Manage HR Magazine: Specials Magazine
Antoni Girod, managing partner of Halifax Consulting Asia, has been in the training industry for over 30 years, witnessing countless waves of transformation—some gradual, others groundbreaking. But 2025 stands out with the rapid rise of AI. This shift has sparked a common concern— Will AI replace people? If machines take over, will training still be relevant? Halifax Consulting Asia sees things differently. Every major technological leap—from the Internet to quantum computing— has triggered similar fears. The future of training isn’t about AI replacing humans; it’s about AI amplifying human potential. “We believe true transformation happens when three key elements align—people, process and technology. When these forces work together, real change becomes possible,” says Girod. The Power of Human Connection Technology alone doesn’t guarantee learning success. Many companies invest in digital learning platforms only to face low engagement because they assume technology itself will drive motivation. Learning doesn’t work that way. Halifax’s digital learning programs boast an 86 percent completion rate globally—far above the 10 percent industry average. The key? It engages people from the start. By involving top management, managers and learners early, the company ensures everyone sees the value and takes ownership. This drives engagement. A major shift is the growing investment in sales managers’ coaching skills. Previously, training mainly focused on frontline sales teams. Now, more and more companies recognize that managers are pivotal in sustaining learning impact. This aligns with the 70-20-10 learning model—70 percent of learning happens on the job, 20 percent from social interactions and only 10 percent from formal training. Without managers reinforcing new skills, even the best training fades. That’s why Halifax prioritizes equipping managers with advanced coaching skills. b>AI as a Game-Changer, Not a Replacement Halifax invests heavily in AI-powered learning tools, not to replace trainers but to enhance training. Imagine a salesperson using Halifax’s digital learning platform to interact with an AI-driven client avatar, handling objections, refining pitches and receiving instant, personalized feedback. Even better, this AI-powered platform integrates with CRM systems. If a salesperson’s conversion rate drops, the CRM flags it, prompting AI-driven coaching. The AI recommends targeted modules based on actual performance gaps rather than generic content. But AI alone isn’t enough. Without human connection, even the most advanced AI remains underutilized. That’s why Halifax advocates a hybrid model—AI for efficiency and automation, managers for motivation and relationships.
Employment Law Firms
For organizations seeking swift, strategic solutions in employment law, WEN HUI ATTORNEYS AT LAW offers a blend of deep expertise and a client-first approach to deliver tangible results. A prestigious law firm, Wen Hui Attorneys At Law excels in employment law litigation and non-litigation matters. It provides organizations with clear, actionable guidance that addresses immediate legal needs while positioning them for long-term success. With a deep understanding of Taiwan’s evolving labor laws, it empowers them to navigate complex compliance hurdles, foster a fair workplace and meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. Wen Hui Attorneys At Law offers a onestop shop for comprehensive legal counsel. While its core focus remains on employment law, the firm also provides extensive litigation and arbitration services spanning multiple legal domains. Its expertise extends to corporate and competition law, intellectual property, transportation, insurance, family law, energy, commercial contracts and real estate. For crossborder organizations, its deep understanding of global legal frameworks ensures compliance and supports international expansion. “We help clients navigate challenges that extend beyond legal matters, providing resolution-oriented insights to guide business decisions with a strategic legal perspective,” says Anita Liao, partner. At the core of Wen Hui Attorneys At Law’s approach is a highly experienced team, with each of the four partners bringing over two decades of expertise in their respective legal areas. Together with a skilled group of lawyers, they deliver effective and reliable legal solutions, addressing complex matters with speed and precision to ensure clients receive expert guidance when needed most. Wen Hui Attorneys At Law’s streamlined operational model reduces administrative overhead, allowing lawyers to take ownership of tasks and deliver rapid responses without compromising quality. This efficiency enables it to offer highcaliber services at competitive rates, driving optimal results for clients. Whether guiding companies on compliance with Taiwan’s labor laws, advising on employee relations, or handling complex disputes, Wen Hui Attorneys At Law provides invaluable insights that help clients make informed decisions on union relations, gender equity and workplace bullying.
“Organizational transformation occurs not through shortcuts but by mastering the fundamental principles that drive sustainable behavioral change,” says Motoo Kobayashi, CEO of First Place. This philosophy defines the essence of First Place, a Japanese company established in 2001, which has reshaped corporate consulting and training by blending cultural wisdom with practical innovation. True to its name, First Place aims to be the best in the field in Japan while exploring new areas, establishing new departments, collaborating with new people and venturing into new places. The company operates through two core businesses—insurance sales and training/ consulting services. This dual focus allows First Place to test and refine its sales methodologies, which are then transformed into training programs for other companies. Over the years, First Place has earned the trust of its clients as a reliable training provider, backed by its expertise and accumulated knowledge in sales. The focus on insurance sales is rooted in Kobayashi’s background as a skilled insurance salesperson, which has been a cornerstone of the company’s success. At the crux of First Place’s training methodology lies the Japanese philosophy of Shu-Ha-Ri, a timeless framework that embodies the company’s belief in lifelong learning. The progression from Shu (following) to Ha (breaking away) and, finally, Ri (transcending) mirrors First Place’s commitment to blending mastery of fundamental principles with bold innovation.
Success is often perceived as a destination—a finish line to cross. But the truth is, it’s dynamic and everunfolding, shaped by an individual’s deliberate effort and a commitment to continual growth. MCG seeks to nurture this essence of success through its executive coaching services. It empowers leaders with frameworks of management theory, nuanced perspectives and constant support to help them attain success and sustain it as they evolve. “I have been in your shoes, drawing on the experience as a former CFO, a division head and a president of a global U.S. corporation in Japan region to provide actionable frameworks for tackling challenges like strategy formulation, talent development and organizational change,” says Masato Hisano, representative director. This firsthand expertise has led over 1,000 leaders across industries—from manufacturing and finance to tech and entertainment—to turn to MCG over the past 13 years. With more than 400 sessions annually, they consistently help clients achieve measurable results, align teams and drive organizational transformation. MCG’s approach begins by working with leaders to crystallize missions and visions that inspire organizational innovation; it then equips them with the dialogue and talent development skills needed to rally teams around those goals. Leaders are continuously guided to embody their roles fully— cultivating their presence (Being), mastering critical thinking (Having) and taking decisive action (Doing). This process mirrors the ‘chasm theory’ of leadership—just as innovators in marketing rely on early adopters to bridge the gap to the majority, leaders must first lead themselves, then empower their closest allies (Lead the People) and finally mobilize the broader organization.
Interim Services
Navigating Hr Horizons
Lizelle Masson, Vice President of Human Resources Asia Pacific, Metso
Corporate Training
Managing High Performers of the Organization
Mike Fong, Director of Human Resources, Langham Hospitality Group
Executive Search
HR Without Borders: Adapting, Leading and Driving Business Impact
Pierre Monserrate, Chief HR Adviser/Group HR (concurrent), FAST Logistics Group
Executive Coaching
Maximizing Hrd Impact With AI and Social Learning
Eric Lim Wee Hiok, VP, Learning and Development Lead (SG), ComfortDelGro
Executive Coaching
Nurturing Growth: Talent Strategies Shaping the Future
Joy Maramba, Head of Talent Management, CDO Foodsphere, Inc
IN MY OPINION
Corporate Training
The Future of Learning and Organisational Development in APAC
Daniel Coutts, Head of Learning and Organisational Development – APAC, Equifax
LAST WORD
Corporate Training
Mastering Training Facilitation: Engaging Learners For Lasting Impact
Isaac Chong, Cluster Learning Manager, Banyan Group
IN FOCUS
Unlocking Leadership Potential: The Role of Executive Coaching in APAC
Executive coaching is gaining significant traction for leadership development and business success in APAC.
AI-Driven Innovations in APAC Employment Law: Trends and Challenges
Employment law in the APAC region is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by economic shifts, technological advancements, and changing workforce expectations.
EDITORIAL
The New Era of Leadership Development
Evolving market conditions, increasing competition and shifting customer expectations propels organizations to equip their teams with the right tools to drive performance and maintain a competitive edge. Effective executive coaching and sales training have become pivotal, transforming leadership effectiveness and sales outcomes.
Technology is taking training sessions to the next level. Traditional workshops are giving way to AI-enhanced learning modules, gamified experiences and data-driven coaching.
AI-powered coaching platforms analyze behavioral patterns and decision-making tendencies, delivering real-time feedback and personalized development plans. Machine learning algorithms uncover leadership strengths and growth areas. Virtual and augmented reality simulations create immersive scenarios where executives can practice high-stakes decision-making. Predictive analytics enable sales teams to identify high-potential leads with greater accuracy, while conversational AI tools provide real-time guidance during customer interactions. Integrated with AI-driven insights, CRM systems help sales professionals personalize outreach, refine their pitches and close deals more effectively.
This edition of Manage HR APAC explores how executive coaching and sales training are shaping the next generation of business leaders.
Featured thought leaders include Isaac Chong, cluster learning manager at Banyan Group, who highlights the power of effective training facilitation, moving beyond passive lectures to create dynamic learning experiences through conversation, storytelling, immersion and emotional connection. Pierre Monserrate, chief HR advisor/group HR (concurrent) at FAST Logistics Group, emphasizes the strategic role of HR in driving business impact by adapting to market nuances, embracing data-driven decision-making and fostering leadership through mentorship and coaching.
We hope this edition provides valuable perspectives on how executive coaching and sales training can elevate your organization’s performance.
