HR Stars Awards PH 2025 Judges: The leaders behind the spotlight
Every great award needs an equally great panel of judges—and this year’s HR Stars Awards PH 2025 has gathered some of the most accomplished names in the industry. Each brings not just decades of experience, but also unique insights that reflect the depth and diversity of human resources leadership in the Philippines. Let’s get to […]
Jackie Aquino: “HR leadership is a force for transformation”
In the dynamic world of HR, Admin, and Facilities leadership, few names resonate as powerfully as Jackelene “Jackie” Aquino. A multi-awarded executive, thought leader, and advocate for inclusive transformation, Jackie has consistently redefined what it means to lead with purpose. From shaping employer brands to mentoring future leaders, her journey is a testament to strategic […]
The First Word: How CHROs in Asia are leading transformation
As the pace of change accelerates across global business, Asia’s Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) are emerging as pivotal architects of organisational resilience and transformation. While global CHRO turnover has risen, reaching 2.6% in Q1 2025, a 15% increase from the previous year, Asia’s turnover remains notably low, with less than 1% and zero departures […]
Leading with compassion across borders and cultures
If there’s one thing Kirk Patrick Alimaza has learned in nearly two decades of HR, it’s that no two industries move to the same beat. “Aviation demands precision, hospitality calls for warmth, manufacturing requires consistency, and BPO thrives on pace,” he says. That mix has taught him agility—and a firm belief that balancing business outcomes […]
From stopgap to standout: Putting people first, always
HR wasn’t part of the original plan. For Alyssa Alillana, it started as a stopgap on the way to medical school—but what began as a temporary path quickly turned into something far more meaningful. “Early on, I was placed in roles that allowed me to engage directly with people, understand their motivations, and help them […]
Xandra Galang: Building a clear vision for the Filipino talent
When you speak with someone who’s shaping the future of work across one of the Philippines’ most iconic conglomerates, you expect big ideas. But with Xandra Galang, Head of Talent Management at Ayala Corporation, what strikes you first is clarity. Clarity of thought, of purpose, of impact. In just over two years, she’s led transformative […]
The First Word: What middle managers really want – privacy
As organisations across Asia adapt to hybrid work and evolving collaboration norms, one group is often left out of the workplace design conversation: middle managers. Positioned between leadership and teams, they juggle competing demands, manage sensitive information, and operate under constant pressure to perform—yet their specific needs are frequently overlooked. While leadership often emphasises visibility […]
Five principles of inclusive leadership in ASEAN organisations
The landscape of leadership in Southeast Asia is rapidly evolving, driven by increasing diversity, globalisation, and the complex multicultural environments that define the region. Inclusive leadership has emerged as a critical competency for organisations seeking to navigate the intricate social and professional dynamics of ASEAN countries. As businesses become more interconnected and workforces become increasingly […]
Five approaches to developing local leadership talent
Leadership development represents a critical challenge for organisations navigating the complex and rapidly evolving business landscape of Southeast Asia. The region’s economic transformation demands innovative strategies that can effectively nurture and cultivate homegrown talent capable of driving organisational success in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. The unique cultural, economic, and social dynamics of Southeast Asia […]
The First Word: Strategic shift for HR, business leaders and managers
The 2024 Graduate Employment Survey in Singapore[1] revealed that 87.1% of graduates secured employment within six months of completing their final exams, a slight drop from 89.6% the year before. While the difference may seem minor, those of us working closely with young professionals recognise a deeper trend: many graduates are entering the workforce with […]
