Meet Qiyi Liao 👋
Qiyi is a Culture & Engagement Lead passionate about championing people-centered experiences. She dedicates her efforts to creating meaningful programs and initiatives that inspire high performing teams and shape a more human and connected future of work.
Insights from Qiyi Liao
1) On Culture: What’s one thing you or your team does regularly to build a strong, positive workplace culture?
At the heart of it, I believe people crave genuine connection and want to be valued. That’s why we regularly celebrate wins, big and small, through team shoutouts and peer-nominated appreciation channels to spark positivity and reinforce behaviours that we value. We also intentionally make time and space for non-work conversations to connect as humans. These simple practices go a long way in building trust and a deeper sense of belonging across the organization.
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?
During a major org restructure, I designed and facilitated a change management approach focused on empathy—open forums, regular pulse checks, and honest two-way communication. This helped teams feel informed, heard, and supported through uncertainty. What could have been a period of disengagement actually became one of stronger alignment and trust.
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?
As AI reshapes the way we work, I believe HR professionals will need a masterful mix of empathy, change management and business acumen. We are charged with the unique opportunity to bridge emerging tech and people development. Our role is to help people adapt, support leaders through change and make sure we grow in a way that’s both smart and human. The future of work may be powered by tech—but it must be led with heart.
4) What’s one HR initiative or practice you believe more companies should adopt to build stronger teams or workplaces - and why?
In today’s world of constant disruption (whether it’s driven by AI, economic shifts, or global crises), change has become the only constant. Yet, many companies still treat change as a project to ‘manage’ rather than a human experience to support. I believe more organizations need to invest in human-centered change practices: building trust through transparent communication, creating safe spaces for open dialogue, and providing emotional and practical support during transitions. When employees feel informed, heard, and included, they’re far more likely to adapt, stay engaged, and even lead through change.
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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.