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: Balancing technical and human skills in the AI era
The rapid advancement of AI and automation is undeniably transforming industries worldwide. A World Economic Forum survey revealed that 41 percent of employers are planning to downsize their workforce because of AI automation. This shift is already visible, with more companies increasing their investments in AI and tech-driven processes. It extends beyond manual tasks to […]
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 […]
The First Word: Evolving work pass landscape is reshaping global mobility
Singapore has long been a beacon for multinational companies and international talent, renowned for its political stability, robust infrastructure, and pro-business environment. With the government’s continued emphasis on fast-growing sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence, and clean energy, the city-state’s appeal continues to grow. For global HR teams, Singapore is not just a regional base—it’s […]
The First Word: How to build a security culture
Southeast Asia faces cyber threats that are growing in complexity and frequency, fuelled by emerging technologies such as AI. In Singapore alone, over 8 in 10 organizations have encountered a cybersecurity incident within the past 12 months. With organizations working hard to get ahead of the threats, IDC predicts a surge in cybersecurity spending in […]
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 […]
The First Word: How female leaders drive innovation and inspire the next generation
Building a strong pipeline of future leaders is essential for long-term success in any industry. In STEM fields, where women remain underrepresented[1], leadership plays a critical role in expanding access, fostering talent, and ensuring that innovation is driven by a broad range of perspectives. Female leaders contribute not only through technical expertise but also by […]
