Five mistakes organisations make when reskilling employees
As technological disruption accelerates across Southeast Asia, the race to reskill workforce talent has become a critical business imperative. Organisations from Kuala Lumpur to Manila are pouring significant capital into training initiatives, eager to prepare their workforces for the digital economy. However, despite these large financial investments, many of these transformation agendas fail to yield […]
Five indicators your workforce lacks learning agility
In a region as dynamic as Southeast Asia, the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is perhaps the most critical attribute for any employee. As industries are disrupted by technology and changing consumer behaviours, “learning agility” becomes the true currency of the modern professional. However, many organisations suffer from a hidden stagnation where employees are […]
Five practical ways HR can bridge critical digital skills gaps
The rapid digital transformation across Southeast Asia, driven by the growth of the internet economy, has left many organisations struggling to keep pace. From e-commerce booms to the integration of AI in financial services, the demand for tech-savvy talent far outstrips the supply. HR leaders are now at the forefront of this challenge, tasked with […]
AFFIN Bank’s culture engineered by design
AFFIN Bank Berhad won the Best Workplace Culture and Environment title at the 2025–2026 HR Stars Awards Malaysia, proving that the most effective way to engage a modern workforce is to treat them as actual business partners. Instead of treating workplace culture as a vague concept or an occasional team-building exercise, the bank took a […]
CGS International: A culture built on people
CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn Bhd won the Gold Award for Best Workplace Culture and Environment at the 2025–2026 HR Stars Awards Malaysia. By moving away from rigid handbooks and focusing on leadership trust, open feedback loops, and human connection, the investment house has established an operational model for how modern financial firms can build […]
Brewing Culture at Scale: Combining AI and empathy at Kopi Kenangan
“Rapid scaling and genuine empathy aren’t opposing forces. When technology handles the administrative weight, leaders gain the space to put people first.” — Gemini Aryanto, Group Chief People & Culture Officer, Kenangan Brands When Gemini Aryanto brought three decades of global HR experience across Nestlé, Danone, and Yum! Brands to Kenangan Brands (Kopi Kenangan), […]
Five ways HR can re-energise teams mid-year
By the middle of the calendar year, many teams across Southeast Asia begin to experience a dip in momentum. The initial excitement of New Year goals has often faded, and the long stretch before the year-end holidays can feel daunting. This period is frequently marked by increased fatigue and a plateau in productivity. For HR […]
Five inclusive benefits employees actually value
Employee benefits are a powerful lever for inclusion when designed thoughtfully. Across Southeast Asia, workforce demographics are diverse, spanning multiple generations, cultural backgrounds, and caregiving responsibilities. Inclusive benefits therefore require flexibility and relevance rather than uniform offerings. In markets such as Singapore and Thailand, rising living costs and dual-income households influence benefit expectations. Meanwhile, in […]
Five leadership habits that protect team wellbeing
Leadership behaviour significantly influences employee wellbeing. Across Southeast Asia, where cultural norms often discourage open discussion of stress, leadership habits can either amplify pressure or create psychological safety. In high-growth markets, sustained performance expectations make protective leadership behaviours particularly important. Wellbeing cannot be delegated solely to HR policies. Daily leadership actions shape workload norms, communication […]
Five sustainable people practices HR should prioritise
Sustainability in HR extends beyond environmental responsibility to encompass workforce resilience and long-term capability building. Across Southeast Asia, organisations are increasingly expected to balance commercial performance with responsible employment practices. Investors, regulators, and employees alike are scrutinising how organisations manage people sustainably. In markets such as Singapore and Malaysia, ESG reporting requirements are strengthening accountability. […]
