Five ways organisations build mental health support systems
Mental health in the workplace has become an increasingly critical concern for organisations across Southeast Asia. The region’s dynamic and rapidly evolving business landscape presents unique challenges for employee well-being, with rising stress levels, economic pressures, and cultural stigmas surrounding mental health creating significant obstacles for workforce mental wellness. As companies recognise the intrinsic link […]
The First Word: When strategy fails, it’s usually not the plan—it’s the people
In over two decades of helping organisations implement strategy across the region, I’ve noticed a recurring pattern: businesses rarely fail because they lack good ideas. They fail because people aren’t aligned behind those ideas. Singapore is a perfect case in point. With over 400,000 registered businesses and a population of just under 6 million, there’s […]
The First Word: How Gen Z entrepreneurs redefine leadership in uncertain times
Singapore’s economy, once celebrated for its stability, is facing a new kind of test. Inflation remains sticky, living costs have continued to climb, wage growth is uneven, and younger professionals face a more precarious future than previous generations. As companies adjust to a post-pandemic reality marked by inflation, digital disruption, and evolving workforce expectations, a […]
The First Word: Why belonging matters at work
Three in five respondents (62%) in Singapore would quit their jobs if they didn’t experience a sense of belonging at work, with Gen Z workers (67%) being the most likely to consider resigning. Randstad – the world’s largest talent agency – today released its 2025 Workmonitor research in Singapore. The study surveyed 750 talent locally […]
Five strategies for cross-border talent management
The dynamic landscape of Southeast Asian business demands innovative approaches to talent management that transcend national boundaries. As organisations in the region continue to expand and integrate across markets, the ability to effectively manage and mobilise talent becomes a critical competitive advantage. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economic community has significantly reduced barriers […]
The First Word: A paradigm shift in retaining Gen Z lawyers
I was born in 1984 (i.e. technically, a Millennial) and admitted to the Bar in 2007, less than 20 years ago, but many things have happened since, including a global pandemic, some of which were not even predicted by George Orwell when he wrote Nineteen Eighty-Four. The world’s priorities have shifted for every generation, across […]
Five ways organisations enhance employee benefits
Employee benefits have become a critical differentiator in the competitive talent landscape of Southeast Asia. As the region experiences rapid economic growth and workforce transformation, organisations are reimagining their approach to employee compensation and support. The traditional model of standard salary packages is evolving, with forward-thinking companies recognising that comprehensive, thoughtful benefits can significantly impact […]
Five principles of effective recruitment marketing
In today’s competitive talent landscape across Southeast Asia, organisations are finding traditional recruitment methods increasingly insufficient to attract top-tier candidates. The rapid digitalisation and economic growth within the ASEAN region have created a skills gap that continues to widen, particularly in sectors like technology, finance, and healthcare. Recruitment marketing—the strategic application of marketing techniques to […]
Five emerging benefits trends shaping Southeast Asian workplaces
The rapidly evolving economic landscape across Southeast Asia is significantly reshaping workplace benefits packages as organisations strive to attract and retain top talent in increasingly competitive markets. This evolution reflects broader societal shifts occurring throughout the region, including changing family structures, technological integration, and evolving employee expectations around work-life harmony. HR professionals across ASEAN countries […]
Five strategies for enhancing employee retention in 2025
Retaining top talent is one of the most critical challenges faced by businesses today. With the job market more competitive than ever, organisations must develop effective strategies to keep their best employees engaged and motivated. In Southeast Asia, where economic growth continues to drive demand for skilled workers, retaining talent is especially important for maintaining […]
