The First Word: Three priorities to future-proof your workforce
The evolution of Singapore as a nation has been remarkable, one led by a combination of visionary leadership, sound policies and an ability to adopt to global changes. The next 60 years will be different, one that is purpose driven, led with innovation with a conscious balance of doing good as well as doing well. […]
The First Word: How the AI skills revolution is transforming HR
The business landscape stands at a pivotal moment of workforce transformation, with organisations facing mounting pressure to balance AI advancement with human-centered operations. As the AI revolution moves beyond theory into practical implementation, fundamental questions have emerged about how the workforce will evolve and how businesses can sustain growth through balancing learning and development, performance […]
The First Word: How to cultivate a thriving global workforce
Asia, the world’s largest and most populous continent, is home to a rich tapestry of cultures, languages and histories. Nowhere is this diversity more evident than in global business hubs like Singapore, where international workforces bring together a wide range of perspectives and experiences. For companies operating in such dynamic environments, fostering a workplace culture […]
The First Word: How pet ownership is shaping workplace policies
Singapore has witnessed a steady rise in pet ownership over the years. According to a survey on pet ownership conducted by Rakuten Insight in early 2022, 33 percent of respondents in Singapore stated that they owned at least one pet. With the dog and cat populations growing at Compound Annual Growth Rates (CAGRs) of 1.9% […]
The First Word: Data centre investments reveal talent gap
Southeast Asia’s booming data centre industry is a cornerstone of the region’s digital transformation, spurred by surging digital demands, AI integration, and sustainability imperatives. Landmark investments such as Google’s US$2 billion data centre in Malaysia—poised to generate over 64,000 high-value jobs—underscore the region’s immense potential. Yet, a pressing challenge looms: the tech talent gap is […]
The First Word: Singapore’s 2025 job market and salary outlook
Singapore’s economic landscape demonstrates resilience and potential for growth as the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) projects 2025’s GDP growth to be around 1% to 3%, reflecting the nation’s robust fundamentals and strategic global positioning. The labour market remains stable, with the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate at 1.9% in quarter 3 of 2024. Meanwhile, employment […]
The First Word: Navigating mental health crisis in the workplace
Singapore’s workforce is facing a mental health reckoning. With the pace of change continuously increasing, the pressures on everyday workers in Singapore have rarely, if ever, been greater. As global attitudes shift and mental health conversations become more normalized, employers face both an opportunity and an imperative to take action. The latest TELUS Mental Health […]
The First Word: Unlocking the potential of the ‘Everywhere Workforce’
We’ve reached a defining moment in the future of work. Shifts in business demands, evolving employee expectations and the acceleration of tech innovation have converged, prompting employers to carefully plan strategies to future-proof their business. Despite macroeconomic challenges, scaling globally is top of mind for business leaders. G-P’s 2024 World at Work report found that […]
The First Word: Safeguarding employees and business resilience in prolonged rainfall
This year, Singapore is enduring some of its wettest months on record, with frequent flash floods, transport delays, and safety concerns disrupting daily life and posing significant challenges for businesses. These conditions are driven by weather patterns similar to that of a La Niña phenomenon, which has brought prolonged heavy rainfall to the region. La […]
The First Word: Strengthening whistleblowing for transparency and integrity
The role of whistleblowing has never been more critical as organisations across Asia Pacific strive for greater transparency and stronger ethical conduct. In the past year, companies have faced increasing scrutiny over their internal culture and transparency. As a result, many organisations are adopting and promoting whistleblower policies to foster a culture of integrity and […]
