Experience

aAdvantage Consulting

• Singapore
• Business Consulting and Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Senior Consultant / Facilitator

  • Sep 2019 - Present

  Business consulting and facilitation of change management, organizational development, culture transformation journeys, cascading values in action mind-set, customer experience culture change. Leveraging on diagnostic data from “The 5 Behaviour Model of a Cohesive Team”, Barret Values Center Assessment, Culture & Leadership Teams Values Assessment, Values Beliefs & Behaviour Model, Marco, formulates leadership & culture transformation solutions for his clients. He works with cross functional Senior Leaders to provide insights, identify challenges, synergize and align the desired outcome with business goals. People Engagement Initiatives: Facilitate, provide insights & recommendations from Focus Group Discussions on community, environmental & social interest topics at the grassroots levels. With government agencies & private sector clients, conduct focus groups with staff & senior management team on Business Interest Topics, Culture & Values Alignment Topics. Generate Insights and provide action recommendations. Client Base: Banking & Finance Sector, Healthcare Sectors, Government Agencies, Statutory Boards.



Self Employed

• United States
• 700 & Above Employee

• Human Capital Development Consultant

  • Jan 2019 - Sep 2019

  Passionate about transforming organization's learner experience & developing talents Passionate about transforming organization's learner experience & developing talents



Cegos Asia Pacific

• Singapore
• Professional Training and Coaching
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Lead Solutions Architect

  • Jul 2018 - Dec 2018

  Responsibilities:• To develop learning approach solutions for Cegos customers using the 70-20-10 principle.• In-house consultancy services to develop customized program for key account projects.• Architect Blended Learning Concepts (e-learning & digital apps combined with face to face workshops) with the Agile Teams approach. Achievements:1) Lead solutions architect for a Global Cement Company to pilot an Asia Pacific Sales Coaching Culture Transformation Project. In partnership with the in-country C Suite & Global Senior Executives, he develop a learning road map across management levels with ROI indicators in implementing the Sales & Performance Coaching Culture Transformation project. The target audience ranges from C Suite Levels to sales representatives. This project was implemented in phases over 3 years. Marco was the Coach & lead facilitator for the C Suite Executives and he certified the in-country consultants to deliver the programs in their native language. This project was replicated in Thailand and the Philippines. 2) Develop and facilitated a suite of International Negotiations Workshop for One of the largest global logistics organization, using a unique blend of Experiential Learning & Simulation Exercises. This contract transcends across the Asia Pacific region. 3) An International bespoke luxury travel organization engaged Marco’s services to develop a Train-The-Trainer Sessions to certify Senior Business Leaders across Asia Pacific to be performance coaches and line trainers in the organization.



Represented Cegos Asia Pacific, Terrapinn, Momenta, Aprikot, Salmon Trust, GP Strategies

• Human Capital Development Consultant

  • Apr 2012 - Jun 2018

  Responsibilities: • Architecting the Transformational Journey for Human Capital Development• Designing & Building the Learning Academy with a focus in Learner’s Experience• Collaboration with Key Stakeholders to Build a Cross Functional Organization Competency Based Models & Career Development Dashboards for functional roles• Development Sustainability: Blended Learning Approaches utilizing Digital Solutions for “Micro Learning Bites” and Performance Enhancement Skills. • Designing concepts for Digital Applications for Field Coaching & Performance Development Reporting. • Competency Behavioral Interviews & Assessment Centers for High Potential Talents & selection of Management Associates• Strategic business development to expand the outreach of consultancy products & services within Asia Pacific, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates• Understanding Client’s Needs using targeted Needs Analysis and Business Learning Partner Approach to develop customized solutions in curriculum design, building a learning road map and role functional competency dash boards.• Imbibe practical Learning Methodologies and pedagogies towards curriculum design and delivery of application based training programs. My Work For Clients Spans Across:Asia Pacific Region & United Arab Emirates & Australia, transcending across diverse industries in Banking & Finance, Aviation, Oil & Gas, Property Developers, Heavy Construction Equipment & Machinery, Power Plant Construction & Engineering, FMCG Retail Companies, Technology & Science, Government Linked Companies.



UOB

• Singapore
• Banking
• 700 & Above Employee

• First Vice President, Regional Training Department

  • Nov 2013 - Oct 2014

  One Year Contract Role in Regional Learning & Development TeamResponsibilities: • Relationship Manager & Learning Partner for Singapore Privilege Banking Segment, UOB China and UOB Malaysia. • To develop & Enhance Appropriate Training Roadmaps for Countries in their Core Banking, Wealth Banking & Privilege Banking Segments• Enhance existing Sales Training Programs taking into consideration of latest development of the banking & finance regulations towards wealth management advisory.• Conduct Training Needs Analysis for various business segments of the countries under my responsibilities to ascertain skills & knowledge gaps and develop suitable training intervention solutions to contribute to the business bottom-line & business strategy.Achievements: • Based on urgent request to manage Client Crisis Situation in January & February 2014, developed a training program “Managing Investor’s Relations” for UOB China with the objective of retaining clients & to equip Advisors to restore client confidence in wealth management business. Rolled out 4 sessions of training to 4 provinces in China, equipping 63 Relationship Managers & Branch Managers with the skills set. Results were a 17-23% improvement in customer retention across the various China provinces. • Assisted UOB Malaysia to design & develop the Wealth Banking Readiness Program for internal Upgraders and external hires. This was launched in September 2014. Re-structured the Foundation & Intermediate Training Road Maps for Core Banking & Privilege Banking in UOB Malaysia. Conducted a series of Train-The-Trainer Programs to certify Line Trainers to conduct key Wealth Management Programs. This includes Live Tele-Consulting Calls and an immediate coaching session for RMs.



Citi

• United States
• Financial Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Vice President, Director of Sales Training & Development

  • Nov 2003 - Feb 2012

  Responsibilities: • Manage & lead the Training Function for Consumer Banking. My department is responsible for the career & personal development of 840 staff within the Retail Banking Division. Strategize the Training Solutions & prioritize training budgets towards meeting Organizational Goals and Internal Business Unit’s Requirements. Conduct detailed Competency Needs Analysis with business units to ascertain developmental gaps. Develop a career competency development & progression roadmap for advisors, team leaders, branch managers & service managers based on role specific functional capabilities. • Partner Regional Office as part of Project Teams to lead, design & deliver Regional Wide Training Initiatives to be launched in Citi’s Asia Pacific Franchise. To ensure 100% audit & compliance results for internal, KPMG and Regulatory Body’s audit checks. • In 2009 & 2010, championed the department to be accredited at the Singapore Human Resource Awards Presentation Ceremony. For two consecutive years (2009 & 210) we were accredited the Leading HR Practices Award in Learning & Human Capital Development. • Strategically implemented the Talent Management, Staff Retention Initiatives and Career Progression Tracks for junior bankers to the senior level based on functional roles. Reduced attrition rates from 55% to 23%. • Developed & implemented a structure for an assessment centre for selection and development of Hi-Potential Talents for the role of Sales Managers / Branch Managers / Service Managers. • During 2007 – 2009 Financial Crisis Period, partnered key business units to develop practical competency based workshops to enhance financial advisory in wealth management. Convert the training team into a cost minimization center – Grants from IBF & WDA for trainings through the FTC, SDF & FSDF Schemes – claimed back a reimbursement of S$170,000 in 2008, S$280,000 in 2009 and S$220,000 for 2010 YTD.



DBS Bank

• Singapore
• Banking
• 700 & Above Employee

• Manager, Training & Compliance

  • Oct 2000 - Oct 2003

  Responsibilities: • To ensure a robust training and coaching environment for the sales force in meeting business goals. This incorporates the continuous evaluation and the training gap analysis for the sales force through focus group sessions. To implement the areas of improvements immediately into the training course design.• To develop a training matrix for the development of new entrants, existing sales force and supervisors. This will encompass the Training & Competency Scheme and the Continuous Professional Development training to enhance their skills within the regulated environment as mandated by the Financial Advisors Act.• To evaluate the needs and competency of Branch Managers and Supervisors in the provision of financial advisory services and in the discharge of their supervisory function. Design and deliver programs to equip them with the skills and knowledge to perform their roles effectively. • To incorporate the local sales environment & advisory practices towards the development and the design of the New Entrants’ Modular Training Program. • To Create a Competency Based Assessment Evaluation Framework to validate the capabilities of the Advisors towards Financial Planning & Wealth Management Advisory. Developed the DBS Sales Process integrating with the Financial Planning System. To evaluate the competence of the sales force based on the requirements and standards of the Financial Advisor’s Act. • Implemented a joint certification between the Singapore College of Insurance (SCI) & DBS Bank for the Financial Needs Analysis program for existing sales officers.• Developed the Coaching & Observation Workshop for Sales Supervisors to equip them with the necessary skills to formulate a developmental training plan for their respective sales advisors. • Synergize with both internal and external business partners such as AVIVA, various Product Managers and the Compliance Unit to ensure an effective and integrated training programme design.



AIA

• Hong Kong
• Insurance
• 700 & Above Employee

• Financial Advisor

  • Jun 1999 - Oct 2000

  Responsibilities: • Conduct Financial Needs Analysis for individual clients in the area of Retirement Planning, Specific Wealth Accumulation Planning, Education Planning and Risk Management Planning.• Lead a team of rookies to ensure their immersion into the business. Achievements: • Qualifier in several conventions & clubs by the Company. Was awarded the Agency’s Most Outstanding Rookie Award in 1999. • Co-ordinated a joint promotion effort between the Agency and Popular Bookstore for a Financial Planning Exercise to be conducted at their retail outlets. • Processed claims for my clients in the area of Hospitalisation & Surgical Benefits, Critical Illnesses, Death Claims and Travel Insurance.



UOB Life Assurance

• Senior Executive Officer 2 (SEO 2)

  • Jul 1996 - Jul 1999

  Responsibilities: • Developed & trained the sales force at UOB Bank in the area of pre-contract licensing, Agency Development Program, Product Knowledge Basic Sales Techniques and the occasional motivation sessions.• To be the Key presenter at several public seminars that UOB Life participated in.• To Conduct Training Gap Analysis for the distribution channel.Achievements: • Implemented a Course Evaluation Feedback System for all training programmes.• Designed the Training Unit’s Operational Manual. • Developed a series of Sales Training Program & implemented a Service Culture Program.• Seconded to UOB Invest Shop for a period of 9 months. My role is to coach & mentor new Invest Planners in the sale of Bancassurance Products. Over the secondment period, improved the bancassurance sales production by 230% YOY comparison)