Singapore has launched a new Young Talent Programme for AI in Finance to equip students with artificial intelligence and financial sector skills as the country strengthens pathways from education to employment.
Singapore has announced new initiatives to strengthen career pathways and AI-related opportunities for students and young professionals in the financial sector.
The announcements were made by Mr Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, and Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore during the Financial Industry Fiesta 2026 held on 19 May 2026 in Singapore.
Speaking at the event, Mr Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, and Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, said Singapore’s financial sector remains a major pillar of the economy, contributing around 14% of the country’s GDP and employing approximately 200,000 professionals, with more than 80% being locals.
He said global geopolitical tensions and rapid advancements in artificial intelligence are reshaping industries and creating both challenges and opportunities for Singapore.
To help students and workers prepare for the future economy, Singapore will strengthen the bridge between education and work through new structured industry programmes.
A key announcement was the launch of the Young Talent Programme for AI in Finance, or YTP-AIF, which aims to equip students with applied AI and financial sector skills that are increasingly in demand.
The programme is a collaboration involving the Institute of Banking and Finance, financial institutions, universities, and technology partners.
Participants will work on industry-relevant AI projects, receive mentorship from industry practitioners, and gain opportunities for internships and traineeships in financial institutions involving AI applications.
The pilot programme will begin in August 2026 with around 20 participating financial institutions.
Professor Lily Kong, President of Singapore Management University and Ms Carolyn Neo, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Banking and Finance were among the distinguished guests at the event.
Mr Gan said the programme was jointly developed with universities including Singapore Management University and Nanyang Technological University, which will recognise programme curriculum for academic credits.
Singapore is also exploring additional work-study pathways for polytechnic students interested in financial services careers. The Institute of Banking and Finance, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore’s five polytechnics, and participating financial institutions are studying potential degree pathways for polytechnic graduates.
To strengthen the transition between graduation and employment, the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Institute of Banking and Finance are expanding traineeship opportunities with the financial industry.
One highlighted initiative is the UBS Singapore University Programme for Employability and Readiness, or SUPER, developed by UBS.
The programme combines structured training, workplace experience, mentoring, and potential employment opportunities in areas including global wealth management, investment banking, risk control, and human resource management.
This year, UBS plans to take in more than 30 university and polytechnic graduate trainees.
Altogether, the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Institute of Banking and Finance have partnered around 20 financial institutions to offer more than 1,000 internship and traineeship positions over the next year.
Mr Gan also highlighted the importance of building AI-enabled capabilities across the workforce, noting that future financial sector jobs will require professionals who can combine technical AI knowledge with strong business and domain expertise.
He cited the United Overseas Bank Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics Programme as an example of how institutions can prepare graduates for AI-related roles through a combination of formal training and applied workplace experience.
The programme was co-developed with the National University of Singapore with support from the Infocomm Media Development Authority and the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Mr Gan encouraged more financial institutions to collaborate with universities, polytechnics, and training providers to create structured opportunities for students and mid-career workers.
He said Singapore must continue investing in people and skills to ensure the country’s financial sector remains competitive, resilient, and capable of providing good jobs for Singaporeans.
Source: MAS
