The Makeover 2025 – Day 2: “PAYING FORW-AI-RD” – When Technology Meets Human Purpose
Oct 17, 2025
Last updated on Oct 31, 2025
Day 2 of The Makeover 2025 – S-AI-LING AHEAD, hosted by Talentnet, concluded the two-day journey with over 1,000 business leaders and HR experts and more than 15 renowned speakers. The theme “PAYING FORW-AI-RD” moved beyond just compensation, tackling an urgent challenge: how can organizations keep the “human” element in focus when only 14% of HR leaders believe their organizations are ready for the AI era in HR?
In this context, leaders are at a strategic crossroads. For CEOs, the question is how to invest in technology without eroding corporate culture. For the new generation of HR Directors, the challenge is to transform AI from a simple automation tool into a catalyst that elevates the employee experience and solidifies HR’s strategic role.
The insights from top industry leaders and exclusive data from the Talentnet–Mercer Total Remuneration Survey 2025 are designed to help businesses find the right balance between technological efficiency and human connection.
Keeping the “Human” in Rewards Strategy
Godelieve van Dooren, CEO, Southeast Asia, Marsh McLennan, opened the day with her keynote “Keeping the Human in Rewards Strategy in the AI Era.”
She highlighted that while 55% of employees already use AI at work, only 14% of HR leaders believe their organizations are ready for the Human–Machine Teaming era. From Mercer’s experience, AI adoption in HR evolves through three stages:
- Optimize – automate repetitive HR tasks;
- Enhance – support strategic reward decisions through data
- and Transform – personalize and create new value for employees.
Her key message: “AI enables precision, but empathy retains people.”
Panel: Beyond Rewards – What Do Employees Really Need in the AI World?
An inspiring dialogue featuring three female leaders delved into the non-financial factors that are increasingly vital for building corporate culture and attracting talent:
- Ms. Dinh Kim Nhung – Group HR Director, Nafoods Group
- Ms. Hanh Van – HR Director, Home Credit Vietnam
- Ms. Ly Ngoc Tran – Head of HR Outsourcing & HR Operations & TA, Talentnet
The panel explored how technology is reshaping employee expectations. The speakers agreed that AI should be viewed as a catalyst, not a replacement. It is becoming clear that the role of AI in the workplace is being more sharply defined.
“AI is just a tool — HR remains the soul keeper of the organization,” said Ms. Hanh Van. “The ‘wow’ moments attract people, but the ‘why’ makes them stay,” added Ms. Dinh Kim Nhung. “Personalization means respecting what each person values,” concluded Ms. Ly Ngoc Tran.
Talentnet–Mercer Salary Report 2025: Labor market data & remuneration trends
The highlight of Day 2 was the presentation by Ms. Nguyen Thi Quynh Phuong – Head of Human Capital Solutions, Talentnet, who unveiled the latest data from the Talentnet–Mercer Total Remuneration Survey 2025. Following up on the analysis from the 2024 salary report highlights, this year’s survey attracted 678 companies (606 multinational and 72 local), a testament to the influence of Vietnam’s largest salary report from one of the country’s top survey providers. covering 678 companies (606 multinational and 72 local).
Key takeaways on Vietnam’s salary and labor market:
- Gen Z workforce share up 2.5%, gaining stronger professional presence.
- Voluntary turnover decreased, signaling higher retention.
- Gender pay gap narrowing, especially in middle management.
- Salary growth is slowing, but bonuses remain competitive, showing efforts to stabilize income amidst fluctuations in Vietnam’s average salary levels.
- AI, Big Data, and Cybersecurity skills forecasted to lead the labor market from 2025–2030
Ms. Phuong concluded: “HR strategies must evolve alongside society — that’s how organizations can grow confidently and sustainably.”
These trends, when analyzed together, provide a holistic picture that helps leaders effectively navigate the 2025 labor market.
As The Makeover 2025 concluded, one insight echoed through every conversation: In the age of AI, people remain the anchor of every transformation. Talentnet continues to steer forward — empowering businesses to adapt, align, and act with humanity in a world led by AI.
The event outlined a comprehensive roadmap for leaders. If Day 1 of The Makeover 2025 focused on reshaping leadership mindset and strategy to navigate uncertainty, Day 2 provided the data and tools to turn that vision into action. However, translating these strategic insights into executable HR policies is no simple task.
To obtain the most detailed and in-depth data tailored to your industry and company size, businesses may need precise tools like the Talentnet–Mercer salary survey to ensure their compensation policies remain competitive. At the same time, designing a flexible and human-centric rewards structure requires expert consulting to truly reflect the values a company wants to build to retain its talent.
Talentnet continues its pioneering journey—empowering Vietnamese businesses to adapt, align, and act with humanity in a world led by AI.
The event is proudly supported by leading brands such as SAP, GREENFEED, HSBC, IPA Group, OCB, PNJ, British Council, ELSA, goFLUENT along with numerous exhibition and digital media partners: Dragon Capital, FulbrightX, Fullerton, Phương Nam Bookstore, Singapore Management University, WOGI, Zalopay, Hoiana, FT Vietnam, Quickom — all contributing to the remarkable scale and impact of The Makeover 2025.
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