Meet Edwin Koh 👋
Edwin Koh is a tech leader with over 13 years of experience in organizational development, talent, and learning. He has successfully navigated the challenging process of building initiatives from the ground up, transforming ideas into reality. Edwin excels at designing talent strategies that identify and nurture potential, creating initiatives that convert potential into performance.
Insights from Edwin Koh
1) On Culture: What’s one thing you or your team does regularly to build a strong, positive workplace culture?
I regularly hold reverse feedback sessions with my team. During these sessions, I dedicate time to receive candid feedback about my leadership, communication, and decision-making. This not only allows me to understand their perspectives but also provides an opportunity for me to clarify and share insights with the team. I believe that this openness helps us realign as a team and fosters trust among us.
2) On Impact: What’s one HR initiative you led or supported that made a clear impact on your team or company? What changed because of it?
One initiative I led that had a significant impact was the launch of the first virtual Learning Festival for an e-commerce company during the COVID-19 pandemic. As teams, brand partners, and sellers across Southeast Asia faced the challenges of remote work and economic uncertainty, our goal was twofold: to foster resilience within our internal teams and to equip our sellers and partners with the tools they needed to navigate this difficult period. The festival became a popular event and eventually grew into a global phenomenon. It also inspired other brands and partners to host their own Learning Festivals.
3) On the Future: What’s one key skill or mindset you think every HR professional in Singapore will need in the next 5 years - and why?
In my opinion, one essential skill that HR professionals in Singapore should focus on is Cultural Fluency. This goes beyond merely being aware of differences. It involves the ability to integrate diversity into everyday systems, policies, and leadership behaviors. I believe that the value of HR lies not only in enforcing policies but also in acting as cultural architects within the organization.
4) What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting their career in HR or people leadership?
Ask yourself: “Can the business continue to operate without me?”
If the answer is “yes”, consider the value you provide.
If the answer is “no”, focus on maintaining that value.
Connect with Edwin Koh.
Want to learn more or connect with Edwin?
👉 View Edwin Koh's LinkedIn Profile
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As Singapore marks 60 years of progress, SG60: 60 People Leaders Shaping Workplaces honours the people leaders building cultures where people thrive.
Each spotlight captures authentic experiences and actionable wisdom from HR professionals making a difference in Singapore’s evolving world of work.