Dear Members and Friends Last week I argued that we all need to build and use a set of core, transferable skills to survive in today’s and tomorrow’s workforce. As promised, this week I want to talk about the vital role employers need to play. Work is a collaboration between employer and employee. Both parties need to understand that. The employer’s focus on strategy execution should drive the structure and culture of an organisation. The best company structure is as flat as possible because this helps create an optimal culture of inclusive teamwork. The days of overly hierarchical or spaghetti-matrix reporting lines that rarely ever create value are over. To  execute the company’s strategy  the employer  needs  the right people with most of the right skills.  Their individual potential  complemented  by relevant skills-based training will provide the team with all the skills they need to succeed. The best way to achieve this outcome is to elevate human capital development and leadership to board level. This is what strategic HR management means. A commitment to competency based recruitment always produces better results both in terms of hires and strategy execution. Last, but not least, employers need to demonstrate selfless, rather than selfish, leadership to build the trust necessary for employees to demonstrate the right attitude to their work and to the company and its customers. Employers create the environment which allows highly-engaged employees to work together in teams to serve customers with consistently high service levels. That’s the win-win every collaboration looks for and needs. Both parties must play their part. What do you think? Answers to [email protected]. Have a great week ahead. Warmest regards Victor Mills Chief Executive

Innovation Series: Ascendas-Singbridge, 23 May 2017 One of Asia’s leading providers of sustainable urban solutions has chosen to evolve from being a provider of office space to a company driven by a much more holistic, community model. Join us to hear why and how Ascendas-Singbridge took this innovative and value-creating path and discover what the learning points are for you and your company.  Read more The Dark Side of the Digital Age: E-Waste, 30 May 2017 This talk cum networking session will feature insights from Starhub, social entrepreneurs and a CNA documentary producer; and an e-waste collection drive.  Read more Building Your Brand? Build Your Culture First!, 6 June 2017 Discover how companies like Google, LinkedIn, Disney, Apple and Zappos create exemplary company cultures and get started on building a winning company culture of your own.  Read more Talent Development Series: Rising Through the Ranks, 15 June 2017 Dr Indigo Triplett, CEO of 4D Performance, will introduce her HR philosophy of playing the game by the unwritten rules that can help professionals move quickly from the middle to the top.  Read more AGM 2017 & Networking Reception, 21 June 2017 All members are warmly invited to attend your Chamber’s AGM. This will be followed by a Networking Reception hosted by NVPC.  Read more Dialogue with MOM and TAFEP, 29 June 2017 What does being on the MOM watch list mean for companies and how do companies get themselves off the watch list?  Our speakers from MOM will answer these questions at our annual dialogue session.  Another topic that will also be covered will be how TAFEP and MOM can support firms that are committed to progressive human capital practices, through the Human Capital  Partnership Programme.    Read more 2017 SICC Golf Tournament, 24 August 2017 Your Chamber’s annual golf tournament tees off at the Singapore Island Country Club's New Course at 1.00pm on 24 August 2017. Our Guest of Honour this year will be Mr Ng Chee Meng, Minister for Education (Schools) and Second Minister for Transport.  Read more