Brendan

Brendan’s journey in GIC started in 2024 when he took on the role of an analyst in the Risk and Performance Management (RPMD) department. He has gone through three departmental rotations before starting his current role. Within Enterprise Risk’s sustainability risk cluster, he is responsible for creating solutions that help GIC evaluate and address sustainability risks in its investment portfolio. His work includes designing frameworks to analyse climate-related threats and running tests to understand how these factors could affect investments.  

In his free time, Brendan loves seeking out new culinary experiences. He finds joy in exploring new recipes for dishes he hasn’t tried making before. He also enjoys discovering new dining spots in Singapore, where the culinary scene is constantly changing. On weekends, he values spending quality time with his family, whether they’re watching movies or playing board games together. 

What inspired you to join GIC, and how has your experience here compared to your initial expectations?

What drew me to GIC was its purpose-driven mission to enhance and preserve Singapore’s reserves. I wanted my work to make a real difference, and GIC’s mission really spoke to me. I was also attracted by the strong culture of learning and growth here, where juniors are entrusted with significant responsibilities and supported by experienced colleagues. All these things made me genuinely excited to launch my career at GIC.  

Initially, I expected GIC to have a high-pressure environment, considering its standing as one of the top global investors. Since joining, my perspective has changed. While it’s true that things move quickly and there’s a strong focus on performance, I’ve found the environment to be incredibly supportive and nurturing. My senior colleagues have gone out of their way to help me better understand my work and encourage me to ask questions. We often challenge ideas off each other, which not only help us grow as a team but to achieve greater outcomes.   

What do you do in GIC, and what aspects of your work do you enjoy and find most motivating?

Within the sustainability risk cluster of Enterprise Risk in RPMD, my role centres on building tools that helps us identify, measure and manage sustainability-related risks throughout our investment portfolio. I research and refine methodologies to quantify and assess climate-related risks to evaluate the potential impacts on our investments. In addition, I prepare reports on the portfolio’s climate risks for management, providing valuable insights to support informed decision-making.  

GIC’s purpose-driven mission – to enhance Singapore’s reserves – is a major source of motivation for me. Knowing that my efforts contribute to safeguarding Singapore’s financial future for generations ahead makes my work especially meaningful.  

What does a typical workday look like for you?

I usually kick off my day with a workout at the office gym, which keeps me energised for the day. After catching up on news and emails, I dive into research and collaborate with my team to enhance our sustainability integration tools. My week often includes meetings with vendors and internal developers to discuss on the development of climate risk tools. 

Tell us about a project or initiative you’ve worked on and your role in it

During my stint in the Economics & Investment Strategy department, I worked on analysing and identifying any persistent investment outperformance in developed markets. I found it fascinating to analyse data and explore whether certain groups of external fund managers are able to consistently achieve above-market returns over time. 

What new skills or knowledge have you gained during your time at GIC?

At GIC, I’ve learned to embrace curiosity and speak up with confidence. The open-minded culture here encourages everyone to share their ideas, which makes it much easier for juniors like me to get involved and make a difference. I feel comfortable asking questions, offering my thoughts, and having meaningful conversations with colleagues at all levels. It’s a supportive place where new ideas are welcomed, and there’s always something to learn. Thanks to this environment, I’ve grown more confident in sharing my opinions and working with others, knowing that what I say is valued and appreciated. 

How would you describe your learning and development at GIC?

There are numerous tools and resources available, which served as a significant advantage at the start of my career. As part of the GIC Graduate Programme (GPP), I began with a one-month boot camp that introduced me to all the different departments within GIC and their roles, alongside extensive training in financial modelling and equity investing.
 
The GPP structure allowed me to rotate through three different departments, providing valuable insights into how investment and non-investment teams collaborate to achieve better results. This experience helped me develop skills in stakeholder management and market research, all with the support and guidance of experienced managers, and has certainly built a solid foundation for my current role in sustainability risk.

GIC also actively empowers juniors to make an impact. The projects I undertook during my rotations were designed to deliver meaningful results, which allowed me to explore engaging research topics and contribute valuable insights to the team.

What advice would you give to candidates looking to join GIC?

Be intellectually curious and don’t hesitate to ask questions—you’ll find that GIC values people who are eager to learn and willing to challenge assumptions. Since the markets are always changing, it’s important for you to keep adapting your knowledge and skills. The work here can be fast-paced and you’ll often face open-ended questions, but ultimately, it’s both rewarding and meaningful.