Head of Learning and Development

With over 15 years of extensive experience in the dynamic field of Human Resources, Fay Peng has had the privilege of contributing her expertise to various industries, ranging from the financial sector and high-tech companies to global sourcing, engineering, trading, and retail.

Her journey at ToyRUs commenced in 2019, and this role has not only offered opportunities for personal growth but also autonomy to spearhead transformative initiatives. Today she is actively reshaping the learning and talent structure, is dedicated to fostering excellence in HR practices, and is committed to driving positive change within organizations.

In a recent interview with Manage HR APAC, Fay Peng, Head of Learning and Development delves into the strategies that have been instrumental in her steadfast commitment to nurturing a thriving and inclusive environment for its employees. She underscores the paramount importance of reevaluating and making significant changes to how an organization manages its workforce's development and skill acquisition.

Can you share some key milestones from your career in HR, highlighting significant achievements and commitment to driving innovation and positive change in HR practices?

One major milestone was spearheading the digital transformation of our performance management process. We transitioned from a manual approach to a tech-based system, providing real-time data accessibility to all stakeholders. This change significantly improved efficiency and decision-making capabilities within our organization.

Another pivotal moment was when we introduced digital learning strategies within the company. We harnessed technology to offer accessible and engaging learning opportunities for our team members across Asia, aligning with their evolving needs and preferences.

Lastly, we focused on our employee value proposition. By implementing listening strategies, we gathered feedback and insights from our employees, enabling us to continuously enhance their experience within our organization.

Based on your extensive experience in the HR industry, could you elaborate on some of the prevailing challenges and trends currently impacting HR, especially in the realms of leadership development and learning and development?

In the ever-evolving landscape of the HR industry, we have identified several significant challenges and trends that are reshaping how we operate. At ToyRUs, we view these challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation, aligning with our commitment to elevate our brand, nurture our internal talents, and leverage external expertise to drive our transformation plan.

One of the foremost challenges we've encountered is the rapid pace of technological advancement. To address this challenge, we are actively seeking digital solutions to enhance our employees' learning experiences and stay ahead of the curve. Another significant trend is the growing emphasis on up-skilling and reskilling to bridge skill gaps, particularly in response to changing customer expectations.

Our focus has shifted from solely the children's business to encompassing new areas like kidult and gaming. We've embraced this trend by designing various learning opportunities for our internal talent, ensuring they are equipped with the skills needed to excel in the future of work. Furthermore, we recognize the importance of bringing in external expertise, fresh ideas, and diverse perspectives. Therefore, we actively seek out new talents to leverage their backgrounds and enrich our transformation and innovation journey.

In light of the challenges and trends you mentioned earlier in the HR industry, could you share some of the practices or technologies that have been instrumental in streamlining your strategies to address these challenges effectively?

Certainly, practices and technologies play a pivotal role in navigating the dynamic landscape of the HR industry, especially in addressing the challenges we've discussed. We recognize that technology is reshaping our world and empowering HR professionals towards positive change.

We have made extensive use of various e-learning design software tools. These tools have empowered our learning and development team to create highly customized, tailor-made learning content that caters to the diverse and specific needs of our employees. This has been invaluable in enhancing our internal training programs.

“Staying open to digital solutions has enhanced the employee-learning experience with a growing emphasis on up-skilling and re-skilling.”

To stay ahead in the ever-changing kidult and gaming market, we adopt an "outside-in" approach. This involves closely monitoring market trends and developments. Technology enables us to gather real-time data and insights, allowing us to evolve our learning offerings accordingly. We recognize the value of micro-learning in providing quick and targeted knowledge transfer. Leveraging technology, we offer resources like ChatGPT and micro-learning tips to equip our employees with the necessary know-how, preparing them for upcoming changes.

Could you elaborate on how you've personally adapted to the rapid technological advancements in the HR industry, and how your organization's agility has played a role in this adaptation?

Adaptability and staying on the cutting edge of technology are essential in the HR industry today. At ToyRUs, our organizational agility has played a pivotal role in my personal adaptation to these changes. Our organization's agility allows me to learn and act quickly. It encourages thinking out of the box and enables me to embrace change as an opportunity for growth and innovation. This environment has not only advanced my career but also made me more agile in navigating the evolving HR landscape.

Furthermore, ToyRUs places a strong emphasis on staying at the forefront of technology. This has enabled me to wholeheartedly embrace technological advancements. We leverage various HR tools and technology platforms to enhance both the employee experience and learning opportunities. It aligns perfectly with our mission and vision as a company, driving us toward greater success. 

As we wrap up our conversation, what advice would you like to offer to your peers and emerging industry leaders, particularly in the fields of learning and development and leadership development?

Absolutely, as a parting note, I'd like to share some advice with my peers and aspiring leaders in the HR industry, especially those focused on learning development and leadership development:

In the dynamic world of HR, continuous learning is key. Stay updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices. Be proactive in seeking out opportunities for professional development to ensure you're equipped to drive positive change within your organization. Embrace agility as a core competency. The ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and adopt new approaches is crucial in today's HR landscape. Be open to innovation and ready to pivot when necessary.

Don't operate in isolation. Take an "outside-in" approach by closely monitoring market trends, technological advancements, and emerging tools and platforms. This broader perspective will enable you to elevate your services and strategies.

Be receptive to new ideas and perspectives, whether they come from your management, colleagues, or the organization as a whole. Collaboration and openness are essential for becoming a strategic partner to your company. Incorporating these principles into your HR practices will not only help you excel in learning and development and leadership development but also contribute to the overall success of your organization. The HR industry is ever-evolving, and those who embrace change and innovation will thrive in this dynamic environment.