CEOs and HR Chiefs Gather at Singapore Human Capital Summit to Discuss Human Capital Challenges Facing the Global Economy

19 September 2012

1. More than 700 delegates from around the region gathered at the two-day Singapore Human Capital Summit to discuss how businesses can make the most of their human capital assets to navigate through the rapidly changing and unpredictable global environment.
2. In its fifth year, the Singapore Human Capital Summit is Asia's premier human capital and leadership conference. The impressive regional turnout, with strong attendance from Indonesia, Japan and Greater China, reflects Singapore position as a talent management and business hub for the Asia Pacific. This is also one of the most successful Summits with a 25% increase in the number of delegates from last year.
3. Aptly themed “People Strategies for Asia: Harnessing Change, Managing Complexity”, the two-day Summit features more than 40 business leaders and talent experts who will speak on best practices and the latest research enabling people strategies for business growth. In light of Asia’s increasing role as a world economic powerhouse, delegates will also discuss the emerging human capital issues that will confront companies operating in this diverse and dynamic region.
4. In his opening address, the Summit’s Guest of Honour Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Finance, reiterated the importance of strong human capital management to navigate changes in the global economy and handle complexity while transforming them into opportunities. DPM Tharman said, “We have to nurture and develop people who feel comfortable working in multiple countries and cultures. We have to develop future leaders who can respond quickly to crises, draw lessons and communicate effectively in crises clearly. We must develop people who are open and empathetic, both to those within their own corporate workforce and others in society.”
5. Mr Kwan Chee Wei, Executive Director of the Human Capital Leadership Institute (HCLI), said, “The extremely positive response and strong turnout of business leaders and companies operating in this region reflects the proactive stance that many companies are taking to formulate solutions for their human capital challenges. The record turnout is also an affirmation of Singapore’s growing role as a hub for the latest ideas and initiatives in tackling Asia’s unique talent and leadership development issues. With sizeable delegations from some of the fastest growing emerging markets in the region, the Summit provides a platform to share the lessons we have learnt so that similar best practices can be cascaded down to these economies, benefiting the region as a whole. We look forward to a fruitful two days of dialogue and discussion.”
6. In the lead up to the Summit, a workshop for Japanese corporation executives discussed challenges they face as they globalise, and the human capital issues they have to manage when locating key functions outside Japan. Mr Toyohiro Matsuda, Head of Office, HRD Office in Asia, Mitsubishi Corporation, said, “The Singapore Human Capital Summit has become a mainstay for global organisations keen to get a pulse on the latest human capital developments and trends within Asia. Besides the stellar line up of international speakers, we are also excited about the opportunity to network and interact with peers from across the region. This knowledge exchange is vital for companies in the crux of globalisation and looking to grow beyond their traditional markets.”
7. The Keynote Address, “From Asia to the World – Leadership Perspectives”, was delivered by Unilever’s Chief Operating Officer Mr Harish Manwani. He shared his personal experiences as an Asian leader in leading and managing talent for a globalised Asia, and how he has successfully led the business across borders.
8. The stellar line-up of speakers at the Summit includes Dave Ulrich, Partner and Co-founder of RBL Group, Professor of Business, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan; Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman and Founder, Banyan Tree Holdings Limited; Gerardo Ablaza, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manila Water; Vicky Bindra, President Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, Mastercard and Peter Cheese, Chief Executive Officer, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
9. The Summit is jointly organised by the Human Capital Leadership Institute, Singapore Ministry of Manpower and Singapore Workforce Development Agency.
10. For more information on the Singapore Human Capital Summit 2012, please visit www.singaporehcsummit.com.