The First Word: Solving the “platform squeeze” in the ride-hailing industry
Singapore has seen a strong economic rebound for drivers in ride-hailing, fueled by both a full-scale return to the office restoring daily commuter demand and nearly 16 million tourist arrivals this year. The strength of this demand is evident, with reports of Chinese tourists being undeterred by high costs, such as S$18 for a 10-minute […]
Five “people risks” organisations often overlook
The start of the year often brings renewed energy, fresh plans, and ambitious targets for organisations across Southeast Asia. Budgets are approved, strategies are launched, and HR teams shift quickly into execution mode. Yet this period also carries hidden risks that are frequently underestimated or missed entirely. In many organisations, early-year optimism can mask underlying […]
The First Word: Bridging the AI skills gap in HR through training
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformative force reshaping industries worldwide, with extensive applications especially within human resources (HR). From recruitment, administration and finance, dispute resolution and workforce planning, it’s well known that AI has the ability to change how HR teams operate and the quality of decisions they make. The big question is: even with […]
Five early-year workforce signals HR should monitor closely
The early months of the year offer HR teams a valuable window into how the workforce is likely to perform, engage, and evolve over the coming months. While formal reviews and surveys may be scheduled later in the year, subtle signals often emerge much earlier. These indicators can reveal underlying risks or opportunities that are […]
HR Tech Update: Addressing digital fatigue through better HR systems
Digital fatigue has become a growing concern across Southeast Asia as workplaces adopt more platforms, dashboards, and always-on communication tools. HR systems that were introduced to improve efficiency have, in some cases, added to cognitive overload rather than reduced it. Learning platforms, performance tools, and collaboration software now compete for attention, leaving employees struggling to […]
The First Word: The truth behind ATS rejections
The claim is everywhere: “75% of resumes are rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems before a human ever looks at them.” It appears in LinkedIn posts, career-coach webinars, and countless template-selling sites. Job seekers spend hours tweaking fonts, removing tables, and stuffing keywords, convinced they’re outsmarting a ruthless robot. A new study from resume platform Enhancv […]
Five ways HR teams can turn strategy into execution
Many organisations across Southeast Asia invest significant time developing HR strategies, yet struggle to translate those plans into consistent action. The gap between intent and execution often emerges not from poor ideas but from unclear ownership, competing priorities, and limited operational alignment. As business conditions continue to shift in the region, this gap becomes increasingly […]
HR Tech Update: Why HR tech pilots struggle to scale in Southeast Asia
HR technology pilots are becoming increasingly common across Southeast Asia, particularly within learning and development. New platforms are often introduced to test digital learning, skills assessment, or analytics capabilities in a controlled environment. These pilots are supported by a growing number of regional start-ups and global providers offering flexible, low risk entry points. However, while […]
The First Word: Employers share Gen Z unemployment challenges
Much of the current conversation around employment in Singapore focuses on macroeconomic challenges, shifting global trends and technology disruption. While it is undeniable that these are valid concerns, it also obscures a more fundamental issue that is still persisting till today. That is, the growing mismatch between the expectations of job seekers and the demands […]
Five workforce priorities HR leaders must reset in 2026
Southeast Asian organisations enter 2026 facing a workforce landscape shaped by economic uncertainty, rapid digital adoption, and shifting employee expectations. While many HR teams have already navigated disruption over the past few years, familiar strategies no longer deliver the same results. What worked during recovery or stabilisation phases now requires recalibration. Across markets such as […]
