Media OutReach
Aon Survey Highlights the Critical Role of Skills in Shaping the Future Workforce Across APAC
- 90 percent of organisations consider skills-related initiatives to be highly important
- 61 percent of organisations have implemented skills-based programs to address top talent priorities
- Career development is emerging as the biggest use case for skills-related initiatives
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 July 2025 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, has released insights from its 2025 Asia Pacific (APAC) Skills Impact Survey Report, identifying critical skill gaps and assessing workforce readiness to guide strategic talent development across the APAC region.
The study gathered input from over 135 organisations across APAC to identify common challenges businesses face in integrating skills into workforce decision-making, strategies, and whether organisations are beginning to prioritise skills over experience.
“As businesses face an increasingly dynamic environment, there is a strong need for relevant future-ready skills over traditional work experience to build a resilient and agile workforce,” said Puneet Swani, head of Talent Solutions for APAC at Aon. “Organisations must prioritise skills development and leverage people analytics to improve HR and business outcomes. By doing so, they can foster a resilient and adaptable workforce ready to meet future challenges.”
The survey found that the value of skills is critical for attracting and retaining talent, enhancing workforce agility and resilience, and building strong leaders. Almost 40 percent of organisations are at the critical stage of developing talent strategies and programs tailored around new and future skills. Furthermore, 68 percent of organisations have an articulated skills framework as the foundation for such practices. Overall, 44 percent of organisations are exploring technology tools, assessment platforms and external benchmarks for skills identification, but over half (56 percent) still depend on traditional methods such as job descriptions and manager surveys.
Top skills influencing talent practices include career development and mobility, learning and development, recruitment and selection, succession planning and workforce planning.
The study also found organisations are using skills information for employee career development, with nearly 40 percent of respondents already aligning skills with lateral role opportunities for colleagues. This strategy enhances employee experience and data shows it boosts candidate success rates. The survey expects within the next 12 – 24 months, around 45 percent of organisations will adopt the practice of aligning skills with lateral opportunities for colleagues.
However, the survey respondents have identified barriers in advancing the skills agenda in their organisations.
Maggie You, head of people advisory for APAC at Aon, said, “The top challenges for progressing with skills initiatives include limited budget and resources, measuring program effectiveness, and identifying relevant skills. To overcome these barriers, organisations must take small steps by starting with pilot programs, using objective assessments and clear KPIs, engaging business stakeholders, and aligning skills frameworks with job architecture and external benchmarks.”
Aon’s 2025 Skills Survey report can be found here.
Hashtag: #Aon
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.
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Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.
New boutique separates luxury brand collections across two dedicated spaces, giving collectors a more focused buying experience
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 May 2026 – Watchbook Singapore has opened a second boutique at Far East Plaza, separating its curated collections across two dedicated spaces on the same floor to give collectors a more focused buying experience.
The expansion allows Watchbook to organise its inventory by brand family. The main boutique at #03-139 focuses on Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Cartier. The new boutique at #03-55 features contemporary luxury watches including Tudor, Omega, Hublot and other brands.
“By giving each collection its own dedicated space, we can offer collectors a sharper, more personalised experience,” said Anson Toh, chief executive officer at Watchbook Singapore. “This expansion reflects the growing interest in both neo-vintage and modern luxury watches, and our commitment to serving collectors at every level.”
Watchbook enters this next phase as Singapore’s second-highest-reviewed watch dealer, with more than 2,400 verified Google reviews reflecting thousands of successful transactions. Both boutiques are backed by the company’s end-to-end model: in-house authentication, a dedicated service centre staffed by certified watchmakers, and curated inventory under one roof.
Far East Plaza is well-established as a destination for watch enthusiasts and luxury retailers in Singapore. The opening of a second boutique on the same floor reinforces Watchbook’s position at the centre of that community.
Boutique Details
Main boutique
14 Scotts Road,
#03-139 Far East Plaza,
Singapore 228213.
New boutique
14 Scotts Road,
#03-55 Far East Plaza,
Singapore 228213.
Hashtag: #watchbook #fareastplaza
https://watchbook.sg/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/watchbook-singapore/
https://www.facebook.com/watchbooksg/
https://www.instagram.com/watchbooksg/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Watchbook Singapore
Watchbook is Singapore’s Neo-Vintage Rolex Specialist and a trusted destination for authenticated pre-owned luxury watches. The company offers one of Singapore’s deepest curated selections of certified neo-vintage Rolex timepieces from the 1980s to 2000s, alongside a broader portfolio including Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Omega and more.
As an independent luxury watch dealer, Watchbook operates a fully in-house service centre staffed by certified watchmakers, delivering complete authentication, servicing and warranty support. Recognised as Singapore’s second-highest-reviewed watch dealer, Watchbook serves collectors and enthusiasts who value heritage, character and certified quality.
Short Courses Structured for Busy Professionals
For working adults who want targeted upskilling, SIM Academy’s course listing includes instructor-led programmes that are typically offered in short formats. The 1-day or 2-day course structure may appeal to professionals seeking to build capability while balancing work and personal commitments.
The topics covered reflect a mix of core workplace capabilities and emerging skill areas, including communication skills, cognitive skills, systems leadership, sustainability, as well as broader organisational and leadership competencies. Such short-format training has become a common feature within Singapore’s continuing education landscape, particularly among working adults seeking to remain competitive in a changing job market.
SkillsFuture Funded Training Courses
A number of SIM Academy’s professional development courses are eligible for SkillsFuture Credit and related funding schemes. These funding mechanisms are part of national efforts to encourage lifelong learning and support workforce transformation. The availability of funding-supported courses may lower barriers to participation for individuals and employers, particularly for those pursuing incremental skills upgrading.
Career Switch for mid‑career professionals
SIM Academy offers programmes under the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP). These programmes are designed for individuals considering a shift into new roles or sectors and typically run over 5-6 months. Programme structures may include a combination of classroom learning, practical projects and career support elements such as guidance on job search and career planning.
This reflects a broader trend in Singapore’s training ecosystem, where structured transition programmes are increasingly used to support workforce mobility and adaptation to new job roles.
Flexible Delivery Formats
SIM Academy’s programmes are delivered through a mix of in-person, online and blended learning formats. This allows participants to select learning modes that align with their schedules and professional commitments. Short courses are conducted throughout the year, primarily at SIM Management House, alongside digital learning options that support greater accessibility. Flexible delivery has become an increasingly important feature of professional education, particularly for working adults balancing training with full-time employment.
Part of a Broader Continuing Education Landscape
As industries continue to evolve, demand for continuous skills development remains a key focus within Singapore’s workforce strategy. Short courses, modular training and structured transition programmes are among the approaches adopted by training providers to meet these needs.
SIM Academy’s range of offerings includes shorter, skills-focused workshops and longer-duration programmes designed to support career transitions.
References
- SIM Academy: https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/overview
- Courses offered by SIM Academy: https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/courses/course-listing
- SkillsFuture Courses offered at SIM: https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/courses/skillsfuture-courses
- SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP): https://sctp.pd.sim.edu.sg
Hashtag: #SIMAcademy #SIMA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About SIM Academy
SIM Academy provides leading-edge professional development and enterprise solutions. SIM Academy offers over 300 executive and business programmes that help almost 10,000 professionals annually on average hone their competencies to drive business value and achieve peak personal and enterprise performance.
Our programmes encompass a comprehensive range of lifelong learning opportunities designed to empower professionals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to become effective change-makers and leaders in today’s volatile and uncertain business landscape.
For more information on SIM Academy, visit sim.edu.sg
Media OutReach
Patented Ingredients Help Malaysian Supplement Brands Stand Out as Wel-Bloom Bio-Tech Expands Market Presence
According to IMARC Group, the Malaysian dietary supplements sector is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.68% through 2034.Amidst this expansion, Wel-Bloom Bio-Tech emphasizes the importance of leveraging high-barrier patented ingredients. For the beauty and wellness sector, the exclusive ingredient Wel-ROS6® utilizes the “Black Crystal Roselle,” a variety developed over nine years. Through a triple-patented micro-grinding technology, the total anthocyanin content reaches up to 17.7 times that of conventional roselle extracts.
To address the aging population’s needs, Wel-Bloom Bio-Tech also introduces Wel-EGT®, a high-purity ergothioneine extracted through a patented process. This ingredient serves as a core component for cognitive health supplements, offering 5 times the BCAA content of standard chicken essence to support anti-aging and neurological health.
Beyond ingredient innovation, Wel-Bloom’s patented Functional Jelly technology enables preservative-free supplements that maintain 97.8% active ingredient integrity. As an international CDMO and health supplement manufacturer certified under NSF-GMP and HALAL, Wel-Bloom Bio-Tech provides integrated services from R&D to production, empowering Malaysian partners to achieve differentiated positioning in the evolving wellness market.
Hashtag: #Welbloom
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Wel-Bloom Bio-Tech
Wel-Bloom is a globally recognized CDMO expert in the health food industry, dedicated to delivering innovative, one-stop solutions. Guided by forward-looking market insights and supported by robust R&D capabilities, Wel-Bloom empowers clients to develop highly competitive, differentiated health food products.
For partnership opportunities and functional ingredient solutions, visit https://welbloom.com/ or search for Wel-Bloom online.
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