Esther KWEK
Summary
I am an accomplished HR Manager with over 20 years of experience in both strategic and operational human resource management across diverse sectors and regions, I specialize in talent acquisition, organizational development, employee relations, performance management, compensation and benefits, and HR compliance. My expertise lies in aligning HR strategies with business objectives to drive growth, enhance employee engagement, and optimize productivity. I have a proven ability to lead HR teams, manage complex projects, and implement innovative solutions in dynamic environments, with a focus on change management, leadership development, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. I am adept at navigating cross-cultural dynamics and regional market trends, with deep knowledge of international labor laws and regulations. Known for balancing operational excellence with strategic influence at all organizational levels, I leverage HR technology and data analytics to enhance decision-making and improve HR processes. A trusted advisor to senior leadership, I am recognized for delivering sustainable HR initiatives that support both short-term goals and long-term organizational success.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director
SPD
08.2023 - 10.2024
- Company Overview: Social Service Agency
- My role is centered on driving business excellence through strategic alignment of human resources with organizational goals, with a strong emphasis on talent acquisition and talent management
- I work closely with senior leadership to ensure that HR initiatives directly support business objectives, enhance performance, and build a high-quality workforce capable of driving organizational success
- Talent Acquisition and Management: Overseeing the talent acquisition function to attract top-tier talent that meets the specific needs of the organization
- I partner with business units to design and execute recruiting strategies that target the right skill sets for current and future roles
- Strategic HR Alignment: In my role, I collaborate closely with key programme leaders to understand their unique needs, challenges, and objectives
- By leveraging this insight, I ensure that HR strategies—ranging from workforce planning to talent development and performance management—are directly aligned with the organization’s overarching goals
- Driving Business Excellence: I actively contribute to improving business operations by introducing data-driven HR initiatives that streamline processes, increase employee productivity, and align teams with business objectives
- Team Leadership and Development: Managing a team of 5 HR professionals, I oversee the execution of various HR functions within the organization, such as recruitment, employee engagement, performance management, and employee relations
- My leadership approach emphasizes empowerment, coaching, and collaboration, ensuring that my team operates efficiently and that individual strengths are maximized
- Through regular mentoring and development opportunities, I foster an environment of continuous learning and professional growth within the team
- Change Management and Organizational Development: As an HRBP, I play a key role in driving and managing organizational change
- I partner with leadership teams to develop and implement change management strategies that align with business transformations
- This includes ensuring that employees are supported through transitions, whether through restructuring, mergers, or cultural shifts, and that these changes are communicated effectively to foster buy-in and minimize disruption
- Employee Engagement and Retention: I take a hands-on approach to improving employee engagement, ensuring that the organization attracts, develops, and retains top talent
- By using employee feedback, conducting surveys, and analyzing HR data, the team identify areas for improvement and implement targeted initiatives to enhance satisfaction, performance, and retention across all levels
- Social Service Agency
Senior Manager
Methodist Welfare Services
01.2022 - 06.2023
- Company Overview: Social Service Agency
- My primary responsibility is to align HR strategies with business objectives, focusing on critical areas such as recruitment, retention, employee engagement, talent development, stakeholder management, and conflict resolution
- By working closely with leadership and various departments, I ensure that HR practices drive business success and contribute to a positive organizational culture
- Recruitment and Retention: I lead the recruitment process to attract top talent, collaborating with hiring managers to develop effective recruitment strategies that align with organizational needs
- Employee Engagement and Development: I take a proactive approach to enhancing employee engagement, creating an environment where employees are motivated, aligned with company goals, and invested in their roles
- I work closely with leaders to gather feedback, conduct surveys, and implement initiatives that improve employee satisfaction
- On the development side, I design and oversee programs for upskilled employees, foster career growth, and build leadership pipelines, ensuring that talent is nurtured and ready to take on future challenges within the organization
- Stakeholder Management: A key component of my role is managing relationships with key stakeholders, including senior leadership, department heads, and external partners
- By fostering open communication and a collaborative approach, I ensure that HR strategies are aligned with business needs and that HR initiatives receive the support and buy-in required for success
- Conflict Resolution: Effective conflict resolution is another core responsibility
- I address workplace conflicts promptly and professionally, leveraging strong interpersonal and mediation skills to find mutually beneficial solutions
- By fostering a fair and transparent process for handling disputes, I ensure that conflicts are resolved in a way that maintains positive relationships and upholds company values
- Social Service Agency
Senior Manager
SUN-DAC
04.2017 - 12.2021
- Company Overview: Social Service Agency
- My role is to oversee and manage the entire spectrum of human resource functions to ensure that the organization’s workforce is optimized, engaged, and aligned with business objectives
- I am responsible for both strategic and operational HR activities, balancing day-to-day management with long-term planning to foster a positive work environment, enhance employee performance, and support organizational growth
- Recruitment and Staffing: I lead the recruitment and selection process, ensuring the organization attracts and hires top talent that aligns with both the role requirements and company culture
- Employee Relations and Engagement: Focus on improving employee engagement through regular feedback, surveys, recognition programs, and initiatives aimed at boosting morale and job satisfaction
- Performance Management: I oversee the performance management system, ensuring that goals are clearly defined, feedback is regularly provided, and employees are supported in achieving their professional development objectives
- Compensation and Benefits: I manage compensation and benefits programs to ensure they are competitive, fair, and aligned with industry standards
- Training and Development: Fostering a culture of continuous learning, I ensure that the workforce remains adaptable to organizational changes and is equipped to meet the evolving demands of the business
- Compliance and Legal: Ensure that the organization remains compliant with labor laws and regulations, including overseeing policies related to workplace safety, diversity, anti-discrimination laws, and other HR-related legal requirements
- Strategic HR Planning: In partnership with senior leadership, I contribute to long-term HR planning to support the organization’s strategic objectives
- Health, Safety, and Wellbeing: I oversee employee health and safety programs, ensuring a safe and supportive work environment
- Social Service Agency
HR Business Partner (Regional)
Keller Foundations (SE Asia) Pte Ltd
05.2015 - 03.2017
- Company Overview: Foreign-Based Engineering Construction Firm
- As a Regional HR Business Partner for ASEAN, my role is to strategically align HR initiatives with business objectives across multiple countries within the region
- I partner closely with senior leadership to drive talent acquisition, retention, and development strategies that meet local and regional needs
- My responsibilities include overseeing employee relations, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and supporting organizational change initiatives
- I manage and support HR teams across different countries, ensuring consistency in HR practices while adapting to cultural and legal nuances
- Additionally, I play a key role in workforce planning, leadership development, and employee engagement, all while maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders to foster a high-performance culture within the ASEAN region
- Foreign-Based Engineering Construction Firm
HR Consulting Manager
K&E Associates Pte Ltd
05.2008 - 04.2015
- Company Overview: HR Consultancy & Headhunting Firm
- Focus on HR Consultancy and headhunting in helping clients across various sectors—such as logistics, engineering, manufacturing, and construction—optimize their human capital strategies
- As an HR Consultant, I provide expert advice on all aspects of human resources, from workforce planning and talent acquisition to organizational development and compliance
- With a deep understanding of each industry's unique challenges, I tailor HR solutions to align with business goals, enhance employee performance, and foster organizational growth
- In addition to consultancy, headhunting is also my core function, where I specialize in identifying and recruiting top-tier talent for critical positions within logistics, engineering, manufacturing, and construction industries
- Leveraging my extensive network and industry knowledge, I source high-calibre candidates who possess technical skills, experience, and cultural fit to succeed in these demanding sectors
- Whether it's finding specialized talent for complex engineering projects or securing leadership for growing manufacturing companies, I ensure that my clients have the right people in place to drive their business forward
- Through a combination of strategic HR consultancy and targeted headhunting services, I help organizations build strong, resilient teams that support their long-term success
- HR Consultancy & Headhunting Firm
Regional HR Manager
ITT Industries Pte Ltd
02.2003 - 03.2008
- Company Overview: US Based Manufacturing and R&D Firm
- As a Regional HR Manager heading the HRIS (Human Resource Information System) implementation, my key responsibilities include overseeing the development and integration of HRIS across multiple regions, ensuring it aligns with the organization's HR strategy and goals
- I lead the end-to-end process of selecting, implementing, and optimizing the HRIS, ensuring that it improves efficiency in HR functions such as recruitment, payroll, performance management, and employee data management
- Additionally, I collaborate with various stakeholders, including IT, senior leadership, and HR teams, to ensure smooth system adoption, training, and troubleshooting across regions
- I also manage the alignment of HR policies and processes with the capabilities of the HRIS, ensuring the system supports compliance with local labor laws and regulations across different countries
- As part of my regional role, I provide guidance and support to HR teams on utilizing the system to its full potential, driving data-driven decision-making, and improving HR reporting
- My focus is on streamlining HR operations, enhancing employee experience, and ensuring seamless integration of the HRIS to contribute to the overall business objectives of the organization
- US Based Manufacturing and R&D Firm
HR & Admin Officer
Boadway Enterprises Pte Ltd
06.1994 - 01.2003
Senior Personnel & Admin Assistant
MMI Pte Ltd
10.1988 - 05.1994
Education
Degree in Commerce - Major in Management
University of Western Sydney
01.2005
IHRP Certification - HR Professional
01.2024
Certified Performance Leadership Coach -
ACSTH (ICF)
01.2021
Certified Career Advisory -
WSG
01.2020
CEI (KAH) -
01.2016
Certified in Practical Counselling -
01.2016
Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management -
PSB
01.2002
Skills
- Leadership
- Relationship-building
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Employee Relations & Engagement
- Policy Development
- Cultural steward
- Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) navigation
- Payroll Administration
- Emotional Intelligence
- Problem Solving
- Collaboration
- Time Management
- Adaptability
Education And Professional Accreditation
- 2024, IHRP Certification – HR Professional
- 2021, Certified Performance Leadership Coach - ACSTH (ICF)
- 2020, Certified Career Advisory - WSG
- 2016, CEI (KAH)
- 2016, Certified in Practical Counselling
- 2005, Degree in Commerce - Major in Management - University of Western Sydney
- 2002, Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management - PSB
Professional Overview
I am an accomplished HR Manager with over 20 years of experience in both strategic and operational human resource management across diverse sectors and regions, I specialize in talent acquisition, organizational development, employee relations, performance management, compensation and benefits, and HR compliance. My expertise lies in aligning HR strategies with business objectives to drive growth, enhance employee engagement, and optimize productivity. I have a proven ability to lead HR teams, manage complex projects, and implement innovative solutions in dynamic environments, with a focus on change management, leadership development, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. I am adept at navigating cross-cultural dynamics and regional market trends, with deep knowledge of international labor laws and regulations. Known for balancing operational excellence with strategic influence at all organizational levels, I leverage HR technology and data analytics to enhance decision-making and improve HR processes. A trusted advisor to senior leadership, I am recognized for delivering sustainable HR initiatives that support both short-term goals and long-term organizational success.
Timeline
Assistant Director
SPD
08.2023 - 10.2024
Senior Manager
Methodist Welfare Services
01.2022 - 06.2023
Senior Manager
SUN-DAC
04.2017 - 12.2021
HR Business Partner (Regional)
Keller Foundations (SE Asia) Pte Ltd
05.2015 - 03.2017
HR Consulting Manager
K&E Associates Pte Ltd
05.2008 - 04.2015
Regional HR Manager
ITT Industries Pte Ltd
02.2003 - 03.2008
HR & Admin Officer
Boadway Enterprises Pte Ltd
06.1994 - 01.2003
Senior Personnel & Admin Assistant
MMI Pte Ltd
10.1988 - 05.1994
IHRP Certification - HR Professional
Certified Performance Leadership Coach -
ACSTH (ICF)
Certified Career Advisory -
WSG
CEI (KAH) -
Certified in Practical Counselling -
Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management -
PSB
Degree in Commerce - Major in Management
University of Western Sydney
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