Five workforce priorities HR leaders must reset in 2026
Southeast Asian organisations enter 2026 facing a workforce landscape shaped by economic uncertainty, rapid digital adoption, and shifting employee expectations. While many HR teams have already navigated disruption over the past few years, familiar strategies no longer deliver the same results. What worked during recovery or stabilisation phases now requires recalibration. Across markets such as […]
Five strategies for employee wellbeing programmes
Employee wellbeing has emerged as a critical focus area for organisations across Southeast Asia, particularly as workforces navigate post-pandemic realities. The region’s distinctive blend of cultural values, rapid development, and varying healthcare systems creates unique challenges for HR professionals implementing comprehensive wellbeing initiatives. Mental health awareness is growing, though stigma remains a significant barrier in […]
Building better work, one conversation at a time
If you spend even a few minutes speaking with Reno Rafly, you immediately understand why Paxel feels different. She talks about people with the same energy others reserve for strategy meetings or product launches. For her, the heart of Paxel’s growth is not just its logistics network but the experience of the people who make […]
Sid Bhasin: Scaling HR with purpose and precision
When you talk to Sid Bhasin, you immediately sense that his view of HR is very different from what most of us are used to. He sees HR as a powerful engine that can shape organizational agility, culture, and long-term capability. For him, HR is not a support unit. It is a strategic product and […]
The First Word: Rethinking what productivity really means
Singapore’s ambition has long been its hallmark. From world-class infrastructure to global competitiveness, the nation has consistently aimed to be a step ahead. Yet, beneath this drive lies a hidden barrier to sustained productivity: poor psychological safety in the workplace. A recent study by Calm Collective Asia and Milieu Insight revealed that more than 60% […]
The First Word: AI’s role in Singapore’s clinics
In Singapore, the conversation around artificial intelligence often veers toward disruption and job displacement. Headlines warn of machines replacing human roles, while companies scramble to integrate AI into operations. Yet amidst the buzz and fear, AI scribe is quietly earning gratitude rather than controversy. Unlike other tools that have sparked debate, AI scribes are designed […]
Five ways organisations support working parents
In Southeast Asia’s dynamic business landscape, supporting working parents has evolved from a simple benefit to a strategic business imperative. With increasing dual-income households across countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, organisations face mounting pressure to create environments where employees can excel professionally while fulfilling parental responsibilities. Studies from regional HR associations show that family-supportive […]
The First Word: Building workplaces where employees thrive
Singapore’s job market illustrates a global paradox. Even as tech giants announce layoffs, demand for roles in AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and data science continues to climb. A report by Mavenside titled Singapore Tech Talent Trends 2025 revealed that 79% of companies in Singapore report difficulties filling tech positions, with projections pointing to an additional 1.2 […]
Five pillars of strong corporate culture in remote settings
The rapid adoption of remote work models across Southeast Asian organisations has fundamentally challenged traditional approaches to corporate culture building. Regional companies must now maintain cohesive organisational identities while accommodating geographically distributed teams and hybrid work arrangements. Cultural dimensions vary significantly across ASEAN countries, requiring nuanced approaches to remote culture development. Successful organisations recognise that […]
Five strategies for attracting Gen Z talent in Asia
The landscape of workforce recruitment is rapidly evolving, with Generation Z emerging as a critical demographic transforming organisational talent strategies across Southeast Asia. Born between 1997 and 2012, this generation brings unique expectations, digital fluency, and distinct workplace values that challenge traditional recruitment approaches. As organisations in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines […]
