UnionBank inks student program with Singapore Management University

SMU students will help participate in banking and fintech projects of UnionBank.

UnionBank of the Philippines (UnionBank) has inked an agreement with the Singapore Management University (SMU) that will see SMU students help in the development of emerging technologies with UnionBank, an announcement revealed.

Under the partnership, up to 10 pre-screened SMU students with mixed expertise will be exposed to various projects of UnionBank for 12 weeks.

The students are participants of Singapore Management University's Global Innovation Immersion (GII) program - a talent development program seeking to imbue and enhance the entrepreneurial and global mindset of its most outstanding students. Students will be interning in startups, venture funds, corporates & non-government organizations in selected key markets.

The program is supported by the Singapore government under the Global Innovation Alliance, a network of Singapore and overseas partners in major innovation hubs and key demand markets, with focus on technology and innovation.

 "This partnership is in line with the bank's "Student Mentoring Program" which offers opportunity to work in the bank's most innovative and exciting projects; learn and collaborate with experienced professionals; gain experience in a corporate / fintech setting; obtain deeper understanding of banking, finance, technology and the impact of the bank's initiatives to promote financial inclusion thereby fostering holistic development for the participants," said Michelle Rubio, UnionBank Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer.

Rubio added that they are looking at strengthening linkages with more schools and universities `in the ASEAN region.

In 2018, UnionBank launched its first-of-its-kind Blockchain Institute, Data Science Institute and Blockchain Xcellerator programs to help build a pool of tech talents in the Philippines.