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 […]
The First Word: Using behavioural science for effective coaching
“I don’t know how”: Leaders don’t feel enabled to coach effectively Leaders may hesitate to engage in coaching due to a lack of confidence or unclear expectations. This stems from an organisational culture that doesn’t prioritise coaching or define responsibilities like frequency, duration, and desired outcomes. The biggest obstacle to effective coaching is a lack […]
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 […]
