I grew up in Singapore in an Indonesian-Chinese household, which gave me a rich blend of cultures from a young age. I attended Hwa Chong Institution and later pursued my undergraduate studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS), with an exchange semester at the Richard Ivey School of Business in Canada. I didn’t always envision working in financial services, but over the course of completing nine internships across various industries, I was drawn to the intellectual rigour, fast pace, and impact that investment banking offered. 

I joined Goldman Sachs in June 2021 as a full-time analyst in the Southeast Asia Investment Banking team after interning in the same team during the summer of 2020. I was attracted to Goldman Sachs’ strong reputation, the quality of its people, and the culture of excellence and collaboration. What stood out to me during my internship was how much the team invested in developing interns and how seamlessly junior bankers were integrated into live deals. 

The Singapore office has a dynamic and close-knit culture that reflects the diversity and energy of the region. We’re located in One Raffles Link, next to the heart of the Central Business District. It’s a vibrant area that reflects Singapore’s role as a financial hub. The office has grown meaningfully over the years as the firm continues to deepen its commitment to Southeast Asia. 

As an investment banking associate, I advise companies across Southeast Asia on strategic transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, capital raisings, and IPOs. My role involves everything from conducting in-depth financial analysis and preparing client materials, to managing deal execution and interacting with senior stakeholders. 

What I enjoy most is the opportunity to work on high-impact transactions that shape the business landscape of the region. It’s fulfilling to help clients achieve strategic milestones. To be successful in this role, you need to be intellectually curious, detail-oriented, and resilient. Strong communication and teamwork skills are also crucial, especially in a fast-paced environment. The most rewarding aspect is seeing the tangible results of our work and knowing that we played a meaningful role in our clients’ success.  

There’s really no “typical” day, which is one of the things I enjoy about the job. On any given day, I might be working on financial models, preparing pitch materials, coordinating with clients and internal teams, or supporting live deal execution. Days are often long and fast-paced, but the constant learning and variety make it exciting and fulfilling.  

Client service and excellence are core to everything we do in investment banking. We hold ourselves to the highest standards in delivering thoughtful, strategic advice and ensuring flawless execution. Integrity is also paramount—clients trust us with some of their most important decisions, and that trust is built on transparency and doing the right thing. These values are deeply embedded in the firm’s culture, and I see them consistently upheld across all levels of the organisation.  

What stands out most to me at Goldman Sachs is the people. The firm attracts individuals who are not only intellectually sharp but also collaborative and supportive. There’s a strong emphasis on meritocracy and mentorship—everyone is encouraged to contribute and take ownership from day one. The culture is demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding, and there’s a real sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.