World experts to converge in Singapore Human Capital Summit 2010

MOM and WDA organised the convention to tackle Asia's human capital challenges as world recovers from crisis.

As the world surfaces from the global recession, Asia has emerged as the world’s epicentre for economic growth. But even as it charges ahead, Asia faces one formidable challenge: the management of human capital. This forms the backdrop for this year’s Singapore Human Capital Summit 2010, People Strategies for Asia – Riding the Wave of Recovery & Growth.

Co-organised by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), the Summit will be held from 29 – 30 September 2010 at Resorts World Sentosa. Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean will open the conference, according to Singapore Workforce Development Agency.

Now into its third year, this summit will boast a line-up of the foremost thinkers in the field of human capital, from business leaders to practitioners and experts, including:

• Mr Tony Tan Caktiong, Chairman and CEO of Jollibee Foods Corporation, who won the Master Entrepreneur 2003 award and the Philippine Entrepreneur of the Year 2003 award by Ernst and Young. He also received the World Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2004;
• Mr Wong Lup Wai, Chairman and CEO, Phillips Electronics Singapore. Under his leadership, Philips received the inaugural TAFEP (Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices) Exemplary Award in April 2010, which recognises companies with excellent employment and people practices;
• Ms Olivia Lum, Chief Executive Officer of her home-grown water management company Hyflux Ltd. Ms Lum’s recognition include Asiamoney’s Corporate Executive of the Year 2005 and the Regional Growth Award 2006;
• Professor Anne S. Tsui, Motorola Professor of International Management, W.P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University;
• Professor Dave Ulrich, Partner and Co-founder of The RBL Group, Professor of Business, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan; and
• Professor Lynda Gratton, a global authority on human capital issues and ranked second most influential woman thinker in the world, according to Thinkers 50 – the definitive listing of the world's top 50 business thinkers.

The speakers will share best practices in dealing with Human Capital management in organisations, present new insights and research that explores the latest Human Capital trends around the world and their implications on management and development of human capital in Asia. This includes findings from the recently concluded phase one of the ongoing Future of Work study, conducted by Professor Gratton.

With more than 50 speakers and facilitators, this year’s Summit is expected to draw over 700 local, global and regional business leaders.

"Asia is on track for a robust recovery from the global recession, with stronger and sustainable growth in sight. Asia will continue to draw reference from around the world as we progress and evolve Asia-centric models in managing human capital. The Summit will give Asia business leaders a global perspective, while taking into account Asia’s unique challenges, including leadership and succession, and the impact of an ageing population and globalisation on the workforce make-up and capability. This exchange will empower Asian companies and organisations to ride the wave of recovery and growth for business sustainability and profitability," said Loh Khum Yean, Permanent Secretary of MOM.

The Summit will also tap on the perspectives of business leaders for their insights, innovative strategies and best practices, including presentations by companies such as Lanxess AG, Boeing International, Bank of China, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Singtel and Hyflux.

Topics include how to build Asia’s leadership capabilities going forward, the unique challenges of talent management in Asia, and some of the unique challenges posed by Asia’s demography.

During the Summit, the winner(s) of the 2nd Asian Human Capital Award will be announced. The award(s) are conferred by MOM, INSEAD and CNBC Asia Pacific, on leading regional companies with innovative and impactful people practices.