Singapore Human Capital Summit 2008
Over 700 delegates comprising 34.8% C-suite executives are attending the inaugural Singapore Human Capital Summit 2008 to discuss the latest trends, leading ideas and practices in effective people strategies for Asia.
2. On Singapore hosting the first-of-its-kind human capital summit, Mr Leo Yip, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), said: “Human capital issues are pivotal to sustaining Asian growth and competitiveness at both country and company level. It is therefore quite critical to build up thought and practice leadership in human capital management that is Asian in focus. The Singapore Human Capital Summit seeks to provide a platform for strategic discussion of Asian thinking and practices in response to Asia's human capital challenges. One of the key issues for discussion will be how people challenges in Asia are being addressed in an increasingly challenging economic climate.”
3. With more than 60 global and regional business leaders converging on this key platform, intense conversations are expected to take place over hot-button people and leadership issues affecting businesses operating in Asia, including:
- Leadership development;
- Talent Management;
- Human capital in public service sector; and
- Workforce trends and strategic responses.
4. On the relevance of the Summit to the unfolding economic uncertainties, Mr Tan Pheng Hock, Chairman of the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), said: “This may well be an opportune time for organisations to reshape themselves, to reposition and even consolidate in the market place. It is during times like these that organisations need leaders and talents to identify and seize opportunities, like forging new customer relationships, strengthen market position and gain market share. You need proactive HR strategies and policies to help you ride the ups and downs effectively.”
5. Renowned global and regional CEOs and human capital thought leaders include Peter Sands, Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered PLC; Michele Burns, Chairman and CEO of Mercer; Yasuchika Hasegawa, President of Takeda Pharmaceutical; Professor Dave Ulrich, Partner and Co-founder of RBL Group, Professor of Business, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan; and Professor Peter Cappelli, George W. Taylor Professor of Management, Director, Center for Human Resources, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
6. In addition, research agencies, Hewitt Associates and The Gallup Organization will also present detailed research findings and recommendations on key challenges in talent management in Asia and successful leadership practices in Asia respectively.
7. On the importance of human capital to companies today, Ms Michele Burns, Chairman and CEO, Mercer, who is the first keynote speaker at the Summit, said: “If you talk to CEOs around the world, they will tell you that human capital management is the single thing they most worry about. Asia has been the beneficiary, as has the rest of the world, of technology-fuelled productivity improvement. We are entering an era where the differentiator is human capital management. But people are not machines, so the soft side of engagement is incredibly important. Many factors go into achieving the status of “preferred employer” and include training, career path design, and effective benefits and compensation systems.”
8. The Singapore Human Capital Summit, organised by the Ministry of Manpower and Singapore Workforce Development Agency, is being held at Shangri La Hotel, Singapore from October 22 to 24, 2008. Partners for the Summit include the UK Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, INSEAD and the Singapore Management University. The Summit is also supported by key local economic agencies and partners including the Association of Banks in Singapore; Economic Development Board; Institute of Banking & Finance; Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore; International Enterprise Singapore; Monetary Authority of Singapore; Media Development Authority; National Trades Union Congress; Public Service Division, Prime Minister's Office; Singapore Business Federation; Singapore National Employers Federation; Singapore Tourism Board; Singapore Human Resources Institute; and SPRING Singapore.
Singapore Workforce Development Agency
The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) enhances the competitiveness of our workforce by encouraging workers to learn for life and advance with skills. In today's economy, most jobs require not just knowledge, but also skills. WDA collaborates with employers, industry associations, the Union and training organisations, to develop and strengthen the Continuing Education and Training system that is skill-based, open and accessible, as a mainstream pathway for all workers - young and older, from rank and file to professionals and executives - to upgrade and advance in their careers and lives.
Ministry of Manpower
The Ministry of Manpower aspires to develop a globally competitive workforce and a great workplace, for a cohesive society and a secure economic future for all Singaporeans. For more information, please visit the MOM website.