In today’s fast-evolving banking sector, customer expectations are shifting, competition is intensifying and digital transformation is reshaping the industry. To thrive, banking professionals need a fresh, innovative approach to strategy—one that puts the customer at the heart of decision-making.
We are excited to introduce the “Design Thinking for Enhancing Strategy Formulation” programme, which equips banking professionals with the tools and mindset to develop more effective, human-centred strategies. By blending creativity with structured problem-solving, you’ll learn how to uncover deeper insights, generate breakthrough ideas and turn them into actionable strategies that drive real impact.
Why Design Thinking Matters in Banking
Design Thinking goes beyond aesthetics or product design. It is a structured yet flexible methodology for solving complex problems by deeply understanding the needs of people involved — be it customers, internal teams or external stakeholders. In a sector where trust, empathy and efficiency are paramount, adopting a Design Thinking approach can significantly elevate how strategy is crafted and executed.
This programme offers an opportunity to reimagine strategic development through a user-centred lens — uncovering needs, framing challenges effectively and prototyping ideas to ensure alignment with real-world demands.
Who Should Attend?
This programme is designed for banking professionals across functions and levels who are involved in shaping or influencing strategic decisions:
- Frontline and Supervisory Staff looking to embed innovation in day-to-day decision-making.
- Managers and Executives seeking to refine their problem-solving abilities.
- Senior Banking Professionals such as department heads, strategy leads or innovation officers who are responsible for driving customer-centric transformation and long-term strategic planning.
Why Attend?
To stay ahead, banking professionals need to think beyond spreadsheets and adopt more human-centred, innovative approaches. This programme shows you how Design Thinking can directly address the real strategic challenges faced by modern banks.
Tackling Real Banking Challenges with Design Thinking
- Customer Retention & Personalisation
Strengthen customer retention by designing tailored financial services that resonate across diverse segments — from everyday banking customers to high-net-worth individuals seeking bespoke solutions.
- New Product Development
Develop future-ready savings, investment and credit offerings that respond to changing customer expectations, market trends and digital lifestyles.
- Digital Transformation & Channel Integration
Map seamless customer journeys by integrating physical and digital touchpoints — ensuring a consistent, intuitive and frictionless experience across branches, mobile banking and online platforms.
- Regulatory Complexity
Leverage Design Thinking to address compliance requirements while maintaining user-friendly processes and preserving the integrity of customer experience.
- Internal Silos & Collaboration Gaps
Bridge internal silos by engaging cross-functional teams — from front-line operations and IT to risk and compliance — in co-creating holistic, customer-focused banking strategies.
Meet the Trainers
The course is led by three seasoned experts, Dr Daniel Lim, Ms Low Lay Leng and Ms Phyllis Marie Peter, who bring decades of professional experience.
- With over 20 years of experience in public relations, education and organisational development, Ms Low Lay Leng has a diverse background, particularly in Design Thinking.
During her time at Singapore Polytechnic, she held various roles, including educator, leader and strategist, focusing on innovation and growth.
In her last decade there, she developed strategies that encouraged creative collaboration and problem-solving.
Now an independent consultant, Ms Low empowers professionals through hands-on Design Thinking workshops, combining real-world examples, interactive activities, and actionable insights to help participants tackle challenges with innovative solutions.
- Ms Phyllis Marie Peter, a former lawyer turned higher education strategist, brings her analytical and strategic expertise, making her a dynamic mentor in innovation.
In her 34-year career in Higher Education, she excelled in various roles, including teaching, course management and strategic planning.
With over seven years of steering large-scale strategies to foster innovation and growth, she trained teams and individuals to tackle complex challenges creatively.
Now an independent consultant, Ms Phyllis empowers professionals to apply Design Thinking to innovate and adapt, using a practical, interactive approach that ensures participants gain immediate, actionable tools and strategies.
- Dr Daniel Lim is the Academic Dean at Ngee Ann Academy. Armed with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Dr Lim is an experienced educator who has played a pivotal role in shaping education for higher learning.
Prior to his present role at Ngee Ann Academy, Dr Lim was previously a research scientist in a reputable research agency in Singapore and course chair from one of Singapore’s higher institutes of learning.
Dr Lim is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the quality of education at Ngee Ann Academy, ensuring that the institution remains competitive and continues to meet the evolving needs of students and the broader community.
Programme Title:
Design Thinking for Enhancing Strategy Formulation
Programme Schedule:
Format: Full day workshop, face-to-face
Date:
29 July – 31 July 2025 (Tue – Thu)
Duration: 3-day workshop
Location: Ngee Ann Academy, 391A Orchard Road, #25-02A. Ngee Ann City Tower A, Singapore 238873
Certificate: Candidates who demonstrate competency in the course assessment and achieve at least 75% attendance will receive a Statement of Attainment awarded by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG).
Course Code: TGS-2024049580
Course Funding Period: 07 Oct 2024 – 06 Oct 2026
Programme Fee:
| Course Fee and Government Subsidies | |||
| Individual | SME Sponsored | Non-SME Sponsored | |
| Full Course Fee (For those not eligible for subsidy) | $900 $981 (with GST) | $900 $981(with GST) | $900 $981(with GST) |
| For 21 years old and above · Singapore Citizens · Permanent Residents | $450 $531 (with GST) | $270 $351 (with GST) | $450 $531 (with GST) |
| For 40 years old and above · Singapore Citizens | $270 $351 (with GST) | $270 $351 (with GST | |
Nett Fee after subsidy/funding
Enjoy up to 70% funding for this Design Thinking for Enhancing Strategy Formulation Course, with grants available for individuals and companies. This is your chance to upskill and innovate affordably!
With the 70% subsidy from the Singapore Government, a Singapore citizen aged 40 years and above will only need to pay S$270. In addition, they can also use their SkillsFuture credits to cover this portion.
For company sponsored applicants, course fees after subsidies can be further offset by Skillsfuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC). You may wish to check out how to claim your 🌟Skillsfuture Enterprise Credit here.
Design Thinking is more than a buzzword — it’s a mindset shift that enables banking professionals to adapt, innovate and stay competitive in a dynamic market. Enrol now and transform how strategy is built in your organisation — from insight to execution.
Design Thinking for Enhancing Strategy Formulation is brought to you by Ngee Ann Academy. Contact Ngee Ann Academy’s Admissions Team today to sign up and secure your spot now!
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