CBRE

Connie Cheung

AI Learning Champion

A Glimpse into Connie Cheung’s Role at CBRE

As the Asia Pacific Learning and Talent Management team leader for CBRE’s Advisory business, I oversee initiatives in brokerage, capital markets, and valuations, supporting over 20,000 employees across the region. Over the past three years at CBRE, my primary focus has been fostering talent and cultivating meaningful connections within a geographically and culturally diverse area. It has been a deeply rewarding experience to collaborate with such a wide array of teams and individuals across Asia Pacific.

Post-Pandemic Reality: Challenges in Learning and Development

When I joined CBRE in early 2022, the workplace was still adapting to a post-COVID reality. One of my biggest challenges was rebuilding trust, connection, and engagement between employees and leadership. During the pandemic, virtual learning became the norm, but it was also immediately clear that employees missed the in-person interactions that bring people closer together.

To address this, we introduced a blended approach that combined virtual and classroom-based workshops to help rekindle those personal connections. This shift improved engagement and significantly reduced dropout rates from our programs. It reaffirmed how vital face-to-face interaction is for creating effective and impactful learning experiences.

Leadership Development at CBRE

To address the steep learning curve that leaders faced in the post-pandemic world, I spearheaded the “People Manager Excellence in Motion” program. This initiative uses an innovative business simulation tool that allows managers to navigate daily leadership challenges in a hands-on, gamified environment.

Through realistic scenarios, participants practice critical leadership skills like team engagement, recognition, and motivation with avatars that respond dynamically to their decisions. For example, neglecting an employee in the simulation could make that avatar disengage or even leave the team. This interactive approach allows leaders to practice decision-making in a safe, risk-free environment.

Initially delivered virtually, the program was adapted for in-person workshops across Asia Pacific. This hybrid approach—blending technology, peer learning and group collaboration—has been unique and an impactful addition to CBRE’s learning and development efforts. It equips leaders with the tools to thrive in a constantly evolving work environment.

"Our roles will not be eliminated but will evolve. The human element—connecting with leaders and fostering development—will remain vital. However, AI will enhance our work, making it faster, more efficient, and impactful"

Leveraging Technology in Learning and Development

Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of innovation—the topic everyone is excited to explore. But before fully diving into AI, it is equally important to revamp some existing technologies, such as learning management systems (LMS). During COVID, LMS engagement surged as virtual learning became the only option. However, as employees returned to the office, we saw a decline in usage. People naturally preferred in-person interactions, such as Lunch and Learn sessions, overspending even more time on their computers. To address this, we are focusing on repositioning and revamping our LMS to make it more relatable, useful, and impactful for learners.

We have also been leveraging virtual elements for executive coaching. With its diverse languages, time zones, and mobile talent in APAC, traditional executive coaching can be limiting. By partnering with a virtual coaching platform, we have tapped into a global pool of ICF-certified coaches.

This approach allows leaders to select coaches they connect with, sometimes in their preferred language and regardless of location. Leaders can schedule sessions before or after work and ensure privacy by meeting virtually from home rather than in an office. Over the last couple of years, this approach has delivered great results, offering tailored and impactful development opportunities in a flexible and inclusive way.

Advice for Emerging L&D Professionals

This is an exciting time to be in learning and development, especially with the rise of AI. It feels similar to the emergence of the internet or the dot-com boom years ago. As learning and development professionals, we have relied on stable technologies, processes, and principles for the past decade, but the next few years will bring significant changes.

With AI integrating into learning management systems, HR tools, and beyond, it is essential to embrace these advancements, stay curious, and actively learn about them—even if we are not part of a technology or IT team. Our roles will not be eliminated, but they will evolve. The human element—connecting with leaders and fostering development—will remain critical. However, by leveraging AI, we can make our work faster, more efficient and impactful, whether in program design, administration, or integrating new tools into the ecosystem.

It is all about keeping an open mind, welcoming innovation, and adapting to the exciting changes ahead. The future of learning and development is filled with potential, and I am eager to see how our field continues to grow and transform.