Singapore Management University (SMU) has partnered with EastWest Priority to launch a customised executive programme that enhances the capabilities of the bank’s relationship managers. The EastWest–SMU Wealth Management Programme is designed to advance professional excellence by equipping participants with real-world insights, practical frameworks and a deep understanding of the evolving wealth landscape.
The programme was launched on 13 November 2025 with a ceremonial signing held at SMU’s city campus, led by EastWest CEO Jerry G. Ngo and Rafael S. Algarra Jr., Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management. The partnership underscored SMU’s commitment to its continued collaboration with industry to develop senior executives who can navigate complexity with confidence and agility.
“We believe that relationships are built on expertise and empathy,” said EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo. “Through this collaboration, we want our Relationship Managers to deepen both because combining technical mastery with the human touch is what defines how EastWest serves its clients.”
“EastWest’s vision for its Relationship Managers resonates deeply with SMU’s mission to develop leaders who thrive amid complexity. This collaboration reflects a shared belief that excellence in wealth management requires both technical acuity and a deep understanding of people and markets. We are privileged to contribute our expertise in executive development toward equipping talent to make better decisions, build trust, and stay ahead in a fast-evolving wealth landscape,” said Eddie Tritton, Executive Director, SMU Executive Development.
Taking place over a span of six months, the programme combines virtual sessions and face-to-face modules conducted by SMU faculty. Topics include critical dimensions of relationship management and the modules will be conducted in Manila across three sessions, culminating in a graduation ceremony and the awarding of SMU Executive Certificates.
The programme aims to equip relationship managers with sharper contextual understanding, enhanced technical skills, and a more nuanced approach to client engagement. By bridging global best practices with regional insights, the curated programme supports EastWest’s long-term agenda to build a future-ready wealth management team.
“Developing our Relationship Managers through a globally recognised institution like SMU reinforces our belief that excellence in wealth management begins with the continuous pursuit of knowledge, integrity, and empathy for our clients,” said EastWest SEVP Rafael S. Algarra Jr.
SMU’s Office of Executive Development (ExD) offers bespoke programmes that draw on the breadth and depth of multi-disciplinary knowledge from SMU schools, faculty, research and Asia based case studies. The launch of the EastWest–SMU Wealth Management Programme reflects ExD’s continued efforts to deepen the expertise and skillsets of leaders within the wealth management sector, and reflects the University’s SMU2030 vision to create meaningful impact through education, research, and partnerships.
