Joshua Chin

Associate Analyst, Credit Risk Specialist Unit, Risk Specialist and Technology Supervision
B.Sc. Economics, London School of Economics

I joined the Bank in October 2020 – right in the middle of the pandemic. Thankfully, my new colleagues made settling in really easy. They were always approachable and made effort to create a safe zone for me not only to ask questions, but to step up by offering suggestions and taking on challenging assignments.

In these first few months, I’ve significantly contributed to a range of projects, ranging from SupTech to crisis response work. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many talented and passionate individuals and teams across the Bank – from banking supervisors to data scientists. Frankly, I’m surprised that I was able to contribute to such significant work in the Bank, and gain so much exposure so early in my career!

I’m also amazed by the diversity here. The Bank celebrates it, which really allows us to approach things from a wide array of perspectives. Along the way, I’ve also met so many passionate and driven individuals, many of whom I now see as friends and mentors. I’m excited about what’s to come!

Ira Zalis Ismail

Associate Analyst, Payments Oversight Department
LL.B. Law, Queen Mary University of London

It’s a dream come true when passion meets work. I derive a lot of satisfaction working for an organisation that aims to make a difference to the nation. The Bank provides a diverse set of unique opportunities to do just that – whether it is to help maintain the strength and stability of the economy, or to protect the lives and livelihoods of those who are underprivileged, just to name a few.

I’m also grateful to be in a community of like-minded individuals that are talented, brilliant, and inviting of new and innovative solutions. A day in a life of a central banker is exciting, challenging, but most importantly, rewarding.

I strive for growth and the Bank has given me plenty of opportunities on that front. After all, the work in the central bank is anything but constant. On a typical day, it can be about fostering innovation in financial services. On another, it can be about how to help weather a crisis. The one thing that remains the same is the Bank’s collective mission to make a positive impact on Malaysia.

Sugheson Nagarajan

Associate Economist, Fiscal Advisory, Monetary Policy Department
B.Sc. Economics, University of Warwick

Never let a crisis go to waste. Amidst a global pandemic and the worst economic crisis the world has ever seen since The Great Depression, I began my career as an economist in the central bank.

The learning curve over the last 9 months has been incredibly steep but rewarding. I was involved in several interesting workstreams such as policy advocacy for social protection system reforms and developing surveillance insights on fiscal sustainability and fiscal risks that support the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee.

The working culture is conducive and creates a healthy environment that enables us to thrive in our own ways. I particularly appreciate the multi-disciplinary approach towards work, which enables a wide-array of perspectives to be shared and discussed.

Beyond that, working at the Bank has allowed me to meet other talented and brilliant people who all share a common goal of contributing towards nation-building. I look forward to all the challenges and opportunities that lies ahead.

Katie Lee

Analyst, Prudential Financial Policy
Master of Laws, Columbia University
B.A. in Law (Hons), University of Cambridge

Since I started my career here over four years ago, I’ve been engaged in policy development work. With a strong focus on research, writing and problem solving through various projects, I’ve gained experience in a range of areas, from the conduct and culture of institutions, operational risk management, outsourcing practices to relief measures to assist the rakyat, businesses, and banks impacted by the pandemic. There is perpetual potential to create a meaningful impact. It is remarkable to be a part of that.

And you get to do so while being surrounded by a great team. From your peers to senior officers, you get to discuss and learn from progressive, insightful thinkers who work with a sense of purpose that is in equal parts humbling and inspiring. This forms a key part of the Bank’s supportive environment, which allowed me to pursue my Master of Laws in New York under an additional scholarship of three years into my career – an incredible opportunity that would not have been possible if not for the Bank’s support.

And lest this leads you to believe that the Bank is all work and study, this enthusiasm spills over to afterhours as well, with many of the Bank’s staff forming an active community of runners, cyclists, and players of various sports. I would know, having first-hand experience of trail runs, triathlons, and even an ultra-marathon with fellow BNM running enthusiasts!

Kenneth Hiew

Associate Solution Architect, Innovation Lab, Digital and Technology Sector
BSc Economics & Mathematics, University of Wisconsin-Madison

I started my journey with the Bank as a Kijang undergraduate scholar. It has been a fulfilling experience so far, being able to serve the public while being empowered to experience so many different roles in the Bank. For me, this has included supervision of banks, co-drafting financial sector policies and running design thinking workshops to showcase proofs-of-concept.

Now at the Innovation Lab, I am responsible for fostering innovation both within the Bank and throughout the Malaysian financial sector by adopting disruptive technologies that transform the future of work.

What I also love about working here is an intentional focus on our positive well-being! I have access to resources such as a workplace counsellor, flexible working hours, and fitness facilities at the office. You will be welcomed into a fulfilling career as a central banker as the Bank embarks on new cultural beliefs that envision inclusivity and togetherness.

Farhan Yosman

Analyst, Digital Finance Unit, Financial Development and Innovation
BA Economics and Asian Studies, Cornell University

To be frank, I was first drawn to join the Bank because of the prestige of working at a world class central bank with a beautiful office building. Although the main building is slightly humbler than I expected, the Bank consistently impresses as a progressive workplace that encourages professional and personal growth. You get to be actively involved in policymaking, and you’re also empowered to take ownership and lead projects.

As part of the digital finance team, one of my favourite parts of the job is being able to work closely with exciting start-ups and emerging business models. It is like getting a sneak peek into what the future holds for finance in Malaysia, with the added bonus of being directly responsible for bringing it to the rakyat.

It can be daunting at times. But luckily, the Bank excels at surrounding you with amazing people who genuinely care about you and will not hesitate to help out. If leaving a positive impact and growing fast while working with some of the brightest minds in the country sounds like your cup of tea, give the Bank a shot!

Rebecca Ong

Associate Legal Counsel, Legal Department
LL.B. Law, Queen Mary University of London
Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP)

As part of the legal advisory team, I’ve offered legal advisory services on various aspects of the Bank’s functions and operations. I’ve worked on matters relating to regulatory requirements, contracts, and legislative processes – including to draft subsidiary legislation. The learning opportunities have been tremendous, giving me exposure to various aspects of financial services, such as banking, insurance, payments, fintech, financial markets, and money services businesses – both from legal as well as policy perspectives.

The Bank has also been fully supportive of my professional growth. While working, I’ve been able to attend classes and sit for the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) examination by the Legal Profession Qualifying Board of Malaysia. The Bank also offers plenty of technical and soft skills training, which I’ve benefitted from.

Since joining the Bank as a scholar, I have felt grateful and blessed to have a family-like workplace built on respect and common goals. I am happy to have gained great friends and mentors here.

Ras Iman Raslan

Associate Executive, Risk Unit, Organisational Security Management
Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours), Specialisation in Business Intelligence & Analytics (BIA), IIUM
Diploma in Information Management (System), UiTM

At Bank Negara Malaysia, I’m able to pursue my interest in information technologies, especially data analytics in the fast-paced and evolving financial industry – and at the same time, being able to thrive and make a difference. Working here has opened up my career trajectory more than I could ever have imagined!

My role in the Bank is incredibly broad and varied. Apart from risk oversight of my department, I also get to be part of exciting projects with various teams across the Bank. These include projects that help accelerate the use of digital innovation within the organisation and creating more seamless data analytics solutions in the Bank.

The journey so far has been wholesome and rewarding. The best part of my role is getting to work with driven people regardless of the position, especially listening to new ideas and suggestions from Polis Bantuan, administrative and clerical officers. The culture is all about support and collaboration – I am consistently equipped with various learning surrounded by colleagues who are motivated and willing to teach me.