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.

Five cities. Two countries. One remarkable career. Ethan’s bold moves across borders shaped him into a versatile leader with regional impact. Each experience built his global mindset and intercultural skills, paving the way to his role as Suzhou Branch Manager in OCBC China. 

Throughout my journey, I have embraced numerous pivotal moments that have shaped my career. I consistently said "Yes" to opportunities that came my way, viewing them as essential steps in my professional development. This commitment to mobility is not just a strategy, but a lifestyle choice. The support from my line managers and colleagues has been instrumental in encouraging me to take on new challenges and responsibilities.

The years between 2016 and 2022 were particularly transformative. During this period, I said yes to opportunities to immerse myself in different cultures and market dynamics, which was crucial for my professional growth. My extended postings allowed me to build strong relationships with colleagues and clients and helped me understand the intricacies of doing business across China & ASEAN markets. This experience has been instrumental in my ability to represent OCBC effectively to our corporate clients.

Early Beginnings

After four years working at another bank as a retail banker, including a period as a sub-branch manager, I was keen to take on a new challenge. On completing my MBA, I joined OCBC as a Management Associate in Global Corporate Banking.

At that time, I viewed OCBC as a Singaporean bank with a relatively low profile in the Chinese market. Even so, I was eager to be part of an organisation with a stronger and more established presence in the ASEAN market.

A Timeline of Opportunities
My journey at OCBC has been marked by various roles and opportunities that have significantly and meaningfully shaped my career. 

Steering Suzhou Branch and Empowering People
In my current role as General Manager at the Suzhou Branch, I focus on managing operations and driving business growth. I reflect on a significant project from 2015 when I was involved in the integration of Wing Hang Bank into OCBC. This one-and-a-half-year project was both challenging and rewarding, allowing me to collaborate with senior executives and deepen my understanding of the banking operations.

While I recognise that the current economic landscape in China presents challenges, I am committed to leveraging my experience to contribute to the bank's growth and success in the region. My goal is to uplift the team’s business performance. I aim to foster a collaborative environment where my team can thrive and achieve our business objectives.

Three Skills That Have Helped Me

1.    Open-Mindedness
I embrace new ideas and opportunities without hesitation. This openness has allowed me to continuously learn and adapt, especially when taking on new roles. By engaging with junior colleagues, I build knowledge from the ground up, fostering a humble approach to learning. Understanding the foundational work helps me appreciate the logic behind their decisions, enabling me to execute as a team leader more efficiently.

2.    Strategic Thinking
As a General Manager, strategic thinking is essential. I recognise that my superiors have already designed the strategic direction and competitive landscape. My role involves showcasing our competitive advantages in the market. My experiences, particularly those across different geographics & cultures, has allowed me to effectively promote our offerings to customers.

3.    Execution Excellence
I pride myself on being a strong executor of our corporate strategy. This skill ensures that I translate strategic objectives into actionable plans that drive results.

Why OCBC?

If someone were to ask me why they should consider joining OCBC, I would highlight the bank's unique position as a Singaporean institution with a strong presence across Greater China and ASEAN. OCBC offers a stable and meaningful value proposition to clients.

The bank's culture is one of support, growth, and collaboration, where good performers are recognised and nurtured. In fact, our bank is very people-friendly and supportive even when the market is down. We prioritise talent development and strive to create an environment where employees can thrive.

I am glad and honoured to have said yes to OCBC years ago. My journey has been one of continuous learning, growth, and meaningful connections. The support from my colleagues and the opportunities provided by the bank have shaped my career. I look forward and will continue to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

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