Singapore – Ernst & Young has opened its lead ahead of competitors to grow and develop their own talent with the launch of EYU, its people development framework across the Asia region.

Following a successful pilot last year, the programme has been extended to the entire Far East area including Singapore, China, Guam, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Besides increased mobility and regional cooperation, the EYU framework will provide Ernst & Young employees a competency-based global learning curriculum, with local content, classroom and web-based learning, and planned on-the-job learning experiences.

EYU is not a fixed programme, but is a continuous learning and development process. Tham Chee Soon, partner of the professional services firm, says there will be no “graduation” for the 20,000 employees in the Asia region expected to benefit from the framework. “There are always new challenges and experiences ahead in their career paths. Hence, the learning and development never stops. This is just as true for our newest graduates as it is for our most senior leaders.”

While natural attrition remains inevitable despite the high investment dollars in the people development strategy, Tham is adamant that the firm will continue to provide an inclusive team environment where people can achieve their potential. He reasons, “When our people succeed, our clients benefit and our business prospers.”

Furthermore, to counteract the attrition rate, Tham reiterates on the importance of building a life-long relationship with the workforce. “We are focused on continuing that relationship through our alumni programmes which provide the opportunity for our people to rejoin us.”

Employees who leverage EYU to maximise their potential are poised to take their careers to great heights with the firm, says Tham. “With this knowledge, they can understand what actions they can take by controlling their own career development to gain the skills and experience necessary for them to advance their careers and become leaders of the firm.”