Events | Recruitment and Job Agency - Singapore, China, Malaysia

Surviving the 2025 layoff wave in Singapore and Malaysia

This article is researched and written in collaboration with a Group HR Director at a Malaysian telecommunications MNC with over 20 years of regional HR experience across Malaysia and Singapore.

When Petronas announced plans to retrench 5,000 employees—10% of its workforce—in February 2025, it sent shockwaves across Malaysia’s corporate landscape. But this wasn’t an isolated incident. From TikTok’s 481 layoffs in Malaysia to Lazada’s cuts across Singapore, we’re witnessing a strategic workforce realignment that demands both HR leaders and employees to rethink their approach to career resilience.

After two decades in HR across Singapore and Malaysia, I’ve seen economic downturns come and go. This current wave feels different—less about financial desperation, more about strategic positioning for the future. The unemployment rates tell a story of resilience: Singapore maintains 1.8% unemployment while Malaysia sits at a decade-low 3.1%. Yet layoffs are happening across sectors, driven by digital transformation, AI automation, and post-pandemic workforce corrections.

The numbers behind the headlines

Singapore recorded 12,930 layoffs in 2024, actually down from 14,590 in 2023, according to Ministry of Manpower data. Malaysia’s Department of Statistics shows a different picture—while overall employment remains strong, specific sectors like technology and manufacturing are under pressure. Local tech companies including TikTok and Lazada have implemented significant workforce reductions, reflecting global industry trends where over 141,000 tech layoffs occurred worldwide in 2024.

The manner of these layoffs reveals how unprepared many employees were. Dyson surprised employees with sudden layoffs in October 2024, with one worker describing how “people were grabbing their bags… they were actually leaving. People are shocked.” At Lazada, former employees created WhatsApp support groups, with one noting “the market is rather soft right now” for job seekers.

These aren’t desperate companies cutting costs—they’re strategic moves. Petronas framed their massive retrenchment as necessary for “long-term survival,” not financial distress. TikTok’s cuts came from shifting to AI-powered content moderation. The common thread? Companies are preparing for a fundamentally different future of work.

What HR leaders must get right

Having guided organizations through retrenchments, the difference between success and disaster often comes down to execution. The Lazada case study offers a masterclass in what not to do—failing to consult unions, inadequate initial packages (2 weeks salary per year), and poor timing during festive season. Result? Brand sentiment plummeted from 31.9% to 11.3% positive.

Legal compliance varies significantly between our markets. Singapore requires Ministry of Manpower notification within 5 working days for companies with 10+ employees. Malaysia demands “just cause” documentation and follows “last in, first out” principles. But beyond legal minimums, smart HR leaders are providing comprehensive support packages above statutory requirements. PropertyGuru demonstrated best practice with 1 month salary per year of service, 3 months extended medical insurance, and comprehensive career assistance. The investment in dignified treatment pays dividends in maintaining employer brand and employee trust.

Critical communication principles I’ve learned: Conduct private individual meetings before public announcements, provide clear business rationale, and address survivor guilt among remaining staff. Documentation is crucial—both for legal protection and employee clarity about entitlements.

Building employee resilience in uncertain times

For employees, the current environment demands proactive preparation rather than reactive panic. Financial planning remains fundamental: emergency funds of 6-12 months expenses, immediate debt reorganization such as consolidating high-interest loans, and exploring side income opportunities that provide 20-30% monthly buffer.
The skills conversation has evolved beyond generic “digital literacy.” Future-proof capabilities now span all industries: finance professionals need data analytics and AI literacy, healthcare workers require cybersecurity awareness for patient data, retail staff benefit from understanding automated inventory systems, and even traditional manufacturing roles increasingly demand digital twin architecture knowledge. The common thread isn’t technical mastery—it’s digital fluency that complements human expertise.

Singapore’s SkillsFuture credits provide S$400 at age 25 with regular top-ups, while Malaysia’s HRD Corp (formerly HRDF) offers extensive funding for reskilling with claims up to RM1,300 per person per day for approved courses. 90% of professionals in both countries recognize the need for continuous upskilling—awareness isn’t the challenge, execution is. Most people postpone learning until crisis hits, choosing Netflix over night classes or weekend courses. The professionals who survive layoffs are those who dedicate 2-3 hours weekly to skill development, treating it like insurance premiums rather than optional extras.

Career resilience now means embracing portfolio careers over linear ladder climbing. The professionals thriving in this environment maintain multiple income streams, build thought leadership through sharing expertise, and view career changes as growth opportunities rather than setbacks.

The cultural dimension that matters

Understanding our regional context shapes effective responses. Malaysian culture’s emphasis on job security creates particular anxiety around layoffs, while Singapore’s multicultural workforce brings diverse expectations about severance and support. Smart HR practices acknowledge these nuances.
The youth unemployment challenge is particularly acute in Malaysia at 10.4%—significantly higher than the overall rate. This suggests systemic skills mismatches that require targeted intervention from both employers and educational institutions.
Government support exists but requires navigation. Singapore’s Jobseeker Support Scheme provides up to S$6,000 over 6 months for eligible individuals. Malaysia offers various HRD Corp programs, though uptake remains inconsistent across industries.

Looking ahead with clarity

Three key insights emerge from the current landscape. First, these layoffs represent strategic positioning, not economic distress—companies are preparing for AI integration and digital transformation. Second, success favors the prepared—both HR leaders with robust retrenchment frameworks and employees with updated skills and financial cushions. Third, career resilience requires mindset shifts from linear career thinking to adaptive portfolio approaches.
For HR leaders, invest now in developing comprehensive retrenchment policies, outplacement service relationships, and manager training for sensitive communications. Don’t wait for crisis to build these capabilities.
For employees, the message is clear: treat career development as continuous insurance, not episodic upgrading. Build emergency funds, maintain professional networks, and develop skills that complement AI rather than compete with it.
The organizations and individuals thriving through 2025’s layoff wave share common traits—they prepare proactively, communicate transparently, and adapt continuously. In our rapidly evolving regional economy, these capabilities aren’t just advantages—they’re essentials for sustainable success.

Disclaimer: The opinions in this article are those of the author and do not represent Wisenet Asia Pte Ltd.

Sources:
Reuters. (2025). Malaysia’s Petronas to cut 10% of workforce, not exiting Canada, CEO says. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/malaysias-petronas-cut-10-workforce-not-exiting-canada-ceo-says-2025-06-05/

Bloomberg. (2025). Malaysia’s Petronas to Cut 10% of Workforce on Profit Slump. [online] Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-05/malaysia-s-petronas-to-cut-10-of-workforce-after-profits-slump

Marketing-Interactive. (2024). What do TikTok’s layoffs in Malaysia signal for AI development in the country? [online] Available at: https://www.marketing-interactive.com/tiktok-lay-off-malaysia-gen-ai

Vulcan Post. (2024). From Lazada to Amazon: Here is a list of companies laying off in 2024, including in S’pore. [online] Available at: https://vulcanpost.com/850132/companies-laying-off-2024-including-singapore/

The Star. (2025). Fewer Singapore retrenchments in 2024 than in 2023; resident employment grew: Ministry. [online] Available at: https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/01/27/fewer-singapore-retrenchments-in-2024-than-in-2023-resident-employment-grew-ministry

Malay Mail. (2024). ‘People are shocked and have low morale’ as Dyson implements surprise layoffs in Singapore. [online] Available at: https://www.malaymail.com/news/singapore/2024/10/02/people-are-shocked-and-have-low-morale-as-dyson-implements-surprise-layoffs-in-singapore/152321

Singapore Legal Advice. Retrenched in Singapore? Know Your Employee Rights. [online] Available at: https://singaporelegaladvice.com/law-articles/retrenched-singapore-employee-rights/

MS News. PropertyGuru retrenchment affects 174 employees, they’ll receive 1 months’ salary per year of service. [online] Available at: https://mustsharenews.com/propertyguru-retrenchment/

Workforce Singapore. WSG SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme. [online] Available at: https://www.wsg.gov.sg/home/individuals/jobseeker-support

Human Resources Online. (2024). 91% of Malaysian employees intend to upskill or reskill in the next 12 months. [online] Available at: https://www.humanresourcesonline.net/91-of-malaysian-employees-intend-to-upskill-or-reskill-in-the-next-12-months

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Articles, Events

Corporate Global Expansion Dialogue: WiseNet Asia Partners with Hongxin International for Successful Thematic Exchange

Chengdu, 13 Jun – WiseNet Asia, in partnership with Hongxin International hosted an exclusive exchange on corporate global expansion strategies. The event was held in Shangri-la Hotel, Chengdu.

In the context of global supply chain restructuring and accelerated regional economic integration, an increasing number of Chinese enterprises are speeding up their expansion into Southeast Asia. Singapore, with its superior business environment and strategic location, has become the preferred choice for companies’ deployment. After settling in, enterprises often face challenges in team building, such as recruitment, management, and cultural adaptation. This event will provide in-depth sharing and discussions on landing strategies and team building. The event was attended by more than 50 entrepreneurs, executives, or representatives in attendance, coming from various fields including import and export trade, smart manufacturing, e-commerce, corporate services, law firms, food technology, and information technology services.

Event Highlights

Strategic Partnerships & Collaboration

The collaboration between Singapore-based WiseNet Asia and Hongxin International demonstrates the power of cross-border partnerships in facilitating business expansion. This joint initiative created a platform for meaningful dialogue between companies at various stages of their internationalization journey.

Expert Insights & Industry Perspectives

Participants gained valuable insights from seasoned executives who have successfully navigated the challenges of global expansion. The dialogue covered critical topics including:

Market entry strategies for Southeast Asian markets
Regulatory compliance and legal considerations
Cultural adaptation and localization strategies
Technology integration in international operations
Risk management in cross-border business ventures

Networking & Relationship Building

The exchange provided an invaluable networking opportunity, connecting like-minded business leaders and fostering relationships that extend beyond the event. Attendees represented diverse industries, creating a rich environment for cross-sector learning and collaboration.

Mr. Ocean Guan, Deputy General Manager, WiseNet Asia presenting on the subject ‘How Chinese Enterprises Go Global and Build Effective Teams’. The presentation provides unique insights and solutions on the talent management challenges posed by cultural differences in multinational operations.

Key Themes Discussed

Digital Transformation in Global Markets

Participants explored how digital technologies are reshaping international business landscapes and creating new opportunities for market entry and customer engagement.

Sustainable Business Practices

The dialogue emphasized the growing importance of sustainability in global business operations and how companies can build responsible expansion strategies.

Market Intelligence & Research

Industry experts shared insights on conducting effective market research and competitive analysis when entering new international markets.

“This successful partnership between WiseNet Asia and Hongxin International demonstrates the power of collaboration in facilitating meaningful business dialogue and international expansion.”
— WiseNet Asia Executive Team

Impact & Outcomes

The successful execution of this thematic exchange reinforces WiseNet Asia’s position as a leading facilitator of international business dialogue in the region. The event generated:

Enhanced Understanding

Enhanced understanding of global expansion challenges and opportunities

Strengthened Networks

Strengthened professional networks among participants

Actionable Insights

Actionable insights for businesses planning international ventures

Future Collaboration

Foundation for ongoing collaboration between WiseNet Asia and Hongxin International

Looking Forward

This successful partnership between WiseNet Asia and Hongxin International sets the stage for future collaborative initiatives focused on supporting corporate global expansion. The insights and connections generated through this exchange will continue to benefit the business community as companies navigate the evolving landscape of international commerce.

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Chongqing Integrated Bonded Zone Hosts Conference on Enterprise Expansion to Singapore

On 17 December 2024, a dedicated exchange session to assist enterprises in exploring overseas markets was recently held at the Chongqing Lianglu Guoyuan Port Comprehensive Bonded Zone (CBZ), located within the China (Chongqing) Pilot Free Trade Zone.

The event brought together experts from the Liangjiang New Area (Pilot Free Trade Zone) People’s Court, Standard Chartered Bank’s Chongqing branch, Singapore’s Fuzilin Group, and Wisenet Asia, among others. Through in-depth case studies, speakers provided actionable insights into the challenges of international expansion and strategies to overcome them, covering key aspects such as legal compliance, financing, talent acquisition, and overseas business registration. The session was attended by over 30 representatives from the Chongqing Municipal Commerce Commission, Enterprise Singapore, and various companies within the CBZ.

Addressing Legal Risks in Trademark Registration

Yu Bo, Deputy Chief Judge of the Intellectual Property Tribunal at the Liangjiang New Area People’s Court, shared expertise on the legal risks associated with foreign trademark registration, particularly in relation to OEM trademark infringement. Using vivid examples, Yu guided enterprises on safeguarding their intellectual property rights.

Financing Solutions for SMEs

Chen Youshan, a consultant from Standard Chartered Bank’s SME Banking division, presented tailored solutions for foreign trade financing. She explained the application of various types of letters of credit in international trade, offering practical strategies to address common challenges faced by SMEs, such as high financing costs and limited access to credit.

Talent Management in Cross-Border Operations

Ocean Guan Zhongjie, Deputy General Manager for China at Wisenet Asia, discussed the talent management challenges arising from cultural differences in cross-border operations. Guan shared unique perspectives and practical solutions for managing multinational teams effectively.

Exploring Opportunities in Southeast Asia

Ouyang Qianhu, Assistant Manager at Singapore’s Fuzilin Group, provided a comprehensive overview of the Southeast Asian market. She offered valuable advice on industry selection, business model development, and key considerations for company registration in the region.

Practical Insights for International Growth

Participants praised the event as an invaluable platform for gaining practical guidance. They appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from experts across legal, financial, human resources, and consulting domains, equipping them with effective solutions for navigating international markets.

The head of the China-Singapore Collaboration Department within the CBZ highlighted the event as an innovative expansion of the zone’s enterprise service center capabilities. Looking ahead, the CBZ plans to leverage the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Connectivity Initiative to enhance its service ecosystem further. It aims to provide “one-stop” solutions for enterprises looking to establish themselves overseas while fostering an international professional service environment. These efforts will empower companies to shine on the global stage and drive their international success.

View original article in Chinese: 赋能“新”机遇，出海有策略！重庆两路果园港综合保税区企业出海新加坡专题交流会举行

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NTU Academy for Professional and Continuing Education, a Partner for TsingHua University’s Travel and Learn Program

On 15 November 2024 (Friday), during the event “Shaping a Bold New Chapter With You – PaCE@NTU”, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) announced the rebranding of its Centre for Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) to the Academy for Professional and Continuing Education. Their expanded, high-calibre programmes reflect the commitment to diverse learning pathways that meet changing industry demands, while upholding NTU’s standards of academic rigour and excellence in education and research.

The Academy for Professional and Continuing Education is collaborating with Tsinghua University, China on the upcoming Travel and Learn Program, which is set to launch in March 2025. This program offers a customized executive learning experience, designed to empower professionals with global insights and cutting-edge knowledge through immersive educational journeys.

WiseNet Asia is delighted to support this transformative initiative, bringing its expertise in talent development and executive learning to the program’s implementation.

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Wisenet Asia at the China-Singapore Industry-Education Integration Conference in Chongqing

Wisenet Asia participated in the recent China-Singapore Industry-Education Integration Conference on Connectivity, held from November 10–11, 2024, in Chongqing, China. Hosted by the Chongqing Project Management Bureau (重庆市中新示范项目管理局), this conference brought together leaders from both countries’ educational and business sectors to discuss innovative ways to bridge the gap between industry needs and academic talent development.

Forging New Paths in Talent Development
At the summit, Wisenet Asia’s Director, Wesley Hui, presented on the critical role of industry-education integration in shaping future talent. His presentation, titled “Industry-Education Integration: WiseNet Asia’s Role in Shaping Future Talent,” highlighted how Wisenet Asia supports progressive talent development that aligns with the evolving demands of modern enterprises.

“With rapid technological advancements and shifting industry needs, it’s crucial to bridge academia with real-world applications,” Mr. Hui noted. “Wisenet Asia is committed to facilitating this integration by fostering partnerships that equip students with industry-relevant skills, preparing them to succeed in a competitive, global workforce.”

Strengthening China-Singapore Collaboration in Education
The summit unveiled the China-Singapore Industry-Education Integration Plan, aiming to deepen collaboration between institutions in Chongqing and Singapore. This strategic plan encourages universities and companies from both regions to work together in developing training models that align with enterprise needs, particularly within industries facing skill shortages or rapidly evolving requirements.

This initiative is part of the broader China-Singapore (Chongqing) Connectivity Initiative, which aims to enhance mutual cooperation across sectors like finance, logistics, and information technology, with a strong focus on human capital development.

Advancing On-Site Learning and Real-World Exposure
In addition to the presentations, summit participants, including Wisenet Asia, were invited to a field visit to Chongqing’s Yongchuan District, where they observed a practical example of industry-education integration in action. This visit showcased how educational institutions and local enterprises are jointly developing programs that provide hands-on learning experiences for students, making education more applicable to real-world business contexts.

WiseNet Asia’s Ongoing Commitment
Wisenet Asia’s participation in this summit underscores its ongoing commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration in talent development. The company remains dedicated to working with both academia and industry to create a sustainable, talent-driven ecosystem that meets the demands of today’s economy. By supporting initiatives like the China-Singapore Industry-Education Integration Plan, Wisenet Asia continues to play an instrumental role in developing a skilled, future-ready workforce.

For Wisenet Asia, this event represents more than just a networking opportunity; it’s a step forward in driving meaningful collaboration that ensures students and young professionals are equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s industries.

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Shenzhen Stories Brands Going Global Initiative and Global City Civilizations Exchange Make Singapore Debut

The “Shenzhen Stories Brands Going Global Initiative” was recently launched in tandem with the “Shenzhen Stories Initiative for Global City Civilizations Exchange.” This significant cultural and business exchange initiative made its overseas debut in Singapore on September 26, 2023.

Over the course of four days, the Shenzhen delegation visited a variety of companies across Singapore to explore new avenues for collaboration and strengthen ties between the two vibrant cities. The exchange provided a platform for both Shenzhen and Singaporean companies to share insights, discuss potential partnerships, and foster mutual growth in the global marketplace.

As part of this initiative, Wesley Hui, Founder of WiseNet Asia, delivered an insightful talk, contributing to the meaningful discussions that took place during the visit. His presentation highlighted key aspects of cross-border collaboration and the importance of building strong international relationships.

We are proud to have been part of this initiative, which aligns with our mission to connect businesses and foster global growth.

Watch the original video by Shenzhen Daily here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZCQ-mmDono

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TsingHua University Executive Program in Singapore 25th to 28th, Aug 2024

Theme: Overview of Investment Climate in Singapore

From August 25th to 28th, 2024, a distinguished delegation from China’s Tsinghua University Executive Program embarked on an insightful journey through the “Overview of Investment Climate in Singapore.” Organized by Tsinghua University and supported by WiseNet Asia Pte Ltd and Netxus Global Pte Ltd, this exclusive four-day event provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of Singapore’s business environment, industry opportunities, economic development, and international fund management. This exclusive four-day program was meticulously curated to connect participants with key players in Singapore’s investment landscape.

Event Highlights:

Business Environment and Opportunities: The event provided participants with in-depth insights into Singapore’s thriving business environment. Sessions led by key players from the Economic Development Board (EDB), PwC, and the Singapore Stock Exchange highlighted the strategic advantages Singapore offers to investors, particularly in capital markets and global sales.
Economic Development: A detailed exploration of Singapore’s economic landscape was provided by Professor Bernard Yeung, ex-Dean of NUS Business School. His session covered the nation’s growth trajectory, economic challenges, and future outlook, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of Singapore’s economic framework.
Sustainable Development: The event also focused on sustainable urban development, with a visit to Sembcorp Urban. Discussions centered on how Singapore integrates sustainability into its urban planning, a crucial aspect of its long-term economic strategy.
International Funds Management: A session on global fund management featured speakers from Union Bancaire Privée (UBP) and Lee & Lee law firm. They covered essential topics such as economic market outlooks, financial laws, investment structures, and FX hedging, providing participants with a global perspective on fund operations.

Key Outcomes:

The event offered significant value to the diverse group of participants from the Tsinghua Executive Program. Through their engagement with Singapore’s business and investment community, these executives, with their varied age ranges and professional backgrounds, gained critical insights into the intricacies of the local market. The program fostered a deeper understanding of Singapore’s strategic economic advantages, equipping the participants with knowledge and connections that will be instrumental in their professional growth and future business endeavors.

Speakers and VIPs:

Ms. Ng Chuen Yin: Founder, Brave Feats Student Care
Prof. Bernard Yeung: Ex Dean of NUS Business School (NUS)
Mr. Michael Blakes: CEO Asia, Union Bancaire Privée (UBP)
Mr. Desmond Woo: Deputy Director, Career and Global Experience, Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Mr. Ho Kah Chuan: Founder of Go Global Gem Group
Mr. Carlos Casanova: Senior Economist, Asia (Director), Union Bancaire Privée (UBP)
Mr. Louis Tan: Managing Director, Union Bancaire Privée (UBP)
Mr. Joel Teo Zhu En: Partner at Lee & Lee

SUSS and WiseNet Asia Launch Success Academy in Malaysia

SUSS and WiseNet Asia Launch Success Academy in Malaysia to Foster Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Regional Social Impact

The Academy will offer programmes with cross-cultural industry experiences to empower students and executives for success in the global business arena.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 23 August 2024 – The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and WiseNet Asia, a talent solutions and consultant company, today launched the SUSS Success Academy in Kuala Lumpur, unlocking new learning and training opportunities for students in Singapore and Malaysia.

The occasion was marked by an opening ceremony at The Gardens – A St Giles Signature Hotel in Kuala Lumpur and attended by over 100 guests from both countries, including representatives from institutions of higher learning, as well as industry partners and community partners. The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Vanu Gopala Menon, High Commissioner, Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, and Dr Ong Kian-Ming, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Taylor’s University.

Success Academy will connect partners from Singapore and Malaysia

Grounded on SUSS’ commitment to learning for life and creating social impact, the Academy will serve as a key nexus for academic and industry partners from both countries, fostering partnerships and grooming well-rounded future leaders capable of excelling and making positive contributions to society.

Through the Academy’s two distinct tracks – Personal Success and Professional Success – SUSS will offer opportunities for students from SUSS and other Singapore pre-tertiary and tertiary to co-learn and co-innovate with students from Malaysia. This will include various comprehensive programmes such as interdisciplinary global learning courses and student exchanges. Additionally, SUSS students will have the chance to gain professional experience in the region through work attachments and internships.

Key initiatives include:

Student Leadership Development in Social Sustainability: In partnership Belum Eco Resort located in Temenggor, SUSS will leverage the resort’s facilities to develop a place-based education programme and experiential site, known as Camp R.A.I.S.E. By exploring the surrounding natural environment, students will engage in hands-on activities and projects that emphasise practical applications of sustainability concepts, and they will also have opportunities to participate in water-related sports. This programme will help students learn about environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, eco-preneurship, and well-being and mindfulness strategies.

Overseas Sports Excellence Programme: To deepen sporting and cultural relationships with Malaysia, more than 80 SUSS student-athletes will conduct friendlies and training sessions with Malaysian athletes across different sporting groups, including football, floorball, bowling, and ultimate frisbee. Beyond its student focus, the Academy, anchored on SUSS’ expertise in adult and workplace learning, will also serve its dual purpose of creating professional training and development solutions for industry partners, organisations, and institutions.

Impact Start-Up Challenge (ISC): The ISC is a credit-bearing course that offers a platform for students from Singapore and Malaysia to learn together and experience the startup ecosystem and work collaboratively to generate ideas, test and pivot their proposal in a real-world setting. The first of such partnerships is with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, enabling both Singapore and Malaysian students to learn and explore business ideas focused on sustainability.

Ecopreneur Innovation Programme (EIP): Participants of the SUSS Ecopreneur Innovation Programme (EIP) embarked on a study trip to Perak in July. The trip aimed to facilitate interactions between the ecopreneurs and local businesses, as well as key players in the startup ecosystem, to explore potential collaborations. In partnership with Belum Eco Resort, the students visited Orang Asli villages to gain insights into the community’s needs, brainstorm innovative business ideas, and develop prototypes aimed at enhancing their well-being.

To further advance our work and partnership in Perak, we are pleased to announce our signing of Memorandum of Understanding yesterday with Bonanza Educare and Perak Academy to promote knowledge exchange and innovation, internship opportunities, and co-design and co-delivery of experiential programmes.

Over the past two years, more than 60 SUSS students have engaged in collaborative learning with their Malaysian counterparts. This initiative, in partnership with Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and Universiti Sains Malaysia, is designed to broaden intercultural competencies, equipping students to become responsible and effective global citizens in an inclusive and sustainable world.

SUSS has also developed specialised training programmes for union leaders in the transport sector by leveraging on research from SUSS’ Centre for Applied Research and working with the Transport Federation and Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute. These programmes focus on skills development and are being implemented in Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and India.

Professor Tan Tai Yong, President of SUSS, said: “The launch of the SUSS Success Academy in Kuala Lumpur embodies our collaborative spirit and dedication to creating meaningful opportunities for our students and enterprises. As part of our vision to be a university that inspires learning for life and impacts lives, our partnership with WiseNet Asia will offer a multitude of opportunities for students in both countries to further develop their mindsets and skill sets. We are excited about the positive impact this will bring to both nations.”

Mr. Wesley Hui, Founder of WiseNet Asia Pte Ltd, said: “We are excited to join forces with SUSS to establish this representative centre in Malaysia. This collaboration is a pivotal step towards shaping the future of young talents, providing them with opportunities for early-stage development. It will allow us to cultivate and mentor young executives, equipping them to thrive in a dynamic world driven by innovation, cutting-edge technologies, and groundbreaking discoveries.”

The launch of the Success Academy in Kuala Lumpur marks the latest in a series of academy openings as SUSS continues to expand its educational footprint across Asia. Last year, SUSS established three academies in Ho Chi Minh City, Beijing, and Shenzhen. Three days ago, SUSS launched an academy in Bangkok in collaboration with Orange Cap Innovative (OCI) and other partners in establishing an experiential education site for student leadership development focused on Social Sustainability. In the next three months, the University will inaugurate four more academies in Jakarta, Manila, and Mumbai, bringing the total to eight regional academies.

For more information, visit www.suss.edu.sg/success-academy.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Ms. Melissa Ho
Public Relations Executive
Singapore University of Social Sciences
E: melissaho@suss.edu.sg
T: +65 6248 9138

Ms. Regine Chin
GM, Marketing
WiseNet Asia
E: regine.chin@wisenetasia.com
T: +60 11 3688 2990

About Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)

At SUSS, we have a singular vision to be a university that inspires learning for life and impacts lives, regardless of age, background or life path. Our university is a vibrant tapestry of ages and experiences. From recent JC and polytechnic graduates to seasoned professionals, parents seeking new horizons and individuals redefining their careers in their golden years—our diverse community comes together for one common goal: to empower themselves with an education that impacts lives and society.

We offer more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programmes, available in full- and part-time study modes which are flexible, modular and interdisciplinary, catering to both fresh school leavers and adult learners. SUSS also offers a broad range of continuing education and training modular courses for the professional skills upgrading of Singapore’s workforce.

To date, over 47,000 graduates have experienced our unique brand of education. More than 21,000 students are currently pursuing their full- and part-time studies with us.

The Institute for Adult Learning (IAL), as part of SUSS, leads in the field of research on adult and workplace learning and training of adult educators to build capabilities of the training and adult education sector in Singapore and beyond.

For more information about SUSS, please visit www.suss.edu.sg.

About WiseNet Asia

Founded in the year 2011, WiseNet Asia Pte Ltd is a one-stop HR solutions provider and management consulting firm headquartered in Singapore, with other locations in Kuala Lumpur, Chongqing and Hong Kong. WiseNet Asia’s HR solutions consist of talent acquisition, talent transition, talent development and HR outsourcing. WiseNet Asia’s core value is to accelerate human resources development through innovative HR models and knowledge sharing. WiseNet Asia’s Talent Development programmes offer learning and development solutions to inspire and align business leaders in Asia to achieve maximum success. We collaborate with renowned learning organisations in Singapore to customise programmes designed to unlock participants’ potential and boost their skillsets.

For more information on WiseNet Asia, please visit https://wisenetasia.com.

From left to right: – His Excellency Vanu Gopala Menon, High Commissioner of Singapore: Professor Tan Tai Yong, President of SUSS; Mr Wesley Hui, Founder, Wisenet Asia; – Dr. Ong Kian-Ming, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Taylor’s University

From left to right: Ms Yeo Lay, Dean of Students: Dr Yap Meen Sheng, SUSS Asst Provost; – Professor Tan Tai Yong, President of SUSS; – His Excellency Vanu Gopala Menon, High Commissioner of Singapore; Dr Winston Ong, VP Corporate; Mr Wesley Hui, Founder, Wisenet Asia

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View Launch Video: