DBS has decided to hire over 2000 people in Singapore this year and also assured to protect jobs amid the economic slump caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Out of the total, over 1,000 jobs are new positions consisting of internships for fresh graduates and specialised roles for experienced professionals.

DBS will recruit over 700 university graduates and about 360 experienced professionals and expects to offer over 400 internship opportunities this year.

Nearly 500 people have been recruited in client advisory, data, digital, technology as well as risk and control.

Overall, the bank is set to increase its headcount by more than 2400 people this year.

DBS CEO Piyush Gupta said: “Job seekers, including fresh graduates this year, are understandably anxious about the dearth of opportunities available as companies tighten their belts.

“While DBS is also prudent in our outlook, as a key employer in Singapore, it seemed right to us to not just continue with hiring for business-as-usual activities but also to actively create new jobs where we can, so as to help more people tide through this difficult period.”

The latest recruitment plan comes after the lender pledged to protect the livelihoods of its workforce of 12,000 people in the country.

The bank continues to pay full salaries to the branch workers who are unable to work due to office closures amid the Covid-19 lockdown.

Additionally, the bank is providing an e-learning programme to encourage those who are facing a temporary pause in work activity, to upskill themselves.