The First Word: Redefining leadership for APAC’s evolving workforce
Across the Asia-Pacific, leaders are being asked to deliver results in talent markets that are tighter, more complex, and less predictable. As workforce expectations evolve and competition for critical skills intensifies, traditional models of leadership are no longer sufficient. Increasingly, success depends not just on what leaders know, but on how effectively they build capability […]
Five ways organisations support working parents
In Southeast Asia’s dynamic business landscape, supporting working parents has evolved from a simple benefit to a strategic business imperative. With increasing dual-income households across countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, organisations face mounting pressure to create environments where employees can excel professionally while fulfilling parental responsibilities. Studies from regional HR associations show that family-supportive […]
The First Word: Singapore’s 2025 job market and salary outlook
Singapore’s economic landscape demonstrates resilience and potential for growth as the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) projects 2025’s GDP growth to be around 1% to 3%, reflecting the nation’s robust fundamentals and strategic global positioning. The labour market remains stable, with the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate at 1.9% in quarter 3 of 2024. Meanwhile, employment […]
The First Word: Embracing the value of older workers
In 2026, Singapore’s retirement age will increase to 64 and the re-employment age to 69, with plans to raise these further by 2030. This shift reflects the nation’s commitment to addressing its ageing population while highlighting the vital role older workers play in a multigenerational workforce. It’s also a chance for employers to rethink human […]
The First Word: Bridging the sustainability skills gap in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is at a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change. With the region particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather, the need for sustainable practices is more pressing than ever. Sectors like energy are at the forefront of this transition, where decarbonisation is key. In Singapore, 86% of business leaders […]
Market Report: New trends in the Business Process Outsourcing and Employer of Record sector
“Outspoken” Gen Z culture an opportunity for organisational growth – Mharicar Castillo-Reyes
While banking strongly on technology adaptation, Asticom Chief Executive Officer Mharicar Castillo-Reyes also underscores the importance of providing meaningful work, sustaining human connection, and catering to the younger workforce particularly in the Philippine setting. Her interview with Chief of Staff Asia is published in line with our latest whitepaper discussing HR challenges in the Philippines. “More […]
Coming Up: Mharicar Castillo-Reyes zooms in on tech adaptation, meaningful work
“HR leaders in the Philippines or in Asia must spearhead initiatives that cultivate digital literacy, upskilling, and a tech-savvy mindset among employees, fostering a culture that embraces technological innovation as an opportunity for growth.” – Mharicar Castillo-Reyes, Asticom CEO Coming up on The HR Agenda, Chief of Staff Asia‘s video and podcast series where we […]
High attrition rates could spoil Philippines growth: Chief of Staff research
Significant levels of attrition are impacting succession planning and producing a knowledge gap in the Philippines, according to the latest Chief of Staff Asia research paper. The report, titled How HR is Faring in Post-Covid Philippines, launched today and is available for free subscriber download here. It notes that the Philippines is an exciting market […]
Foreign investors eyeing Southeast Asia for MICE development
Event organisers and HR professionals should be paying attention to movement in the global market, identifying characteristics of their country, culture, and workforces that offer a distinct and conducive atmosphere for events. This was one of several insights found in the latest Chief of Staff Asia research paper. Expanding Domains in Modern MICE and Staff […]
