Annie is an Assistant Vice President at GIC School, our Learning & Development academy. Her primary responsibility is to create, develop, and implement training programs that promote employee development and cultivate a positive team culture. Before joining GIC School, she held various policymaking roles in Talent Management, Leadership Strategies, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
In her free time, Annie is a fitness enthusiast who frequents the gym and enjoys practicing Yoga and Pilates. She also indulges in bubble tea treats from time to time.
Why did you decide to join GIC?
My goal was to begin my career in a dynamic environment that would challenge me to develop and grow while making a positive impact on people’s lives.Â
Throughout the interview process with GIC, I was impressed by the organization’s vast scope. Each conversation left me eager to learn more, and I was also struck by the openness of the leaders I met. They treated me as an equal and took the time to listen to my ideas. It was evident to me that GIC valued diverse perspectives, and I knew there would be many opportunities for me to contribute meaningfully.
Now, four years later, I can confidently say that I have not had a single day where I did not feel motivated to do more.
What does your typical workday look like?
I always kickstart my day with a morning workout at our office gym.
On certain days, I conduct day-long training sessions with new hires, which I find particularly enjoyable as it allows me to meet new hires from various departments all at once.
On other days, my colleagues and I organize learning journeys for students and educators in partnership with the Ministry of Education. During these sessions, we emphasize the significance of national reserves and GIC’s role in managing and investing them to secure Singapore’s financial future.
However, what I relish the most are coffee and lunch sessions with my colleagues, where we discuss what is on our minds. These conversations often inspire me to develop new classroom content and fun-facts.
What do you like most about working here?
At GIC, learning opportunities are unparalleled, with many training programs and resources accessible to employees. I am also grateful for the leadership’s willingness to trust and empower junior team members to contribute and lead in both departmental and enterprise-wide projects. This level of empowerment and access to growth opportunities is truly unmatched. At GIC, you are encouraged to experiment and learn as you go, even if it means starting from nothing.
During my four years with GIC, I have rotated and worked across three departments and five different teams. This not only kept my work exciting but also provided me with excellent exposure to various parts of the organization, leaving me enthusiastic about what the future would hold.
How would you describe the learning & development culture at GIC?
At GIC, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. We adopt a strengths-based approach to foster high-performing teams, cultivate impactful leadership, and encourage individuals to reach their full potential. This approach enables us to build upon our employees’ existing strengths and leverage them further to help them excel and unlock their full potential.
We are encouraged to take ownership of our own learning, with a range of tools and resources at our disposal, including on-the-job stretch opportunities and formal training programs. So long as you are interested and willing to raise your hand to ask, there will always be an exciting learning curve to embark on.
Personally, I have benefited immensely from these opportunities and can attest that GIC provides ample resources to do our best work and continuously grow and develop.
What you should know before joining GIC
Working at GIC is a journey that is bound to have its share of both joy and frustration, but each experience is sure to leave you with fond memories and personal growth. It is crucial to remember your identity, the values you hold dear, the strengths you bring to the table, and the goals that matter most to you, to ensure that your time here is meaningful and fulfilling.
It is essential to be confident, patient, and most importantly, to have fun! At GIC, we work hard, but we also are available for team bonding and social events, which helps to build a powerful sense of camaraderie and community within the organization. So, embrace the journey, enjoy the ride, and make the most of your time at GIC.