Free with HRM Issue 13.8
Annual guide to
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 2013
Featuring:
A day in the life of a comp & ben manager Smart benefits
NEWS
Compensation and Benefits WORLD
AUSTRALIA
Workers want flexibility Over half of employees want the opportunity to work flexibly, a new Planon Software survey has revealed. While cultural, economic and social changes are all influencing the way in which today’s workforce balances its work and personal activities, and increasingly, the traditional nine to five work pattern is being replaced with more flexible working practices, the survey revealed that this practice was not yet completely widespread. “For modern businesses, providing employees with increased options to suit their working styles has become increasingly important to boost employee retention and satisfaction whilst also improving the efficiency of the business,” Tim Clapham, marketing director at Planon, the real estate and facilities management software provider, said. “As such, the large number of employees that are still being denied these options could be working below
Minimum wages increased 63% their full potential, and may also be less efficient than others who are enjoying greater flexibility.” According to the survey, many of these initiatives could be implemented easily. “(Options include) allowing employees to work remotely, operating a hot-desk environment, or providing employees with business-to-employee applications that allow tasks to be managed from a mobile device,” Clapham explained. “When managed correctly, flexible working schemes can even allow businesses to reduce their real estate portfolio since fewer employees will be in the office at the same time, which can lead to even greater cost savings.”
SINGAPORE
New guide to effectively calculate location allowances A new report from ECA International is set to help companies assess how they compensate expatriate employees for having to adapt to life, and possible hardship, on international assignments. ECA’s Location Ratings guide is designed for organisations that are either using or considering using location allowances as part of a wider mobility policy. It includes an overview of how allowances are calculated, used and delivered by multinational companies as well as an in-depth look at the living factors assessed and how these change over time. Two-thirds of companies use a location allowance system when calculating salary packages for their mobile employees. ECA’s Location Ratings report explains how a good location allowance system should take into account many different factors, including some that have different levels of impact depending on the expatriate’s country of origin. The report also explains why, in certain locations seen as highly desirable holiday destinations, an assignee may nevertheless still receive an extra allowance.
of Singapore workers have a proportion of their pay tied to individual performance or productivity targets Source: Kelly Global Workforce Index
69%
of Malaysian job seekers are hoping for a monthly salary of between US$400 to US$2,000 Source: JobsDB Asian Consumer Market Survey
40% of organisations in Asia spend upwards of
20%
of their payroll on benefits Source: 2013 Towers Watson Asia Pacific Benefit Trends survey
63%
Of financial services organisations say proposed compensation caps will reduce their ability to pay for performance
The Australian government has announced an increase to minimum wages, as part of its Annual Wage Review. The decision, which was effective from July 1 this year, increased the salaries of 1.5 million minimum wage workers by 2.6%, from A$606.40 to A$622.20 per week, or from A$15.96 to A$16.37 per hour. Although less than what minimum wage workers wanted ($30 a week), it was still more than what the business groups said they could afford ($5.80 a week). Expectedly, business groups denounced the increase, claiming it could result in businesses closing or reducing man-hours. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for example, described the wage hike as a “body blow” and a “blunt instrument”. “There is no doubt that thousands of jobs will have their job security weakened,” its CEO Peter Anderson said. “Many employers will see a big wage increase in this case as the straw that breaks the camel’s back.” Unions WA secretary, Meredith Hammat, noted however that the increase was not in tandem with the rising cost of living, citing renting costs in Perth alone having risen by $40 a week over the past year.
Source: Global Financial Services Executive Pay Survey
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PROFILE
Great Eastern
Live Great, every day Great Eastern is the oldest and most established life insurance group in Singapore and Malaysia. With $61.0 billion in assets and around four million policyholders, it has three successful distribution channels – a tied agency force, bancassurance and a financial advisory firm, Great Eastern Financial Advisers. The Company also operates in China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Brunei. Going beyond the traditional role of an insurance company, Great Eastern refreshed its brand purpose to be a LIFE company and launched ‘Live Great’ – an industryfirst integrated health and wellness programme – to actively support customers to live healthier, better and longer and reward them for doing so. The Live Great Programme comprises five core components: Wellness tools, health tips, mobile apps, workshops, events as well as the Live Great card where customers can enjoy exclusive health and wellness benefits and privileges at partner establishments across the region. Across Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, there are more than 300,000 Live Great members and more than a quarter of a million people have participated in Live Great events including the flagship Great Eastern Women’s Run in Singapore, the largest women-only run in Asia. Great Eastern recently added another significant dimension to its Live Great Programme in Singapore with the formation of the Live Great Advisory Council on health and wellness. The Council will provide expert best-in-class advice and help identify health and wellness trends to enable Great Eastern to develop programmes for our customers in their journey to better health.
The Great Eastern Women’s Run is a major initiative under Live Great and attracts 15,000 participants annually
The Live Great-Health & Wellness App helps customers turn to better lifestyle habits and stay motivated
Great Eastern Life Assurance Company Limited has been assigned the financial strength and counterparty credit ratings of ‘AA-’ by Standard & Poor’s since 2010, one of the highest among Asian life insurance companies. It was voted Life Insurer of the Year at the Asia Insurance Industry Awards 2011 by Asia Insurance Review and topped the Life and Health & Medical Insurance sectors in the 2012 Customer Satisfaction Index Singapore, conducted by the Institute of Service Excellence, Singapore Management University. In 2013, Great Eastern topped the Corporate Reputation Survey by Reputation Management Associates for excellence in building trust and relationships with customers. Great Eastern is ranked among the top 10 most valuable Singapore brands by Brand Finance, the world’s leading independent asset and brand valuation firm, with an improved brand value to US$1.419 billion. Great Eastern is a subsidiary of OCBC Bank. The Great Eastern Life Assurance Company Limited (Reg No. 1908 00011G) 1 Pickering Street, #13-01 Great Eastern Centre, Singapore 048659 Web: greateasternlife.com ISSUE 13.8
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PROFILE INTERNATIONAL HR
T32 Corporate
T32 Corporate Workplace Oral Health Programme T32 Dental Centre is one of the largest, one-stop solution dental care centres in the region, providing clients with access to impeccable service and leading technology. Understanding that education and awareness are necessary for good oral health, T32 Corporate was started to meet the primary dental healthcare needs of corporate workers and their immediate family members. T32 Corporate, in conjunction with T32 Junior, has been taking care of countless staff, their children and parents for a holistic approach to preventive family
dentistry. When the need occurs, the specialist dental care from T32 Implant Centre and comes with years of expertise, technology and facilities for the best treatment outcome possible. Through our Workplace Oral Health Programme, T32 Corporate conducts on-site dental screenings, assessment and group instructions to promote good dental care.
Customisable Workplace Oral Health Programme • Basic oral screening • Oral health talks
• Workplace oral health posters • Oral health articles for e-newsletters • Participation in healthy lifestyle roadshows
T32 Corporate Benefits • Corporate rates and packages • Care for immediate family members • Multi-disciplinary care • Emergency dental services • Online dental portal (treatmyteeth.com) • Corporate perks from partnering merchants
For more information about T32 Corporate’s Workplace Oral Health Programme, talks, screenings, rates and packages, please contact: T32 Corporate Tel: +65 6733 1388 Email: corporate@ t32dental.com Web: www.t32dental.com
Do you know that 40% of our corporate patients require tertiary dental care, including root canal treatment and crowns?
Contact us for our on-site oral screening and complimentary oral health talks.
6733 1388 corporate@t32dental.com www.t32dental.com/t32-corporate 4
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Unity Denticare
Your dental care of choice in the community Your smile is one of the most important reflections of your individual personality. A healthy and beautiful smile lifts up your self-confidence and allows you to assert emotions of happiness and joy. At Unity Denticare, we believe in helping our patients develop a personalised plan that will help them maintain their healthy teeth and beautiful smiles for the rest of their lives. Established in August 1971, Unity Denticare has grown to 13 clinics with more than 40 dental chairs island-wide and another 2 new clinics will open in September 2013. Our mission is to be the dental clinic of choice in the community for every individual and family in caring for their oral health and wellness. Unity Denticare is a part of NTUC Unity Healthcare, the largest healthcare cooperative in Singapore, which also operates 50 Unity pharmacies island-wide.
At Unity Denticare, we strive to create beautiful and healthy smiles, giving you a holistic dental care experience in a clean and comfortable ambience. Our focus is completely on you and we are committed to understanding and meeting your needs as a patient. We take great pride in delivering high quality dental care through our professional excellence, quality material, advanced technology and high standard of disinfection. We have a team of experienced dentists and specialists to provide a comprehensive range of general and preventive, restorative and aesthetic dental services to meet your needs. Visit our website at www.unitydenticare.com or call us today for an appointment via our appointment hotline at +6563366222. For enquiries on our corporate rates, please email us at corporate@unitydenticare.com
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FEATURE
Compensation & Benefits
A day in the life
of a Compensation & Benefits Manager A job in Compensation and Benefits is not all about crunching numbers and doing paperwork. Martino Ottimofiore, Regional Compensation and Benefits Manager, Maersk Line Asia-Pacific shares his day to debunk the myths about this HR specialty By Vivien Shiao Shufen
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8:30 AM I walk into the office to greet my team, if
only to agree on whose turn it is to get coffee today. If it’s my turn, I switch on my computer, take the orders, and off I go again.
9:00 AM I work through my emails and start planning my day.
9:30 AM I will have a short department meeting or
sit in one of the weekly regional management meetings, in order to discuss latest business developments in the region. Shipping has been through a number of challenging years, and the overall economic climate in other parts of the world has an impact on demand in this region as well. It is always more tricky to be competitive in compensation and benefits (C&B) when you are facing structural challenges like that. Another important development has been the opening of Myanmar. We are now sending our first people there, and it is a wholly unchartered territory in terms of C&B, so that poses a number of challenges.
11:00 AM I will usually take a call with one of our
Cluster HR Manager in Southeast Asia or Oceania to discuss an upcoming visit, work on benchmarking analyses, or to talk about a salary proposal for one of our staff movements. We are currently having a closer look at our peer group, and consequently evaluating our salary levels based on that. It is an interesting discussion with many stakeholders, and many of these have a different opinion on which industries we should compare ourselves to and which we shouldn’t. When it comes to salary proposals for staff movements, we use a combination of formal and informal benchmarking. I am a firm believer in networking, and it is very beneficial to know peers from other MNCs with whom you can exchange best practices. The more globalised our industry becomes, the more sophisticated and complex the salary benchmarking process becomes, as it is less and less a standardised one-size-fits all solution. I will make sure to get aligned on deliverables and action points.
12:00 PM I usually have lunch with my team
members in a nearby hawker centre.
12:30 PM After lunch, I usually take the time to
work on some upcoming presentations or run some benchmarking analyses. I also use this time to work on deliverables for one of the global workstreams I am part of, such as revising our variable pay plans or planning the implementation of our SAP platform.
When it comes to variable pay plans, we use a combination of globally and regionally-aligned common principles, but we do allow flexibility in terms of target setting and pay out levels, in order to ensure that we remain competitive within each local market. We rolled the compensation module of our SAP solution earlier this year in time for the salary review process, and are now fine-tuning it and preparing a 2.0 release for the 2014 salary review. Aside from the technical challenges of the roll out, it has been a rather big change management and training initiative, because the impact of the solution is considerable. Moving forward, fully in line with our leadership philosophy, we expect all leaders in all of our countries to play an active role in pay decisions and be exposed to benchmark data. This requires an ongoing up-skilling process, but after initial skepticism, the initiative is now being supported everywhere in the organisation, and the benefits are well understood.
The more globalised our industry becomes, the more
sophisticated and complex the salary benchmarking process becomes
2:00 PM I will make sure to have a networking call
or meeting with a peer from another company, in order to exchange informal benchmarking information and best practices. One such practice is developing a culture of transparency and inclusion of line managers, as opposed to an ‘HR black box’ approach. This, in my opinion, is the most effective way of busting the numerous myths surrounding C&B, and I have interacted with peers form other multinationals who have successfully created such a culture. Their stories have worked as a great inspiration during our SAP roll out and the drive for more inclusion of managers in pay decisions. Salaries were previously seen as the exclusive domain of HR and senior management, and junior leaders were systematically excluded. This created a certain territorial approach to it, as well as doubts about junior managers’ level of maturity and overall ability to deal with confidential salary data. We had a major change management exercise in the region, outlining the benefits in terms of higher pay fairness perception among staff, as well as leadership development thus ultimately securing buy-in from all stakeholders. We offer annual training in C&B principles in an interactive forum with case studies and group discussions, and we also encourage one-on-one coaching of junior leaders by senior leaders and HR partners.
3:00 PM
As it is morning in Europe, I have a call to headquarters in Copenhagen to discuss our ongoing global projects and drive alignment on HR policy issues. This is at times part of a broader call with some of my counterparts in other regions. The main global project is the stabilisation of the SAP roll out, and the continued up-skilling of our junior managers. Further than that, we are revising our sales ISSUE 13.8
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FEATURE
Compensation & Benefits incentive schemes in the region. Driving alignment within A.P. Moller-Maersk is not always possible, as we are a conglomerate of diverse business units that operate in different industries (such as Maersk Line and Maersk Oil & Gas), but we have a number of cross-regional, cross-business unit work-streams that ensure that we have an appropriate level of alignment and sharing of best practice. Also within Maersk Line Asia-Pacific, we have had a number of cross-functional initiatives which have helped to counter silo-thinking and establish a more collaborative culture, making the organisation much more receptive towards many HR initiatives.
4:00 PM This is a good time for more ad hoc,
informal meetings and phone calls, both within the office but also within the region.
5:30 PM Before heading home, I will quickly have a look at the calendar to prepare for the next day.
Martino Ottimofiore Regional Compensation and Benefits Manager, Maersk Line Asia-Pacific
How long have you been in C&B?
I have been in Maersk for five and a half years now, but only one and a half years in a specialised C&B function. For the previous four years I was a generalist HR Business Partner. I’m very happy to be working for Maersk, which allowed me to move into this more specialised role without deep functional knowledge beforehand. Most of my learning about C&B in the Asia-Pacific region has been on the job during the past one and a half years.
Why C&B?
I chose C&B because I am an economist by education, so I guess I have a natural inclination towards numbers. Also, being an economist helps a lot when dealing with inflation, exchange rates, cost of living indices etc. Especially in an emerging markets environment, C&B tends to be very dynamic, which I find appealing. It is very much connected to broader economic and political trends, which I am interested in and follow on a daily basis. I also like the fact that it is an area with lots of myths, and I enjoy providing clarity and busting some of those myths.
What are some myths about C&B that you would like to bust? In many organisations, salary discussions and the salary review process have been pretty much a ‘black box’ exercise, with no transparency whatsoever. This has led to many myths, such as salaries being too high or too low, or the idea that HR decides all the salaries. We believe that by being more transparent, sharing our pay philosophy with employees, and involving all leaders in pay decisions, we achieve a higher level of pay fairness perception among our staff.
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What would you consider your biggest achievements in your work? My biggest achievement in my current role has been a major change management exercise in the region over the past year, which involved the roll out of an SAP solution for the compensation process, and the training of junior managers in C&B principles. This has meant they can play a bigger role in pay decisions, which is an integral part of Maersk’s leadership philosophy. There was a considerable amount of skepticism and even resistance in the organisation, and overcoming that and securing key stakeholders’ buy-in has been a truly rewarding challenge for me.
What are some of your biggest challenges in C&B?
Some of the biggest challenges are the determination of a proper peer group benchmarks for your company, because based on the inclusion or exclusion of business competitors and noncompetitors, as well as talent competitors and non-competitors, the results of a benchmarking analysis can look drastically different. It all depends on the company strategy and who you wish to compare yourself to.
What have you learned about C&B in Asia-Pacific in the time you have been working here? When I started in January 2012, I was unfamiliar with most Southeast Asian markets, let alone Oceania (in fact, my previous regional focus was Africa). It took me almost a year to become proficient, but I have worked hard to make a name for myself in the region, and now am being perceived as a trusted advisor on compensation matters here.
PROFILE
Healthway Medical
Nobel General Surgery Nobel Surgery Centre provides a wide range of surgical services including colorectal surgery, laparoscopic, robotic and general surgery. It is conveniently situated at TripleOne Somerset and Mt Alvernia Medical Centre to deliver accessible and affordable general surgery services. Dr Leong Quor Meng is the resident general surgeon. He is an experienced endoscopist and is accredited to train advanced surgical trainees in endoscopy. He is trained in performing diagnostic and therapeutic scopes for elective and emergency surgical conditions. He performs direct access colonoscopies and oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopies for patients. Nobel Surgery Centre has also identified the prevention of colon cancer (the most common killer cancer in Singapore) as an important community mission and will implement programmes to support this.
Locate Us: Nobel Surgery Centre @ Mt Alvernia 820 Thomson Road, #05-02, Mount Alvernia Medical Centre A, Singapore 574623 Tel: 6256 1737 Nobel Colorectal & General Surgery 111 Somerset Road, #01-10A TripleOne Somerset, Singapore 238164 Tel: 6733 9560 Clinic Opening Hours: Mon to Fri: 8:30am - 12:30pm & 2:00pm - 5:30pm Sat: 8:30am - 12:30pm Sun & Public Holidays: Closed
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PROFILE INTERNATIONAL HR
Q & M Dental Group
Quality and accessible dental care Q & M Dental Group was first established in November 1996 in Singapore. We have firmly established our brand name in Singapore and built a reputation as an established and reliable dental healthcare services provider with multi-disciplinary expertise. From a single clinic with one dental surgeon at Bukit Batok back in 1996, we now have more than 50 clinics strategically located island-wide, four Dental Centres and one Mobile Dental Clinic. Our clinics are highly accessible as they are conveniently located near amenities like bus interchanges and MRT stations. In addition, we have a pool of more than 170 experienced dentists who are well supported by a team of approximately 300 clinic support staff. As the largest private dental healthcare group in Singapore, we currently serve more than 450,000 patients island-wide, providing a comprehensive range of primary care dental services, as well as specialist services, which are handled by our dedicated team of dental surgeons with postgraduate training. We are currently listed on the Main Board of the Singapore Stock Exchange and also successfully attained ISO 9001:2008 certification since July 2009. Q & M Dental Group is fully equipped with the latest in dental technology such as: • 3D radiography • One Day Crown with CAD/CAM Technology • Smile enhancement • In-house ceramist • Dental laser
The Q & M Dental Centre Taking dentistry into the next dimension
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Q & M Dental Centre @ Bugis 516A North Bridge Road #02-00, #03-00, #04-00 Singapore 188740 Tel: +65 6837 2292
Q & M Dental Centre @ City Square Mall 180 Kitchener Road, City Square Mall #B1-13/14, Singapore 208539 Tel: +65 6509 1133
Q & M Dental Centre @ Orchard 176 Orchard Road, The Centrepoint #03-16/17/18/19, Singapore 238843 Tel: +65 6732 2633
Q & M Dental Centre @ Raffles Place 20 Malacca Street #01-00, Singapore 048979 Tel: +65 6225 3033
CASHLESS Corporate Dental Benefit Q & M Dental Group has launched a web-based cashless system known as Healthcare Benefit Module (”HBM”). The system allows corporate clients to enjoy cashless dental healthcare benefits, and at the same time eliminate the hassle of handling and processing numerous claims by the HR department. ►►► ►►► ►►► ►►► ►►►
Cashless payment scheme More than 50 clinics island-wide About 170 dentists ready to serve you Waiver of sign up fee for limited period only
Q & M Dental Group (Singapore) Ltd Facebook: facebook.com/QandMDentalGroup Website: www.QandMDental.com.sg
Call us today 6779
7372 or email at QandM@QandM.com.sg
FEATURE
Compensation & Benefits
SMART Amidst a competitive hiring landscape, a standard benefits package is no longer sufficient to attract top talent. Greater job flexibility, medical coverage for spouses, free meals, and wellness activities are some of the nontraditional perks that are now in demand. HRM finds out more By Shalini Shukla-Pandey
Employee benefits are clearly an important way of retaining talent. However, in today’s business world, it pays for HR to offer creative alternatives to standard benefits that better meet employees’ professional and personal needs. According to Ask.com’s 2012 State of the Workplace: Benefits and Perks study, 95% of Americans weigh job benefits and perks before deciding to either stay put or take on a new position. Benefits such as health insurance, contributions to retirement savings, paid time off and life insurance are so critical that more than half of US workers (60%) would rather spend a night in jail than go without. The idea of alternative benefits has now expanded even further. These days, a variety of perks can be included in benefit packages, including health club memberships, educational assistance and management training as well as a series of retirement and pension programmes.
Boosting staff wellness Wellness activities make up a big part of such innovative, flexible benefits schemes. The advantages of providing staff with access to wellness packages range from improving the overall wellbeing of employees, rewarding staff, providing relaxation and recreation for employees, and the potential for sponsorship schemes. 12
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“Getting the right work, life and relaxation balance is becoming a bigger responsibility for companies today,” says Sam Lee, Marketing Manager of Dream Skin. “As employees tackle more work and longer hours in the office, their health and wellbeing can slowly decline. “Companies which have previously introduced a wellness programme experience a positive, happy, productive and more reliable work team,” he adds. HR can work with wellness providers such as Dream Skin to customise a wellness programme for their individual company – be it on-site massage services or birthday and long service gift vouchers for employees. “Besides corporate rates for wellness services such as pain relief therapy, Dream Skin also offers wellness products such as Doctes for facial and skincare, and Meditrina for body, relaxation and healing,” says Lee.
Driving key talent Owning and operating a company fleet in Singapore can be costly, with high car and Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices, maintenance costs and the risk of vehicle depreciation. This makes leasing or renting a car an increasingly cost-effective way of managing staff transportation. Last year saw an increase of 6.8% in the number of rental cars operating in Singapore, to 14,862 vehicles. That’s 2.5% more than the growth that occurred between 2010 and 2011.
UNUSUAL JOB PERKS Unlimited Vacation
Red Frog Event Company offers unlimited vacation as part of its employee benefits package. According to CEO Joe Reynolds, taking vacation at Red Frog is encouraged, and even celebrated. Employees simply need to make sure their work is getting done, but they’re covered while they’re away. After five years of working for the company, employees are also rewarded for their loyalty with a four-week, fully-paid trip to Africa, Asia, Europe or South America for them and a friend.
Shopping Loans
Umpqua Bank, a community bank based in the US state of Oregon, has a uniquely quirky work environment which includes morning huddles, in-office games and 40 hours of paid time off per year to volunteer. One of its most unusual perks is its shopping loans for staff to buy their work wear. With a “professional dress advance” of up to US$500 a year, repayable through payroll deductions, staff are able to always look their best.
Go Green
Today, companies are committed to greener policies, but none more so than US land development consultancy David Evans and Associates. The company offers its employees cash incentives to ditch their cars and go green. Staff can claim up to US$6 a day if they commute to work by walking, biking, carpooling, or riding the bus.
Life After Death
Google is a pioneer when it comes to offering a great package to its employees, but this benefit, launched in 2011, takes looking after your staff to a whole new level. Should one of the US Google team die while still employed by the company, the employee’s surviving spouse or partner will be given 50% of their salary for ten years after the death. There is no small print, or minimum employment time, so the majority of Google’s 34,000 staff are eligible. Source: Rachel Brown, investment writer and blogger (www.rachelwrites.co.uk)
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Compensation & Benefits Younger adults (18-34 -yearolds) in the US are
24%
more likely to want a nap room in their workplace compare to adults 35 and older Source: Ask.com’s 2012 State of the Workplace: Benefits and Perks study
“Despite the looming economic outlook, resultant from the US, Japan and European Union nations since 2009, and super-high COE prices, the population of rental cars went up by 20% over the five years between 2008 to 2012,” says Peter Cheong, General Manager, Daimler Fleet Management Singapore. Full service leasing has plenty of advantages for HR. It offers the benefits of providing company cars to key talent without the need to maintain the vehicles or worry about having a large liability and depreciating asset on company books. Also, companies need not worry about vehicle disposal. Predictable and transparent costs let HR budget accurately. “A predetermined vehicle usage cost for the entire lease period ensures that you avoid depreciation risks and negative equity situations,” says Cheong, who is also the president of Singapore’s Vehicle Rental Association. HR is able to choose preferred make and model of cars and begin access with just a refundable deposit. For instance, a company can pay a deposit of three months for a three-year lease period and gain access to a brand new car. With automotive leasing, key talent can enjoy maximum convenience. When a car needs servicing, it is simply collected from wherever it’s parked, be it at the office or at the executive’s home, and a replacement car is left in its place.
A DOSE OF WELLNESS Dream Skin offers organisations: • Discounted corporate rates, up to 40% off services. • Free consultation on any skincare problems. • Collaboration with corporates for planned wellness programmes. • Customised solutions: Birthday and long service gift vouchers for employees. • Family-add on option, whereby an employee’s relatives are also entitled to discounted rates.
“Also, if an expatriate’s extended family is in town for the holidays, we provide a one-for-one swap of the executive’s sedan with a seven-seater multipurpose vehicle at no extra charge for that duration,” says Cheong. The automotive leasing and fleet management industry in Singapore is not only relevant to large multinational corporations (MNCs) but also to small-medium enterprises (SMEs). “HR can rest assured that full-service operating lease packages are provided with customised solutions to suit the requirements of company car users of MNCs and local SMEs in terms of budget allocation, employment and lease tenure and choices of makes and models,” Cheong explains.
Benefits of full service leasing Tyre and battery replacement Replacement of tyres and batteries ensure that your employee’s car is always running. Replacement vehicle Your staff are always ready to drive, no matter what. In case of maintenance, accidents, theft or technical breakdowns, they are supplied with a replacement vehicle. The faulty vehicle is collected from wherever it is and a new car is left in its place. Accident management With 24/7 Vehicle Breakdown Attendance and Accident Assistance, all issues are quickly and smoothly taken care of.
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Maintenance and repair Full vehicle maintenance and mechanical repairs, even after the expiry of warranty. Vehicle insurance Comprehensive vehicle insurance with complimentary personal accident insurance. 24/7 Customer care 24-hour Customer Care Centre ensures someone always attends to needs and requests. Cross border usage Cars can be driven in Malaysia as well. So it’s perfectly fine for staff to drive across the causeway for a weekend getaway.
PROFILE
AsiaMedic Wellness Assessment Centre
Your one-stop health screening centre Strong establishment in the region Established in 1997, AsiaMedic Wellness Assessment Centre has consistently delivered high-quality care and a first-class experience for our patients in Singapore and around the region. Being a major player in health screening, AsiaMedic Wellness Assessment Centre has served many MNCs & SMEs over the years.
Strong Team, Strong Support Our clinical team led by Dr Wong Kae Thong (Medical Director, Wellness Division), has put together an
Asiamedic (HRM-AprFINALFA).indd 1
integrated process to provide a hassle-free and enjoyable health screening experience. All the services are rendered in-house on the same floor, which minimises waiting time. Supported by a dedicated team of account managers, we are always there to provide you with customised solutions, useful advice and a warm friendly smile.
One-Stop Health Screening Centre Designed as a one-stop hub, AsiaMedic Wellness Assessment Centre is a large, fully integrated Health Screening and Radiology Centre in the heart of Orchard Road.
Our services include: • Health screening and assessment • Travel clinic and vaccinations • Chronic disease and weight management • Anti-aging and wellness programmes • General and advanced imaging • PET/CT imaging for diagnosis, staging, localisation and monitoring progress of cancer
For more information, please contact us at: AsiaMedic Wellness Assessment Centre 350 Orchard Road, #08-00 Shaw House Singapore 238868 Tel: (65) 6235 8505 Email: corporate@asiamedic.com.sg Web: www.asiamedic.com.sg Facebook: www.facebook.com/AsiaMedic
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PROFILE INTERNATIONAL HR
Twinpalms Phuket
Greeting from Twinpalms Phuket –
Most Exciting & Stylish Contemporary Resort
Twinpalms Phuket Resort 106/46 Moo 3, Surin Beach Road, Cherng Talay, Phuket 83110 Tel: +66 76 316 500 Fax: +66 76 316 599 Email: book@twinpalmsphuket.com Web: www.twinpalmsphuket.com
Twinpalms Phuket offers the comfort of a luxury resort, combined with the relaxing tranquillity of a secluded getaway. There are only 97 luxurious spacious Penthouses, Suites and Rooms, each surrounded by palms, with all of the units featuring a private terrace and offering a pool view. The unique design of Twinpalms Phuket was created by Martin Palleros, one of the top landscape architects in the Asia- Pacific region. With a brief to produce a property that has an integrated landscape which works in harmony with nature, the “Contemporary Tropical” design and landscaping incorporates a stunning, world-class water garden. The concern for the aesthetic has resulted in a beautiful and serene setting which has a modern, romantic twist – a Garden of Eden for our times. Twinpalms Phuket is located in a tranquil and exclusive environment, 175 metres from Surin beach, in an area often referred to as “millionaires’row”. It is part of the highly desirable west coast, an area that provides one of the most beautiful and least crowded stretches of golden tropical sand in Phuket. From the airport, it takes about 25 minutes to reach Twinpalms Phuket. For more information see twinpalms-phuket.com. Oriental Spoon Grill & Bar offers an electric atmosphere with a brilliant buzz; an air-conditioned wine room and a long, open plan martini bar with revitalising cocktails. The modern, innovative and cutting edge restaurant presents a Thai and Oriental/Western fusion menu. Guests of Twinpalms Phuket enjoy a preferred, carefree lifestyle at Catch Beach Club on bustling Surin Beach. The private, stylish beach club offers succulent fresh live seafood, delectable pizza from the wood-fired oven, and
Catch Beach Club 16
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sumptuous pasta. Worship the sun in ultra comfy beach loungers or people watch at the cool, oversized terrazzo bar. Take your libation around the beach bonfire in the luxury beach lounge, while the sun kisses the distant, vibrant, multi-hued horizon. For more information see catchbeachclub.com. Twinpalms is also opening up Phuket’s first all-day beachside party venue with Bimi Beach Club, a stylish yet stripped-down spot for party-lovers to mingle, dance and set free their wild island spirit along the dazzling shores of Surin. And just up the sands is Bongo Rum Bar, a beach hut with a difference, serving up Asia’s biggest collection of quality distilled rum from around the world in a sublime, sun-drenched setting. Andaman Cruises takes you on a lavish adventure into the vibrant marine playground of Phuket and beyond. Get ready for an amazing voyage to stunning tropical islands and around the exquisite sailing waters of Phuket Archipelago aboard the region’s most luxurious cruising yachts. For more information see www.andaman-cruises.com.
Oriental Spoon
Duplex Pool Suite
ExpEriEncE
p h u k E t at i t s b E s t
Phuket’s Most Exciting and Stylish Contemporary Resort –
dens – Staff that continues to be the epitome of kindness and
A culmination of a passion aimed to highlight the joy of life – De-
thoughtful unpretentious service that is so unique to Twinpalms
liciously comfortable it features sleek yet sensual minimalist in-
Phuket Resort – 100% pure and natural products – A world
teriors – Exquisite food orchestrated by talented, creative chefs
class spa – Original art collections – A well equipped library...
and presented in vibrant restaurants – A fashionable beach
and these are just some of the reasons to stay at the privately
club, the ultimate in intimate seaside sophistication – Enor-
owned, passionately run Twinpalms Phuket Resort in Thailand.
mous swimming pools – Lushly landscaped tropical water gar-
www.twinpalms-phuket.com
Twinpalms Phuket Phuket’s Most Exciting & Stylish Contemporary Resort 106/46 Moo 3, Surin Beach Road, Cherng Talay, Phuket 83110, Thailand t +66 (0) 76 316500, f +66 (0) 76 316599 e b o o k@ t w i n p a l m s - phuket.com w twinpalm s- phuket.com
PROFILE INTERNATIONAL HR
Dream Skin Beauty Wellness
Energise through nature Established in 2001, Dream Skin has more than 12 years of experience in providing quality services to our valued customers Dream Skin Beauty Wellness is an independent, family-run, beauty, grooming and therapeutic spa set in urban concept rooms located in the East and West of Singapore. Our team of friendly and professional therapists offers a wide range of treatments for men and women using quality products in relaxing surroundings. Dream Skin aims to succeed in providing every customer, perfection in their health and beauty. Since its inception, we have always adhered to the use of natural organic products to pamper our customers, while continuing to enhance the professional knowledge of our therapists. Dream Skin has a very professional, experienced and friendly team of staff who exude great chemistry. We also promise highly effective instruments, face to body integrity and quality service. Our customers can be assured of an all-round pampering experience that will leave them with beautiful skin.
The Dream Skin Spa experience is unique The experience from the moment you walk into a spa or salon is as important as the treatment you will receive – and we deliver personalised service and exceptional quality in both. We are specialists in beauty, holistic and therapeutic treatments delivering great quality at reasonable prices in a most friendly and professional environment. Soothing music and natural scents greet you as you enter our spa. Our treatment areas are individually dressed, warm, inviting rooms where you can truly ease
Dream Skin Spa/Face/Slimming Sam Lee Marketing Manager Mobile: 93217035 Blk 638 #01-24/26, Bukit Batok Central, Singapore 650638 Tel: 65676390 Blk 201E #01-78 Tampines Street 23, Singapore 527201 Tel: 67889098 Facebook: www.facebook.com/ dreamskinspa 18
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away your stresses. Be it a pampering couple’s spa session or a single treatment, you will find it difficult not to relax.
Our treatments are quality We have the most experienced, well-trained professionals who use only the best organic and herbal products by the following brands: • Docte Botanical: Docte is one of the most prominent brands for beauty products in the world. Its line of products is 100% natural and organic. Docte’s researchers and botanists continually strive to uncover new herbs and plants with properties that are beneficial to health. All products are safe to use and have zero side effects. Docte believes in extracting active organic ingredients from plants and herbs in order to make the best possible organic skin care products. • Meditrina : A trusted brand inspired by the Roman goddess of health and longevity, Meditrina products and treatments are made using only carefully selected plant-based ingredients to create genuine therapies for your wellness and beauty needs
And our clients really matter to us Many businesses say it, but we really mean it! Make the right choice and choose us as THE pampering place for you and your family !
PROFILE INTERNATIONAL HR
BERING
As breathtaking as the Arctic Inspired by the beauty of the Arctic, Danish watch brand, BERING, was conceived when Danish adventurer and businessman Rene Kaerskov jumped out of a helicopter into the ice cold of the Arctic. At that moment in time, Kaerskov’s heart was conquered by the cool, simple beauty and infinite white expanse of the eternal ice. Fascinated by the magnificent Arctic landscape, he also captivated his business partners back home in Denmark. The vision of a new watch brand slowly took shape, one which would be as pure, clear and breathtakingly beautiful as the Arctic itself. Exactly 280 years ago, the Danish sailor Vitus Bering braced himself for a daring adventure: in 1728 he set sail for an almost unknown area of the Arctic Ocean. On his journey, he crossed the straits which would later be named the Bering Strait. And being the first European to discover Alaska, one of the four time zones now bears his name in honour of his discovery, Bering-Time. Treading new ground, venturing into unknown territory: Kaerskov links these ideas with the BERING brand, creating a watch using a perfect combination of extraordinarily hard materials and an extremely flat design. BERING first launched in the German market in September 2010 to immense success. Timelessly beautiful and long-lasting like the Arctic ice, BERING blends minimalistic Danish design and optimal material strength in a unique way. Characterised by clear, streamlined forms and pure elegance, BERING uses high quality materials such as HighTech ceramic and sapphire glass, ensuring that time leaves no trace. In just two and a half years, the Danish brand was greatly successful in breaking
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into the many different regions of the world. From Germany, Great Britain, Canada, the United States of America, Japan, Australia and Russia – BERING watches are sold at 3,700 points of sale by retailers and department stores in more than 40 countries worldwide. The brand has also received a number of accolades including “Best New Brand for 15 years” from Japan’s leading chain of watches, “Best New Brand in Canada 2012” and “Newcomer of The Year” from a leading British purchasing association. Alongside many shop-in-shops, new kiosks were recently opened in Moscow along with BERING brand stores in Singapore. Apart from timepieces, the brand has now expanded its ceramic concept and seeks to enchant its customers with a distinctive jewellery collection of rings, charms and earrings in minimalist Danish design, which blends elegantly with the watches of the BERING collections. Featuring a unique twist and change system that allows the interchanging of charms, BERING jewellery allows the creation of different looks with the piecing together of different decorative elements. There are currently six BERING brand stores in Singapore with the seventh slated to open later this month in Suntec City.
BERING boutiques and kiosks in Singapore • Chronobreeze @ Raffles City, #B1-42B • Chronobreeze @ Wisma Atria, #01-43 • Millenia Walk, #01-81 • Parkway Parade, #01-08 • Robinsons JEM™, #01-07/13 • Suntec City Mall, #01-357 • The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, #B2-K11 Contact details Gary Goh, Marketing Manager Tel: 6589 0815 Email: gary.goh@norbreeze.com Michelle Cheah, Marketing Executive Tel: 6589 0816 Email: michelle.cheah@norbreeze.com
A Daimler Financial Services Brand
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