Mee Mee’s career at OCBC Bank is a remarkable story of resilience, growth, and bold reinvention. Her journey, marked by two departures and triumphant returns, illustrates how embracing change and continuous learning can unlock new potentials and leadership opportunities. From starting as a trainee to leading Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance teams across Singapore and Hong Kong, Mee Mee’s path is an inspiring testament to the power of internal mobility and personal transformation.

A Career of Comebacks and Growth

Mee Mee began her OCBC journey as a Bank Trainee Officer in the CFS Contact Centre. After gaining initial experience, she left the bank to explore opportunities elsewhere, only to return in 2007 with renewed focus and determination. Upon her return, she joined the Business Service Centre, where she trained across various products before moving to the Emerging Business – Trade Services unit in 2009 to deepen her expertise in trade products.

In 2011, family commitments led Mee Mee to relocate to Indonesia, prompting another departure from OCBC. Yet, her passion for the bank and her career drew her back once more in 2015. This time, she joined the Business Compliance Team, quickly advancing to team and group leader roles overseeing AML compliance. Today, Mee Mee is seconded to OCBC Hong Kong, where she serves as Head of Business Compliance in Emerging Business.

Building Skills Through Diverse Experiences

Mee Mee credits her diverse experiences within OCBC for preparing her to meet the challenges of her current leadership role. Her time at the Business Service Centre equipped her with broad product knowledge, investigative skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. These experiences also honed her stakeholder management and communication skills — critical tools for navigating the dynamic and complex world of Emerging Business.

“I honed my problem-solving and communication skills by interacting with customers, which later proved invaluable in leading and engaging my teams,” she reflects.

Leadership Shaped by Overseas Exposure

Mee Mee’s overseas assignments have profoundly influenced her leadership philosophy. Working in different cultural contexts taught her the importance of open-mindedness and the courage to challenge the status quo. She emphasises empathy as a pillar of effective leadership—recognising that people work at different paces and come from diverse backgrounds.

“Strong communication skills – though often considered a cliché – are vital to inspiring trust and driving meaningful change,” Mee Mee notes.

Applying Transferable Skills and Learning Continuously

In her current role, Mee Mee applies a wealth of transferable skills developed over years of varied experiences. She believes that recognising and leveraging these skills is key to thriving in new environments. Additionally, Mee Mee actively observes and learns from exemplary leaders within OCBC, continually refining her own leadership style.

Championing Internal Mobility: A Call to Courage

Mee Mee is a passionate advocate for internal mobility, encouraging colleagues to view it not just as a job change but as a powerful journey of transformation. She urges employees to embrace new challenges, explore different departments, and seize the opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and skills.

“In a world that’s constantly evolving, the knowledge and skills you have today may become outdated tomorrow, so continuously improving is crucial for long-term success,” she advises. “Dare to step beyond your comfort zone, because that’s where true growth begins and extraordinary opportunities await.”

Mee Mee’s story at OCBC is more than a career timeline—it is a vivid example of how resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset can lead to remarkable professional and personal development. Her journey encourages all employees to embrace change fearlessly, pursue continuous learning, and unlock their full potential through the adventure of starting again.