Citibank’s Chia Seok Hoon is an advocate for her co-workers

It is important to focus on solutions rather than problems when dealing with adversity.

Citibank Singapore Ltd.’s Chia Seok Hoon thinks that the most effective leaders are those who advocate for their fellow workers — understanding their needs, building strong relationships, and speaking up for their interests.

It also involves citing their positive impact on others and the company as a whole, Chia, head of global banking network at the British bank, told Asian Banking & Finance.

“Over the years, I'm fortunate to have had different formal and informal mentors who share their work and highlight blind spots that we sometimes neglect in our careers,” she said by telephone.

Chia said she admires leaders and career women who “remain steadfast and positive when dealing with adversity and uncertainties and focus on solutions rather than problems.”

Citi has at least 12 affinities in its inclusion network program, one of which is the Citi Women with 24,000 members globally and 81 employee network chapters.

It also has the Citi Leadership Excellence development plan for director-level employees globally and the Owning My Success program, which supports the personal and professional development of black colleagues.

Chia oversees the bank’s relationship with multinational clients in Singapore, helping them manage foreign exchange risks and find the right financing avenues.

“My team and I are always looking to bring cross-border solutions and advisory tools to our clients,” she said. Her role involves dealing with technology and communication companies, as well as those in consumer healthcare, energy, natural resources, and industries. 

Chia and her team recently helped a global shipping company comply with the changing emission rules under the EU Emissions Trading System.

“We worked closely with the client to help them understand the overall requirements and set up a facility and account that allows them to acquire and hedge their EUA (EU allowances) through Citi’s commodity desks,” she said.

Chia started in strategy and business development under the Citi country officer and handled credit risk management. She became a corporate banker in 2009 before moving to a leadership role covering multinational clients.

“Identifying the best talent and embracing diverse perspectives, including those of women, is obviously very important for an industry,” she said, adding that companies should foster an environment where every employee feels engaged and valued.

She said sponsorship and mentorship programs guided her throughout her career since starting as a management associate at Citibank in 2004. “We need to own our narratives in our career by being bold in showcasing our values and achievements.”