People, progress, and plenty to celebrate: Meet our HR Excellence Awards 2026 – Singapore finalists

This 14^th edition welcomes three exciting new categories, covering AI-enabled workforce transformation, performance management evolution, and the use of Generative AI for HR.

The finalists for the 14^th edition of the HR Excellence Awards – Singapore are here, shining a spotlight on organisations raising the bar in people strategy, workplace transformation, and employee experience.

This year’s shortlist captures an HR function moving in step with a fast-changing world of work. From bold people initiatives to practical workplace innovations, these organisations are showing how HR can deliver meaningful results for both employees and business.

The 2026 edition also welcomes three exciting new categories:

• Excellence in AI-Enabled Workforce Transformation,
• Excellence in Performance Management Evolution, and
• Excellence in the Use of Generative AI for HR.

Together, they reflect technology’s growing role in reimagining how we work, lead and support people.

> MEET THE FINALISTS <

Reviewing this year’s submissions, Peng Peng Tan, HR Director, Mattson Technology Singapore, said she was inspired by HR-led projects that struck a balance between business priorities and employee wellbeing. "Their success shows that when organisations invest in both their people and their business, meaningful and lasting transformation becomes possible," she said.

Jin Hwui Lee, Director, Human Resource, Ang Mo Kio-Thye Hua Kwan Hospital, echoed the focus on tangible outcomes, noting that the entries that stood out were those that could prove their impact "in retention, in trust, in whether people would choose to stay."

As organisations increasingly turn to technology to deliver these outcomes, Jonathan Ng, Vice President, People & Culture (Organisational Development & Talent Management), Tuan Sing Holdings, said it was encouraging to see AI being embraced "not simply as a technology, but as an enabler to enhance employee experiences, improve decision-making, and create greater business impact."

Meanwhile, Frieda Koh, Regional Senior HR Director, People & Culture Head, Samsung Southeast Asia & Oceania, highlighted encouraging progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion, including stronger leadership accountability and a move from policies towards behaviour-focused practices.

She commented: "The strongest entries demonstrated that DEI is not simply about representation, but about embedding inclusive behaviours into everyday experiences and decision-making."

Together, the judges' observations point to a common thread across this year’s shortlist: HR excellence is all about turning ambitious ideas into measurable, meaningful outcomes for people and business alike.

> VIEW THE FULL PANEL OF JUDGES <

Join us on 25 September 2026 (Friday) at The Ritz-Carlton, Singapore as the HR community comes together for the HR Excellence Awards gala night. Whether you're celebrating a shortlist success, supporting your team, or looking to connect with fellow industry leaders, this is a night not to be missed.

Secure your seats today by reaching out to our project managers. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Cariza Ratin
Senior Regional Project Manager
Tel: +65 6692 9031 Ext 815
Mobile: +63 9773992585carizar@humanresourcesonline.net

Abegail Silvestre
Regional Project Manager
Tel: +65 6692 9031 Ext 827
Mobile: +63 927 938 4650AbegailS@humanresourcesonline.net

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