CIMB Singapore Honoured as a "Career Builder" in Landmark Govt Index

SINGAPORE – February 23, 2026 – CIMB Singapore has secured a place among the nation's elite employers, earning recognition as a "Career Builder" in the inaugural Singapore Opportunity Index (SOI), a data-driven initiative by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The bank was named one of the top 300 employers out of nearly 1,500 of Singapore's largest organisations evaluated.

The SOI represents a significant shift in how workplace excellence is measured, moving beyond traditional surveys to analyse objective, verified government data on nearly one million resident workers. The index assesses companies on five core dimensions: pay, progression, gender parity, retention, and hiring practices. Only the top 20% of organisations made the prestigious list, with the "Career Builder" designation specifically awarded to those that excel in creating internal mobility and developing leaders from within their ranks.

This recognition validates the bank's long-term investment in its workforce. "This achievement reflects the culture we've built together, where opportunity isn't just a promise but a daily practice," said Andrew Boey, Chief Financial Officer and Officer-in-Charge at CIMB Singapore. "The SOI tracks real career trajectories, showing how we open doors through inclusive hiring, enable advancement and progression, as well as sustain careers through meaningful retention."

The honour adds to a series of accolades for CIMB Singapore, including being named a Top Employer for 2025 and 2026 by Influential Brands and earning the Great Place to Work® certification for a second consecutive year in 2025.

A New Benchmark for Singapore's Workforce

The launch of the Singapore Opportunity Index marks a pivotal moment for both employers and employees in the city-state. Developed by the MOM in partnership with academic and research institutions, the index provides unprecedented transparency into what makes a company a true engine of opportunity. By using anonymised administrative data, it offers a starkly objective view of career realities, a departure from perception-based employer awards.

The SOI classifies high-performing companies into three distinct categories: "Career Launchers," which are adept at bringing new or overlooked talent into the workforce; "Career Anchors," which demonstrate exceptional employee retention; and "Career Builders," the category in which CIMB Singapore was recognised. This distinction highlights organisations that actively invest in structured pathways for growth, consistently promoting from within and cultivating the next generation of leadership.

For job seekers, the publicly available list of top employers offers a powerful tool for navigating the job market, allowing them to identify companies with a proven track record of fostering employee growth. For businesses, the index serves as a national benchmark, encouraging a competitive focus on human capital development and providing confidential reports to help participants refine their talent strategies. The initiative is a cornerstone of Singapore's broader effort to strengthen its workforce and ensure its talent remains adaptable and competitive on a global scale.

Future-Proofing Talent with AI and Analytics

Central to CIMB Singapore's "Career Builder" status is its forward-thinking approach to technology and employee upskilling. In an era where digital transformation is reshaping the financial industry, the bank has made substantial investments to ensure its workforce is not just prepared for the future, but is actively shaping it.

A key initiative is the introduction of an internal Generative AI bot designed to simplify daily tasks and enhance productivity across the organisation. More than just a tool, this move is part of a comprehensive strategy to embed AI literacy into the company's DNA. CIMB is actively equipping its staff with robust training in AI, data, and analytics, future-proofing both individual careers and the organisation's competitive edge.

This local focus mirrors a massive group-wide commitment. CIMB Group has earmarked over RM100 million for 2025 alone to accelerate training in future-critical skills. This investment is a core component of the ASEAN banking giant's "Forward30" strategy, which identifies talent development as pivotal to its long-term success. The push aligns directly with Singapore's national agenda, supported by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), to build a deep pool of talent proficient in AI, data science, and sustainable finance to maintain the country's position as a leading global financial hub.

Beyond the Bonus: A Holistic Approach to Employee Value

While career progression and future-ready skills are critical, CIMB Singapore’s recognition also stems from its commitment to a holistic employee experience that extends far beyond compensation. The bank has cultivated a workplace culture that prioritises employee well-being, recognising it as a fundamental driver of engagement, productivity, and retention—a key metric in the SOI evaluation.

Over the past few years, the bank has rolled out a suite of wellness initiatives aimed at supporting its roughly 1,000 employees. These include annual health checks and vaccinations, a flexible wellness wallet that empowers staff to choose benefits that suit their personal needs, and regular employee engagement events like festive celebrations designed to foster camaraderie.

This focus on creating a supportive and engaging environment is crucial in the high-stakes world of finance, where burnout and turnover are persistent challenges. By investing in the physical and mental health of its people, CIMB demonstrates an understanding that a sustainable career is built on a foundation of well-being. This people-centric philosophy not only helps attract top talent but, more importantly, creates the conditions for them to thrive and build long-term careers within the organisation. This sustained effort to nurture a positive workplace culture is reflected in its repeated "Great Place to Work®" certifications, which are based directly on employee feedback and showcase a dedication to creating a flourishing and innovative environment.

The recognition from the Ministry of Manpower's new index serves as a powerful validation of this multi-faceted strategy. By excelling in internal promotion, investing heavily in future skills, and fostering a culture of well-being, CIMB Singapore is not just building a successful bank; it is helping to define what it means to be a leading employer in the 21st century.