Anya Loh

We were pleased to contribute Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP)’s perspectives to the "Skills-First: What Does It Mean for Me?" roundtable, hosted by Institute for Adult Learning Singapore (IAL) on 7 August 2025. IHRP Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Shirley Lim, joined a panel of industry leaders and academics to explore how workers can navigate an increasingly flexible labour market through skills-first readiness and multi-portfolio career approaches. This vital dialogue, part of the Skills-First Working Paper Series, brought together diverse stakeholders to co-create practical solutions for advancing Singapore's skills-first ecosystem. The session was opened by Edwin Tan, Director of the Office for Skills-First Practices, who set the stage for meaningful discussions on translating skills-first concepts into actionable strategies. Patrick Tay Teck Guan, Assistant Secretary-General for National Trades Union Congress, and Dr Soon Joo Gog, Fellow, SUSS-IAL, were also invited to share their thoughts around what it meant to take a skills-first approach as individuals as AI continued to shape the world of work. Distinguished panellists included:  * Patrick Tay, Assistant Secretary-General, National Trades Union Congress  * Tracy Lee, Assistant Chief Executive, Workforce Singapore  * Wee Siong Yeo, Group Director, SkillsFuture Singapore  * Zhuo Gangwei, Divisional Director, Ministry of Manpower * Gloria Arlini, Chief Executive Officer, Generation Singapore  * A/P Chong GUAN, Director, Singapore University of Social Sciences  * Jeremiah Wong 王俊傑, Lead Career Developer, AVODAH People Solutions  * Kai Ning Lim, Co-Founder, The Courage Chapter  * Morag Lynagh, Director, Blue Moth Consulting * Dr Gog Soon Joo, Fellow, SUSS-IAL  * Dr Ruby Toh, Principal Researcher, SUSS-IAL • Dr Albert Liau, Head Analyst, SUSS-IAL * Dr Samuel Chng, Research Assistant Professor, SUTD (Moderator) We appreciate the invitation and the opportunity to share insights on how progressive HR practices can better support workers in developing competencies needed for multi-career success, especially in the face of disruptive challenges and an evolving economy. 📄 To learn more about the “Skills-first: What Does It Mean for Me?" working paper - do visit https://lnkd.in/gRKkfqE8 #IHRP #SkillsFirst #HRLeadership #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerResilience #Singapore

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📺 News flash: Just been informed by CNA that CuriousCore is going to be briefly mentioned at 10pm (SGT) tonight's news about the surging demand of #GenAI course participants. We've always believe that technology skills should be relevant, practical and accessible to all adult learners so we are very happy to have increasing interest on Gen AI (we are platform/tool agnostic). Some asked why we didn't hop on the coding or data analysis or cybersecurity bandwagon? One said, "You could have made a few extra million dollars if you rode that wave!" I'll admit I'm probably a better teacher than a businessman or capitalist. I saw there were several technical training providers which delivered exactly what technology teams require and I doubt we can beat the cost competitiveness of the Indians or the creativity of the Europeans or the recognised certifications of the Americans. However, few took time to understand the business dynamics and change management side of things especially for middle managers trying to sustain and grow their business units. I was once a middle manager in the system, I wasn't given a playbook only some pep talk and problem solving frameworks. I was asked to do change management and training + coaching of my juniors on top of my BAU responsibilities, which included P&L or innovation management. Earlier in my career, I had wished I didn't need to flip through 5 books and 3 courses to make sense of a topic. That's how I learnt A/B testing, performance management and financial analysis. I had mentors but not all are gifted to teach and impart skills without hubris. Hence, we designed our courses for time-sensitive professionals delivered with business and learning outcomes in mind. So yes, capability development is a strategic business growth lever and training doesn't have to be once and done. That's what we are: a learning partner to evolving companies.

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The Women's Directorship Programme, launched in 2013, has empowered over 300 top women executives with a #Masters in #Board #Governance. A collaboration of Meraki Executive Search & Consulting and HKU Business School, this 13-year initiative has seen over 75% of graduates taking up positions on corporate boards. In 2024, the inaugural #India edition, #WDPIndia, was introduced with a similar mission: to enhance #genderdiversity in #boardrooms across Asia and beyond, fostering better #corporategovernance. The first cohort in Mumbai last November included leaders from Salesforce, United Breweries Ltd. HSBC AXA, Syngene International Limited, and more. Looking ahead to November 2025, preparations are underway for the second cohort of #WDPIndia. With half the spots already filled, there's still an opportunity to participate. If you aspire to be an #INED, explore board roles, seek insights into board dynamics, or wish to engage your company, feel free to reach out via DM. Joining this program could be #lifechanging. Kirti Lad Soni Sajnani Priyali Kamath Sumit Seth Sutapa Banerjee Vinita B. Nicholas Allen 30% Club UK

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