The First Word: Balancing technical and human skills in the AI era
The rapid advancement of AI and automation is undeniably transforming industries worldwide. A World Economic Forum survey revealed that 41 percent of employers are planning to downsize their workforce because of AI automation. This shift is already visible, with more companies increasing their investments in AI and tech-driven processes. It extends beyond manual tasks to […]
Recognising Allianz Malaysia’s digital transformation journey
Allianz Malaysia Berhad has been recognised for its outstanding achievements in digital transformation, winning the Best Digital HR award at the recently concluded 2024-2025 HR Stars Awards Malaysia. This prestigious accolade highlights the company’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance HR operations and improve employee experience. Allianz Malaysia embarked on its HR digital transformation journey […]
Five HR automation tools enhancing efficiency
In today’s competitive business landscape across Southeast Asia, HR departments are increasingly turning to automation to streamline operations and focus on strategic initiatives. With the region’s dynamic workforce and diverse regulatory requirements, automation tools tailored to local needs have become essential for forward-thinking organisations. The adoption of these technologies has accelerated significantly, particularly in hubs […]
The First Word: How to build a security culture
Southeast Asia faces cyber threats that are growing in complexity and frequency, fuelled by emerging technologies such as AI. In Singapore alone, over 8 in 10 organizations have encountered a cybersecurity incident within the past 12 months. With organizations working hard to get ahead of the threats, IDC predicts a surge in cybersecurity spending in […]
The First Word: How the AI skills revolution is transforming HR
The business landscape stands at a pivotal moment of workforce transformation, with organisations facing mounting pressure to balance AI advancement with human-centered operations. As the AI revolution moves beyond theory into practical implementation, fundamental questions have emerged about how the workforce will evolve and how businesses can sustain growth through balancing learning and development, performance […]
The First Word: Data centre investments reveal talent gap
Southeast Asia’s booming data centre industry is a cornerstone of the region’s digital transformation, spurred by surging digital demands, AI integration, and sustainability imperatives. Landmark investments such as Google’s US$2 billion data centre in Malaysia—poised to generate over 64,000 high-value jobs—underscore the region’s immense potential. Yet, a pressing challenge looms: the tech talent gap is […]
Five HR tech solutions transforming people analytics
The landscape of HR technology in Southeast Asia is rapidly evolving, with people analytics emerging as a crucial driver of strategic decision-making. As organisations across the region embrace digital transformation, the demand for sophisticated analytical tools has grown exponentially. This shift is particularly notable in markets like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, where companies are investing […]
Five ways AI is reshaping employee onboarding in Southeast Asia
The integration of artificial intelligence into human resource functions has accelerated dramatically across Southeast Asia in recent years. As the region’s economies continue to digitalise, organisations are leveraging AI technologies to transform traditional onboarding processes into more efficient, personalised experiences. This shift addresses several regional challenges, including managing diverse workforces across multiple languages and cultures, […]
PT Merah Cipta Media: People first by design
PT Merah Cipta Media (MCM) has been honored with the prestigious Employer of Choice award at the 2024 HR Stars Awards Indonesia, recognising its strategic and people-centered approach to organisational growth. By integrating organisational design, data-driven insights, and customised HR strategies across multiple industries, MCM has successfully built a workplace where employee wellbeing and business […]
HR Tech Update: Wearable tech that enhances staff health and safety
Employee health and safety is a top concern for businesses across Southeast Asia, particularly in industries with higher safety risks like manufacturing, logistics, and construction. Wearable technology has emerged as a key solution, allowing companies to monitor environmental conditions, track physical activity, and detect potential hazards in real-time. These devices, such as fitness trackers and […]
