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“Every initiative – whether it is leadership development or youth engagement – is grounded in our commitment to empower our people to grow and lead," says the Group Human Capital team at Fraser and Neave (F&N).
Fraser and Neave (F&N) is a leading consumer group in Southeast Asia with a strong presence in the food & beverage as well as publishing & printing industries. Established in 1883 and listed on the Singapore Exchange, F&N is part of Thailand’s TCC Group and is widely recognised as the region’s largest canned milk producer. With operations in 12 countries and over 7,300 employees worldwide, the Group is known for popular brands such as 100PLUS, TEAPOT, F&N NutriWell, and F&N Magnolia.
At the HR Excellence Awards 2024, Singapore, F&N received Bronze for Excellence in In-House Talent Pipeline Strategy. This is a recognition of its thoughtful efforts to strengthen internal capabilities while attracting a new generation of talent and aligning employee growth with long-term business goals.
In this interview, F&N's Group Human Capital team dives into the experience, offering reflections and lessons that may inspire or guide fellow HR professionals on a similar journey.
Q What was the motivation that sparked F&N’s passion and business case for pursuing an outstanding people strategy?
Our commitment to fostering a positive and collaborative workplace culture is at the heart of our people strategy. Recognising the vital role employees play in our success, we prioritise initiatives focused on wellbeing, engagement, and development.
We believe that a motivated and supported workforce drives productivity, innovation and overall company growth. By investing in our people, we create an environment where every individual can contribute effectively, driving the organisation towards excellence.
As part of Thailand’s TCC Group, we emphasise developing human capital. Successful organisations grow alongside their employees, creating learning experiences that boost both individual and company performance. We provide limitless opportunities, empowering our people to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact.
Q Looking back, can the team share a challenge that you overcame in your journey of HR excellence? How did you triumph?
One significant challenge we faced was balancing the need for a robust succession plan while attracting younger talent into the organisation. In the fast-paced and ever-evolving industry we operate in, identifying and nurturing future leaders is important.
To address this, we implemented a comprehensive talent management strategy that focused on developing internal capabilities and creating growth opportunities for existing employees. This included creating clear growth pathways, enhancing internal mobility, and equipping our people with the right tools and experiences to thrive.
At the same time, we recognised the importance of bringing in fresh perspectives and innovation to drive the company forward. We launched targeted recruitment campaigns and partnered with educational institutions to tap into a diverse pool of young professionals. Through internships, mentorship programmes, and by fostering a dynamic work environment, we attracted and retained a new generation of talent eager to contribute meaningfully to our success.
At the heart of our approach is our belief in providing limitless opportunities. Every initiative – whether it is leadership development or youth engagement – is grounded in our commitment to empower our people to grow and lead. That’s how we continue to build a future-read workforce today.
Q Beyond the recognition, what impact do you hope F&N’s feature in the HR Excellence Awards would have on the HR community and manpower landscape?
We hope F&N’s recognition at the HR Excellence Awards serves as a meaningful contribution to the broader HR community. Awards like these play a critical role in showcasing best practices and encourages organisations to continually improve their HR strategies.
They highlight the importance of investing in people – from enhancing employee engagement and wellbeing to driving performance and leadership development. More importantly, they create a valuable platform for HR professionals to share knowledge, inspire each other and raise standards across the field.
We also see it as an opportunity to advocate for a more progressive and people-centric manpower landscape – one that nurtures a future-ready, skilled workforce and empowers individuals to grow alongside their organisations.
Q Could the team share some advice you would give to others aspiring to follow in F&N’s footsteps?
Place a strong emphasis on continuous learning, adaptability, and personal growth. Embrace challenges as opportunities, foster collaboration, and prioritise your team’s well-being. Lead with integrity – staying true to your values and earning trust through consistent actions.
It is also essential to understand evolving workforce demographic. Attracting and retaining Gen Z talent means embracing authenticity, inclusivity, and social responsibility. Adapt your recruitment messaging to reflect these values and create an innovative, dynamic work environment where young professionals feel heard and empowered.
Use digital platforms to connect meaningfully with talent, and offer structured development through mentorship, training and clear career paths. When people see a future with you, they will invest in your mission too.
Ultimately, HR excellence comes from nurturing people, staying agile, and building a culture where everyone can thrive.
Q Let's talk inspiration! Who has been a driving force behind the organisation’s success?
The organisation's success stems from our leaders who not only steer the business forward but actively mentor and support future leaders. Their guidance, resilience, and dedication to people development have built a culture where individuals are empowered to grow and thrive.
Our leadership embodies the values of collaboration and perseverance – creating an inclusive, respectful workplace where diverse perspectives are welcomed and teamwork is celebrated. This strong foundation has been instrumental in sustaining our talent pipeline and driving consistent performance across the organisation.
But inspiration does not stop at the top. Across all levels, our people are driven by a shared purpose and a belief in doing meaningful work together. It is this collective spirit – championed by our leaders – that continues to power F&N’s journey of growth and excellence.
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets section!
Photos: Provided
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