Future-Ready Workforce with Innovative HR and Inclusive Strategies

The world of work is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Organisations are faced with challenges for adapting to this new dynamic where remote work is becoming a trend and preferable by most employees. At the Build A Future Team HR Conference 2024, Professor Dr. Ong Kian Ming, Vice Chancellor of External Engagement at Taylor’s University, and Chen Fong Tuan, Senior Executive Vice President of Maybank Berhad, will deliver their keynotes addressing the innovative HR strategies required to navigate the future of work. Their insights centered on building resilient organisations through diversity, inclusion, and forward-thinking talent management, while emphasising the growing role of HR in driving both organisational transformation and social impact.

Reimagining Talent Management for the Modern Workforce

The future of work is reshaping how organisations attract, manage, and retain talent. Professor Dr. Ong Kian Ming will highlight how organisations can leverage human resources as a driver of innovation and transformation in an increasingly complex world of work in his keynote sharing. Having extensive experience in public policy and external engagement, he will share his insight on the need for organisations to rethink traditional talent management practices.

Through his keynote sharing, Dr. Ong will highlight a few key themes, primarily about reimagining talent management for a new era. He will emphasise the need for organisation to rethink traditional approaches by offering personalised employee experiences focusing on career development and well-being, leveraging technology and data to enhance engagement and performance, and prioritising flexibility and autonomy to attract and retain top talent in today’s workforce.

In the latter part of the keynote, Dr. Ong will emphasise the crucial role of HR in building resilience and adaptability within organisations amid constant disruption. He will highlight the need for embedding agility and flexibility into workforce planning and structures, implementing innovative learning and development programs to prepare employees for future market shifts, and cultivating a culture of resilience to help organisations thrive in times of change.

He will further highlight the expanding role of HR in driving sustainability and innovation within organisations. He will share his insights on the needs for sustainable HR practices that align with employees’ expectations, integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into core operations, and attracting values-driven talent. On a final note, Dr. Ong will share how HR is positioned as a catalyst for organisational innovation by fostering collaboration across departments, which includes developing strategic partnerships, leveraging technology and data analytics, and ensuring HR plays pivotal roles in identifying trends and adaptability in a rapidly changing business landscape.

Through Dr. Ong’s keynote sharing, participants will gain a strategic HR blueprint on how to drive long-term success through innovation, resilience, and social responsibility. On top of that, participants will learn practical, forward-thinking HR strategies applied across industries to retain top talent and gain actionable insights to broader business strategies to ensure organisation are ready for future work.

Building Diversity, Inclusion and Sensitivity for Lasting Success

In addition to innovative HR strategies, cultivating a future-ready workforce requires organisations to embrace diversity, inclusion, and sensitivity. Chen Fong Tuan, Senior Executive Vice President of Maybank Berhad, will further explore this critical topic during his keynote sharing, emphasising that diversity and inclusion (D&I) are not just corporate buzzwords but strategic imperatives for building resilient and innovative organisations. He will share his insights under the theme of ‘Cultivating a Diverse and Inclusive Future Team: Building a Culture of Sensitivity Among Employees.’

Through his sharing, he will emphasise how diverse teams contribute to better financial performance, increased employee engagement, and improved problem-solving abilities. Drawing on Maybank’s success, he will demonstrate how embedding D&I into corporate culture fosters innovation by bringing together different perspectives and ideas. By this approach, Maybank has created an inclusive environment where every employee feels valued, heard, and seen, which in turn strengthens the company’s long-term success.

One of the key takeaways from Chen’s keynote is the importance of cultivating sensitivity and empathy within teams. He will outline practical strategies for fostering sensitivity by training and awareness programs, open conversations, and mentorship initiatives that promote diversity in leadership. Chen Fong Tuan will further provide practical strategies for implementing D&I initiatives including leadership commitments, setting measurable goals, creating policies that support D&I at every level, and promoting allyship from both formal programs and informal practices within teams. By implementing D&I, organisations will not only attract top talent but also retain employees who are engaged, motivated, and committed to the organisation’s long-term success.

By the end of the session, participants will gain insights into real-life sharing of how Maybank implemented D&I including success stories, challenges faced on D&I journey, and how companies overcome these obstacles through persistence, education, and a commitment to creating lasting change. By embedding D&I into company culture and fostering a culture of empathy, businesses can create a more resilient, future-ready workforce that thrives in today’s competitive landscape.

Key Takeaways for Leaders:

Dr. Ong Kian Ming and Chen Fong Tuan’s keynote sessions at the Build A Future Team HR Conference 2024 will provide participants with actionable insights on practical steps for implementing future-ready HR strategies that can be applied to future-proof their organisations. Some of the key takeaways from their keynotes sharing are:

Modernise Talent Management: Organisations need to adapt hybrid working systems by offering flexibility, autonomy, and personalised experience. This will help attract and retain top talents while ensuring employees are engaged and stay motivated.
Building Resilience through HR Innovation: HR leaders must take on a strategic leadership role by embedding agility and flexibility in their organisations. This will ensure employees are future-ready for constant workplace changes.
Diversity and Inclusion as a Strategic Imperative: Integrating D&I into organisation will lead to a more inclusive and high-performing workplace.
Cultivating Sensitivity and Empathy in Teams: Beyond diversity, leaders need to build empathy and cultural sensitivity in their teams by training, open dialogue, and mentorship. This will create a respectful and collaborative working environment in organisations.

By embracing these strategies, organisations can build a workforce that is not only resilient but also diverse, innovative, and future-ready.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for HR

As the future of work continues to evolve, the insights shared by Professor Dr. Ong Kian Ming and Chen Fong Tuan provide a roadmap for HR leaders and organisations to navigate this complex landscape. By modernising talent management, fostering resilience, and embedding diversity, inclusion, and empathy into organisational culture, businesses can position themselves for lasting success. The combination of innovative HR strategies and a commitment to D&I ensures that teams are not only equipped to handle disruption but also thrive in an increasingly competitive global market.

Leaders who embrace these approaches will be better prepared to attract top talent, drive innovation, and cultivate a workforce that is agile, diverse, and future-ready. Connect with HR professionals and business leaders across Southeast Asia in our Community Group to discuss the latest trends, exchange insights, and stay updated on upcoming programs and activities. Let’s shape the future of work together.

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