Faces of HR: FairPrice Group's Alvin Goh on why HR must embrace a mindset of curiosity and continuous learning

In a rapidly evolving world where skills will continue to evolve, this mindset will be the key to success, he says.

Having transitioned from technology and consulting into HR over a decade ago, Alvin Goh, Head of Digital HR & Analytics, FairPrice Group has carried one fundamental lesson throughout their career: Always approach challenges with an open mind.

A global HR leader, Goh is known for driving innovative people solutions aligned with business goals. With more than 15 years of experience across diverse industries, he excels at building strong relationships and delivering strategic interventions in complex, global environments.

In his current role, he leads the integration of digital HR practices and data-driven people analytics, supporting Fairprice Group’s purpose of 'Everyday, made a little better', using innovation to enhance employee experiences and foster continuous improvement.

Ahead of his session at #TalentTechAsiaSummit, Goh speaks with Mary Ann Bundukin about the necessity of continuous learning, the evolving role of HR in an AI-driven world, and why staying curious is the key to success.

Q Thinking back to your first day in HR, what is the most important learning that sticks with you until today?

I stumbled into HR about 12 years ago, having started my career in technology and consulting. One key learning that remains true today is: 'Look at everything with an open mind. Never assume.' It's easy to view situations with a biased perspective and believe things could have been done differently. However, understanding the context—why certain decisions were made at that particular time—allows us to appreciate the underlying rationale. This mindset fosters deeper empathy and understanding of the people and the situation.

Q What steps do you believe are necessary to transform today's talent into the talent that the business needs?

'Stay hungry, stay foolish' — I love this quote from Steve Jobs, and I think this quote fully exemplify the answer to this question. The world is changing rapidly, skills will continue to evolve. The key to success will be to adopt a mindset of continuous learning and always being curious.

Q Could you share emerging trends that you believe will have the most significant impact on HR in the next few years?

It’s impossible to discuss the future of HR without mentioning the obvious — AI. I see AI’s impact on HR unfolding in two key areas:

• AI’s impact on the workforce – AI will continue to disrupt the way we work and the work we do. HR's role will be critical in helping employees adapt, reskill, and thrive in an AI-driven workplace.
• AI’s role in transforming HR itself – By leveraging AI, HR can enhance decision-making, improve workforce analytics, and accelerate its strategic impact on the organisation.

Q What are you most looking forward to in your session at #TalentTechAsiaSummit?

I’m excited to connect with fellow HR professionals, exchange insights, and gain fresh perspectives on the future of talent and technology. Learning from each other is what makes these gatherings so valuable.

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