Five change management approaches for digital transformation
Digital transformation initiatives are reshaping organisations across Southeast Asia, accelerating rapidly since 2020 when remote work necessities catalysed technology adoption. Beyond implementing new systems, HR professionals throughout the region face the complex challenge of managing the human elements of these transitions. Despite substantial technology investments, research from regional business schools indicates that nearly 70% of […]
HR Tech Update: The Future of HR Tech in the BPO Industry
The business process outsourcing (BPO) sector remains one of Southeast Asia’s largest employers, providing opportunities for millions across the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam. As competition intensifies and workforce expectations shift, HR technology is becoming a decisive factor in how BPO companies attract, engage, and retain talent. Driving digital transformation in BPO HR Unlike other industries, […]
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 […]
HR Tech Update: Mobile-first HR for a connected workforce
In Southeast Asia, where mobile penetration is among the highest in the world, employees increasingly expect workplace tools to be as seamless as the apps they use in their daily lives. This shift is driving a surge in mobile-first HR systems, designed to deliver payroll, leave management, learning, and engagement functions directly through smartphones. Mobile-first […]
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 HR policies requiring updates in 2026
The rapidly evolving workplace landscape across Southeast Asia demands forward-thinking policy revisions to address emerging challenges. As regional organisations navigate complex regulatory environments spanning multiple jurisdictions, proactive policy development becomes increasingly critical to organisational resilience. Technological advancements, demographic shifts and changing employee expectations are reshaping employment relationships throughout ASEAN economies. HR departments must review and […]
HR Tech Update: How blockchain could transform employee records
Blockchain is best known for powering cryptocurrencies, but its potential in HR goes far beyond finance. One of the most promising applications is in employee records, where blockchain can offer a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof system for storing and sharing workforce data. Today, HR departments across Southeast Asia often struggle with fragmented systems. Employment history, […]
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 […]
HR Tech Update: Navigating ethical concerns around workplace surveillance tech
The rise of digital tools has made it easier than ever for companies to monitor productivity, but workplace surveillance remains one of the most controversial aspects of HR technology. From keystroke tracking to facial recognition, these systems raise tough ethical questions about privacy, consent, and trust. In Southeast Asia, the debate is becoming more urgent […]
HR Tech Update: The role of predictive analytics in talent retention
Employee turnover is one of the most pressing challenges for HR leaders in Southeast Asia, particularly in fast-growing industries like technology, finance, and outsourcing. To address this, companies are turning to predictive analytics — using data models to anticipate which employees might be at risk of leaving and why. The idea is straightforward: by analysing […]
