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HR leaders from Hong Kong share with HRO’s Tracy Chan their resolutions, strategies, and personal commitments for the year ahead.
Every year brings new challenges and opportunities – and 2026 will be no exception. With the disruptive power of AI, shifting employee expectations, and a renewed focus on both professional and personal growth, this year promises transformation and possibilities.
As HR evolves into a more strategic role as the centre of driving inclusion, innovation, and cultural change, how are leaders preparing themselves – and their teams – for what lies ahead?
In this feature, HRO's Tracy Chan speaks to six HR leaders from diverse industries in Hong Kong to uncover their visions for 2026.
From harmonising technology with humanity, cultivating empathetic, thriving workplaces, to prioritising wellbeing and embracing happiness, their insights demonstrate how HR can lead with purpose, confidence, and clarity in an era of disruption.
Kennis Liu, People & Culture Director, HK and Taiwan, Carlsberg Group
In 2026, my resolution is to lead with unwavering intentionality and create a lasting impact.
Professionally, I am devoted to shaping a workplace where every individual feels profoundly connected to their purpose, their growth, and one another. This year, I will:
- Champion leadership development: Empower today’s leaders and tomorrow’s visionaries with the tools, confidence, and support they need to excel and inspire.
- Cultivate true psychological safety: Foster a culture where every voice is not only heard, but genuinely valued, allowing bold ideas to flourish free from fear.
- Nurture emerging talent: Establish clear pathways for learning, mentorship, and high-impact contributions that ignite passion and energise our entire team.
- Spearhead transformative people and culture strategies: Embed equity, belonging, and innovation into every policy and interaction, ensuring that inclusion is not merely an initiative, but our core identity.
On a personal level, I am reclaiming my balance – committing to be fully present, prioritising my wellbeing, and evolving into a leader who listens deeply, learns continuously, and leads with authentic empathy. I firmly believe that when we care for ourselves with intention, we bring greater clarity, compassion, and courage to everyone we serve.
Joan Lee, Head of Human Resources, Wallem Group
In 2026, at Wallem Group, a company steeped in a century of maritime heritage, my resolution is to ensure our legacy is not just built on the ships we manage, but on the people who power them, and that they can be truly heard, valued, and empowered.
We will launch an integrated strategy built on a foundation of continuous listening, using regular pulse surveys and focus groups not merely to collect feedback, but to spark tangible actions that directly enhance engagement and retention. This proactive approach will enable us to fully embrace the diversity of our global maritime team, ensuring that a wealth of perspectives is not just included, but actively leveraged as our core strength.
Ultimately, we will solidify this cultural shift by directly linking performance to a measurable and equitable rewards framework. Through a rigorous pay equity analysis and meaningful recognition, we will demonstrate that a contribution at Wallem will always be met with fair and commensurate value, cementing a culture where everyone can thrive.
Paul van Rotterdam, Human Resources Director, Pirata Group
In 2026, we will face new exciting projects and challenges. The key for us in the people team is to keep strengthening our employer branding and create awareness amongst new and current talent. Putting our core values in the spotlight and continuing to lead by example with our culture of unconditional hospitality will be our priorities. Our culture should always be visible to our teams and guests.
Both in work and my private life, my main new year’s resolution is to smile more, and enjoy what we create and achieve!
Kaman Lo, Regional Human Resources Director, USANA Hong Kong
My theme for 2026 is ‘be happy’. One of our HR team’s objectives is to build strong partnerships with both our employees and leaders. I believe that creating a happy workplace is crucial in achieving this goal.
Real happiness encompasses good health and engaging in meaningful activities in our lives. At USANA, we are committed to taking care of our employees through a variety of programmes, including distributing free company supplements and skincare products, offering a wide range of health-related activities, and providing an ‘employee assistance programme’.
In 2026, we aim to be even more proactive in pursuing employees’ career development. We are planning to hold more employee listening sessions, where employees’ voices are heard, and where we can gather constructive feedback to create an even happier workplace.
On a personal note, I am striving to implement a better collaboration between work, family, and physical health. I hope that my lifestyle can inspire not only my family, but also my colleagues. I believe this will also positively impact how employees and candidates perceive our company.
Winnie Lee, Talent Development Lead, APAC, Mattel Asia Pacific Sourcing
My 2026 resolution is to harmonise professional growth with inner wellbeing. Professionally, I will master practical AI applications while developing key soft skills such as cultivating leadership.
Personally, I will continue my dedicated mindfulness practice to preserve my inner peace and maintain a calm and focused mind. This conscious commitment to mental clarity is essential as it provides the foundation from which all effective and meaningful professional action springs, allowing me to contribute with purpose and resilience.
Debbie Lieu, People Director, Asia, Bonhams
Working in human resources has given me the chance to support colleagues facing emotional challenges. This has motivated me to learn more and seek advice from mental health experts. I’ve realised how important empathy is – not just for those affected, but also for their teams. Balancing privacy and fairness is delicate, but support can make a real difference.
Personally, I deal with daily stress too, so I focus on staying calm, talking to experienced friends, exercising, and enjoying hobbies. HR is often seen as a space that absorbs negative energy, so it’s essential we take care of ourselves first so we can better support others without burning out.
All photos / Provided
This article first appeared in the H2 2025 edition of Human Resources Online's Hong Kong e-magazine. Explore the full e-magazine here for insightful features and exclusive interviews with leaders across diverse industries!
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