As a Product Manager at GIC, Terence operates at the intersection of technology and business. His responsibilities include identifying and understanding user needs, aligning stakeholder expectations, and partnering with software engineers to design and implement technology solutions that advance GIC’s investment mandate. Through a combination of strategic planning, problem-solving, and continuous communication, Terence ensures the delivery of robust products that provide real value to the firm.
Outside of work, Terence maintains a consistent fitness regime by keeping up with his energetic toddler and furkid. In addition to the constant HIIT sessions, they frequently embark on round-island tours to explore Singapore’s diverse culinary scene and seek out new food experiences. Evenings are usually reserved for winding down with a nightcap and a daily read to recharge both body and mind.
Why did you decide to join GIC?
Before joining, I thought GIC was all suits and spreadsheets – a prestigious and somewhat traditional investment firm, very focused and serious. While I knew technology played a role in supporting the business, I was uncertain about the level of innovation or pace of change within GIC.
When I joined, I found opportunities to work on meaningful, large-scale technology projects with real-world impact. I was also drawn to the idea of contributing to a long-term mission – not just building technology products but building with purpose. As I immersed myself in GIC’s technology culture, it became clear that this was the right place for me to grow and challenge myself, and I have never looked back.
Beyond being a world-class investor, GIC truly values technology and innovation. The culture is open, collaborative, and far more forward-thinking than I had expected. There is significant investment in technology, and an even greater amount of trust from our business units, empowering us to make a meaningful impact.
What does your typical workday look like?
The first order of business is a kopi-siu-dai from the GIC café as I review overnight work emails and organise my to-do list, followed by a daily stand-up with my team to align priorities and resolve any issues. The remainder of the day is split between product discovery and delivery, collaborating with stakeholders to understand business problems and address product risks, ensuring optimal time-to-value realisation of our technology solutions.
What do you like most about working here?
Much like our “little red dot”, I firmly believe that people are GIC’s greatest asset. People shape the culture, and culture defines the organisation. Our culture is built by the talent and passion of our colleagues, and working alongside such dedicated individuals who strive for continuous improvement makes the journey both challenging and rewarding.
Additionally, the problem-solving nature of my role keeps me engaged and intellectually stimulated, while knowing that my contributions positively impact the organisation’s objectives gives me a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment. Technology is central to GIC’s future, and I’m proud to be part of the bigger picture.
How would you describe the learning & development culture at GIC?
My learning and development at GIC have been both structured and dynamic. GIC places strong emphasis on continuous growth – through a wide variety of training programs, cross-functional projects, and mentorship opportunities. I deepened my technical skills, gained exposure to global markets, and enhanced my strategic thinking. GIC’s commitment to building a future-ready Technology workforce creates a stimulating environment for professional growth.
What skills or knowledge have you developed while working at GIC?
Working at GIC has accelerated my growth both technically and professionally. In addition to gaining exposure to diverse asset classes and various technology stacks, I’ve learnt the importance of effective collaboration across geographies, building strong partnerships with stakeholders, and adopting an owner’s mindset to problem-solving. These skills ensure ongoing alignment across business and enterprise objectives alike.
What are some highlights in your career thus far?
I spent my formative years diving deep into risk management systems across domains such as credit, market, and operational risk. After gaining valuable experience around the key pillars of effective risk management, I transitioned to partnering with our Portfolio Managers in the Portfolio Execution Group. Recently, we commissioned the build of an in-house portfolio and liquidity management system designed to capture market opportunities and ensure resilience in our liquidity management. Built on a fully cloud-native technology stack, this new platform not only provides deeper insights for better risk management but also enables smarter decision-making, augmenting our portfolio managers’ ability to maximise the value of GIC’s assets.
What you should know before joining GIC
Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability to thrive in our dynamic and ever-evolving industry. Show enthusiasm for innovation and remain open to new ideas and approaches. Collaboration is key at GIC. Come in curious, collaborative, and purpose driven. Demonstrate your ability to work effectively in teams and contribute to a positive and productive work environment.