Business · Singapore Bureau
Former DBS Chief Urges Hiring for Drive, Skills Over Academic Excellence
Piyush Gupta, the former chief executive of DBS Bank, has advocated for recruitment practices that prioritise passion and competence rather than academic credentials. According to Gupta, some of the banking industry's most successful professionals have not been top academic performers.
LSN Singapore ·
In remarks on talent acquisition, Gupta emphasised that organisations should look beyond grades and qualifications when building teams. He argued that what he termed "fire in the belly"—a combination of determination, hunger for success, and practical capability—has proven more predictive of professional achievement than academic accolades.
Drawing on his extensive career in banking, Gupta contended that the industry's highest performers frequently came from unconventional backgrounds or possessed modest academic records. The observation challenges traditional hiring practices that have long weighted educational credentials heavily in recruitment decisions.
Gupta's perspective reflects broader shifts in global talent management, where employers increasingly recognise the limitations of academic performance as a gauge for workplace success. Skills development, attitude, and demonstrated problem-solving ability have gained prominence in modern hiring frameworks across sectors.
The remarks carry particular relevance for Singapore's financial services sector, which faces ongoing competition for skilled professionals in a tight labour market. Businesses balancing the pursuit of experienced talent with the development of emerging professionals may find alternative assessment methods increasingly valuable in identifying high-potential candidates.