UOB Malaysia Partners ABS To Launch Executive Certification Programme For SME Bankers - News

UOB MALAYSIA PARTNERS ABS TO LAUNCH EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME FOR SME BANKERS

Source: Bernama.com, 06 September 2016

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 6 (Bernama) – United Overseas Bank (M) Bhd has partnered the Asian Banking School (ABS) to launch the finance industry's first executive certification programme designed for small and medium enterprise (SME) bankers in Malaysia.

UOB Malaysia said in a statement today that as Malaysian SMEs expand into new markets, they may face challenges such as international trade risk, gaining access to bank financing or adapting to unfamiliar business environments.

"Taking into account these difficulties, the UOB-ABS SME Banking Executive Certificate will impart specialist skills and knowledge necessary for bankers to cater to the financial needs of small businesses," it said.

The three-month programme combines classroom-based, experiential training in the areas of credit and risk management, SME business models and client management.

It includes cultivating stronger issue-resolution and collaboration skills, which will enable them to help customers overcome financial challenges and in turn, build long-term relationships.

Upon completion of the programme, UOB Malaysia's business banking officers will have a deeper understanding of the characteristics of SMEs, business trends as well as the challenges companies face in Malaysia.

"With greater regional economic integration and more foreign products entering Malaysia's market, there is a growing need for Malaysian companies to embark on regional expansion to tap into new market opportunities," UOB Malaysia said.

Business Banking Head Raymond Chui said many SMEs are looking for cross-border opportunities and UOB Malaysia is well-placed to help its customers expand their reach and realise growth ambitions.

"We expect a greater number of our SME customers to seize opportunities abroad and increase their export and import volume.

"SMEs need bankers with specialist skills and who understand what it takes to do business across borders, whether it is managing foreign exchange risk or navigating the regulatory landscape in different markets," he said.

Meanwhile, ABS Chief Executive Officer Prof Colyn Gardner said the school is pleased to be working with UOB Malaysia on this ground-breaking programme for SME bankers.

"The UOB-ABS SME Banking Executive Certificate is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive approach to learning.

"It will be delivered by in-house specialist training consultancy team who each have more than 30 years of experience at some of the world's largest international banks.

"The training will enable participants to gain knowledge by exposing them to topical case studies and panel discussions with successful entrepreneurs," he added.

He said UOB Malaysia is setting a standard in the industry with the launch of the programme.

The bank expects to train 100 SME bankers by end-2017.

PHOTO CAPTION

Exchange of documents to mark the commencement of the UOB-ABS SME Banking Executive Certificate programme (from left to right): John Chee, Head of Training, Group Business Banking, United Overseas Bank (Singapore) Ltd; Raymond Chui, Country Head, Business Banking, United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd; Tan Choon Hin, Head of Group Business Banking Head, United Overseas Bank (Singapore) Ltd; Professor Colyn Gardner, Chief Executive Officer of Asian Banking School; and Agnes Chew, Director of Training, Asian Banking School.