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Schneider Electric’s HR Director believes meaningful development can come through stretch assignments, lateral moves, and new challenges, giving people the space to learn through experience.
Growth does not always feel comfortable. For Jin Hui Yau (pictured above), some of the most valuable learning happens when people take on something unfamiliar, stretch beyond what they know, and learn through the experience. Rather than relying solely on formal programmes, he believes development starts with giving people the opportunity and support to try, reflect, and grow.
Yau is HR Director for Malaysia and East Asia One Solution Center at Schneider Electric, where he drives people strategies across business transformation, talent development, and organisational growth. His expertise spans talent management, leadership development, organisational effectiveness, and workforce planning, with a strong focus on building talent pipelines and inclusive, high-performing cultures.
At Learning & Development Asia 2026 – Malaysia, Yau will explore how organisations can create meaningful development opportunities beyond formal programmes and promotions. Ahead of the session, he speaks with Emily Chong-Gupta about the value of stretch assignments, new challenges, and giving people room to grow.
Read full interview below.
Q Which L&D principle has most influenced how you help others or yourself learn best?
Growth often happens in moments of discomfort. I’ve found that some of the most valuable learning doesn’t happen in a classroom, but when we take on something unfamiliar, stretch ourselves and learn along the way. For me, development is about giving people the opportunity and support to try, reflect and grow through experience.
Q Who has been a mentor or coach to you personally, and what is a timeless lesson they taught you?
One leadership figure who has influenced me is Jamie Dimon. I've always admired how he balances rigorous execution with authenticity and accessibility.
A timeless lesson I've taken from his example is that leadership is not about having all the answers, it's about creating a culture where the best ideas can surface through honest conversations.
When people feel comfortable speaking up, challenging assumptions, and learning from mistakes, teams become stronger and more adaptable. That's something I strive to foster in the way I work with others every day.
Q What is an unexpected or interesting skill you have picked up that colleagues may not know about?
An unexpected skill I've picked up is amateur architectural sketching and blueprint analysis. I enjoy studying how spaces are designed, from heritage shophouses to modern infrastructure, and occasionally sketching layouts myself. There's something fascinating about understanding how different elements fit together to create both efficiency and flow. It's quite different from my day-to-day work, but in some ways, it reflects the same challenge of bringing many moving parts into a coherent whole.
Q In fewer than 10 words, what is your number one motto for helping people and teams grow?
“Give people room to stretch, stumble, and grow.”
Q A quick preview of your session at Learning & Development Asia: What is the one key takeaway you hope attendees will gain?
I hope attendees walk away recognising that development doesn’t always have to mean a formal programme or the next promotion. Sometimes the biggest growth comes from a stretch assignment, a lateral move, a new challenge or simply having someone trust you with an opportunity before you feel completely ready for it.
I want to attend the conference: If you're keen to attend this closed-door conference, kindly register your interest here. For speaking opportunities, please write in to Emily Chong-Gupta. We look forward to welcoming you!
I want to sponsor: Engage in meaningful dialogue through dedicated speaking slots, roundtable discussions, and at your booths! If your organisation provides any talent solutions and products that you'd like to showcase, you’ll fit right into this event. To learn how you can sponsor, please reach out to a member of our team now!
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