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For Jack Ang, Head of People at Lucence, the future of total rewards lies in flexibility, personalisation, and a strong focus on wellbeing, rooted in both empathy and insight.
When Jack Ang, Head of People, Lucene (pictured above) reflects on how rewards have evolved in the workplace, one key shift stands out: The focus is no longer purely on compensation or perks, but on delivering a more holistic and meaningful experience for employees.
A people & culture leader with a proven track record in growth, talent engagement and operational efficiency, Ang excels in scaling companies, strategic HR, and global initiatives, driving both people and business success.
In his current role, he oversees people, IT, and office operations, supporting its mission of bringing clarity to cancer care.
Ahead of his session at #TotalRewardsSG, Ang speaks to Sabarish Prasad about the changing role of rewards in talent attraction and retention across APAC. He highlights how rewards have become more personalised and strategic, driven by diverse cultural and economic factors, and an increasing emphasis on flexibility, wellbeing, and purpose.
Rewards have shifted from being transactional (pay and perks) to holistic and strategic.
In the APAC region, he adds, this change is influenced by diverse cultural and economic factors, along with growing expectations for personalisation, flexibility, wellbeing and purpose.
To meet these changing expectations, Ang believes rewards leaders need to balance strategy with empathy. They must understand what employees truly need, use data to tailor rewards, and adapt strategies to fit different markets. In a region as diverse as APAC, it is also important to be tech-savvy, culturally aware, and able to work well with people at all levels.
As total rewards continue to evolve, organisations must rethink how they support their people beyond compensation alone. This means creating meaningful experiences that nurture employees’ mental, physical and financial wellbeing — a trend that Ang sees as here to stay.
All opinions and views shared by Jack Ang are from his personal perspective.
Q From an APAC point of view, how has the role of rewards evolved in talent attraction and retention?
Rewards have shifted from being transactional (pay and perks) to holistic and strategic. In APAC, this evolution is shaped by diverse cultural and economic contexts — with growing emphasis on personalisation, flexibility, wellbeing, and purpose. Employees now expect more than just compensation; they want meaningful work, equitable treatment, and support for their mental, physical, and financial wellness. Technology and data are enabling more agile, localised, and employee-centric reward strategies.
Q What is one C&B trend powerful enough to stay long term?
Holistic employee wellbeing — encompassing mental, financial, and emotional health — is here to stay. What started as a pandemic response has become a core pillar of sustainable talent strategy. Employees now expect companies to care for their whole selves, not just their output.
Q Most important traits for rewards leaders today and in the future?
Rewards leaders must blend strategic thinking and financial fluency with empathy and agility. The best bring data-driven insights, communicate with clarity, influence at all levels, and localise strategies across markets. Being tech-savvy and culturally attuned — especially in a region as diverse as APAC — is also critical.
Q Biggest misconceptions about total rewards?
"Perks are fluff" — yet thoughtful, values-aligned rewards can drive deep engagement and loyalty.
Q What are you most looking forward to at #TotalRewardsSG?
I am excited to connect with fellow peers, exchange ideas on what is truly working in APAC, and explore how we can humanise rewards in a fast-evolving world. It's a chance to both share and learn — and to shape the next chapter of total rewards together.
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 Sabarish Prasad. 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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