The First Word: Supporting men’s productivity and resilience at work
In today’s high-pressure work environment, men are often required to adapt and perform at their best while managing the challenges of a rapidly evolving world. The post-pandemic period has highlighted the growing importance of prioritising holistic health. In response to these needs, Nano Singapore has developed Health Hub (https://healthhub.nanosingaporeshop.com/), Singapore’s first AI-powered wellness platform. The […]
Fostering a winning workplace culture at Razer Inc.
Razer Inc. has won the Best Workplace Culture and Environment award at the 2024 HR Stars Awards, highlighting its commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive, and dynamic work environment. Defined by core values like ‘Be Phenomenal’, ‘One Team Razer’, and ‘Play Hard. Play Fair’, the company fosters a unified culture under its distinctive ‘Play to […]
Raffles Hospital sets new training standards
Raffles Hospital has earned recognition for its exceptional contributions to healthcare education, winning the 2024 HR Star Award for Best Training Interventions. As Singapore’s only private healthcare institution with a fully integrated healthcare system, it sets new standards for professional development across its operations in Singapore, China, Japan, Vietnam, and Cambodia. “We are truly grateful […]
Razer’s winning formula: ‘People-centric’ culture
When global lifestyle and gaming brand Razer Inc. was crowned Employer of Choice at the 2024 HR Stars Awards, it validated years of intentional culture-building and people-first initiatives. At the heart of Razer’s success lies an unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where innovation meets belonging. The company’s core values of “Be Phenomenal” and “One […]
The First Word: Silent epidemic of mental health in the workplace
Strengthening mental health has climbed to the forefront of business agendas, with an estimated 15% of the global workforce struggling with a disorder (WHO, 2024). This is spurring organisations to take proactive steps to support emotional wellbeing in the workplace – from flexible work arrangements to enhanced healthcare benefits. Yet, mental health challenges quietly persist: […]
The First Word: How to support mobile workforces with diabetes
Diabetes has become more than a personal health concern—it is both a workforce issue in the Southeast Asia (SEA) region and one of the fastest-growing public health challenges globally. With projections showing a nearly 70 per cent increase in diabetes cases by 2045, this chronic illness affects not only individuals but entire organisations. When employees […]
The First Word: HR’s role in the AI-driven workplace
This year marks my 18th in HR—and it has been a journey through varied organisations, cultures, and industries. Over this time, I’ve seen immense transformation in the workplace over the years, especially with the rise of remote and hybrid work and advancements like Generative AI (GAI). These shifts have fundamentally reshaped the skills many of […]
The First Word: Embracing the value of older workers
In 2026, Singapore’s retirement age will increase to 64 and the re-employment age to 69, with plans to raise these further by 2030. This shift reflects the nation’s commitment to addressing its ageing population while highlighting the vital role older workers play in a multigenerational workforce. It’s also a chance for employers to rethink human […]
The First Word: Cultivating a modern, connected workplace with technology
Our workplaces are no longer defined by walls or office hours. Flexibility – in location, time, and structure – has become essential in today’s dynamic work environment. Technology has long been an enabler of flexible work models, and the urgency has grown, especially with Singapore’s pending Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) Requests that will […]
The First Word: Bridging the sustainability skills gap in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is at a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change. With the region particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather, the need for sustainable practices is more pressing than ever. Sectors like energy are at the forefront of this transition, where decarbonisation is key. In Singapore, 86% of business leaders […]
