Not every banker begins with a fascination for numbers. For Ridwan Prawira Zaen, the spark came not from spreadsheets, but from a simple observation: in parts of Indonesia, the idea of saving through a bank remains unfamiliar.

While volunteering in a remote village in Malang, East Java, Ridwan noticed families keeping their money in cash or investing it in gold — methods he felt were neither safe nor practical. Recognising this gap in access and understanding, he made it his mission to make banking accessible to everyone.

That conviction now guides him as an OCBC Regional Scholarship recipient. Launched in 2019, the scholarship supports talented students from Singapore, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, or Hong Kong who pursue studies abroad at selected universities in Singapore, China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan. Upon graduation, recipients are bonded to OCBC in their country of citizenship for the same number of years as the scholarship.

Ridwan is currently in his final year of studies at NUS and will soon join the OCBC Graduate Talent Programme, where he hopes to leverage his diverse skills to make banking inclusive and meaningful.

We sat down with him to learn more about his journey and aspirations.

What made you choose the OCBC Regional Scholarship?

There was a shift in my career projection — I realised that a career as an academic researcher didn’t have the tangible impact that I had hoped for. I wanted to bridge my interests in research, problem-solving, and multi-level analysis in a way that could reach beyond academia. Hence, I decided to pursue a career in banking, where I could help millions of people navigate their financial journeys.

The OCBC Regional Scholarship provided not just financial support, but also a platform to pursue my aspiration of helping people achieve their financial goals and ease their worries about the future.

How has the scholarship opened doors for you?

Receiving the scholarship has helped me understand myself better. My exchange study in Denmark was revolutionary. It would not have been possible without OCBC’s financial support and flexibility in allowing me to combine it with NUS merit-based financial aid for outbound exchange students. That experience exposed me to different ways of thinking and strengthened my independence, both academically and personally. It reaffirmed my commitment to make the most of every opportunity and to bring these broadened perspectives into my future career.

How is your academic focus in Political Science and Southeast Asian Studies preparing you for a career in banking?

In political science, we are encouraged to approach problems inclusively and holistically, thinking critically from multiple angles to gain a complete understanding. This skill will be highly valuable in my future career in banking, helping me evaluate situations comprehensively, weigh trade-offs carefully, and consider broader implications.

My minor in Southeast Asian Studies further sharpens my awareness of the region’s cultural, political, and economic contexts. This is also the region where OCBC has a strong presence. Combining analytical rigour with regional sensitivity will enable me to craft solutions that are not only financially sound but also contextually relevant.

You’ve dipped your toes in consulting, research, and HR. What did each role teach you about banking?

Consulting taught me the importance of structured problem-solving and data-driven insights, helping me tackle complex challenges and design actionable solutions. Academic research sharpened my analytical rigour and patience in synthesising diverse perspectives. My HR experience in banking grounded me in the human side of strategy, showing how culture, engagement, and employee experience can lead to organisational effectiveness. Together, these experiences shaped a perspective that balances analytical precision with empathy and adaptability.

What aspects of the OCBC Graduate Talent Programme are you most excited about?

I am particularly excited about the rotational programme! I will be returning to Indonesia, my home country, to join the OCBC Indonesia Graduate Talent Programme. I love the idea of understanding different business units, their approaches to problems, and the unique perspectives they bring to enhance processes and make them more customer-centric. This experience will not only help me develop a well-rounded understanding of the bank’s operations but also train me to be adaptable, consider perspectives of different functions, and connect the dots between diverse teams. This holistic experience will be invaluable in shaping me into a more versatile and effective banker. Most importantly, it will allow me to explore where my strengths can create the greatest impact within OCBC.

As you begin your career, what kind of banker do you aspire to be?

I aspire to become a banker who is not only strong in technical and strategic skills but also deeply grounded in empathy. Banking is not just about numbers on a balance sheet, it’s also about the people and stories behind them: their aspirations, struggles, and goals.

I want to bring that human perspective into financial decisions, ensuring that the solutions we create are meaningful and sustainable for clients, employees, and communities. By pairing analytical rigour with a genuine understanding of people’s needs, I hope to contribute to a financial sector that is both impactful and inclusive.

Any advice for students considering a scholarship with OCBC?

Aspiring scholars at OCBC can look forward to opportunities that extend far beyond financial support. The scholarship offers early exposure to the banking industry through internships and mentorship, laying a strong foundation for a future career. Scholars also have the opportunity to engage directly with senior leaders, gaining valuable insights into strategic decision-making while building meaningful networks.

Equally important is the sense of community — connecting with like-minded peers fosters engaging discussions and personal growth. Ultimately, the scholarship is not just an investment in academic success, but a pathway to professional excellence and meaningful contributions to both OCBC and society.