Five strategies for building agile HR functions
The rapid evolution of workplace dynamics across Southeast Asia presents unique challenges for human resource departments. Traditional HR approaches are proving insufficient as organisations navigate digitalisation, remote work arrangements, and changing employee expectations in this diverse region. Economic volatility and talent shortages further amplify the need for HR functions that can respond swiftly to emerging […]
Five essential skills shaping future HR leaders
The role of HR leadership across Southeast Asia is undergoing profound transformation, evolving from traditional administrative functions into strategic business partnerships. Regional economic integration through ASEAN frameworks has created increasingly competitive talent markets where organisations must navigate complex workforce dynamics spanning multiple countries, cultures, and regulatory environments. Leading regional HR associations indicate that tomorrow’s HR […]
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 […]
Kevin Chua: Shaping purposeful leadership through people
Some leaders find purpose through achievement; others, through the difference they make in people’s lives. For Kevin Chua, Chief Human Resources Officer at United World College South East Asia, purpose has been the compass guiding his every career move — from corporate giants in MedTech, Pharma, and Energy, to his current role in education. “I […]
The First Word: Mental health at the workplace
Across Southeast Asia, mental health has become a key HR concern. A 2022 study across four countries found burnout prevalence at 62.9%, with one-third of respondents reporting severe anxiety and depression1. A subsequent study in 2024 found that Generation Z employees were at the highest risk of mental health challenges, and that younger employees expect […]
Jennie Lim: Anchoring HR in purpose and education
Every HR leader has a story, but for Jennie Lim, it’s a story rooted in people and purpose. Her career has taken her through education, media, and hospitality, but it was international education that gave her the strongest sense of alignment. “My HR journey has spanned education, media, and hospitality, but the defining moment came […]
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 […]
WHO SAYS: When HR struggles, who holds us?
Immerse yourself in the wisdom shared by respected HR and business luminaries from across Southeast Asia as they offer their insightful views on the most urgent matters of the day. “HR is expected to be the listener, the fixer, the fighter. But when HR struggles, who holds us?” – Kirk Patrick Alimaza, Country Head, People, […]
Five pillars of employer branding in Asia
In the competitive talent landscape across Southeast Asia, employer branding has emerged as a critical differentiator for organisations seeking to attract and retain top talent. With millennials and Generation Z professionals comprising an increasing percentage of the workforce, regional companies are recognising that a strong employer brand directly impacts recruitment success and employee loyalty. The […]
The First Word: Empowering employees to show real value
As the director of a technical success management team, I get asked a recurring question: how do we show value to our customers? It’s a deceptively complex challenge. Technical Success Managers (TSMs) are deep subject-matter experts, and most of their energy goes into solving technical problems. Talking about business value doesn’t always come naturally. Yet […]
