan Chase, Mizuho Bank Singapore, OCBC, Prudential Singapore, Standard Chartered Bank, UBS, and UOB.

Minister of state Alvin Tan, who also serves on the board of the Monetary Authority of Singapore ( MAS ), underscored the urgency of cultivating adaptable and digitally fluent talent amid global uncertainty. Speaking at the Ngee Ann Polytechnic Convention Centre, he encouraged students to embrace “non-linear pathways” into finance, citing the industry’s openness to fresh, diverse talent.

Real-world experience

A landmark memorandum of understanding was also signed between IBF, UOB, and Singapore’s three autonomous universities, signalling a new era of work-study integration. Students will now be able to pursue degrees while gaining real-world experience in financial institutions, an increasingly attractive model for those seeking both credentials and employability.

Daniel Brandenberger, UBS’ head of HR Singapore, noted that building a strong talent pipeline is not just a goal but a long-term investment: “UBS is committed in building a future pipeline of talent for the banking industry. The availability of diverse, skilled talent in Singapore has enhanced Singapore’s value proposition as a key global financial centre.”

Through a new partnership with the IBF, the Swiss bank has launched the UBS Polytechnic Graduate Program, a 12-month, work-learning scheme tailored specifically for graduates from Singapore’s polytechnic institutions.

The event featured learning journeys to major banks, interactive booths, and fireside chats with industry professionals. For former students like Jadrien Sie and Rachael Goh, both Fiesta alumni now employed at Standard Chartered and Prudential respectively, the event has proven to be more than just a job fair, it’s a career catalyst.

Sie is now a business development manager, SME banking, at Standard Chartered Bank Singapore, while Goh serves as an employee experience and early careers specialist at Prudential Singapore, where she leads initiatives in employee engagement, digital experience, internship recruitment, and early career development.

As Singapore works to consolidate its position as a regional financial powerhouse, the initiative reflects the industry’s growing commitment to nurturing diverse talent and creating multiple entry points for the next generation of finance professionals.