Yvonne is a Senior Vice President in the Investment Services Private Markets (ISPVM) department. Her responsibilities include providing tax advisory and structuring support to investment teams as they evaluate investments to ensure tax opportunities and risks are well understood. She also maintains tax knowledge pertinent to asset classes and monitors tax laws that could impact our current or future investments.
Outside of work, she enjoys running, reading, watching Netflix or just hanging out with family and friends.
Why did you decide to join GIC?
I like to be challenged in a positive way and be taught transferable skills with room for growth within the company.
I wasn’t actively looking for a job when I was approached, but the prospect of working for a purposeful organisation with a proven track record and a nice and friendly work culture drew me in. I also knew the work would be challenging and diverse, which meant there would be opportunities for professional, career, and personal growth.
What does your typical workday look like?
I like to start my day early at around 6:30am to get through my morning routine without feeling rushed. After a shower, breakfast and coffee, I will mentally walk through my priorities for the day. I typically go over my schedule the day before to make sure calls and meetings are top of mind.
On Mondays, or days when there are no major meetings, I’ll take some time to check in with my team members either online or in person to ask about their weekends, do some small talk and catch up on work-related issues. I usually spend the remainder of my day attending team meetings and going over my schedule for the following day. After that, I either go for a run or do a workout before dinner, and then it’s family and me-time.
What do you like most about working here?
There are many reasons to be proud of working at GIC. But one of the most important is knowing that my work at GIC plays a unique role in ensuring the financial security of future generations of Singaporeans, as well as generating an impact on the other societies that we invest in.
Almost every deal or transaction I’ve worked on has been interesting, unique, and challenging in its own way! That is one of the benefits of joining an organisation like GIC, with such a global reach and access to a wide range of investment opportunities in both public and private markets.
I believe that company culture begins at the top, and GIC senior management has made it a point to highlight diversity as one of the transformative characteristics of the desired 2035 GIC culture. The company hires, develops, and promotes employees based on merit. I am also aware of recent initiatives aimed at increasing women’s representation. Personally, I had the opportunity to participate in a ‘Women in GIC’ focus group to openly share my perspectives, including on some sensitive issues.
How would you describe the learning & development culture at GIC?
At GIC, you can work with and learn from the best in the investment world, both internally and externally. Because of the company’s global reach and reputation, I was exposed to a variety of investment opportunities across public and private markets and asset classes. I’ve also had the opportunity to work briefly in our London office. While you ultimately take responsibility for your own career and learning, I will say that you can expect to receive the necessary resources and environment to support your professional development.
What you should know before joining GIC
Research as much as you can about the company (there are plenty of resources out there) and assess if you fit based on your skills, past experiences, interests and importantly, your values and beliefs.