Jaslyn is the Head of the Global Trading Unit (GTU) at GIC, overseeing cross-asset trading activities and shaping GTU’s strategic direction. Her team collaborates closely with investment teams to provide trading advisory, solutions, and best execution capabilities.
Outside of work, Jaslyn dedicates most of her free time to her family, supporting her children’s sporting activities on weekends. She also commits to daily activities that enhance her mental, physical, and emotional well-being, such as workouts, connecting with friends, reading, listening to podcasts, and catching up on popular dramas.
Why did you decide to join GIC?
I was first drawn to GIC by the trader role itself, and then by the reputation of the firm. My interest in trading began with a faculty contest during my university days when I emerged top in predicting the STI levels. Whether it was luck or skill, the experience gave me confidence and set me on a career path in trading. Although I did not start trading after graduation, four years later, I saw a GIC job advertisement for a junior trader, and I knew I had to try it. You can imagine my elation when I was selected for the interview, despite having no trading experience, and even more so when I received the job offer.
What does your typical workday look like?
I typically start my day by logging into Bloomberg, checking my emails, and all trading applications. After scanning the latest market developments, I will head up to the GIC cafe for a caffeine fix and a quick chat with colleagues I encounter. Once back at my desk, I focus on monitoring financial markets and interacting with sell-side traders and our investment teams.
On especially busy days, I’ll have lunch in the office, but whenever possible, I connect with colleagues or counterparties over lunch to exchange views. Throughout the day, I alternate my focus between watching markets and attending internal and external meetings. Recently, I’ve started time-blocking my calendar to prioritise key tasks, which has helped me focus on achieving meaningful outcomes.
What do you like most about working here?
GIC is a forward-looking organisation and a well-respected Sovereign Wealth Fund. Being part of GIC provides me with exposure to an extraordinary network of the world’s industry leaders, offering invaluable opportunities for learning and growth. This environment accelerates my professional development and keeps me at the forefront of industry trends and innovations.
How would you describe the learning & development culture at GIC?
GIC has a deeply supportive culture that emphasises mentorship, continuous growth, and empowering individuals to realise their potential. This environment has been especially meaningful for me as a female trader in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
When I first started, there were few women in similar roles, and balancing my career with being a hands-on mother was challenging—especially since networking often happened after hours. What made a difference was the support I received from mentors and colleagues, and the flexibility to prioritise what mattered at different stages of my life. Here, I learned that I didn’t need to do everything at once. By staying focused, believing in myself, and letting my work speak for itself, I was able to grow and succeed. While balance isn’t perfect every day, GIC’s culture makes it possible – and worthwhile.
What skills or knowledge have you developed while working at GIC?
Navigating the Global Financial Crisis just months into my trading career taught me to stay calm under pressure and sharpened my instincts around risk. Later, when I transitioned to my first leadership role as Head Trader, Asia Equities, I faced a new set of challenges—shifting from being an individual contributor to building trust, alignment, and culture within a team. Both experiences, though very different, have been instrumental in shaping my professional growth.
What are some highlights in your career thus far?
Becoming the first female Head of Global Trading at GIC was both a proud and humbling milestone. It signified not only a personal achievement but also progress and new possibilities for others to follow. I felt a strong responsibility to uphold high standards, lead with authenticity, and help open doors for others. In 2017, I had the honor of conducting a live trading demonstration for President Halimah Yacob and the Council of Presidential Advisers. Although I was nervous, I was immensely proud to represent GIC and showcase our disciplined and purposeful approach to trading.
What impact do you believe technology and AI will have on trading in the future?
Technology and AI are already revolutionising trading – from smarter execution and deeper data insights to real-time risk management. Technology is changing every part of the trade lifecycle. But the real impact goes beyond speed or automation; it’s about combining human judgement with innovation to make sharper decisions, stay agile, and discover new values. The best traders of the future will be those who evolve alongside these tools, not just use them.
What you should know before joining GIC
Be resourceful. Be inquisitive. Be authentic. Find out as much as you can about GIC to prepare yourself ahead of the interview. During the interview sessions, use the opportunity to ask your interviewers about their experiences with the firm and assess if they relate to you. Being self-aware and authentic can help a candidate stand out compared to job applicants who rely on scripted answers. When you join us, you will find out that in GIC, there is so much to learn and there will be many colleagues around you to support and help you grow.