Kelviin – my motivation to keep learning

Kelviin Ang shares the insights and skills that helped him make a success of his career in International Banking.

Over a decade ago, Kelviin Ang made the decision to join Standard Chartered, employing the skills and disciplines learned from his time in the Singapore National Service. Throughout his time at the Bank, Kelviin has specialised in various areas of banking, and has gone on to win several industry awards that served to strengthen his motivation to succeed in his career at Standard Chartered.

How have you got to where you are now in your career?

After my work in the Singapore Armed Forces as a Commander, Trainer and Planner, I was given the opportunity for a full-time position with Standard Chartered Bank. The disciplines and independence that I learned throughout my time with the National Service have proved invaluable in my career to this day.

Perseverance and passion for what you do are so important to me. At the Bank I strive to always do the right thing, with both external and internal stakeholders, providing quality financial advice and solutions to our clients.

I specialised in wealth management from 2009, serving the local affluent market, and moving on to working with international clients in 2012. Throughout my various roles in the industry I’ve been awarded several awards; all that have spurred me on to stay focused on my career direction and progression.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced when working? 

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is the market volatility and unpredictability as well as the increase of my yearly target. All of these things motivate me to work harder and push myself to continue achieving.

If you didn’t do the job you do now, what would be your other career choice? 

I enjoy talking to people, so if I had to choose another job, I’d look to do a sales-focussed role like Fund Management.

What drew you to a career in banking? 

The main things that attracted me to a career in banking is the diverse network that comes with the industry and the continuously challenging environment. There’s also the opportunity for rapid career progression that drew me to this career.

What’s been your most memorable experience with Standard Chartered? 

One of my most memorable experiences with the Bank are the constructive mentoring sessions with senior management where I learn and develop valuable skill sets required for my role.

Could you use three words to describe life at Standard Chartered?

Supportive, Family, Motivating.

What’s the best thing about working for Standard Chartered?

The best thing about working for the Bank is the supportive management and the care they provide to the employees – in turn, enabling us to provide quality service and efficiency for our clients. At Standard Chartered, there is such a good corporate culture, paired with attractive perks, it really is a great place to work.

Give us an example of how you live by Standard Chartered’s values - doing the right thing, better together and never settling?

Doing the right thing - Integrity, doing the right thing for our clients, treating everyone with respect. 

Better together  - Strong collaboration, open conversation, and strong team cooperation to deliver quality outcomes.

Never settle - Disregard the ceiling, never be complacent. Continuously upgrading oneself and trying to be our best every day.

The best career advice I’ve ever been given is to be passionate about what you are doing, focus on your strength and challenge yourself.

Kelviin Ang

What advice/hints and tips would you give to someone looking to work at Standard Chartered?

Be innovative, never settle, have a strong focus and continuously upgrade yourself. 

How should someone prepare for an interview with Standard Chartered?

Be yourself. The Bank has a great corporate culture that fits a diverse background, so self-reflect on how you can contribute to the organisation.

What’s your professional goal for 2022?

My goal for my career in 2022 is simply to outperform 2021 and continue to better myself and improve. A big part of this includes acquiring new sets of skills to serve our clients better.

How do you like to spend your free time? 

I love bringing my family together with bonding activities, such as outdoor sports and activities. In addition to that, I also enjoy cycling and getting to know new friends with different career backgrounds. I find this really helps with gaining different industry knowledge that helps to broaden my understanding of the world.

Are there any skills you’re trying to learn? 

For the future, I am striving to learn project management skills and I’d like to improve on my team management skills to help me in my career and move to the next level.