Editor’s note

WELCOME 2023: A NEW HOPE, RENEWED OPTIMISM, AND STRENGTHENED RESILIENCE

The year gone by has been a roller-coaster – the flip-flop pandemic situation, the reopening of borders, the revival of international travel, and the uncertain macroeconomic outlook – all prompting HR professionals to be more forward-thinking, agile, and adaptable to navigate the fastevolving world of work.

As we enter 2023, what should HR professionals expect and prepare for moving forward? This was the agenda that HRO’s Tracy Chan aimed to uncover through this year-end special edition’s feature story dedicated to anticipating what the future brings. However, rather than gazing into a crystal ball (which can be unreliable in the best of times!), she speaks to seven senior HR leaders, across industries and regions, who based on their solid experience and industry acumen share their thoughts on the future of HR.

So what’s likely to keep CHROs busy the next 12 months? The themes of developing people’s capabilities, wellbeing and resilience, workforce planning, career development, and DEI came up several times. This, we are confident is timely for you, knowing we secured views not just from Hong Kong, but from leaders representing APAC-wide remits, including the key markets of India and the UK as well.

Peter Hatt, Head, HR, Asia, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong), sums it up beautifully: “There is much debate around the future of jobs and clearly, we are facing a competition for skills globally and as the local talent pool shrinks from factors such as emigration and an aging population, reskilling and upskilling to enable talent retention and succession planning are at the forefront of employers’ minds.

“As a result, HR has a critical role to play over the next 12 to 18 months and HR leaders need to arrive at new, innovative ways to address this challenge. Organisations are starting to determine what skills are in demand for the future, understand key skills required for what roles, and identify skills that are transferable.”

Head straight to page 18 to read the wealth of insights.

This quarter, we have also had the pleasure to speak exclusively to Priscilla Chau, Director – Human Resources, CLP Power Hong Kong. As the major power utility provider in Hong Kong, serving over 80% of the population, CLP Power Hong Kong (CLP) is currently transforming to become the ‘Utility of the Future’ to stay ahead of the challenges brought by climate change and rapidly evolving technologies.

Aditi Sharma Kalra Editor-in-Chief

To this end, the leadership at CLP aims to instil a workplace culture that encourages creativity, experimentation, and taking responsibility. “With changing customer needs and business environment, we would like to cultivate a group of employees who are adaptive to the changes and challenges with a creative and flexible mindset,” Chau tells us.

To this mission, CLP has had its ‘Design Thinking Programme’ in place since 2019 to equip employees with the ability and tools to innovate better ways of working. More than 4,000 employees have been trained and over 100 projects have been initiated by employees.

Curious to know more about this transformation journey? Do head over to page 12.

As we round up an exciting year, we want to thank you for your trust in us and for being part of our journey. The HR fraternity in Hong Kong, and the wider Asia region, has always been the guiding light that has given us the confidence to experiment and push our boundaries. Throughout the years, you have always supported us through our e-newsletter, magazine, awards, conferences, webinars, and more. Everything we create is really for you. We couldn’t have made it here without you.

So as we all take some time to recharge and rejuvenate, the team at HRO wishes you a wonderful year ahead, filled with good health, reunions with loved ones, laughter, and fulfilment in all you do.

Enjoy the read.