In Conversation: APAC Learning and Development Manager on Regional Talent Development

2023 is my 12^th year at Convergint. Always part of the HR team, when I joined the company, my initial responsibilities included handling training and various administrative tasks. As the company’s emphasis on talent development increased, my role transitioned completely to learning and development. I devoted myself to establishing a comprehensive training system that now covers seven distinct training programs and an e-learning platform in APAC. To ensure high-quality training, we have formed a growing team of dedicated technical trainers across the region.

Our talent development initiatives across the globe all align with Convergint’s number one objective: to be our customers’ best service provider. In APAC, this strategic alignment drives our team’s close collaboration with leadership to continuously assess and improve our training programs. By equipping colleagues with essential skills and tools, we empower them to effectively meet and exceed the expectations of our customers.

In APAC, we foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing, uniting colleagues across the region to ensure a comprehensive understanding of and commitment to our goal to be our customers’ best service provider.

Convergint strives to foster a supportive, accessible, and inclusive environment for all colleagues. This is reflected in our talent development in APAC.

We have established unified standards for training programs, course materials, and assessment methods, with dedicated personnel responsible for talent development. We prioritise open communication channels to share information about training workshops with all colleagues. Additionally, we offer guidance tailored to each colleague’s background, assisting them to identify skills development opportunities that align with their career goals. We actively promote cross-regional and cross-functional collaboration, fostering knowledge sharing among colleagues. Our inclusive approach empowers teams to leverage diversified expertise and drive impactful results.

As the Learning and Development Manager in APAC, my role is to ensure the talent development program is aligned with industry trends and best practices. To achieve this, we implement the following key strategies:

• Stay updated: we closely monitor industry trends and actively collaborate with strategic partners, ensuring we stay informed about the latest knowledge. By promptly updating our training materials with cutting-edge technical expertise, we equip our colleagues with the most relevant skills.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs): we leverage the technical expertise of our SMEs and align it with our talent development. Through knowledge sharing, we ensure that our training programs incorporate the latest industry practices.
• Continuously improve training content: for leadership or professional skills training, we enhance our courses by incorporating external training methodology and regularly reviewing the content, so that our courses remain relevant and aligned with current business requirements.
• Leverage our e-learning platform: to cater to diverse learning needs, we utilise a flexible and accessible e-learning platform. Embracing technology helps us quickly adapt to changing industry dynamics.
• Value feedback and evaluation: we encourage open feedback from colleagues, using it as a valuable resource for making necessary improvements and enhancing the learning experience.

Through these strategies, we cultivate a forward-thinking talent development program that equips our colleagues with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving business environment.

“I am accountable for my continuous development. A better me is a better Convergint”

By constantly stepping out of our comfort zone, we can unlock more opportunities in our lives and gain the confidence to excel in our endeavours. This Value and Belief has not only guided me on my own journey at Convergint, but also serves as an inspiration for every colleague to embrace challenge and continuously strive for self-improvement.