From the 150 participants that make up FSTEP’s current Batch 13 intake, a total of 20 graduates were chosen for the 10-day exclusive FLAME programme based on their performance in leadership, collaboration, creativity, communication skills and analytical thinking. The selected group underwent comprehensive interactive training to develop their strengths in leadership, teamwork and personal development – all essential areas needed to form a strong foundation in being effective future leaders and managers.

Chairman of ABS, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, said at the closing ceremony, “Skill-set requirements have evolved in tandem with the growing diversity and complexity of banking channels; together with sophisticated customer expectations and new technological innovations. To keep up with these challenges, ABS, together with the invaluable collaborative contributions from Bank Negara Malaysia, will continue to enhance and update the role that FSTEP plays for the industry in producing quality talents. The FLAME programme is one such outcome from this.”

“This programme is only the first of many changes that ABS will undertake and introduce for FSTEP. We are in the advanced stages of revamping the content and sponsoring model of the FSTEP programme to make it more effective and in line with what the industry needs.”, he further added.

The new and improved FSTEP will be rolled out this year for the next batch intake, Batch 14, and will be open to participants interested in the different streams of the financial services industry covering conventional banking, Islamic banking, investment banking and insurance/takaful.

It was also announced during the closing ceremony that FSTEP will be moving to Nu Tower 2 in June 2016 to enable ABS to have an even more hands on approach to its continued commitment to enriching the talent pipeline for the industry through FSTEP. The new premises will offer a more conducive learning environment with modern aesthetics and state-of-the-art facilities.