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 […]
HR Tech Update: Tech tools supporting neurodiverse employees
Workplace diversity conversations in Southeast Asia are increasingly expanding to include neurodiversity — recognising employees with conditions such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia. Technology is playing a pivotal role in creating workplaces where neurodiverse talent can thrive, ensuring employees have the right tools to contribute fully. For many, barriers come not from a lack of […]
The First Word: Easing AI anxiety in the workplace
Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t the next big thing coming down the pike. It’s already here. It all started with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which took the world by storm. Since then, a wave of AI products have entered the market from Microsoft Copilot to Claude, Perplexity, DeepSeek and Meta AI. But that doesn’t mean workers are happy […]
HR Tech Update: The rise of employee super apps in Southeast Asia
From ride-hailing to banking, super apps have transformed how Southeast Asians manage their daily lives. Now, the same concept is making waves in the workplace through employee super apps — platforms designed to bring HR services, communication tools, and workplace resources into a single digital hub. The appeal is clear. Instead of juggling multiple logins […]
HR Tech Update: The human-AI partnership in SEA companies
Across Southeast Asia, companies are beginning to see artificial intelligence not as a replacement for human work, but as a collaborator. The growing conversation around “human-AI partnerships” highlights how technology can augment — rather than substitute — the unique capabilities of people in the workplace. Instead of framing AI as a competitor, many businesses are […]
Five ways organisations foster innovation
Innovation has become the cornerstone of organisational sustainability in today’s rapidly evolving Southeast Asian business landscape. As regional economies transition toward knowledge-based systems, companies that cultivate environments conducive to innovation gain significant competitive advantages in attracting top talent and driving business growth. Across Southeast Asia, forward-thinking organisations are implementing structured approaches to foster innovation while […]
HR Tech Update: AI in recruitment – bias or breakthrough?
Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become a fixture in recruitment, promising faster candidate screening, streamlined workflows, and smarter talent matching. By automating repetitive tasks such as CV parsing, interview scheduling, and skills assessment, AI tools free up HR teams to focus on higher-value decisions. But as adoption grows in Southeast Asia, a critical question emerges: […]
The First Word: Are Singapore office workers grappling with focus?
Singapore stands as a beacon of digital excellence, ranking third globally in digital competitiveness. But beneath this impressive reality lies a paradox that business leaders must address: the very digital tools driving Singapore’s success are silently eroding workplace productivity. The numbers tell a compelling story. In 2024, more than 9 in 10 small and medium […]
Five skills assessment tools driving talent development
In Southeast Asia, organisations are increasingly turning to skills assessment tools to help develop and nurture their workforce. With rapid technological advancements and evolving industry needs, HR professionals face the challenge of ensuring that employees remain competitive and adaptable. The demand for talent with both technical and soft skills is accelerating, making it crucial for […]
