Singapore is gearing up to host the World Human Resource Congress 2024, a hallmark event for global HR professionals returning to the city for the first time since 2006. The theme for this year is People. Possibilities. Paradoxes: Scripting the Frontier of Work.

WHRC 2024 will feature an opening address from Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, along with discussions headlined by the region’s most prominent HR leaders, including People Matters CEO Ester Martinez.

“I couldn’t be more excited for our community and [I’m] proud that our region pioneers amazing development of people and work practices,” said Martinez, who will be joining a CEO Panel on the topic of transformation as well as moderating a session on diversity, equity and inclusion.

The global event will be graced by industry stalwarts, such as Dave Ulrich, Peck Kem Low, Jaclyn Lee, Kyoko Yamazaki, Joydeep Bose, and Chin Yin Ong, among others. The three-day gathering will highlight 10 keynote sessions, three masterclass sessions, and 12 panel discussions.

‘Remaining steadfast to our purpose’

The congress is organised by the non-profit professional group Singapore Human Resources Institute (SHRI), with support from the Institute for Human Resource Professionals, Gallup, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and the Human Capital Leadership Institute.

“As the host of WHRC’s 19th edition, I am thrilled to welcome HR professionals and industry leaders here in the dynamic city of Singapore,” said DN Prasad, President of SHRI.

“The transformative power of technologies like generative AI has propelled us beyond boundaries, seamlessly connecting distant boardrooms and bridging continents in ways we could never have imagined,” he said.

“Amidst the transformative power of AI, we – HR professionals and leaders – must display agility in embracing these changes by fostering environments where remote teams thrive in synergy and lifelong learning flourishes.

“Beyond technology,” Prasad said, “it is crucial that as custodians of human capital, we remain steadfast to our purpose to lead with empathy, ensuring that our policies prioritise inclusivity, mental health support, flexible work arrangements, and a culture that fosters continuous growth and development.”

With more than 1,000 delegates and 60 major sponsors and exhibitors, WHRC 2024 is scheduled from May 14 to 16 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Marina Bay Sands.