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The Makeover 2025 – Day 2: “PAYING FORW-AI-RD” – When Technology Meets Human Purpose

The Makeover 2025 – Day 2: “PAYING FORW-AI-RD” – When Technology Meets Human Purpose

17/10/2025

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” explored how organizations can balance AI innovation with human-centric values in shaping the future of work.

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.”

Mercer
Ms. Godelieve van Dooren, CEO of Marsh McLennan South East Asia

Panel: Beyond Rewards – What Do Employees Really Need in the AI World?

An inspiring dialogue featuring three female HR leaders:

  • 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. “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.

Panel 1

Talentnet–Mercer Salary Report 2025: Reassessing for Agility

The highlight of Day 2 was the presentation by Ms. Nguyen Thi Quynh Phuong – Head of Human Capital Solutions, Talentnet, who unveiled the Talentnet–Mercer Total Remuneration Survey 2025, covering 678 companies (606 multinational and 72 local).
Key takeaways:

  • 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.
  • AI, Big Data, and Cybersecurity skills forecasted as future game-changers.

Ms. Phuong concluded: “HR strategies must evolve alongside society — that’s how organizations can grow confidently and sustainably.”

TRS
Ms. Nguyen Thi Quynh Phuong – Head of Human Capital Solutions, Talentnet

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.

Revisit key highlights of Day 1 – The Makeover 2025 here.

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