AVP, Innovation & Research (IR), Innovation Group at UOB in Central Region

Job description

Company: 1011 United Overseas Bank Ltd About UOB United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB) is a leading bank in ASEAN with a global network in Southeast Asia, Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Operating through our head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, we have a global network of about 430 branches and offices in 19 markets. At the heart of UOB is our culture, shaped by the UOB Way and anchored on our four values – Honourable, Enterprising, United and Committed. For more than 90 years, these values have guided how we do right by our customers, collaborate with one another and create long-term value for the communities we operate in. As One Bank, we are committed to helping our colleagues build sustainable careers grounded in purpose, supported by strong values, and enriched with meaningful opportunities to grow. Job Description About the Department Innovation Group (IG) The Innovation Group is the centralised innovation, data and science function within UOB Group to support its units and their business and analytical needs. IG aims to be the spearhead driving rapid innovation and analytics adoption across the Group. What the role is UOB’s Innovation Research team explores emerging developments and future possibilities that could shape banking. Through strategic foresight, applied research and ecosystem collaboration, we generate insights, evidence and validated capabilities to inform UOB’s decisions and strengthen its readiness for the future. We are looking for a curious, analytical and technically capable individual who can connect research with business relevance. You will help shape research priorities, build rapid prototypes, develop collaborations with local and international partners, and translate research findings into actionable recommendations and opportunities for UOB. What you will be working on Shape research priorities and programmes. Identify strategic questions and develop research proposals aligned with UOB’s longer-term interests. Define research objectives, methods, milestones and intended outcomes, drawing on opportunities across innovation domains. Conduct strategic foresight and research. Monitor and assess emerging developments, global shifts and changes in business and operating models. Synthesize evidence into clear perspectives on their implications for banking, including opportunities, risks and capability needs. Build rapid prototypes and validate emerging capabilities. Develop hands-on prototypes and proofs of concept using relevant models, APIs, data and development tools to test research hypotheses and demonstrate feasibility. Design and conduct experiments, assess results and limitations, and recommend whether to advance, refine or discontinue an initiative. Develop and advance research collaborations. Work with universities, research institutes, industry partners and relevant public agencies to design joint studies, experiments and research initiatives. Identify opportunities to access complementary expertise, research funding and consortium participation. Translate research into practical outcomes. Turn findings into actionable recommendations and support the transfer of validated capabilities to relevant business or implementation teams. Document evidence, limitations and adoption requirements, with clear ownership and next steps. Build UOB’s thought leadership. Develop research briefs, papers, presentations and perspectives for internal and external audiences. Contribute to relevant forums and engagements to share insights and strengthen UOB’s research standing. Research areas may include trusted agentic systems, future operating models, quantum applications in banking and other emerging domains relevant to UOB’s future. What we are looking for A degree in computer science, engineering, data science or a related discipline. Candidates from other disciplines with demonstrated technical and research capabilities will also be cons