ETHOS Issue 05
November 2008
Last updated 30 July 2026
ETHOS Issue 05, November 2008
In the global "War for Talent", what more can organisations, cities and even nations do, to win in the attraction, retention, management and harnessing of talent? Featuring Jeffrey R. Immelt, Lynda Gratton, Geoff Armstrong and John Kao.
Editorial
Dr Alvin Pang
This thematic issue of Ethos continues the important conversations raised at the inaugural Singapore Human Capital Summit, held in October 2008. It examines more closely some of the many issues that face leaders, developers and observers of human capital today.
Foreword
Leon Yip
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Manpower
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Manpower outlines the attributes that enable Singapore the opportunity to share its perspectives and experience in tackling some of the broader Asian human capital challenges.
Global Talent: The War Goes On
Pushp Deep Gupta
In 2008, Hewitt Associates was commissioned by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower to conduct wide-ranging research on current and future talent challenges with a special focus on Asia. In this article, they highlight key findings from their research.
Thinking About Winning: Leadership in the Global War for Talent
Interview with Jeffrey R. Immelt
The Chairman and CEO of GE reflects on the continuing importance of sound leadership in a rapidly changing global business landscape.
Talent Management in Asia: Four Perspectives
Mr Kan Trakulhoon, Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Professor Peter Cappelli, Mr Israel Berman
Experts and business leaders share insights on the challenges of managing talent in Asia today.
Accelerating the Growth of the Asian Leader
Bruce J. Avolio and Peter Ong
Research from Gallup suggests that the emerging Asian workforce may benefit from a different model of leadership development.
Leadership Development in the Singapore Public Service
Ong Perng Yih
A ground-breaking research study on public sector leadership in Singapore highlights the importance of leadership impact and challenging work assignments on staff development and performance.
Talent on Demand
Review by Toh Boon Kwan
The review of Peter Cappelli’s “Talent on Demand” looks at how the talent management framework might fare in within the context of Singapore.
Who’s your City
Review by Cai Shan
The review of Richard Florida’s “Who’s Your City?” explores the importance of location in today’s global economy.
The Global Talent War: Why Singapore Needs to Get Serious About Branding Itself
Ng Siew Kiang
Singapore has what it takes to be a global talent magnet: now it needs to make its case clearly, argues Ng Siew Kiang from Contact Singapore.
Developing Human Capital: Insights from the Summit
Geoff Armstrong
The theme-weaver for the inaugural Human Capital Summit reflects on the event’s broader significance and key insights.
Sharpening Singapore’s Edge: Insights from the IBM Experience
Teresa Lim
Singapore needs to develop T-shaped workers and a culture that favours innovation, collaboration, diversity and values.
Singapore as Innovation Nation
Conversation with John Kao
ETHOS speaks to innovation thought leader John Kao who argues that innovative capacity can and should be cultivated as a national strategy.
Creating Hot Spots of Innovation and Energy in Your Organisation
Lynda Gratton
Leaders can ignite creative energy by asking incisive questions and nurturing cross-boundary collaboration, writes Lynda Gratton from the London Business School.
Discover more ETHOS issues
Explore our ETHOS collection for more insights on public service and governance.