HR Tech Update: Why inclusive HR algorithms depend on inclusive data
Algorithms are increasingly embedded within HR technology, influencing decisions related to hiring, learning, performance, and mobility. While these tools promise efficiency and objectivity, their outcomes are shaped entirely by the data used to train them. In Southeast Asia, where workforce data can be uneven and incomplete, this presents real risks. In 2026, HR leaders are […]
The First Word: The future of recruitment is AI with a human touch
Across the Asia Pacific, hiring feels harder than ever. Roles stay open for months, recruiters are overloaded, and some new hires leave within a year. It is tempting to blame the market or changing expectations, but the real issue is that many organisations are still using old methods to solve new problems. APAC is now […]
Five workplace policies that truly enable equity, not optics
Workplace equity has become a visible corporate priority, yet not all policies translate into meaningful change. In Southeast Asia, where organisations increasingly highlight diversity commitments, employees are quick to distinguish between symbolic gestures and substantive support. Policies that enable equity address structural barriers rather than simply promoting awareness. Across markets such as Singapore, Thailand, and […]
HR Tech Update: Digital career pathways supporting women returning to work
Women returning to work after career breaks remain an underutilised talent pool across Southeast Asia. Despite strong skills and experience, many face challenges re-entering organisations structured around uninterrupted career progression. HR technology is increasingly being used to address these barriers through more flexible and transparent career pathways. In 2026, learning and development teams are focusing […]
The First Word: Elevating mobility in crisis planning
The year 2025 has been marked by heightened volatility—from geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainties to abrupt changes in visa policies and widening skill mismatches arising from technological shifts. The pressure on organisations to manage talent has intensified. Many companies have invested heavily in business continuity planning, focusing on building robust systems and safeguards into their […]
Five leadership behaviours that support women through career transitions
Career transitions, whether returning from maternity leave, stepping into leadership roles, or moving across functions, represent critical inflection points for women in the workplace. Across Southeast Asia, these transitions often determine whether talent progresses or exits the organisation. While policies provide structural support, leadership behaviour plays an equally important role. In markets such as Malaysia, […]
HR Tech Update: Using people analytics to close gender pay gaps
Gender pay equity remains a persistent challenge across Southeast Asia, influenced by occupational segregation, career interruptions, and inconsistent data practices. While awareness of pay gaps has increased, many organisations still struggle to translate intent into action. HR technology, particularly people analytics, is increasingly viewed as a practical tool for addressing this issue. In 2026, HR […]
Five ways HR can move from gender intent to measurable impact
Across Southeast Asia, many organisations publicly commit to gender equality, particularly around International Women’s Day and broader diversity initiatives. Yet intention alone does not guarantee progress. While statements and pledges signal awareness, measurable impact requires consistent structures, accountability, and transparency. In markets such as Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia, gender participation in the workforce is […]
HR Tech Update: Designing HR technology that works for women
Technology is playing an increasingly influential role in shaping how work is organised, assessed, and rewarded across Southeast Asia. Yet many HR systems were originally designed around standardised career paths and working patterns that do not reflect the lived experiences of many women. As organisations continue to invest in digital HR platforms, questions around inclusivity […]
The First Word: Why 2026 will redefine the employee experience across Southeast Asia
As workplaces evolve across Southeast Asia, HR leaders are facing a pivotal moment. Digital transformation is now a daily reality, AI is moving into mainstream use, and expectations around the employee experience are growing rapidly. These shifts are already influencing how people work and how organisations prepare for the future. In my role overseeing people […]
