Every career has a moment where a single yes opens the door to something more. ‘Yes Moments’ is a blog series that celebrate the choices that sparked opportunities and shaped the professional journeys of our people.

Valerie began her OCBC journey as a FRANKpreneurship intern before joining the Graduate Talent Programme in 2023. Through managing regional engagements and working on blockchain initiatives, she gained insight into turning ideas into real-world solutions.

Read Valerie’s story to see how her Yes mindset, drive, and curiosity shaped a dynamic career in Fintech and Ecosystem in OCBC Singapore today. 

Graduating with an accounting degree, most people expected me to follow a conventional accounting path. But my curiosity led me to say yes to joining the Fintech & Ecosystem team as a FRANKpreneurship intern. It was my first real exposure to how technology, innovation, and finance intersect.

What struck me most was OCBC’s learning culture. I wasn’t just an intern observing from the sidelines — people encouraged me to ask questions, try things, and explore. I was given opportunities to attend fintech events and vendor demonstrations, gaining firsthand insight into how emerging technologies shape the financial ecosystem.

That sense of possibility stayed with me.

Innovation in Action

When I joined the Graduate Talent Programme, I carried that same mindset: every rotation was a chance to learn something new and understand how different teams build toward a shared goal.

Across teams — from cross border payments to digital solutions — I learned how ideas move from concepts to actual solutions. I worked on API-based initiatives, collaborated with regional teams, and saw firsthand how technology decisions ripple across markets and customer experiences.

One of the most meaningful experiences was contributing to a blockchain based conditional payment project with the Land Transport Authority. Beyond the technical work, the project taught me something deeper: innovation isn’t just about having the right tools — it’s about aligning perspectives, navigating risks, and building solutions that work in the real world. Watching the project progress to launch reminded me how fulfilling it is when learning translates into impact.

The Art of Collaboration

Returning to the Fintech & Ecosystem team felt like coming full circle. Today, I work with partners across the bank to evaluate new technologies, understand business needs, and explore ways we can innovate responsibly and meaningfully.

From AI Coach for personal financial consultants to emerging areas like digital assets, each initiative offers a different learning curve. What I have come to appreciate is that innovation is never done in isolation. It happens when diverse teams challenge assumptions, share insights openly, and stay grounded in the needs of our customers and people.

These experiences strengthened some of the most important skills for navigating the future of work: communicating across disciplines, balancing technical and business considerations, and thinking with both curiosity and practicality.

Life Beyond Work: Community and Connection

Growth at OCBC does not only come from my day job. Volunteering at events like the Singapore Fintech Festival, taking on roles such as Content Lead, and contributing to internal communities taught me how to step into the spotlight, lead with clarity, and bring people together.

Outside of work, sports continue to be my anchor. Being the tennis captain at OCBC was both a challenge and a joy— coordinating training, managing logistics, and building team spirit. Seeing the team win first place at the OCBC Cross Border Games in Kuala Lumpur was a highlight, but the real reward was the new friendships made along the way.

Continuing the Journey

Looking back, every step of my journey has been shaped by a willingness to learn and a readiness to say yes — even when I wasn’t entirely sure where it would lead. OCBC has given me the space to explore, experiment, and contribute in ways that stretch my skills and perspective.

As I move into a new department at Technology Solutions, I’m excited about the opportunities to come — new technologies, new collaborations, and opportunities to innovate with purpose.

Every journey starts with a choice. When was the last time you said yes? Opportunity Starts Here.