AmCham China Hosts Landmark 25th Annual Human Resources Conference

Beyond celebrating a landmark 25^th year of the HR Conference, the event also underscored HR’s critical role in shaping organizational success amidst AI advancements and global challenges. Keynotes and panel discussions delved into transformative strategies, emphasizing the integration of digital technologies, fostering organizational resilience, and enhancing employee experiences.

HR Committee Co-Chair and Managing Director of Korn Ferry Advisory Business in Greater China, Charles Shao welcomed attendees to the Conference and introduced AmCham China President Michael Hart, who delivered welcome remarks. Hart introduced the Conference and also invited members to take advantage of the Chamber’s brand-new job listing platform.

LinkedIn China Country Manager, Nancy Wang, delivered a keynote titled “From AI Buzz to Tangible Business Impact: How HR Professionals Can Lead the Change.” She addressed the rising importance of AI in HR, emphasizing its role in talent acquisition and development, and the need for organizations to provide adequate AI training.

Sharon Liu, Partner at LABOURS, presented on “Empowering Organizational Transformation Through Cost Reduction and Efficiency Enhancement,” discussing strategies for enhancing organizational efficiency through cost reduction and strategic transformation. She highlighted the challenges and opportunities in handling workforce reductions and restructuring sensitively and legally.

The first panel discussion, “Unleashing the Power of Digital Transformation and AI in HR,” was moderated by Becky Xia, Managing Partner at Fragomen, with insights from speakers including: Echo Zhang, HR SVP, China & East Asia at Schneider Electric (China); Catherine Li, Managing HRBP Lead for Customer Service Success SAP Greater China; and Rick Duan, Senior Product Specialist for Microsoft 365 at Microsoft China. The panelists discussed strategies to integrate AI and digital technology into HR functions, the importance of global system integration, and the challenges of cultural resistance and skills gaps.

In his keynote “Human Capital and China’s Future Growth,” Scott Rozelle, Faculty Co-director of the Stanford Center on China’s Economy and Institutions, addressed the role of human capital in China’s economic development. He emphasized the importance of continued investment in education and skills development to sustain economic progress.

The second panel, “HR’s Role in Business Evolution and How to Excel in the Ever-Changing Workplace,” was moderated by Charles Shao, Managing Director, Korn Ferry Advisory Business in Greater China and HR Committee Co-Chair, and featured Caroline Yang, HR Leader, Kimberly Clark China; Vivian Xiao, SVP, Head of People Inclusion and Culture Universal Music Group Greater China; and Irene Liu, Country HR Head, Boeing China. They discussed HR’s strategic role in fostering innovation, effective communication, and aligning organizational goals with employee motivations.

The final panel, “ Employee Experience: Powering Business Growth and Organization Transformation,” was moderated by Melody Xu, Head of People Organization HP Greater China, who was joined by, Ada Wang, HR Director, Culture and Inclusion at Oracle Greater China; Echo Zhou, Country HR Head of Merck China; and Maria Yin, HR SVP at Universal Beijing Resort. The discussion focused on enhancing employee experience through workplace culture, personal growth opportunities, and alignment with company values.

Thank you to all who attended the Chamber’s landmark 25th HR Conference, and to everyone who has supported the Conference and the HR Committee’s activities and events over the past 25 years. We look forward to another 25 years of impactful events. To explore AmCham China’s Jobs Board, please click here.

A special thank you to the sponsors of the 2024 HR Conference: Premium Sponsors LinkedIn China and LABOURS, and our Exhibition Sponsors Fragomen, Beijing United Family Hospital, CKGSB, OHLA, and the Beijing Kerry Centre. We would also like to thank our generous raffle sponsors OHLA and United Airlines.

If you’re interested in learning more about AmCham China’s HR Committee and how to get involved, email Melody Wen at mwen@amchamchina.org.