APAC Network Huddle - October 2024

At the end of last month we returned from what can only be described as a flying visit to Singapore. It was an amazing few days bringing together the Expat Academy Ltd APAC community to learn, connect and share with one another.

Day one was the APAC Huddle, which was kindly hosted by Vialto Partners Southeast Asia (SEA). The setting at the Shangri-La Singapore was perfect, although it felt like the venue was teasing us as we walked past the enticing swimming pool to access the garden room, ready for the day ahead!

We were delighted to be joined by members and partners from far and wide including Vietnam, Hong Kong, and even the UK. It was lovely to see so many in the room and as always create an environment where new connections were being made and old ones rekindled.

With a jam packed agenda we kick started the day with table introductions and an ice breaker activity - “If you could wish for one thing in relation to your GM function what would it be?” The networking got off to flying start with a warm hum of conversation in the room. Two key themes that came out of the ice breaker were ‘MORE money’ and ‘MORE resources’… no surprises there.

We swiftly moved on to our first technical session of the day, hosted by AIRINC. Together we walked through the results of their recent surveys focussing on all aspects of ‘one-way transfers’ and ‘host plus’. We had some great discussions looking at the key differences and similarities between them whilst also looking at the main drivers for using them.

Without taking a breath, we moved on and Workia set the room up with laptops ready for an interactive session using their SaaS mobility management tool.  50 mobility people in the room, given new mobility tech, no training or help and a bingo card. In the words of Oliver Trundley, Co-CEO at Workia, “It just worked!” And indeed it did!

Followed by a short break, and more networking, we took the time to recharge the batteries before heading into our first huddle session of the day. In small groups we focussed on two key topics, requested by our members; ‘Cost control and how we can educate the business’ and ‘The use of tech (AI) in GM’. There were some positive (and challenging) conversations around costs and demonstrating an RoI.

We were provided with a delicious lunch however there was no danger of falling asleep in the afternoon as Vialto Partners (SEA) took to the stage. We had a great session looking at ‘The Impact of Global Geopolitics on Mobility Programmes’ in a game format, with no budgetary constraints! The key take-away being to ensure you have a contingency plan! Sounds simple.

During the second huddle session we focussed on ‘The Changing Landscape of GM’ and ‘Assignee / family well-being’. There were some great innovative ideas shared across the room as to how we can support our assignees and families with some ideas not even costing a penny! Win-Win.

Last, but certainly not least, we ended the day with an invaluable session from Magrath Sheldrick LLP who provided some up-to-date insights on immigration regulations across the Asia-Pacific region. Following lots of questions from the room we brought the day to a close with an exciting announcement…

Lynda Brennan MCIPD, GMPD and I were delighted, on behalf of our sister company GMPD, to present the APAC Regional GMPD Award to the team at RMIT University Vietnam, for their continuous dedication and commitment to L&D via the GMPD programme. Many congratulations!!

The day concluded with networking and great conversations over a drink.

It wasn’t time to fly home just yet as day two saw the delivery of a half day training session looking at ‘The Assignment Lifecycle’. It was great to welcome both Expat Academy and GMPD members to the training session where we focussed on the essential components that contribute to a successful assignment. Joined by Vialto Partners (SEA) and Magrath Sheldrick LLP it was a great opportunity to improve not only knowledge and skills but also confidence.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and to our fabulous partners at Vialto Partners Southeast Asia (SEA), Workia, AIRINC and Magrath Sheldrick Singapore for your invaluable technical insights over the two days – together we can tackle the ever changing world of Global Mobility!! We look forward to seeing you all in person once again in 2025!

Take a look at the 2025 calendar of events for next year, who doesn’t like to plan ahead?!