The First Word: Reimagining work-life balance with tech for new parents
Returning to work after childbirth is one of the most vulnerable periods in a parent’s personal and professional life. While Southeast Asia has made significant strides in parental leave policies and flexible work arrangements, many working parents still face a major gap: the lack of accessible, everyday support during early caregiving. As a mother of […]
Five employee recognition programmes driving engagement
In the rapidly evolving business landscape of Southeast Asia, employee recognition has transcended traditional reward mechanisms to become a strategic imperative for organisational success. The region’s dynamic workforce, characterised by its diversity, technological adaptability, and increasing global connectivity, demands sophisticated approaches to acknowledging and valuing employee contributions. Organisations are quickly realising that meaningful recognition is […]
Five ways organisations build mental health support systems
Mental health in the workplace has become an increasingly critical concern for organisations across Southeast Asia. The region’s dynamic and rapidly evolving business landscape presents unique challenges for employee well-being, with rising stress levels, economic pressures, and cultural stigmas surrounding mental health creating significant obstacles for workforce mental wellness. As companies recognise the intrinsic link […]
Five methods for delivering cross-cultural training
In Southeast Asia’s diverse business landscape, effective cross-cultural training has become an essential component of organisational development. With countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines each hosting unique cultural nuances, HR professionals face the challenge of equipping employees with the necessary skills to navigate these differences successfully. The region’s rapid economic integration […]
The First Word: When strategy fails, it’s usually not the plan—it’s the people
In over two decades of helping organisations implement strategy across the region, I’ve noticed a recurring pattern: businesses rarely fail because they lack good ideas. They fail because people aren’t aligned behind those ideas. Singapore is a perfect case in point. With over 400,000 registered businesses and a population of just under 6 million, there’s […]
Five HR compliance changes affecting Southeast Asia
The regulatory landscape for human resources across Southeast Asia continues to evolve at a rapid pace, creating both challenges and opportunities for organisations operating in the region. As governments modernise their labour frameworks to address changing workplace dynamics, HR professionals must remain vigilant to ensure compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Recent legislative developments reflect the region’s […]
Five elements of team resilience
In today’s volatile business landscape across Southeast Asia, organisations face unprecedented challenges from economic fluctuations to digital transformation demands. The ability of teams to withstand pressure, adapt to change, and emerge stronger—team resilience—has become a critical competitive advantage for companies throughout the region, from Singapore’s financial sector to Indonesia’s manufacturing industries. HR professionals in Southeast […]
HR on the fast track: iCar Asia’s people-centric approach
iCar Asia’s HR team has been recognised as the Best HR Team at the prestigious 2024 – 2025 HR Stars Awards Malaysia, a testament to their innovation, collaboration, and impact on organisational success. Led by Head of People & Culture, iCar & WapCar Malaysia, the team stood out for their exceptional teamwork, forward-thinking initiatives, and […]
Five strategies for managing multi-generational teams in Asia
Across Southeast Asia, organisations are increasingly finding themselves with workforces spanning four or even five generations. From Baby Boomers delaying retirement to Gen Z entering the job market, this diversity presents both unique challenges and opportunities for HR professionals in the region. Traditional hierarchical structures common in many Asian organisations can sometimes amplify generational differences, […]
A winning culture: Allianz Malaysia’s commitment to employees
Allianz Malaysia Berhad has been recognised for its excellence in workplace culture and environment at the 2024-2025 HR Stars Awards Malaysia. The company received the Best Workplace Culture and Environment award, a testament to its unwavering commitment to fostering a positive and thriving workplace. The achievement highlights Allianz Malaysia’s dedication to professional growth, employee well-being, […]
