Mizuho Bank launches foundation to drive philanthropic efforts

MIZUHO Bank has launched a foundation to support its philanthropic initiatives and drive social impact in Singapore.

The move was announced in conjunction with Mizuho Bank Singapore’s 50th anniversary celebrations, where the bank said it will grow its pipeline of Singapore talent with two training initiatives.

The new Mizuho Singapore Foundation comprises a US$1 million donor-advised fund with TT Foundation Advisors, an initiative of Temasek Trust – the philanthropic arm of Singapore investment company Temasek Holdings.

Mizuho Bank Singapore’s chief executive Josephine Lok said the aim of the foundation was to “contribute and give back” to Singapore society.

“It reflects our commitment to making a positive impact beyond banking, and we look forward to working with TT Foundation Advisors to strengthen our philanthropic capabilities to support communities meaningfully,” she said.

The launch of the foundation was announced at a gala dinner to celebrate Mizuho Bank Singapore’s golden jubilee at the Capella Singapore hotel on Wednesday (Jul 17). Among the more than 300 guests present was Deputy Prime Minister and Monetary Authority of Singapore chairman Gan Kim Yong.

Investing in talent

Separately, Mizuho announced in a release on Thursday that it would support 50 trainees and employees over the next five years under two initiatives managed by the Institute of Banking and Finance Singapore (IBF).

The Technology in Finance Immersion Programme will help to reskill mid-career professionals for technology roles in areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics and software engineering.

Meanwhile, the International Postings Programme enables Mizuho employees to undertake attachments in the bank’s global network of 800 offices. 

SEE ALSO

Mizuho fund to invest in Japan’s popular but cash-needing anime

These initiatives are part of Mizuho’s efforts to develop Singapore’s workforce in the banking and financial services sector.

Since 2008, the bank has offered scholarships to third-year students from the National University of Singapore Business School.

Most recently, the bank, as one of the participating financial institutions, supported IBF’s Golden Jubilee ITE Scholarship, which comprised a study award of S$3,000 and a five-month internship with a financial institution.