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The 70:20:10 model has shaped Kevin Chua’s approach to learning, with the CHRO saying that on-the-job experience and social learning can be more impactful than formal training alone.
When people talk about learning & development, the focus often falls on courses, workshops and conferences. For Kevin Chua (pictured above), Chief Human Resources Officer, United World College South East Asia that represents just 10% of the learning equation. The remaining 90%, made up of on-the-job experience and social learning through coaching, mentoring, and communities of practice, can have a far greater impact.
Chua’s career has taken him across sectors and roles. He has also worked across Asia Pacific and spent time based in the UK, giving him a broad perspective on how human capital principles can be applied across different industries and organisational contexts.
His own development has been shaped by informal mentors, particularly line managers and senior peers who taught him the value of servant leadership, pushed him beyond what he thought he could achieve and demonstrated the importance of continuously reinventing oneself. These experiences underpin his belief – "learn by doing, grow by reflecting" – maintaining a growth mindset throughout different stages of a career and life.
At Learning & Development Asia 2026 – Singapore, Chua hopes the discussion will explore how L&D professionals can remain anchored in business success.
Ahead of the session, Chua speaks with Emily Chong-Gupta about the role of L&D in enabling business performance and the lessons he has picked up from leaders throughout his career.
Q Which L&D principle has most influenced how you help others or yourself learn best?
One of the L&D principle that has influenced me most is the 70-20-10 rule:
- 70% on-the-job experience
- 20% social learning (coaching, mentoring, community of practices)
- 10% formal learning (courses, workshops, and conferences)
Oftentimes when people speak about learning & development, they are only talking about the 10% whereas the other 90% is so much more important and impactful.
Q Who has been a mentor or coach to you personally, and what is a timeless lesson they taught you?
There have been a number of mentors that I have benefited from.
Interestingly, none of them were formal mentors or via a mentoring programme, or was assigned by the company. They were my line managers and senior peers.
One of them taught me the power of servant leadership - to be humble, to listen, to learn, to lead by serving.
Another gave me opportunities and stretched me beyond what I think I was capable of.
Yet another showed me what it takes to continuously re-invent himself and stay relevant. This is a former colleague who is now in his mid-70s and is actively involved in leadership development and coaching.
Q What is an unexpected or interesting skill you have picked up that colleagues may not know about?
These are not obvious skills that I needed to reflect on and to think about as well.
I have been very fortunate to work across industries and sectors (government, education, bioMedical, oil & gas); and also, to serve on Boards in different sectors (healthcare and mental health). I also had the opportunity to work across Asia Pacific and was also based in the UK for a period.
This allowed me to have a wide view of how different industries work, and how to apply human capital principles in different industries, on a first principle basis.
Q In fewer than 10 words, what is your number one motto for helping people and teams grow?
“Learn by doing, grow by reflecting”
Have a growth mindset.
Learning to learn at every stage of your career or stage of life.
Q A quick preview of your session at Learning & Development Asia: What is the one key takeaway you hope attendees will gain?
I have the honour and privilege to moderate a panel on “How the L&D function can stay central to business success”. Joining me on the panel are several senior leaders. I am looking forward to learn from the panel how we as L&D professionals can continue to be anchored in the business, and that business leaders can say that L&D has enabled the business to deliver business performance.
I want to attend the conference: If you're keen to attend this closed-door conference, kindly register your interest here. For speaking opportunities, please write in to Emily Chong-Gupta. We look forward to welcoming you!
I want to sponsor: Engage in meaningful dialogue through dedicated speaking slots, roundtable discussions, and at your booths! If your organisation provides any talent solutions and products that you'd like to showcase, you’ll fit right into this event. To learn how you can sponsor, please reach out to a member of our team now!
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