Building a talent economy where people create value
The world of work is changing faster than many organisations can keep up with — and for Eddie Lee, this wasn’t a future problem. It was already happening. That’s what sparked the beginning of the Future of Talent Economy (FOTE) Network. He tells me, “The idea for Future of Talent Economy (FOTE) Network emerged from […]
K. Thivenathan: “The last mile of HR is human”
For someone who says they “stumbled into HR,” Thivi’s journey doesn’t sound accidental at all—it sounds intentional, human, and built on a simple belief: people want clarity, recognition, and purpose. Not surprises. He’s spent nearly 30 years moving across Malaysia, Singapore, the USA, China, Taiwan and industries like semiconductors and FMCG, and at the heart […]
The minds shaping tomorrow’s workplaces: HR Stars Awards Singapore 2025 judges
The HR Stars Awards Singapore 2025 brings together a panel of judges who embody the future of work. They are not just evaluating entries; they’re defining what HR leadership means in an era shaped by technology, empathy, and transformation. These leaders have built careers on reshaping how organisations attract, develop, and inspire their people. From […]
The First Word: When layoffs hit, more than jobs are lost
In 2025 it appears there’s been no shortage of listicles and human interest pieces detailing the hundreds of thousands whose careers have been impacted by the rise of AI (which saw 4,0000 roles cut at DBS earlier this year) and slowing economic growth. Most recently, Agoda laid off 50 employees in Singapore, citing “enhancing operational […]
Five pillars of strong corporate culture in remote settings
The rapid adoption of remote work models across Southeast Asian organisations has fundamentally challenged traditional approaches to corporate culture building. Regional companies must now maintain cohesive organisational identities while accommodating geographically distributed teams and hybrid work arrangements. Cultural dimensions vary significantly across ASEAN countries, requiring nuanced approaches to remote culture development. Successful organisations recognise that […]
Kevin Chua: Shaping purposeful leadership through people
Some leaders find purpose through achievement; others, through the difference they make in people’s lives. For Kevin Chua, Chief Human Resources Officer at United World College South East Asia, purpose has been the compass guiding his every career move — from corporate giants in MedTech, Pharma, and Energy, to his current role in education. “I […]
The First Word: Reshaping employee benefits to attract and retain top talent
Workplaces in Asia have undergone significant transformations in recent years. Rapid technological advancements, economic shifts, and changing demographics have reshaped the way people work and what they expect from their employers. At the same time, they have also influenced talent management strategies. According to Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s (CIPD) Asia Employee Benefits Report […]
Five strategies for optimising HR budgets
Budget optimisation has become increasingly crucial for HR departments across Southeast Asia as organisations navigate economic uncertainties while maintaining competitive talent strategies. Regional HR leaders face unique challenges balancing cost management with the need to attract and retain talent in diverse markets with varying compensation expectations. The technological transformation of HR functions presents significant opportunities […]
The First Word: Mental health at the workplace
Across Southeast Asia, mental health has become a key HR concern. A 2022 study across four countries found burnout prevalence at 62.9%, with one-third of respondents reporting severe anxiety and depression1. A subsequent study in 2024 found that Generation Z employees were at the highest risk of mental health challenges, and that younger employees expect […]
Five elements of effective succession planning
Succession planning remains critically important for organisational stability across Southeast Asia, where market growth and demographic shifts are creating unprecedented leadership challenges. As regional businesses expand internationally, the need for structured approaches to talent development has never been more pronounced. The cultural context of leadership transitions varies significantly throughout ASEAN countries, requiring succession frameworks that […]
