Latest news with #Yong
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Changing gears: The mid-career workers finding purpose through new skills
Singapore's mid-career professionals are reinventing their careers, but the transition often involves trade-offs. PHOTO: GETTY BRANDED CONTENT Changing gears: The mid-career workers finding purpose through new skills Meet the professionals who are reinventing their careers amid a shifting landscape, driven by their personal goals Would you trade job security for passion, just as you're figuring out sleepless nights and toddler tantrums? Mr Darren Yong, 35, did exactly that. When his son turned two in 2023, the first-time parent quit his job as a general manager in a healthcare technology company. He was earning a five-figure monthly salary. '(I decided to) drop everything to do what I loved,' Mr Yong shares. He packed up his life in Singapore and moved to Wellington, New Zealand, with his homemaker wife and toddler in tow. The goal: To pursue a master's degree in climate science and policy. This huge leap of faith was far from easy. He funded his own tuition, which cost $50,000 over 18 months, while the family went without income for the duration of Mr Yong's studies. 'We consciously set aside savings for up to an 18-month stay abroad, knowing that neither of us would have paid work during the entire period,' says Mr Yong. Despite careful planning, financial stress crept in. The family encountered unexpected rental hurdles, forcing them to move thrice during their stay in New Zealand. 'It would have been better if we had increased our budget buffer by another 20 per cent,' Mr Yong admits. Both short- and longer-term cost pressures make changing careers as a young parent 'mentally exhausting at times', says Mr Yong. 'Especially with the worry of getting paid work that resonates with my passions.' Making the leap easier For individuals like Mr Yong, who left a stable job and funded his own career switch, job transitions can be daunting and costly. But there is support available. One example is the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme, announced in Budget 2024. Under this scheme, all Singaporeans aged 40 and above will be eligible for up to $3,000 in monthly training allowance for selected full-time courses, capped at $72,000 a year. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced in Budget 2025 that the scheme would be extended to include part-time training. Those who work and learn part-time can receive a training allowance of $300 per month, starting in early 2026. It's crucial to upskill to stay relevant and adaptable, says Mr Dean Tong, head of Group Human Resources at UOB, especially as technologies like artificial intelligence rapidly reshape industries and displace traditional roles. Some companies are also stepping up to ease this transition. UOB, for one, is helping its employees adapt to new workplace demands and achieve their long-term career goals. In 2019, the bank launched its flagship 12-week Better U learning programme to equip its workers with future-ready skills. Better U comprises short, bite-sized modules lasting two to three hours each. Nearly all of these courses are conducted online, allowing employees to learn at their own pace and convenience, Mr Tong says. The modules focus on soft skills such as having a growth mindset, digital innovation and data storytelling. These are taught through gamification or interactive team-based formats to make the learning experience engaging, he adds. It's crucial to upskill to stay relevant and adaptable, says Mr Dean Tong, head of Group Human Resources at UOB. UOB offers support programmes to ease career transitions for its staff. PHOTO: UOB Building a future-ready workforce A key challenge that UOB faced was supporting its employees amid constant change. 'It was unclear what skills would be most needed in the future,' says Mr Dean Tong, UOB's head of Group Human Resources. The bank decided to focus on developing core competencies: Soft skills that provide a strong foundation for continuous learning. UOB's flagship learning and development initiative Better U, launched in 2019, focuses on skills like growth mindset, problem-solving and digital innovation. 'These soft skills are particularly suited for adult learners, as they are practical, accessible, and help ease the return to structured learning,' Mr Tong explains. 'They are (also) transferable across roles, equipping employees to navigate uncertainty with confidence, regardless of how the future of work evolves.' In 2024, the bank launched the 12-month Better U Pivot Programme to help selected employees reskill into new or evolving roles within UOB. Employees are paid a full-time salary while undergoing this place-and-train programme. They also receive ongoing support through regular check-ins and guidance from trained coaches. 'Reskilling cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach,' says Mr Tong. Rather than generic training, the Better U Pivot Programme starts with 'identifying high-demand roles, pinpointing individual skill gaps, and then providing customised training to bridge those gaps', he explains. UOB expects to create up to 500 opportunities over two years for employees in operations and administrative roles. These reflect changing business needs, including growing demand in areas such as financial crime prevention. Mr Tong adds that the bank is evolving its training and development programmes to help employees build critical thinking, problem framing and digital fluency. The aim: To ensure employees can use tools like generative AI effectively and responsibly. 'We've already begun rolling out training programmes that empower our people to experiment with generative AI, understand its potential, and apply it meaningfully in their work,' says Mr Tong. UOB employee Ms Rebecca Yip, 46, spent 18 years in largely customer-facing jobs before pivoting to her new role at the bank's Corporate Sustainability Office. PHOTO: UOB Path to purpose So far, close to 12,000 UOB employees across the region have gone through Better U, with many using it as a springboard to chart new career paths within the bank. One of them is Ms Rebecca Yip, 46, who's currently a vice-president at UOB's Corporate Sustainability Office. She joined UOB as a branch officer in 2004, accumulating diverse experiences across departments including operations, training and employee development. After spending 18 years in largely customer-facing roles, Ms Yip found herself yearning for deeper purpose and a chance to make a positive impact. Her opportunity came in 2022, when she was chosen to be part of UOB's talent development initiative, Leadership Acceleration Programme (LAP). The programme provides mentorship, leadership development courses, and the opportunity to take part in strategic projects. Mentors would also help participants craft customised career journeys and identify goals to work towards. Reflecting on her experience, Ms Yip says she appreciated the personalised approach. '(LAP) allowed us to participate and grow at our own pace.' With the guidance and support from LAP, Ms Yip successfully transitioned into a new role in UOB's Corporate Sustainability Office in 2023. She was responsible for launching and leading the bank's in-house Sustainability Academy, a training programme designed to deepen employees' sustainability knowledge. To help her transition into her new role, UOB also sponsored Ms Yip's year-long Advanced Certificate in Sustainability & Sustainable Businesses course at Singapore Management University in 2023. 'Sustainability is definitely an area where I can make a more positive and meaningful impact through my work,' she says. For those intimidated by the idea of upskilling mid-career, Ms Yip offers a simple piece of advice: Take it one step at a time. She practises what she calls 'micromastery' by breaking big goals into small, manageable steps. '(It's) like learning (to play the) piano,' she says. 'If your goal is to play a Beethoven piece, start with just three notes a day.' 'This will help to build confidence, keep you motivated and ensure steady progress.' This is the last of a six-part series titled 'Right by you', in partnership with 'Right by you' is a series that explores how organisations drive meaningful impact for communities, customers and employees. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
‘Silence is not stability': DAP S'wak hits back at Dr Sim's 'divisive' label
Yong rejects the claim and asserted that Sarawak's political stability should not rest on 'silence, submission, or selective memory'. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 28): The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak will not be silenced despite being labelled 'divisive' by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, said Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong. Yong, who is also DAP Sarawak organising secretary, rejected the claim and asserted that Sarawak's political stability should not rest on 'silence, submission, or selective memory'. 'True political stability is achieved when every voice is heard, when power is held accountable, and when governance is inclusive – not when the ruling elite are shielded from scrutiny,' she said in a statement today. 'We will continue to speak without fear or favour, to demand transparent governance, expose misuse of public funds, and fight for fair and inclusive development for all Sarawakians,' she said, reaffirming DAP's commitment to transparency and inclusive governance. Yong's response came following Dr Sim's ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, in which he claimed Sarawak had enjoyed prolonged political stability because DAP had never been part of the state government. Dr Sim, also the State Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, further described DAP as a party that consistently engages in divisive and polarising politics under the guise of championing the 'rakyat' (people). Yong said she was taken aback by the remark, calling it a reflection of 'political ignorance and whitewashing', and described it as a gross insult to the principles of parliamentary democracy. 'Let me make this clear. DAP is not in the Sarawak government because we respect the will of the people,' she said. 'In the last state election, we won only two out of 82 seats. We accepted that result with humility and chose to serve where the voters placed us – as the opposition- playing our role in providing checks and balances. 'That is the essence of democracy; not blind obedience, but principled service to the rakyat,' she added. Yong also challenged Dr Sim to provide a single example where DAP had divided Sarawakians. 'When have we ever played the politics of race or religion? The answer is never,' she said. She also criticised Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), led by Dr Sim, for aligning themselves with Perikatan Nasional during a time when the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), a dominant force within the coalition, held significant influence. 'SUPP has become nothing more than a meek junior partner, politically submissive to PBB (Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu). 'They toe the line, nod in silence, and remain conveniently quiet in the name of so-called 'stability', even as core Sarawakian values are under threat,' she said. dap divisive Dr Sim Kui Hian violet yong
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Seats, seats and seats! What about the issues? - Yong
Yong Teck Lee KOTA KINABALU (May 27): Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee is disgusted by the ongoing scramble for seats among political parties, including those from seberang (across the seas), as though the seats belong to them. In fact and in a democracy, all the seats belong to the people, not the political parties, he said. 'People want to know what the political parties are fighting for. What can the people expect from the parties and leaders if they won? So far, people, including myself, have no idea what some political parties and leaders are fighting for. So far, the politicians talk only about seats, seats and more seats. 'How about talking about the issues for this coming Sabah elections? Don't be like, 'Dogs chase cars' without any idea what to do after the dog has caught up with the car!' he said in a statement on Tuesday. Unlike the pre-2008 era of a dominant Malaya-centric federal government, Yong said today's new Malaysia political landscape allows Sabah and Sarawak to claim autonomy. 'Do other parties share SAPP's unwavering stand on Sabah ICs for genuine Malaysians in Sabah? Do they commit to demand the return of Labuan to Sabah? 'How about the crucially meaningful reverting of the title of the Head of State to TYT Negara (and not TYT Negeri)? 'Everyone, including Malaya parties, have joined the bandwagon of MA63 after the window of opportunity opened in 2008 when BN first lost its two-thirds parliamentary majority. 'But what is the stand of the political parties on the 40% net revenue and the Territorial Sea Act 2012? Can the federal government not drop its delaying tactics at the courts of law?' asked Yong. He also questioned the strange silence of PH parties and BN parties on the fulfilment of MA63. 'Which party will fearlessly champion that the 40% net revenue claim is RM2.6 billion per annum? Does any of the parties in PH and BN champion that 35% of parliamentary seats belong given back to Sabah and Sarawak? 'Which parties will commit to land reforms for Sabahans so that Sabahans do not become landless now and in the future? 'Why does Sabah have to accept the import of overpriced, substandard kiosks (or gerai) from Peninsula to Sabah? Is Sabah so incapable of making simple things like kiosks? What do we have KKIP (Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park) for? 'Why does Sabah tolerate the use of toilet contractors for toilets at the Kota Kinabalu airport? This is a laughing matter that shames Sabahans. 'Why does Sabah accept the KL companies to manage car parks and car parking apps? Have Sabahans become so useless?' he added.
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Tackle Sabah's issues instead of bickering over seats, SAPP tells parties
KOTA KINABALU: As political parties scramble for seats ahead of the Sabah state election, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) has called them out for seeming to ignore issues affecting the people. The party said voters deserve to hear concrete plans on autonomy, land reforms, and Sabah's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) – not just endless negotiations over who gets to contest where. SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee said many Sabahans, himself included, still have no idea what some political parties and leaders are fighting for. ALSO READ: Sabah polls: State parties risk becoming 'dogs chasing cars', says SAPP president 'So far, the politicians talk only about seats, seats and more seats. How about talking about the issues for the coming Sabah elections? "Don't be like dogs chasing cars without any idea of what to do after catching up with the car," he reiterated in a statement on Tuesday (May 27). Yong, who was Sabah chief minister from 1996 to 1998, asked if these parties were willing to take firm stands on issues in the state, such as issuing Sabah identity cards to bona fide Malaysian citizens and the demand for Labuan to be returned to Sabah. He also highlighted the lack of political will to fight for the restoration of one-third of parliamentary seat representation to Sabah and Sarawak, saying this was fundamental to restoring balance within the federation. He further criticised the silence of major political blocs, including those in Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, on the 40% net revenue entitlement and the Territorial Sea Act 2012. ALSO READ: Introduce a 'Sabah IC' to settle citizenship issues for good, says ex-CM Yong 'Which party will fearlessly champion that the 40% net revenue claim is RM2.6bil per annum?' he asked. Yong also questioned the continued reliance on Peninsular Malaysian companies for infrastructure and services in Sabah. 'Is Sabah so incapable of making simple things like kiosks? What do we have KKIP (Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park) for?' he said. He urged political leaders to stop treating Sabah as a battleground for seats and instead prove they are serious about reforms that matter to ordinary Sabahans.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Yong: Speaker's dismissal of travel expenses question alarming, undermines democratic governance
Yong said she was deeply disappointed and concerned by the ruling. KUCHING (May 27): State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar's dismissal of a question seeking a breakdown of expenses for official overseas trips involving the state government has been called 'alarming'. Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong said she was deeply disappointed and concerned by the ruling, stating her question was 'legitimate'. She said Mohamad Asfia's assertion that such expenditures are 'trivial' or a 'pittance' is not only dismissive, but fundamentally undermines the principles of transparency, accountability, and democratic governance that the people of Sarawak deserve. 'We are not questioning the necessity of official overseas missions when they are truly for the benefit of Sarawak. What we are demanding is accountability in how public funds are spent. 'As elected representatives, we have a duty to uphold the public trust. How can we fulfil that responsibility when legitimate questions are blocked under the vague pretext of being 'against public policy'?' she questioned in a press statement today. According to Yong, citing Standing Orders 20(3), 20(4), and 20(6) to reject this line of questioning sets a dangerous precedent where any inquiry into government spending may be unilaterally shut down, robbing the DUN of its role as a checks and balances mechanism. She said the people have every right to know how their money is being used, especially when it involved potentially millions and millions of ringgit in travel and related expenses. 'It is alarming that while the Sarawak GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government claims to have nothing to hide, it simultaneously refuses to disclose basic financial details. 'The Speaker's statement that online methods are insufficient for inspections or negotiations is beside the point. We are not disputing the need for engagement; we are questioning the cost, scope, and propriety of these trips, including who went, how much was spent, and whether the outcomes matched the expenditure,' she argued. Yong said Sarawakians are not asking for classified trade secrets but simply clarifications on how their tax money was spent, especially when public welfare, healthcare, infrastructure, and rural development remain inadequate across many parts of Sarawak. 'By suppressing my question, the Speaker and the Sarawak GPS government risk eroding public trust and feeding a culture of opacity,' she said. 'Dismissing calls for transparency as disruptive to Sarawak's so-called 'economic miracle' is both irresponsible and unacceptable. True economic progress does not fear scrutiny but embraces it.' She reiterated her call for the Sarawak government to immediately disclose the breakdown of public funds used for official overseas trips over the last five years. 'If the Sarawak GPS government is bold enough to spend the rakyat's money, why are you so afraid to tell the rakyat the truth?' In delivering his ruling, Mohamad Asfia had stated that the costs involved were merely a 'pittance' and 'trivial' compared to the billions in foreign investments the state has successfully attracted. Warning against attempts to question the state's development strategies, the Speaker said such scrutiny could 'impede and jeopardise Sarawak's economic miracle and expansionist programme'. lead Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar overseas travel expenses violet yong
