Session One

Keynote: The Future of Work – Redefining Purpose, People, and Possibility
Dr. Palan takes the stage to explore how work is being reshaped by technology, shifting values, and global disruption. In this provocative keynote, he’ll unpack the evolving relationship between employers and employees, the skills that will matter most, and the cultural shifts redefining success at work. With insights drawn from research, innovation, and experience, Dr. Palan will challenge us to rethink how we lead, learn, and thrive in the workplaces of tomorrow.
Speaker: Dr Palan, Pro Chancellor of the University Cyberjaya

REGISTRATION AND REFRESHMENTS

NETWORKING AND REFRESHMENTS

Session Two

AI will transform HR and Payroll!
Global payroll management is a complex landscape, shaped by varying currencies, regulations, and compliance demands. Many systems remain reliant on manual processes and struggle to keep pace with evolving business needs—leaving organisations vulnerable to errors, penalties, and reputational risk.

In this session, Chin Weng Fee will explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to transform HR and payroll. From automating compliance and minimising errors to enabling real-time data processing and advanced analytics, AI offers a powerful solution to long-standing challenges. Join Weng as he discusses how AI can redefine payroll operations and elevate the employee experience on a global scale.
Speaker: Chin Weng Fee, Head of Payroll & BPO Services, Asia Pacific & Japan at EX3

Session Three

Paying the Borderless Professional: Digital-Nomad & “Workation” Visas Come to Asia
As Asia embraces the rise of borderless professionals, new digital-nomad and “workation” visa schemes are opening doors for global talent to work remotely across the region. But with this flexibility comes complexity. This in-person session will explore how payroll leaders can map these emerging visa categories to local tax-residency, social security, and payroll compliance frameworks. Attendees will gain practical insights into spotting and addressing permanent establishment risks, managing shadow payroll obligations, and ensuring governance standards remain intact—even when employees work across multiple jurisdictions.

The session also dives into the operational side of supporting a globally mobile workforce. Whether you're looking to support ad hoc “workations” or build a scalable strategy for digital-nomad talent, this session offers a pragmatic cost-benefit lens to help you say “yes” to flexibility—without compromising control.

Discussion Topics:

• Mapping APAC digital-nomad / workation visa classes to payroll, tax-residency and social security obligations
• Detecting and mitigating permanent-establishment and shadow-payroll risks when employees roam across borders
• Designing real-time, multi-currency pay flows that minimize FX spreads and local bank-rail fees
• Leveraging AI rule engines to automate compliance decisions before payroll runs
• Building a cost/benefit framework for approving employee “workations” without jeopardizing governance or experience

Speaker: Rick Hammell, Founder and CEO at Helios

Session Four

Navigating strategic HR outsourcing & leaner Operations to help businesses scale
The Middle East is experiencing unprecedented transformation as the region pursues ambitious economic diversification beyond oil dependency. Over the next five years, the region will focus on building a robust, technology-driven, and sustainable economy. Although the Middle East is very welcoming for businesses, there are complexities due to the fragmented nature of the market—countries have distinct regulations, tax structures, and legal frameworks. How should businesses navigate the critical staffing challenges that are arising?

Discussion Topics:

• Emerging trends reshaping the Middle East's staffing and recruitment landscape
• Key strategies to adopt these shifts and effectively manage talent in the region
• How businesses can accelerate growth and maximize efficiency by outsourcing critical HR and administrative operations

Speaker: Raship Jain, Director of Employment Solutions, Middle East at Trans Skills