Championing workforce development and corporate responsibility

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, ABB recognises the pivotal role of its employees in driving innovation and business success. To this end, the technology leader has implemented a comprehensive strategy focused on upskilling, reskilling, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.

ABB Singapore’s commitment to employee development is deeply ingrained in its organisational culture. The organisation offers a range of continuing education and training courses designed to upskill its workforce. These opportunities are not just encouraged but systematically integrated into every employee’s career development plans.

“We believe in providing opportunities and supporting the learning of employees,” Jerrica Chooi, Country Holding Officer of ABB Singapore, told HRM Asia. “Just as business changes over time, employees who are adaptable and willing to adopt mindset changes are critical to growing with our organisation and business.”

ABB employs a comprehensive development strategy that follows a 70/20/10 split approach: 70% of learning is through on-the-job experience, 20% through coaching and collaborative learning, and 10% through formal training programmes. This approach ensures that learning is practical, relevant, and directly applicable to the employees’ roles.

ABB’s internal resources, including the Learning Management System (ABB MyLearning), Training Academies, and leadership development programmes, provide employees diverse opportunities to enhance their skills. Additionally, the organisation’s global initiative, Learn, Connect, Grow (LCG), launched in 2023, further underscored its commitment to fostering a culture of lifelong learning.

“LCG Day is an annual event where employees across the globe connect through various learning sessions,” Chooi explained. “It’s a day where we connect employees around the globe together through various learning sessions and testimonies. The initiative allows employees to discuss ways to enhance their learning and development journey while working at ABB.”

“Just as business changes over time, employees who are adaptable and willing to adopt mindset changes are critical to growing with our organisation and business.” – Jerrica Chooi, Country Holding Officer for ABB Singapore

Beyond its internal initiatives, ABB Singapore also contributes to the development of the broader industry. The organisation’s investment in a US$1 million Digital Solutions and Training Centre in Singapore, the first of its kind in Asia-Pacific, is a testament to its commitment to advancing industry knowledge. This centre, along with other training programmes like Robotics Programming Training under Nanyang Technological University’s Continuing Education offerings, highlights ABB’s role in shaping the future of industry professionals.

She continued, “ABB Singapore not only focuses on our employees’ development but also actively contributes to upskilling industry professionals within Singapore and the region. Our training seminars with The Institution of Engineers Singapore are another example of how we share our expertise to drive industry-wide progress.”

A commitment to corporate purpose and good

ABB Singapore’s commitment to social impact is equally commendable. The organisation was recognised with the Company of Good (COG) – 3 Hearts award from the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC), a testament to its dedication to corporate purpose and impact across five key areas: people, society, governance, environment, and economic.

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“When organisations roll out initiatives, it should not be a ‘tick the box’ exercise or done with the sole intention to achieve publicity outcomes,” Chooi advised. “Our goal at ABB has always been to leave a lasting impact on the communities we partner with or operate in.”

The recognition has allowed ABB to collaborate with like-minded organisations across various industries. These synergies have multiplied ABB’s impact, allowing the organisation to contribute to broader societal goals.

“Being part of this recognition journey has enabled us to connect with other organisations that share our values,” she concluded. “This has offered us vast opportunities to collaborate and enhance our impact for the greater good.”