A Singaporean at the top?

WE asked some of this year's IBF Distinguished Fellows whether a Singaporean will head a global financial institution one day soon. Here is what they said.

Sim S Lim, DBS Bank Singapore Country Head: "I hope a Singaporean will head a global financial institution one day. But he or she cannot just be intellectually strong, but must be mentally fit. This comes with years of experience across different assignments and living in different countries.

"There are management lessons you can't learn from a book. The person has to deal with the problems on the local ground, understand the local nuance to have the breadth to do the job. Also at any top job, one must be able to attract and position talent in the right places. That Singaporean is out there somewhere!"

Susan Soh, Singapore Country Head, Schroder Investment Management: "Practically, we have to consider where the headquarters of these financial institutions are based, as that usually determines where the group CEO is based. If Singaporeans who are qualified to lead are willing to relocate, there is definitely a possibility.

"As long as Singaporeans are prepared to build their international experience through working in key financial markets overseas and gain understanding of the broader businesses of an international financial institution, there is a good chance of them leading a global financial institution one day.

"The younger generation of Singaporeans is also more willing to uproot for overseas work experience. Many are embracing opportunities of overseas postings more readily. With this increased mobility of Singaporeans, the possibility has become even greater."

Susan Hwee, Group Head of Technology and Operations, United Overseas Bank: "In Singapore, our local banks already rank among the top financial institutions in the world, so I would say it is definitely a possibility that we see a Singaporean helming a global financial institution."

Lam Chee Kin, Group Head of Compliance, DBS Bank: "Firstly, I think we should value the role performed by the chairpersons and CEOs of our top Asian banks. Put a senior guy from a global bank into their shoes, you may not get results that are as good.

"That said, there are many very capable Singaporeans who are deeply respected on the international stage, so I think it's a matter of time for a Singaporean to take the reins at a global financial institution.

"But I should add that we also need to work towards the day when a local bank grows into a truly successful institution globally - that's actually something that I think represents more benefit to more people."