DBS Bank has joined forces with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to train more than 3,000 staff members in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), in an effort to digitally transform its business.

The Singapore-based bank and cloud computing giant will run tutorials and a virtual racing league on the newly launched DBS x AWS DeepRacer League where staff can compete with their own coded autonomous race car.

DBS’ Chief Data and Transformation Officer, Paul Cobban, said: “We have never believed in limiting digital expertise to a small team.”

The bank’s newest digital initiative follows their continuous efforts to scale up their digital learning tools to digitally transform their operations and stay ahead of the technology curve.

“We wanted to adopt a different approach from our previous digital and data skills revolutions. In line with our ethos of keeping work and learning fun, we sought to introduce gamification elements to better engage our employees,” added Mr. Cobban.

This is not the first time that DBS has been involved in AWS’ DeepRacer Leagues, as their Executive Director of Technology, Ray Goh, beat out other F1 professionals to become a global champion at the F1 ProAm Event in May.

“I’m delighted to be able to do Singapore and DBS proud, and more importantly, to inspire my colleagues to join me in developing a deeper level of mastery in AI and ML,” celebrated Mr. Goh.

Four other DBS employees successfully placed in the global top 20 at the same F1 event, and another six have successfully qualified for the AWS DeepRacer Championship Cup, which will be held in Las Vegas at the end of the year.

The new corporate league by DBS and AWS is expected to be the largest run by an Asia-based organisation.