Welcome to the era of Workforce 2.0

Where the boundaries between humans and machines blur, and amazing possibilities await 

At the 2024 Asia HR Conference we dived into the intricate world of people risk. The advent of new technologies like Gen AI is having a profound effect on work and the work experience. For businesses eager to embrace these advancements, aligning talent strategies with technology roadmaps is crucial. At the same time, reimagining work processes and aligning skills with compensation and career progression can create sustainable enhancements in productivity and employee well-being.

Together we unlocked the full potential of our workforce, discussed how to drive productivity and achieve tangible business outcomes with real-world impact.

The region's top business and HR leaders gained valuable insights on how to find success in the strategic realm of human-machine partnership. We hope you can join us at the conference next year!

Top reasons people attended the 2024 Asia HR Conference

  1. Deep dive into the latest workforce trends:
    Conference attendees were immersed in the work of AI, talent, risk and strategy as leading global speakers and regional experts delivered impactful sessions.
  2. Action-oriented insights:
    Delegates stood at the vanguard of topical trends and best practices for delivering the highest value in people challenges with insights from our latest research and client case studies.
  3. Renowned speakers:

    We gleaned knowledge from leaders of top multinational organizations, Mercer experts and industry thought leaders.

     

  4. Inspire, and be Inspired:
    The audience was inspired through networking with like-minded professionals who were passionate about driving change and shaping the future of work.
  5. Connect and collaborate:
    We engaged with peers from diverse companies, countries and industries in interactive workshops.

    We shared experiences, discussed challenges and explored innovative solutions together as valuable connections were forged.

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Agenda

Day 1 - 2 September 2024

Speakers:

Kabir Nath, Strategic Initiatives Leader, Mercer Asia
Joel Tng, Strategic Initiatives Leader, Mercer Singapore

In the transformative era of ‘Workforce 2.0’ innovation, technology and evolving labor markets are fundamentally reshaping how we construct and manage our workforces. Innovation extends beyond technology to rethinking traditional people management practices, rethinking skills, remote work and flexible job structures, fostering more dynamic work environments. As global labor markets shift due to demographic changes, globalization and evolving worker expectations, we need strategies to navigate these changes, including upskilling, reskilling, diversity, inclusion and building a compelling employer brand. We have seen Web 3.0 and Chat GPT 4.0, it’s time for Workforce 2.0.


Speaker:

Lewis Garrad, Career Business Leader, Asia, Mercer

In a world of shifts and shocks, businesses are on shaky ground: employee expectations are changing, exhaustion is high and there’s a new kid on the block in the form of Gen AI. It’s time to throw out the old rulebook and address what fundamentally drains our productivity and saps our creativity.  The need to think different, and work different, has never been a bigger imperative.

AI is redefining how we work, amplifying human intelligence and making human-machine teaming a reality for all. The pressure is now on for organizations to modernize their talent models for this new era, embrace skills as the new currency of work, and realize the potential of their humans with greater talent intelligence. 


Speaker:

Kate Bravery, Global Leader, Talent Advisory & Insight, Mercer

In 2024, Mercer’s Global Talent Trends report highlighted key insights and strategies tailored for addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in this dynamic region. This talk will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest trends shaping the future of work, emphasizing how organizations in Asia can leverage these insights to drive growth and innovation.

We will explore the impact of technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence, automation and data analytics, on the talent equation. These technologies are transforming talent acquisition, employee engagement and productivity, enabling companies to build more agile and competitive organizations.

Additionally, the session will address the growing importance of employee experience, well-being and mental health, showcasing how leading companies are creating supportive and inclusive workplace cultures.

The discussion will also cover the evolving nature of work, highlighting the shift towards remote and hybrid work models, and the need for flexible and adaptive workforce strategies. We will examine the critical role of upskilling and reskilling in preparing employees for the future, and how organizations can foster a culture of continuous learning.
 

Speaker:

Lewis Garrad, Career Business Leader, Asia, Mercer

In the tumultuous world that we live in today, organizations must prioritize human-centric productivity like never before. This presentation explores the crucial role of human well-being and engagement in driving productivity. 

Discover how robust talent assessment solutions, thoughtful work redesign and a vibrant talent marketplace can revolutionize your organization's productivity culture. Unleash the power of human-centric productivity and unlock your team's full potential.
 

Speaker:

Sean Tan, Career Business Leader, Mercer

Speaker:

Dan Blackburn, Global Head of HR - Transformation & Technology, Standard Chartered

Speaker:

David Jones, Chief Executive Officer and Partner, Mercer Talent Enterprise

A strong emerging sentiment across industries and regions is skills are becoming the engine powering talent processes for organizations, so it is only fair that they also become the basis for pay decisions?

An alternative school of thought argues that jobs are still the language that employees and employers widely speak and understand so skills as the basis for pay is premature.

When it comes to pay for skills —  should we learn to walk before we run or will the early bird catch the worm leaving the rest to lament a missed opportunity?
This debate style session has been put together to answer precisely this question as we unpack the why, when, what and everything in between when it comes to pay for skills.
 

Speakers:

Lionel Low, Senior Client Solutions and Executive Remuneration Leader, ASEAN Mercer
Disha Kaushal, Regional Industries Leader, Asia Pacific, Mercer

Looking beyond pay in China: Why 'just pay' isn't enough

In light of China's economic slowdown and growing cost constraints, the traditional belief that "cash is king" is no longer sustainable for organizations. This session delves into the notion that relying solely on salary as the primary motivator is insufficient when it comes to ensuring employee satisfaction and retention in China.

The speakers will shed light on the importance of considering additional factors beyond pay in order to effectively attract and retain talented employees. By exploring these factors, organizations can create a more comprehensive approach to talent management in China's evolving business landscape.


Speakers:

Elley Cao, Head of China Career Products, China, Mercer
Eric Lu, Partner, Mercer


Going Global: Asian Organizations becoming MNCs  Part 1- A deep dive on mobility

As globalization gains momentum, talent mobility has become a crucial strategy for businesses to gain a competitive edge. This session will delve into how to utilize mobility initiatives to attract, retain and develop talent, particularly in the vibrant and culturally diverse Asian region. On a related topic, we will take a deep-dive into localization, this includes the what, when and how of the challenging task of expat to local process with specific market insight for Singapore. We look forward to engaging with you in this exciting topic.


Speaker:

Tracey Ma, Regional Mobility Leader, Asia, Mercer


Tackling the shifts: How to navigate the evolving landscape of executive remuneration practices

In the course of delivering executive remuneration projects, we have encountered organizations adopting fairly unique practices. This session seeks to showcase these practices and consider their applicability to other organizations.


Speaker:

Lionel Low, Senior Client Solutions and Executive Remuneration Leader, ASEAN Mercer


Beyond the norm: Unveiling the Future of Benefits

 Join us for an engaging presentation that will revolutionize your approach to employee benefits. Unlock the full potential of your workforce and create a thriving, inclusive and future-forward organization.

Discover innovative benefit strategies that add value to your organization from personalized benefits for your multi-generational workforce, to initiatives that promote equality, explore sustainable and ethical benefits that make a positive impact.

Hear how the digital transformation can elevate employee experience, streamline processes and make data-driven decisions. The session will also explore how holistic well-being can enrich your employee benefit offerings. Don't miss this opportunity to look into the future of benefits and gain a competitive edge.


Speakers:

Dimitris Efthyvoulou, Senior International Consultant, Mercer
Chen Ding, Senior International Consultant, Mercer

Join us for a discussion with experts from around the world who will discuss the possibilities as we approach the exciting intersection of the human/machine collaboration at work. Consider how to best navigate the world of AI as it floods into our businesses and people processes. The discussion will delve into the ethical considerations, challenges and opportunities enhanced human/machine teaming will present and what the new EU AI law will demand of employers.

The session will also explore the various AI risks and biases that employers need to be aware of, hear how companies are governing AI at scale and explore how to get the balance right between governance and innovation as we embrace Workforce 2.0.

Speakers:

Kate Bravery, Global Leader, Talent Advisory & Insight, Mercer
Jason Tamara Widjaja, Executive Director of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Singapore Tech Center, MSD

This insightful session will highlight the significance of cultivating trust in the workplace through fair pay, equity and inclusion. Discover how prioritizing these elements creates a positive work environment where employees feel valued, respected and motivated. By fostering trust, organizations can unlock increased productivity, collaboration and overall success. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to build a strong foundation for long-term growth and prosperity through trust, fairness and inclusivity.
 

Speaker:

Jackson Kam, Regional Leader, Talent Strategy, Asia, Mercer

Session description: Building a culture and people value proposition anchored on Belonging, Impact and Growth (BIG) is a challenging but high priority agenda in today’s hyper competitive market for talent. Beyond pay and rewards, talents seek a workplace culture that resonates and feeds their desire for a higher purpose from work and life.

Talent marketplaces play a useful role in this effort, beyond connecting employees with internal opportunities. These platforms facilitate internal mobility and succession, gig assignments, cross-departmental projects, networking and learning initiatives. They also allow talent to be mentored, participate in organizational goals and play a role in allowing leaders to grow other talent. Beyond growing the skills and careers of employees, talent marketplaces can allow organizations to grow their people’s sense of BIG.

Organizations also have a wealth of untapped potential in the hidden talents and potential of their employees. Talent Marketplaces also allow them to tap into their reservoirs of skills and energies of their people, allowing them to make an impact beyond their ‘day jobs’.

Gerard will share the key success factors of implementing such talent marketplaces and the impact it can bring to an organization’s culture


Speaker:

Gerard Koh, VP, Special Projects, Group People and Sustainability, Singtel

Speaker:

Marieke Van Raaij, Regional Employee Engagement Solutions Leader – Asia, IMEA and Pacific, Mercer

This session will examine age within the framework of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and discuss various strategies organizations can employ to embrace generational diversity.
Drawing on examples from Japan, a fast pacing aging society, we will delve into the challenges and opportunities that many Asian countries will face.
 

Speakers:

Reiko Sasaki, Principal, Mercer
Satomi Murata, Senior Manager, Mercer

Speakers:

Kabir Nath, Strategic Initiatives Leader, Mercer Asia
Joel Tng, Strategic Initiatives Leader, Mercer Singapore

Location:

Poolside Bar, Pan Pacific Hotel

Day 2 - 3 September 2024

Speakers:

Kabir Nath, Strategic Initiatives Leader, Mercer Asia
Joel Tng, Strategic Initiatives Leader, Mercer Singapore

As artificial intelligence and digital technologies redefine the workplace, HR leaders play a pivotal role in guiding their organizations through this transformation. This session offers a deep dive into adopting a digital mindset and the crucial process of unlearning outdated practices to fully embrace the transformative powers of digitization as well as AI's potential in HR. With this session we aim to empower HR leaders with the insights and strategies needed to lead their organizations confidently into the digital future.
 

Speaker:

Jean Martin, Global Head of Product, GBS and Career, Mercer

While it is cliché to say that change is the only constant, we live in a time that feels somewhat unprecedented. Astonishingly powerful technologies, skills shifts, increasingly diverse workforces with a new set of needs —  the landscape in which business and HR leaders operate has never been more complex.

This conversation aims to unpack some of these trends with one of the most seasoned people leaders in Asia —  Chin Yin Ong from Grab. In her role, Chin Yin guides one of Asia most dynamic tech businesses through its people, technology and workplace strategies. The intersection of these areas defines the future of work is being realized, and as a result, has her on the front line of some of the most pressing HR challenges.

We’ll discuss the most pressing contemporary business and HR trends, as well as the skills and capabilities that HR professionals will need to help navigate what is to come. 
 

Speakers:

Lewis Garrad, Career Business Leader, Asia, Mercer
Chin Yin Ong, Chief People Officer, Grab

In this 10-minute TED-talk style session, we will cover key principles for improving corporate resiliency, in an environment of heightened people risk.

Including:

  • The role of strong leadership and effective communication in navigating organizational complexities and competing business outcomes.
  • The importance of business continuity planning to ensure organizational recovery.
  • The significance of employee well-being and engagement in maintaining a motivated and productive workforce.

All of which will provide key information to fuel discussions and provide actionable insights on managing people risk effectively.


Speaker:

Richard Cooper, Mercer Marsh Benefits Leader, Singapore

In today’s fast-paced and complex landscape, businesses are facing increasing challenges and risks, with a direct impact on our most valuable asset — our people. With economic, environmental and societal factors shaping the landscape, the ability to thrive is underpinned by the well-being and engagement levels of our people. Understanding and addressing the people risks are fundamental to creating a healthier and conducive workplace to mitigate the impact of business risks as well as foster an environment of resilience and innovation.

The top people risk that emerged from the People Risk 2024 Asia is ‘rising health and benefits costs’. This segment spotlights how this risk challenges organizations in managing talent sustainability and discusses ways to battle against rising health and benefit costs with case studies from our guest speaker Dr Andrew Tay, Chief Wellbeing Officer from National University of Singapore (NUS).
 

Speaker:

Steven Yu, Mercer Marsh Benefits Leader, Asia
Dr Andrew Epaphroditus Tay, Chief Wellbeing Officer, National University of Singapore

Cyber and technology risk is not just a problem for the IT team. In this session the team will demonstrate how employees across organizations have a role to play in preventing and mitigating Cyber events.  
 

Speakers:

Sean Letz, Asia Cyber Leader, Marsh
Jeremie Deschamps, Vice President - Cyber Risk Consulting, Marsh Asia

Join in for an enlightening discussion on pay transparency, where we will explore the power of shedding light on compensation practices within organizations. The session aims to delve into the importance, challenges, benefits and uncertainty as organizations tread onto the path of pay transparency — globally and its impact in APAC.

An open discussion with one of the world’s leading organizations, Coca-Cola, will allow you to hear more on where to start, defining the roadmap and build confidence to be ready for it.


Speaker:

Manisha Mehta, Senior Principal, Regional Careers, Asia- Pacific, Mercer
Nikhil Arora, Total Rewards Director, APAC, Eurasia & Middle East, The Coca-Cola Company

A new era for Japan: Adapting to shifts in the Japanese labor market

This breakout session will provide a comprehensive overview of the shift in the Japanese labor market, the changes in corporate governance and executive compensation and the challenges posed by an aging society. It highlights the need for proactive measures and strategic adaptations to ensure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of Japanese companies in the face of these evolving trends.


Speakers:

Yasuhiro Tanaka, Senior Manager, Mercer
Riko Gimbayashi, Associate Consultant, Mercer


Going Global: Asian organizations becoming MNC’s (Mobility and M&A) – Part 2 – a deep dive on M&A

How do organizations handle the transition from being a national operation to a multinational corporation? This session will succinctly cover merger and acquisition deals in Asia, identify the risks such deals face in a global context, walk you through the journey of establishing a global structure and how those organizations can manage talent on a global scale while embracing the cultural changes needed to operate on the world stage.


Speakers:

Haze Zhang, M&A Advisory Services Leader - Greater China & SEA, Mercer
Sean Mei, Principal, Mercer


Riding the India Growth Story by Unleashing Talent Potential
Join us for an engaging session on 'Riding the India growth story by unleashing talent potential'. The session will focus on understanding the India market, how different industries are evolving, the current talent landscape and how organizations are leveraging talent to drive growth.

We examine the experiences of successful MNCs from the region, deep dive into strategies that unlock talent potential, analyze possible challenges and mitigation opportunities that will enable your organization to become future ready!


Speakers:

Sukhmeet Singh, Talent and Transformation Consulting Leader – India and South Asia, Mercer
Nivedita Balgi, Director, Talent and Transformation, Mercer


Beyond participation: Ideas for measuring corporate health and well-being initiatives

In this interactive workshop, we will explore essential metrics for assessing corporate well-being programs at various stages of design and implementation. We will share some stories from our clients, highlighting what they measure and how they try to make their program more successful. Expect to leave with fresh ideas on how you can build or improve your well-being program to more impactful and engaging.
 

Speakers:

Julia Radchenko, Health Consulting Leader, Singapore, Mercer
Vanessa San, Wellness Leader, MercerMarsh Benefits

In a complex world of evolving people risks, organizations are facing the need to reassess their total reward strategies. The competitive labor market in Asia, coupled with the rapid advancements in AI reshaping the nature of work necessitates a fresh perspective on total rewards for organizations to stay ahead. 

During this session, we will share the latest trends in salary movements, incentives and staff attrition across Asia. Coupled with insights from our repository of studies such as Global Talent Trends and Skills Snapshot Survey Report, we will delve deeper into key actions that you can consider to re-think your total rewards strategies.


Speaker:

Helmi Yusoff, Principal Consultant, Rewards, Singapore, Mercer

We explore how HR can embrace a digital-first culture by integrating technology with human-centric approaches.

Discuss how we can unlock HR’s full potential, reimagining HR practices, roles and enhancing the employee experience.

Learn why a mindset shift is key to make HR future-ready and how to leverage digital innovations while maintaining core human values.

Speaker:

Miriam Daucher, Principal, Lead HR Transformation Asia, Mercer

The session puts the spotlight on the importance of cultivating a digital-first culture within organization and the critical role HR teams play in this.
We will delve into the challenges in adopting digital technologies and evolving mindsets.

Jointly, we will explore digital HR maturity along core dimensions and uncover leading practices.
 

Speakers:

Miriam Daucher, Principal, Lead HR Transformation Asia, Mercer
Charmaine Thong, Senior Associate Talent & Transformation, Mercer

Speakers:

Mike Brain, Business Development Manager, HiBob
Hannah Lennon, Principal, Mercer

Speakers:

Kabir Nath, Strategic Initiatives Leader, Mercer Asia
Joel Tng, Strategic Initiatives Leader, Mercer Singapore

Topics listed are subject to changes as the agenda develops

Meet the speakers

Event venue

Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square Singapore 039595
  
Located in the heart of the vibrant Marina Bay, the Pan Pacific Singapore is a five-star hotel ideal for business or leisure, with easy access to local tourism sites, the Central Business District and just a 20-minute drive from Changi Airport. Guests can enjoy a perfect blend of comfort and elegance that evokes the warmth and tranquility of the Pacific, backed by sweeping panoramas of Marina Bay and the city skyline.

Terms and conditions

  • It is important that all delegates represent the target audience for the conference.
  • Mercer has the right to decline any registrations received from companies with conflict of interest (instead of “competitors”) and other potential delegates that do not match the target audience.
  • Registrations for delegates with commercial roles of any kind will not be accepted.
  • With your registration, we will add your name and company to the participant list to be shared with other conference participants.
  • Each conference participant that is part of a group booking must register individually in order for Mercer to collect their registration information sufficiently. Participants must remember to add the discount code so that they can be grouped together by company and billed accordingly.

  • All conference participation fees are payable by invoice or credit card. 
  • If you select to pay be invoice, an invoice will be sent to your given address once you have submitted your confirmation via the registration site. Payment must be made by the date detailed on the invoice.

  • Only a limited number of places are available for this event. Please register early to avoid disappointment.

  • Force Majeure - Mercer shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing an obligation relating to the conference that is due to any of the following causes, to the extent beyond our reasonable control: acts of God, accident, riots, war, terrorist act, epidemic, pandemic (including the COVID-19 pandemic), quarantine, civil commotion, breakdown of communication facilities, breakdown of web host, breakdown of internet service provider, natural catastrophes, governmental acts or omissions, changes in laws or regulations, national strikes, fire, explosion, or generalized lack of availability of raw materials or energy. For the avoidance of doubt, Force Majeure shall not include (a) financial distress nor the inability to make a profit or avoid a financial loss, (b) changes in market prices or conditions, or (c) the financial inability to perform its obligations relating to the conference.
  • Mercer shall not be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the conference or use or access of any content relating to the conference. If, notwithstanding the other provisions, Mercer is found to be liable to you for any damage or loss which arises out of or is in any way connected with the conference, Mercer’s aggregate liability shall in no event exceed the conference participation fees that you paid to Mercer with respect to the conference to the extent permitted by law.
  • We reserve the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the format, timing, location and content of the conference or use substitute speakers at any time without prior notice. Conference topics are subject to change as the agenda develops.
  • The conference and the content of the conference may contain views and opinions which are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other speaker, agency, organization, employer or company, including Mercer. Mercer accepts no responsibility for the views or opinions of the speakers or any other persons at the conference.
  • Any booking or arrangement of accommodation is between you and the hotel and is subject to the terms and conditions as agreed between you and the hotel. Mercer may assist, at its sole discretion, but Mercer is not a contractual party to the booking or arrangement of accommodation. Mercer will not be responsible and liable for such booking or arrangement between you and the hotel and is therefore not responsible or liable for any disputes that arise from cancellations or no-shows.

  • We will use your registration data only for limited purposes, as disclosed in detail on our website,  www.mercer.com . For more information, click on  Mercer's Privacy Notice . Please note that when you register, you are giving us permission to pass your personal details on to the event app platform provider.
  • Mercer may take photographs/videos during the conference. By taking part and attending the conference, you hereby consent and authorize Mercer’s use, disclosure, processing and production of the photographs/videos and Mercer may use the photographs/videos for any purpose including, but not limited to, promotion, advertising and public relations without further compensation or consent.

  • Cancellations received before 16 August 2024 will be refunded in full.
  • No-shows on the day of the conference will not be refunded.
  • Participants may substitute a colleague at any time before 12 August 2024.

Cancellations should be sent in writing to:

Gemma Clifton
Mercer
mercerglobalevents@mercer.com

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