Head of Architecture, Tech & Integration Platforms & Business Partnering

We are seeking a seasoned and forward-thinking Technology Leader to join our Group IT function, based in Malaysia, to head our IT enterprise architecture and Technology and Integration platform strategies across our core markets in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This is a high-impact role, responsible for shaping and driving the regional IT architecture vision, modernizing technology platforms, and partnering closely with senior business leaders to support digital transformation and operational excellence.

You will lead cross-border teams and platforms supporting critical functions such as API management, access and identity, DevSecOps, and integration services.

Key Responsibilities

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  Enterprise & Solution Architecture
  
  
  
  • Define and lead the development and governance of enterprise architecture strategy, aligning technology blueprints with business objectives.
  
  
  • Drive the adoption of scalable, secure, and modern system architectures across core systems, digital channels, and cloud platforms.
  
  
  • Lead architecture governance, conduct design reviews, and ensure alignment with frameworks such as TOGAF, SAFe, or similar.
  
  
  • Oversee solution design to ensure secure, efficient, and scalable systems.
  
  
  
  


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  Platform Ownership and Integration Strategy 
  
  
  
  • Manage and oversee the lifecycle of enterprise-wide platforms including API gateways, DevSecOps pipelines, and Identity & Access Management (IAM) tools.
  
  
  • Manage integration architecture supporting microservices and cloud-native development. 
  
  
  • Manage and Lead vendor engagement and ensure delivery against SLAs and regulatory compliance.
  
  
  • Drive innovation, promote continuous improvement, automation, and standardization across systems and development pipelines.
  
  
  
  


• 
  Business Technology Partnership – Indonesia Focus 
  
  
  
  • Act as the key technology interface for business units in Indonesia (legal entitles), ensures IT initiatives align with business goals, translating needs into technology solutions, fostering agility, and strengthening stakeholder relationships.
  
  
  • Translate business demands into actionable architecture and technology solutions.
  
  
  • Support local delivery teams in project execution, stakeholder engagement, and change management.
  
  
  
  


• 
  Leadership & Team Development 
  
  
  
  • Lead a team of approximately 100 architects, engineers, and specialists across Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. 
  
  
  • Build a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
  
  
  • Mentor and grow architecture and platform capabilities to support future-state delivery.
  
  
  • Oversee performance management, team structuring, and regional talent development plans. 
  
  
  
  

• 15+ years of experience in software engineering, digital transformation, architecture, and IT-business partnership roles.


• Strong grasp of Enterprise Architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Disciplined Agile, Gartner EA) with proven implementation in financial services. Skilled in developing business domain roadmaps with stakeholders.


• Solid understanding of modern integration technologies, including cloud (AWS, Azure), APIs, microservices, DevSecOps, and security architecture.


• Prior experience in regulated industries such as insurance or banking, with knowledge of compliance standards and cybersecurity controls.


• A proven ability to lead cross-functional and geographically distributed teams, manage stakeholders at senior levels, and influence strategic technology decisions.


• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership and translate business needs into technical direction.


• Strong team player with attention to detail, resilience under pressure, and a problem-solving mindset.

• Champion and embody our Core Values in everyday tasks and interactions.


• Demonstrate high level of integrity and accountability.


• Take initiative to drive improvements and embrace change.


• Take accountability of business and regulatory compliance risks, implementing measures to mitigate them effectively.


• Keep abreast with industry trends, regulatory compliance, and emerging threats and technologies to understand and highlight potential concerns/ risks to safeguard our company proactively.

Founded in 1908, Great Eastern is a well-established market leader and trusted brand in Singapore and Malaysia. With over S$100 billion in assets and more than 16 million policyholders, including 12.5 million from government schemes, it provides insurance solutions to customers through three successful distribution channels – a tied agency force, bancassurance, and financial advisory firm Great Eastern Financial Advisers. The Group also operates in Indonesia and Brunei. The Great Eastern Life Assurance Company Limited and Great Eastern General Insurance Limited have been assigned the financial strength and counterparty credit ratings of "AA-" by S&P Global Ratings since 2010, one of the highest among Asian life insurance companies. Great Eastern's asset management subsidiary, Lion Global Investors Limited, is one of the leading asset management companies in Southeast Asia. Great Eastern is a subsidiary of OCBC, the longest established Singapore bank, formed in 1932. It is the second largest financial services group in Southeast Asia by assets and one of the world’s most highly-rated banks, with an Aa1 rating from Moody’s and AA- by both Fitch and S&P. Recognised for its financial strength and stability, OCBC is consistently ranked among the World’s Top 50 Safest Banks by Global Finance and has been named Best Managed Bank in Singapore by The Asian Banker.