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 […]
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 […]
Five strategies for attracting Gen Z talent in Asia
The landscape of workforce recruitment is rapidly evolving, with Generation Z emerging as a critical demographic transforming organisational talent strategies across Southeast Asia. Born between 1997 and 2012, this generation brings unique expectations, digital fluency, and distinct workplace values that challenge traditional recruitment approaches. As organisations in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines […]
The First Word: Why human skills matter in a tech-driven world
Some of the most influential professionals I’ve met in recent years didn’t come from finance, consulting or luxury initially. They began their journeys in hospitality—welcoming guests, managing teams under pressure, and learning to listen beyond words. Today, they’re leading change in industries that, until recently, wouldn’t have imagined hiring them. What’s happening isn’t a coincidence. […]
The First Word: Closing the AI talent gap for a future-ready workforce
As artificial intelligence (AI) makes ever-greater inroads into organisations’ operations, closing the AI skills gap has become crucial to embrace the opportunities that such technologies bring while managing its risks effectively. To acquire the right talent quickly, some companies choose to leverage AI-proficient data scientists from within the organisation. While this may be a short-term […]
The First Word: Can coaching be a game-changer for businesses in Asia?
Companies across Asia are facing an alarming leadership crisis, one that’s directly impacting their bottom line. With turnover rates climbing and employee disengagement on the rise, businesses that neglect leadership development are losing millions in hidden costs. Managers are key to aligning employees with the company’s goals, setting expectations, clearing obstacles, and helping teams navigate […]
The First Word: Training and growth as key job factors
Nearly a quarter of the workforce (24%) has quit their jobs due to the lack of development opportunities. Randstad Singapore has released further data from its 2025 Workmonitor survey, covering 750 locally-based employees and job seekers. The study found a significant gap between employees’ desire for training in technical skills, especially in artificial intelligence (AI), […]
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 […]
Allianz Malaysia focuses on employee development
The 2024-2025 HR Stars Awards Malaysia honoured organisations that excel in HR innovation, with Allianz Malaysia winning the Best Training Interventions award for its groundbreaking The Way of Working (WOW) Moments programme. Designed to enhance remote and hybrid work environments, the WOW Moments focuses on specially designed learning modules, co-created employee journey content in collaboration […]
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 […]
