People-first HR: Cultivating leaders in Asia’s dynamic markets

“By creating opportunities for meaningful connections, professional and personal growth, and leadership engagement, we are cultivating an environment where every employee has the chance to learn, contribute, and thrive.” – Somnuek Ngamtrakulchol, Asia-Pacific HR Director of ADM

As organisations evolve, so too must their approach to talent development, employee engagement, and fostering a culture of belonging. ADM, a global leader in the agri-commodity space, is leading the charge in Asia-Pacific by integrating innovative HR strategies that focus on mentorship, early talent development, and inclusion.

At the heart of ADM’s talent strategy lies its Career Mentoring Programme, a dynamic initiative designed to empower both mentors and mentees. “Talent development is a strategic imperative that drives our long-term success in an evolving global landscape. We recognise that investing in people goes beyond filling roles; it is about cultivating future leaders and fostering a culture where employees embrace a growth mindset, feel empowered to learn, contribute, and drive meaningful impact,” Somnuek Ngamtrakulchol, Asia-Pacific HR Director of ADM, told HRM Asia.

This programme facilitates one-on-one mentoring relationships, connecting employees with experienced leaders across ADM. With a structured matching process, comprehensive training, and dedicated handbooks for mentors and mentees, the programme creates an environment of knowledge-sharing, leadership development, and career growth.

He explained, “Mentors provide guidance, while mentees are empowered to take ownership of their professional development, benefiting from direct engagement with senior leadership and expanding their professional networks.”

ADM’s focus on nurturing future leaders extends to its Asia-Pacific Finance Trainee Programme and the Global Trade Asia Commercial Trainee Programme. These initiatives provide young professionals with hands-on experience and exposure across key business functions, offering both technical expertise and strategic insights. “Together, these initiatives strengthen our talent pipeline to support long-term growth in Asia-Pacific,” he shared.

By prioritising early talent development, ADM ensures its workforce remains agile, forward-thinking, and ready to lead in a fast-paced, global environment. This is a crucial aspect of the organisation’s broader long-term strategy to expand its regional footprint and leadership.

Fostering belonging through networking and leadership conversations

As part of ADM’s commitment to inclusion, the organisation launched two key initiatives in 2024: the Young Professional Network (YPN) and the Asia-Pacific Leadership Career Conversations series. “At ADM, we believe that fostering a strong sense of belonging and creating growth opportunities are fundamental to building an engaged, high-performing workforce,” Ngamtrakulchol said.

The YPN was designed to support ADM professionals in advancing their careers and personal growth by providing networking events, targeted training sessions, and community engagement opportunities. “It reflects ADM’s commitment to empowering employees with the resources and opportunities needed to navigate and accelerate their growth within the organisation,” he added.

The Asia-Pacific Leadership Career Conversations series also connects employees with leaders across various business units. These quarterly interactive sessions discuss career progression and explore holistic development topics such as work-life harmony and global career advancement. By offering a platform for employees to share their experiences and aspirations, the initiative aims to strengthen engagement and foster an inclusive culture where they feel heard.

Ngamtrakulchol continued, “These initiatives reinforce ADM’s commitment to building a connected, inclusive workplace. By creating opportunities for meaningful connections, professional and personal growth, and leadership engagement, we are cultivating an environment where every employee has the chance to learn, contribute, and thrive.”

And in a region marked by rapid change and diversity, staying ahead of HR best practices requires continues adaptation and a forward-thinking approach, as Ngamtrakulchol stressed, “Staying ahead of the curve in HR best practices and workforce trends requires more than just keeping pace with industry shifts – it demands a forward-thinking, people-centric approach that evolves with the needs of employees and the business, particularly in Asia-Pacific, where diversity and change are constant.”

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One of the most significant lessons ADM has learned on this journey is that HR is about than just policies, he added. “It’s about building an environment where employees feel empowered, connected, and motivated to grow.”

A key component of ADM’s strategy is leveraging employee feedback to refine its HR initiatives. As Ngamtrakulchol revealed, “Our annual Global Listening Survey helps us understand and address the evolving needs of our employees.” This feedback-driven approach enables ADM to continuously refine its talent strategies, leadership development programmes, and employee wellbeing initiatives.

Equally important is ADM’s commitment to employee wellbeing. Recognising that employee expectations are shifting, ADM combines mental, physical, and financial wellbeing initiatives to ensure its workforce is equipped to thrive.

This comprehensive approach to employee wellbeing has earned ADM recognition as a Top Employer 2025 in China, Singapore, and the Philippines by the Top Employers Institute. For ADM, this recognition reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to nurturing its workforce, with China and Singapore celebrating their third consecutive year of recognition and the Philippines marking its first year on the list.

As ADM continues to grow its presence in Asia-Pacific, the organisation remains steadfast in its commitment to investing in its people. From mentorship programmes and early talent development to fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity, ADM is creating a strong foundation for its workforce in the region. “By prioritising leadership accessibility, continuous learning, and employee wellbeing, ADM is strengthening its workplace for the future, ensuring that talent development and business success go hand in hand,” Ngamtrakulchol concluded.