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Yuen-Wah Ku

Head, Process & Service Innovation at OCBC Bank / Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach

Professional Background

Yuen-Wah Ku is a highly experienced professional with over 30 years in the financial services and facilitation sectors. For the last two decades, he has been a cornerstone of the OCBC Bank Singapore, contributing significantly in his role within the Group Quality & Service Excellence Division. Yuen-Wah's responsibilities have prominently featured the implementation of progressive management practices that foster organizational innovation and design methodologies aimed at achieving business excellence. As a dedicated advocate for incorporating leading-edge practices, he works diligently on benchmarking initiatives that elevate performance standards not only within the bank but also across the wider industry.

His passion for fostering collaboration helped him develop into a key figure in leadership through facilitative techniques. Equipped with a certified professional facilitator designation and an ICAgile Certified Professional credential, Yuen-Wah utilizes his adeptness in facilitative leadership to build synergistic teams. He has empowered various groups to navigate complex challenges, leveraging diverse perspectives to enhance creativity and collective problem-solving. His journey over these 20 years has been marked by continuous learning and adaptation, through which he has mastered a wealth of facilitative tools and techniques to ensure that both the needs of his clients and the expectations of various stakeholders are met effectively.

Yuen-Wah also serves as Secretary for the International Association of Facilitators (IAF) Singapore Chapter, where he stays at the forefront of emerging facilitation methodologies. His commitment to professional growth and knowledge-sharing is evident as he explores cutting-edge coaching practices and associated ideation, building strong networks within communities of practice.

Furthermore, his influence extends beyond the bank, where he has assessed numerous organizations for national awards such as the Singapore Quality Award (SQA) through his role as a Lead Assessor with Enterprise Singapore. His international expertise is recognized through his role as an assessor for the prestigious Australian Business Excellence Award. Alongside these assessing roles, Yuen-Wah has dedicated 12 years as an Adjunct Lecturer at the National University of Singapore, sharing his deep understanding of strategic management with the next generation of leaders.

Education and Achievements

Yuen-Wah Ku holds an MBA with Distinction in Strategic Management from the esteemed Strathclyde Graduate Business School, which has equipped him with the analytical and strategic tools necessary for effective management within modern organizations. Additionally, he acquired an Honours Degree in Computer and Information Sciences from the National University of Singapore, providing him with a solid foundation in technology and information management that supports many of his innovative endeavors in facilitation and process improvement.

Yuen-Wah is also a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach, advocating for strengths-based development to maximize individual potential within teams. His Top 5 CliftonStrengths – Learner, Maximizer, Achiever, Self-Assurance, and Ideation – highlight his commitment to continuous improvement and a deep-seated belief in harnessing personal and team strengths to drive success.

His extensive expertise encompasses diverse areas including group facilitation, agile methodologies, Lean and Six Sigma for process improvement, business process reengineering, customer experience design, best-practice benchmarking, Blue Ocean Strategy, service blueprinting, project management, and knowledge management.

Achievements

Yuen-Wah's achievements are a testament to his dedication to both organizational excellence and personal development in the field of facilitation. His contributions have been recognized through meaningful roles, such as his status as Lead Assessor with Enterprise Singapore and his international assessment duties. His insightful evaluations of organizations have played a critical role in driving continuous improvement within many sectors.

In his academic capacity as an Adjunct Lecturer, Yuen-Wah has inspired countless students over his 12-year tenure, imparting knowledge and practical insights from his extensive professional experience to shape the next generation of business leaders in strategic management. His pursuit of knowledge and commitment to excellence is reflected in every facet of his work, from leading innovative projects at OCBC Bank to guiding teams through complex challenges with empathy and skill.

Yuen-Wah Ku’s career exemplifies a commitment to lifelong learning and leadership through facilitative practices. He continues to evolve as a thought leader in facilitation, leveraging his vast array of skills to drive business excellence and foster collaborative environments. With a solid educational background and a career defined by significant contributions across various domains, he stands as a respected figure in the facilitative and banking communities.

Related Questions

How did Yuen-Wah Ku develop his expertise in facilitation techniques?
What motivated Yuen-Wah Ku to pursue a career with OCBC Bank Singapore?
How does Yuen-Wah Ku implement strengths-based coaching in his professional practices?
What significant contributions has Yuen-Wah Ku made to the International Association of Facilitators?
In what ways has Yuen-Wah Ku influenced the development of leadership skills among his students at the National University of Singapore?
Yuen-Wah Ku
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Location

Singapore