Kelly Goh is a Senior Vice President in the Chief Risk Officer’s (CRO) Office and is responsible for the smooth and efficient operations of the Risk & Performance Management Department. She worked at GIC across two stints. Currently, she provides support for the CRO’s executive-level responsibilities, and secretariat support to GIC’s risk governance committees – the Board Risk Committee and the Group Risk Committee.
As a mother of two girls aged ten and thirteen, their typical evenings together consist of board or card games, while sharing details on each other’s day. She recently shared with us her thoughts about her work life.
Why did you decide to join GIC?
For my first stint, I was recommended by a friend at the Risk & Performance Management Department (RPMD) for a position in its Credit Risk Management team. Having spent three years at PwC as an external auditor after graduation, I was looking for a change and to specialise in an area where I could acquire new knowledge and skills. I chose GIC because of its brand name and reputation. In addition, the counterparty credit risk analyst role was an attractive one that would allow me to develop my interest in this domain.
I was in my third year working in foreign banks doing operational risk for investment and private banking when my ex-manager from GIC asked me if I would be keen to re-join the RPMD family. I have not looked back since.
What does your typical workday look like?
I’m one of those who needs caffeine to get the day started. My mornings typically begin with catching up on news and the latest happenings around the world, followed by meetings to discuss topics ranging from budgets to business plans with the relevant teams, as well as setting up meeting agendas and reviewing meeting materials for the risk governance committee meetings – all these would fill up a typical workday.
What do you like most about working here?
I enjoy working with people! The business management aspects of my role allow me to interact and engage with colleagues and stakeholders from within and outside the department. I’m very fortunate to work with highly knowledgeable professionals who are committed to GIC’s mission and are willing to collaborate and work hard to achieve bigger outcomes.
GIC is also highly committed to welcoming disabled individuals, hiring interns and staff under the GIC Enable Programme. I am heartened that GIC can enhance the future employability of these students. Through this, and other diversity and inclusion initiatives, GIC is embracing a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and hard work, regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
How would you describe the learning & development culture at GIC?
I’m very grateful to my bosses and managers who believed in me and gave me opportunities to rotate across different teams in the department – from Credit Risk Management, Operational Risk & Monitoring, to the CRO Office. I’ve also been encouraged by my managers to switch between different portfolios within the teams. Collectively, all these exposed me to different risk areas, broadened my spectrum, and allowed me to develop diverse skill sets and grow professionally.
The road of change is not easy. I encountered challenges along the way and had to put in extra effort to overcome them, in unfamiliar areas. The trust and support from my bosses were an immense encouragement that spurred me to press on with a “can-do” attitude.
What you should know before joining GIC
Be prepared for a fast-paced and dynamic environment where many strategic initiatives and interesting projects are taking place at the same time.