Career Panel: Finance & Business

Synopsis

Finance shapes how individuals manage money, how businesses grow, and how economies function. This panel explores both personal finance and financial literacy, as well as career pathways in the finance sector—from understanding everyday money decisions to learning what it is like to work in banking, investment, fintech, and related fields.

Description

Join an open dialogue with finance professionals as they share their experiences working across different areas of the industry. From banking and investment to financial planning, fintech, and corporate finance, panelists will discuss the day-to-day realities of their roles and how finance supports businesses, organisations, and individuals in making informed decisions.

Hear about the different pathways into finance, the technical and interpersonal skills required to succeed, and the opportunities and challenges of working in one of Singapore's key industries. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse careers available within the finance sector.

Takeaways

• Understand the different roles within the finance industry

• Learn about pathways into banking, investment, fintech, and corporate finance

• Gain insight into the skills and competencies valued by finance employers

• Explore the opportunities and challenges of working in finance

• Hear firsthand experiences from professionals in the sector

Who Should Attend

• Youth under 30 who are curious about careers in finance

• Students interested in banking, investment, fintech, accounting, or financial planning

• Anyone keen to learn how finance shapes businesses, markets, and everyday life

 

Panelists

He Rui Ming - Co-founder, The Woke Salaryman

He Ruiming is the Co-Founder of The Woke Salaryman, one of Singapore's leading personal finance and career platforms that helps young adults navigate work, money, and life through relatable storytelling. With a background in content strategy, advertising, and startups, he has spent the past decade translating complex financial concepts into practical, accessible advice that empowers people to make more intentional career and financial decisions.

Passionate about improving financial literacy, Ruiming believes that understanding money is a key life skill that enables people to pursue meaningful careers and build fulfilling lives. Through articles, comics, books, and public speaking, he continues to inspire young professionals to think critically about success, personal finance, and designing a life aligned with their values.

 

Sophia Philippon-Tan - Wealth Manager, Phillip Securities

Sophia is a Wealth Manager, Investment Adviser, and Financial Coach with nearly 14 years of experience helping individuals and families build confident, resilient financial futures. A former educator, she combines her passion for teaching with deep expertise in personal finance, investments, and long-term financial planning, empowering clients to make informed financial decisions at every stage of life.

Driven by a mission to make financial literacy accessible to everyone, Sophia is a strong advocate for equipping youths and families with the knowledge and skills to achieve financial well-being. She hopes to see financial literacy become an integral part of Singapore's education system, enabling future generations to navigate money with confidence and make sound financial decisions throughout their lives.

 

Benjamin Chia - Fintech Account Manager, Stripe

Benjamin Chia works at Stripe, where he helps technology and software companies across Asia make it easier for their customers to pay online and grow into new markets. His career has taken him across several sides of finance: he started in investment management, then joined Mastercard as a Business Analyst supporting major clients, business planning, and new deals.

Benjamin graduated from Singapore Management University with a double degree in Business Management and Economics, with a focus on Finance and Economics. He brings a practical perspective on how finance is changing through technology, and how the subjects students study today can lead to careers in investing, payments, startups, e-commerce, and beyond.