I was in Singapore and Thailand recently as part of an ongoing project supporting a Japan-headquartered global logistics company.

Since 2023, we have been supporting the implementation and regional penetration of a common HR system across overseas subsidiaries. The work has now moved beyond system rollout into understanding how the HR system is actually being utilized within each local operation, identifying current challenges, and discussing practical improvements together with local teams.

What continues to stand out to me is that HR transformation cannot be completed from headquarters alone.

Designing a system is only one part of the process. Real progress comes from working closely with subsidiaries during implementation, operation, and continuous improvement, while understanding local realities, workflows, and management practices directly on site.

These conversations across regions are often where the most important insights emerge.

Grateful as well to have travelled with one of our project members during this engagement and to continue learning together through the process.