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 that prioritises employee well-being is essential to attract and retain top talent, drive engagement, and support resilience in an ever-evolving market. At ADM, our commitment goes beyond policies – it’s embedded in initiatives that support mental, physical, social, and career health. This holistic approach has not only strengthened employee engagement but also earned ADM recognition as a Top Employer in China, Singapore, and the Philippines in 2025. With China and Singapore receiving the accolade for the third consecutive year and the Philippines earning this title for the first time, ADM’s ongoing efforts underscore the importance of investing in people.
But what does this commitment look like in action?
Developing Future Leaders
Talent development goes beyond filling roles – it is about shaping future leaders. At ADM, we cultivate an environment where employees embrace a growth mindset and feel empowered to contribute and make an impact.
One way we do this is through our Career Mentoring Programme, which pairs employees with experienced ADM leaders for one-on-one mentorship. A structured matching process facilitates meaningful and regular interactions, while dedicated training and handbooks equip both mentors and mentees with clear guidance on their roles. Discussions cover a range of topics, including career development, leadership skills, organisational strategies, and soft skills such as navigating complex situations. Mentees gain valuable insights and expanded professional networks, while mentors play an active role in shaping the next generation of leaders.
Beyond mentorship, ADM invests in early-career talent through targeted training programmes. Our APAC Finance Trainee Programme equips young professionals with regional exposure, hands-on experience, and coaching across key financial functions, helping them build both technical expertise and strategic business acumen. Meanwhile, the Global Trade Asia Commercial Trainee Programme offers a structured rotation across various functions within our Global Trade business unit, along with the opportunity to work in different regional offices. This firsthand experience deepens their understanding of the agricultural commodity sector and broadens their perspectives.
Through these initiatives, we are strengthening ADM’s talent pipeline and preparing our workforce to navigate the complexities of an evolving global marketplace.
Building an Inclusive Culture
At ADM, we firmly believe that a sense of belonging and opportunities for growth are key to an engaged, high-performing workforce. That is why we launched two new initiatives in 2024: Young Professional Network (YPN) and the APAC Leadership Career Conversations. Both programmes are designed to boost engagement, support career development, and create more direct connections between employees across markets.
Building on successful implementations in other regions, the YPN was introduced in APAC this year to support ADM professionals in advancing their personal and professional growth. Recognising the unique needs of early-career employees, the YPN provides structured networking opportunities, targeted training sessions, and community engagement initiatives that strengthen connections both within and beyond the workplace.
Our APAC Leadership Career Conversations series connects employees with their peers and leaders across various business units and markets. These quarterly, interactive sessions go beyond traditional career talks, addressing topics such as work-life balance, global career paths, and the role of mentorship. By providing a platform for employees to share their experiences and aspirations, the series fosters meaningful dialogue, strengthens engagement, and cultivates a culture where different perspectives are valued.
Through these initiatives, ADM reaffirms its commitment to building an inclusive and connected workplace – one where every employee, regardless of background or career stage, has the opportunity to contribute and is empowered to thrive.
Prioritising Our People
Well-being is a multifaceted concept that goes beyond physical health to include mental and social support. Our initiatives are tailored to support these diverse needs, creating an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered.
We have implemented holistic well-being strategies that address all aspects of health across key markets like China, Singapore and the Philippines. In Singapore, under the pillar of mental and emotional health, our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provides confidential counselling and resources to help employees in navigating both workplace and personal mental health concerns.
Beyond individual well-being, we foster a strong sense of community through various volunteer opportunities, including those within projects under ADM Cares, ADM’s corporate social investment program. These efforts contribute to a workplace culture that supports both professional growth and personal fulfilment.
People are at the heart of our success. By fostering a culture of well-being, inclusion, and continuous growth, we are not only investing in our employees today but also shaping the workforce of tomorrow. Our holistic approach, which spans mentorship, career growth, personal development, and well-being initiatives, ensures that every employee has the support and resources to succeed. When they feel supported in all areas of their work and lives, they are better equipped to contribute meaningfully – driving both individual and organisational success.
About the author
Somnuek Ngamtrakulchol is a seasoned human resources leader with over two decades of experience. As the APAC HR leader at ADM, Somnuek drives strategies in employee engagement, performance management, workforce planning, and organisational development.
Under his leadership, ADM has been recognized as a Top Employer in multiple APAC markets, reflecting the company’s commitment to fostering a supportive and high-performing workplace culture.
