Employee Stories

Josephine Hamnett

Staying ice cool under pressure

Fresh from helping Singapore’s National Women’s Ice Hockey team secure a bronze medal at the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand, Josephine Hamnett is no stranger to performing under pressure. 

Since joining Standard Chartered’s global International Graduate (IG) programme in 2024, and now working full-time on the Fintech coverage team, Josephine has continued to build on the discipline, resilience and adaptability that have shaped her sporting journey, applying those same strengths in a fast-paced career.

Finding her footing on ice

Josephine’s introduction to ice hockey began unexpectedly after a family trip to Vancouver during the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2010. Captivated by the intensity and speed of the game, her curiosity quickly grew into a serious pursuit. 

With encouragement from her parents, Josephine sought opportunities back home and eventually found her place in Singapore’s small but welcoming ice hockey community. The experience taught her the value of perseverance and continuous improvement, qualities that continue to shape her approach both on and off the ice.

For the past eight years, she has been playing as defender with the National Team, regularly donning Singapore’s colours in international competitions. 

Balancing work and sport

Preparing for the SEA Games last year was no small feat, especially in a country lacking a full-sized ice rink. The commitment required to train and compete at an elite level has also helped Josephine develop the resilience, focus and time management skills that support her professional growth.

Every Saturday evening, she would take the coach out of Singapore at 7pm, train from late evening until midnight, and return home around reaching home at 3:30am, week after week. 

Reflecting on the support she recieved Josephone said:

“The Bank and my team have been incredibly supportive of my sporting commitments. While my training did not clash directly with work hours, the encouragement and flexibility I received made all the difference. None of this would have been possible without the people around me, both in sport and at the Bank. I’ve been very blessed with great mentors in both journeys.”

Showing support for Josephine, her manager, Luke Boland, Global Head of Fintech at Standard Chartered said, “Despite being new to the industry, Jo has demonstrated exceptional adaptability. She immersed herself in understanding emerging technologies, digital asset models, regulatory frameworks, and the global fintech landscape, all while training to represent Singapore. Whether on the ice or in the fast-moving world of fintech, Jo embodies commitment, growth, and the pursuit of excellence.”

Bringing home bronze at the SEA Games

The Singapore Women’s Ice Hockey Team delivered a decisive win to secure the bronze medal, a landmark achievement and a timely boost for the sport in Singapore.

The Singapore Women’s Ice Hockey Team delivered a decisive win to secure the bronze medal, a landmark achievement and a timely boost for the sport in Singapore.

Josephine said: “It was not only about winning, but it meant possibly more recognition for the sport and stronger support in Singapore. It was an absolute honour to be part of the team. This achievement belonged to everyone including the athletes, the coaches, and the Singapore Ice Hockey Association.” 

Beyond the competition, camaraderie stood out. Off the ice, Josephine also shared the strong bonds she has with her cross-border hockey community. The strong sense of teamwork and trust built through sport has shaped how Josephine approaches collaboration, whether on the ice or in the workplace.

As a defender, it's always helpful to look up, scan for option, and reset. That mindset has shaped how I approach both work and life.

Josephine Hamnett

What’s next? 

Looking ahead, Josephine hopes to grow the sport locally, particularly among women. Her ambition reflects a broader commitment to learning, growth and helping others succeed. These values continue to guide her both personally and professionally.

“It would be incredible to see more women discovering how exciting ice hockey can be, and maybe even bring back a women’s league,”

Whether representing Singapore on the ice or building her career in fintech, Josephine continues to be guided by the same values: resilience, continuous learning and a commitment to helping others succeed. Those qualities have already carried her far and will undoubtedly continue to shape the next chapter of her journey.