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The VP of Core Services, Merz Aesthetics APAC believes development goes beyond training, with real growth taking shape when people understand why learning matters and can apply it in practice.
Learning, to Karen Tay (pictured above), is most meaningful when people understand the purpose behind it. As VP of Core Services, APAC at Merz Aesthetics, she believes training alone is rarely enough to change behaviour. Instead, people grow when they can connect learning to something meaningful, apply it in real situations, reflect on the experience, and continue building on it.
With more than two decades of HR experience, Tay has built and evolved HR functions to support business transformation and scale. Her work spans organisational redesign, talent management, leadership development and HR governance, alongside strengthening leadership pipelines and talent and succession strategies.
Some of her own most valuable lessons, she says, came outside the classroom through stretching assignments, difficult conversations and leaders who trusted her with challenges before she felt completely ready.
At Learning & Development Asia 2026 - Singapore, Tay will explore why learning should be viewed not simply as an HR initiative, but as a leadership responsibility and business strategy. Ahead of her session, she shares with Emily Chong-Gupta a preview of how organisations can create opportunities for people to grow, contribute and realise their potential every day.
Read full interview below.
Q Which L&D principle has most influenced how you help others or yourself learn best?
I believe people learn best when learning is connected to a meaningful purpose. Training alone rarely changes behaviour. Growth happens when people understand why something matters, apply it in real situations, reflect on the experience, and continuously build on it.
In my own career, some of the most valuable lessons came not from a classroom but from stretching assignments, difficult conversations, and leaders who trusted me with challenges before I felt completely ready. That's why I encourage people to learn through experience, supported by coaching, feedback, and reflection.
Q Who has been a mentor or coach to you personally, and what is a timeless lesson they taught you?
One of the people who has had the greatest impact on my growth is my APAC President, Lawrence Siow.
Among the many lessons he has shared, the one that has stayed with me is about the importance of direction. He often refers to the conversation between Alice and the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland. When Alice asks which path she should take, the Cat asks where she wants to go. When she says she doesn't know, the Cat replies that it doesn't matter which path she takes.
The lesson is simple but powerful: if you do not know where you are heading, any road will do.
As leaders, we cannot help our teams succeed unless we have clarity about the future we are trying to create. Strategy is not just about making plans; it is about having a clear destination and aligning people, decisions, and actions towards it.
Q What is an unexpected or interesting skill you have picked up that colleagues may not know about?
Many people know me for my work in HR and people leadership, but something they may not know is that I enjoy reading people and situations beyond what is being said on the surface.
Over the years, I've developed a habit of observing group dynamics, listening for what is not being voiced, and connecting seemingly unrelated pieces of information. It's a skill that helps me navigate change, build trust, and bring diverse perspectives together. In many ways, it's less about HR and more about understanding human behaviour.
Q In fewer than 10 words, what is your number one motto for helping people and teams grow?
Empowering people to become the best version of themselves.
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 leave with the belief that learning is not an HR initiative. It is a leadership responsibility and a business strategy.
The most successful organisations are not necessarily the ones with the most programmes. They are the ones that intentionally create opportunities for people to grow, contribute, and realise their potential every day. When we invest in people, we are not just building capability. We are shaping the future of our organisation.
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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