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 […]
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 […]
Five strategies for optimising HR budgets
Budget optimisation has become increasingly crucial for HR departments across Southeast Asia as organisations navigate economic uncertainties while maintaining competitive talent strategies. Regional HR leaders face unique challenges balancing cost management with the need to attract and retain talent in diverse markets with varying compensation expectations. The technological transformation of HR functions presents significant opportunities […]
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 […]
HR Tech Update: Using gamification to boost employee engagement
Employee engagement remains a pressing challenge for HR leaders across Southeast Asia, particularly in industries where high turnover and routine tasks can dampen motivation. Increasingly, organisations are turning to gamification — the use of game-like elements in non-gaming contexts — to drive participation, learning, and performance in the workplace. Gamification works because it taps into […]
The First Word: What EV habits teach HR about lasting change
When people talk about electric vehicles (EVs), the focus often falls on technical specifications, battery range, charging speed, or running costs. But the real transformation lies in how people’s behaviour is affected by it. New EV owners don’t simply adopt a new car. They adopt a new rhythm. They begin planning more efficient journeys, charging […]
Five methods for data-driven HR decision-making
The transformation of human resources through analytics has fundamentally changed how organisations approach workforce management across Southeast Asia. Regional HR leaders are increasingly turning to quantifiable metrics to guide strategic decisions, moving beyond intuition-based approaches that dominated previous decades. With the rapid digitalisation of workforces across ASEAN economies, particularly in financial and technology sectors, HR […]
