The First Word: HR’s role in the AI-driven workplace

This year marks my 18th in HR—and it has been a journey through varied organisations, cultures, and industries. Over this time, I’ve seen immense transformation in the workplace over the years, especially with the rise of remote and hybrid work and advancements like Generative AI (GAI). These shifts have fundamentally reshaped the skills many of […]
The First Word: Cultivating a modern, connected workplace with technology

Our workplaces are no longer defined by walls or office hours. Flexibility – in location, time, and structure – has become essential in today’s dynamic work environment. Technology has long been an enabler of flexible work models, and the urgency has grown, especially with Singapore’s pending Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) Requests that will […]
Five trends shaping remote working in Southeast Asia

The rise of remote work has transformed how organisations operate across Southeast Asia. While many companies initially shifted to remote setups out of necessity, it’s now clear that this model has staying power. With employees enjoying flexibility and employers witnessing productivity gains, remote work has become a crucial element of the modern workplace. In Southeast […]
The First Word: Enhancing workforce and wellbeing in warehousing

The logistics sector is undergoing a significant transformation driven by automation. The shift towards intralogistics, in particular, where technology optimizes goods movement within facilities, isn’t solely about robots handling the heavy lifting but about enhancing overall efficiency, productivity, sustainability, and safety. First, what are the benefits automation can bring? Automation in warehouses offers numerous benefits. […]
HR Tech Update: Tools for building a seamless remote work experience

As remote work becomes increasingly prevalent in Southeast Asia, organisations are turning to technology to improve the remote work experience for their employees. By leveraging innovative tools and platforms, HR professionals can ensure that remote teams remain connected, productive, and engaged. Facilitating communication and collaboration Effective communication is crucial for remote teams. Tools like Lark […]
The First Word: Charting the path towards a generative AI-powered future of work

Employees continue to bear the brunt of an increasing workload in the face of increased economic uncertainty in Singapore and around the world. Almost a third of employees in Singapore indicated feeling extremely or very burnt out, up from 26% in 2023, according to a recent UiPath survey. Amid growing workforce fatigue, generative AI (Gen […]
HR Tech Update: The tools supporting digital transformation

In the fast-paced and competitive business environment of Southeast Asia, digital transformation in HR is becoming increasingly essential. Leveraging technology to streamline HR processes, enhance employee experience, and drive organisational efficiency is no longer a luxury but a necessity. This HR Tech Update explores how digital transformation is revolutionising HR in the region and highlights […]
HR Tech Update: AI-powered recruitment tools

In the dynamic HR landscape of Southeast Asia, AI-powered recruitment tools are revolutionising the hiring process. These tools leverage artificial intelligence to streamline and enhance recruitment, reducing biases and improving candidate matching. One prominent example is HireVue, which uses AI to assess candidate potential beyond résumés through video interviews and assessments. This technology helps build […]
Case in Point: How Forvis Mazars campaigns for auditing, accountancy sector among fresh talents

When Forvis Mazars noticed the talent crunch in the audit and accounting profession, the company swung into action to address misperceptions surrounding this sector and to advocate for the rewarding work, growth opportunities, and personal development that await candidates in this field. The Gen You campaign by Forvis Mazars is aimed at 18-to-25-year-olds who are […]
Case in Point: How Trust Bank uses competition to foster innovation, keep employees motivated

When Trust Bank recognised the need for continuous improvement and innovation for their customers, the company realised there had to be changes as well in the way their employees worked. This aligns with the bank’s core value of constant improvement by empowering employees to spearhead a heightened client experience and providing a work environment that […]