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Every career has a moment where a single yes opens the door to something more. ‘Yes Moments’ is a blog series that celebrate the choices that sparked opportunities and shaped the professional journeys of our people.
What began as a passion for analytics evolved into a near decade-long career translating data into real-world impact. From modelling credit risk to shaping portfolio strategies across the region, Kah Choon’s journey is a testament to how saying yes to opportunities can unlock long-term growth at OCBC.
Read how OCBC’s culture of trust, empowerment, and development supported his move from Singapore to Indonesia, enabling him to grow into his role as Advisor to the Indonesia Risk Portfolio Management team today.
I have always been passionate about analytics and problem solving. After graduating from Nanyang Technological University with a double major in Mathematics and Economics, I began my career as a hedge fund administrator. As a Fund Operations Specialist, I gained exposure to trade lifecycle, fund accounting, process automation, and market analytics.
An experience early in my career left a lasting impression. I challenged an option pricing solution delivered by an external vendor because the figures did not make mathematical sense. Despite initial resistance, my analysis was ultimately proven correct.
That moment reinforced the importance of intellectual rigour and critical thinking. It motivated me to deepen my technical foundation by pursuing further studies in stochastic processes. I subsequently spent a brief period in Paris conducting research.
When I returned to Singapore in 2014, I knew I wanted a role where analytics could shape business decisions directly.
Starting my OCBC Journey
I joined OCBC in 2016 as a senior analyst in Risk Portfolio Management. What attracted me was the opportunity to gain end to end exposure to credit risk modelling, from development and deployment to monitoring and governance.
My first interview at OCBC was intense and highly technical. I initially walked out thinking I would not get the role. However, I was surprised when I received a call for the final interview later that day. That left a strong impression on me and reflected the intellectually stimulating and passionate work environment I was looking for.
I began my OCBC career journey with a simple goal. I wanted to do meaningful analytical work in an environment that challenged me to think deeply and continuously learn. Over the years, I said ‘Yes’ to taking on multiple roles, new responsibilities, and even moved across countries.
Growing through Trust and Broader Exposure
In my first role, I became the model owner for Singapore Auto Loan portfolio. I worked on core credit risk models that assessed how likely customers were to default, how much exposure the bank could have, and how much could be recovered by the bank.
The role required me to go beyond technical modelling and understand products, customers and business context deeply.
As I settled into the role and delivered consistently, my responsibilities expanded. I was given exposure to additional retail portfolios and later took on work related to expected credit loss models under the International Financial Reporting Standards IFRS 9. I also became involved in cross market advisory work, supporting teams in Malaysia and later Indonesia.
This was a turning point in my career. By 2020, my role gradually shifted from focusing on building models to advising stakeholders on how risk metrics should be interpreted and used in decision making.
My seniors entrusted me with larger responsibilities while ensuring I had the guidance and support to succeed. I was also nominated for leadership development programmes and benefited from mentorship by senior leaders across the Group.
People First Even in Crisis
One of the most challenging but rewarding periods of my career was during the COVID19 pandemic. I was deeply involved in model treatment and risk measurement work at a time when uncertainty was high and historical reference points were limited.
This was not just a technical exercise. It required rapid decision making, process redesign and close collaboration across markets such as Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
At the same time, border closures meant I was separated from my family in Malaysia for extended periods. Throughout this difficult phase, senior management and my leaders showed genuine care and understanding. That experience reinforced my belief that OCBC truly values its people.
From Practitioner to Advisor
Over time, my role continued to evolve. I moved from building and owning models to training stakeholders and junior colleagues, explaining not just outputs but the thinking behind metrics.
Since 2021, I gradually stepped into a broader advisory role, guiding teams on standards, governance and best practices.
Each transition was supported by OCBC’s culture of trust and development.
Saying Yes to a New Chapter in Indonesia
At the end of 2025, I said yes to an opportunity that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. I moved to Indonesia to take on an advisory role in Risk Portfolio Management.
Professionally, it meant adapting quickly to a very different market, regulatory environment, and data landscape. Being on the ground strengthened my collaboration with local teams and accelerated my learning in ways that would not have been possible from afar.
On a personal level, the move marked a significant milestone. While the experience has been challenging, it has also been deeply rewarding and fulfilling.
The warmth, hospitality, and support from both the Indonesia and Singapore teams made the transition smoother than I had expected, and I am grateful for how welcomed I felt from the start.
What has kept me at OCBC for a decade is the opportunity for continuous growth. The work remains intellectually challenging in a constantly evolving environment, and there is a genuine culture of people supporting one another.
My journey in Indonesia is still unfolding. The path ahead is not fully defined, and that uncertainty energises me. There are problems to solve, capabilities to build, and many lessons still to be learned.
At OCBC, every yes has been met with trust, guidance, and space to grow. That is what has shaped my career and continues to drive me forward in my aspirations.
Every journey starts with a choice. When was the last time you said yes?
Opportunity Starts Here.
