OCBC Regional Scholarship: 2025 Profile

TL;DR
OCBC Regional Scholars gain full sponsorship plus pan-Asian rotations—craft a global mindset, highlight cross-cultural wins, and prepare for a four-year bond that moves across OCBC's growth markets.

Scholarship Snapshot

• Status: Application Cycle Closed (last checked 2025-10-03)
• Official Portal: OCBC Regional Scholarship
• Who It Targets: High-performing undergraduates in Singapore or partner universities across the OCBC network studying business, finance, technology, or analytics
• Eligibility: Singapore Citizens or ASEAN nationals with strong academics, leadership, cross-cultural exposure, and interest in regional banking strategy
• Tenable Institutions: NUS, NTU, SMU, SUSS, SUTD, plus partner universities in ASEAN & Greater China
• Bond: Four-year bond with OCBC, typically spanning at least two markets

Award Components

• Full tuition and compulsory fees for remaining years of study
• Annual living allowance pegged to study location
• Sponsored global exposure: internships, study missions, language immersion, and innovation programmes in OCBC markets
• Structured internships in Singapore HQ followed by overseas attachments (e.g., Shanghai, Hong Kong, Jakarta)
• Mentorship from senior regional executives and participation in OCBC's Group Future Leaders Programme

Eligibility Checklist

• Outstanding academic results (Dean's List, First Class standing, or equivalent GPA ≥ 3.6/4.0)
• Strong leadership and community engagement, ideally with regional or multicultural projects
• Proven adaptability—overseas exchange, Model ASEAN, international competitions, or multilingual proficiency
• Interest in sustainable finance, digital banking, or wealth management trends across ASEAN
• Commitment to relocate for attachments and serve the four-year bond after graduation

Application Roadmap

1. Submit online application with CV, academic transcripts, essays on regional aspirations, and references.
2. Psychometric & cognitive assessments to benchmark analytical and communication skills.
3. Assessment centre: case presentations, group discussions on cross-border scenarios, and individual interviews.
4. Regional leadership interview with OCBC Group Talent or market CEOs focusing on mobility, resilience, and cultural intelligence.
5. Offer & contract: includes attachment schedule, language support, and bond details.

Selection Tips

• Think regional: articulate insights on ASEAN consumer trends, SME growth, or North Asia wealth hubs.
• Share mobility stories: highlight experiences studying, interning, or volunteering overseas.
• Show language aptitude: Mandarin, Bahasa Indonesia/Melayu, Vietnamese, or Thai language skills are differentiators.
• Champion innovation: discuss digital banking experiments, fintech collaborations, or data analytics projects you led.
• Ask forward-looking questions: e.g., about OCBC's China strategy, sustainability roadmap, or regional leadership pipeline.

Bond & Career Trajectory

Expect rotational postings across corporate & commercial banking, global markets, digital banking, and risk management. Scholars often assume assistant vice president roles by bond completion, with opportunities to continue internationally within OCBC's network.

Useful Resources

• https://www.ocbc.com/group/careers
• https://www.ocbc.com/group/about-us/regional-presence
• https://www.ocbc.com/group/sustainability