The Regional HR Outlook 2024 unfolded its insights at a conference held in Singapore’s Grand Copthorne Waterfront on Tuesday.
Jointly organised by the Singapore Human Resources Institute (SHRI) and the Asia Pacific Federation of HRM (APFRM), this conference brought together luminaries, innovators, and thought leaders to explore the intricate dance between business, HR, and artificial intelligence.
Md Mashequr Rahman Khan, President of Bangladesh Society for Human Resources Management (BSHRM) and a distinguished Board Member of APFRM, represented Bangladesh at this global convergence. Sharing his reflections with The Business Post, he illuminated the conference's focus on the transformative role of HR in 2024, particularly its ability to steer businesses amidst profound global changes.
“The Regional HR Outlook 2024 was nothing short of amazing,” he remarked.
He also underscored the conference's emphasis on how HR can contribute value in an era of transformation and global context.
The theme, ‘Business, HR, and AI: Orchestrating Synergy for Tomorrow's Asia,’ aptly captured the essence of discussions that unfolded within the vibrant corridors of the Grand Copthrone Waterfront.
The event, graced by distinguished leaders from MNCs and SMEs, HR practitioners, decision-makers, and HR thought leaders worldwide, aimed to delve deeply into the intersections of business, HR, and technology. The sessions traversed the evolving landscape of workplace practices, workforce readiness, and the symbiotic relationship between technology and human potential.
Kicking off the event was D N Prasad, President of SHRI, and the opening speech resonated through the words of Ng Chee Meng, Secretary-General of NTUC.
The keynote address by Dave Ulrich, Rensis Likert Professor of the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, USA, and a global HR thought leader, set the tone for the conference.
Ulrich delved into how HR can create value by focusing on human capability and understanding the impact of changing trends and digital technologies on the future of work.
Other notable speakers, including Low Peck Kem, President of APFRM, and a council member of SHRI, shared profound insights on organisational drivers for performance, employee experience, leveraging AI-powered automation, and strategies for AI fluency in HR professionals.
Panel discussions explored the intersection of analytics and empathy, shaping a new era of workplace culture.
The conference not only delivered exceptional content but also provided a platform for collaboration and partnerships.
Mashequr Rahman's exclusive meeting with Low Peck Kem, CHRO and Advisor (Workforce Development), Public Service Division, Prime Minister's Office, Singapore, highlighted the potential collaboration between Bangladesh and Singapore.
Rahman expressed his vision of developing the knowledge, skills, and attitude of Bangladesh's youth to serve the nation and the global market, a sentiment met with assurance and support from Peck Kem.
Peck Kem also briefed about the education and skill development system of Singapore.
In a strategic move towards international collaboration, Mashequr Rahman briefed Low Peck Kem about the demographics of Bangladesh—a nation with over 17 million people, of which around 65 per cent are of working age. He emphasised the potential of the youth, considering them as a valuable resource for the country. In contrast, he acknowledged Singapore's wealth of knowledge, skills, competency, and a growth mindset.
During this exclusive meeting, Mashequr Rahman expressed his keen desire to forge a collaborative effort between Bangladesh and Singapore, aiming to develop the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes—primarily focusing on capabilities that would empower the Bangladeshi youth to contribute not only to their nation but also on a global scale. In response, Peck Kem assured Mashequr Rahman of support from their end to the extent possible.
In conclusion, The Regional HR Outlook 2024 transcended being just an outlook; it became a clarion call for reimagining the future.
Mashequr Rahman said, “It is more than an outlook. It is a clarion call for those passionate about reimagining the future. Together, let's craft an Asia that is not just ready for what is next, but one that is setting the global benchmark and orchestrator of tomorrow's synergy.”
The conference succeeded not only in uniting Asia's leading HR thinkers and business innovators but also in providing a roadmap for shaping the future of workforce readiness together.
