A picture of perseverance

When Hui Yueh Koh started as an ANZ credit analyst in Singapore 24 years ago you could fit the bank’s entire workforce for the crucial trading hub on a bus.

Something which would be impossible today.

“ANZ had 70 plus staff when I first joined, and now it has grown ten times that with close to 800 staff,” she says.

This year marks 50 years since ANZ began operations in Singapore. As one of ANZ Singapore’s longest-serving staff members, Hui Yueh has seen first-hand the bank solidify its role in the region.

“The office is still at the same location as when I first joined in Collyer Quay, but the older Ocean Building back then is now a modern office building - Ocean Financial Centre,” she says.

“We had to move out when Ocean Building was demolished to make way for a newer office building. And a few years on, ANZ was back to where it first started in Singapore and I was delighted.”

Now the Director of Regional Research and Analysis in the Institutional Division, looking after most of Southeast Asia, she’s thrilled her personal career growth has aligned with the bank’s growth in the region.

“I have loved the opportunity for continuous learning, through exposure to different geographies, understanding the different cultures and operating environments,” she says.

“I have broadened my responsibilities over the years and along with lessons learned over the journey, this has allowed me to grow as a leader and I relished the people development and coaching. It is very fulfilling when someone says you are their role model and that you’ve made a difference!”

Building resilience and being adaptable

Hui Yueh says changes in the business over her career have taught her perseverance.

“I learnt to be adaptable and see change as an opportunity,” she says. “This mindset has served me well to continue to grow through challenges and developed my resilience. The learning journey is a marathon and not a sprint. I have been privileged to have met many supportive leaders during my time.”

“One of my greatest achievements was when my manager encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and develop a credit training program from scratch. He said he will support me and had full confidence in me. That gave me a lot of encouragement and comfort.”

Through the guidance and support of her manager - as well as the collaboration of many colleagues - the ANZ Credit Training Program was delivered in 2019 after more than a year of preparation work. 

“We delivered it across three locations in Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai before COVID put a pause to it,” she says.

Hui Yueh also credits her perseverance with having a deeper impact on her life. When the pandemic struck the island nation, Hui Yueh felt she was unfit and unhealthy and recognised she needed a change. So, she decided to get fit.

“I was so focused on my wellbeing and health that I became passionate about walking. Starting from short walks in the park every day early in the morning to gradually long walks exploring the different walking trails around Singapore.”

“My record was hitting 50 kilometres in one day from morning to evening – all amid hot and humid weather in Singapore! Thinking back, I’m not sure how I did it, other than the determination to hit a milestone.”

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Participating in an amazing race team building challenge at work

Connecting with people

Looking back on her start with ANZ, it was a trusted former manager who got Hui Yueh on board. But it’s the trusted connections she has since built that keep her at the bank.

“The people and the culture are amazing. I have developed special and great friendships throughout my time here,” she says. “The bank strives to create a conducive and supportive working environment by inculcating strong values, as well as providing flexible work arrangements for staff.”

Hui Yueh says it is incredible to think she has been at the bank for almost half of its time in Singapore.

“As the bank celebrates its 50th birthday in Singapore, it’s really inspiring to know that I will be celebrating my 25th anniversary with the bank next March. And to know I’ve played a small part to what the bank represents - excellence and a great culture with people at its core.”

“ANZ is my other family and I have grown so much professionally and personally through the mentorships and friendships built in my two over decades here.”

Jeff Whalley is a Senior Journalist at ANZ