When the only certainty is change, the role of HR leaders is being redefined at breakneck speed. At TechHR Singapore 2025, Pushkar Bidwai, CEO of People Matters, took centre stage with a keynote that set the tone for a future-focused HR landscape.

For Bidwai, CHROs must evolve from custodians of people processes to architects of transformation.

From the outset, he underscored the reality that the traditional contours of work have eroded. Stability has given way to constant flux, making change less of a challenge and more of a permanent state.

“Change is no longer an event. It is the system—a cycle of possibilities, inspiration, action, and transformation,” Bidwai said.

The role of HR, once reactive, must now be proactive – anticipating shifts, driving innovation, and ensuring organisations don’t just adapt but thrive.

We are no longer just adapting. We are pivoting.”

The keynote address was more than a rallying cry; it was an invitation to HR leaders to ace the next curve of change by embracing ‘breakthrough thinking’.

And, as head of People Matters, a media and community platform connecting over 500,000 leaders across Asia-Pacific, Bidwai is well-placed to guide this transformation.

Also Read: HR trends 2025: How to leverage AI to power HR

Bridging the East-West divide in HR thinking

Historically, the playbook for HR best practices has been scripted from a Western lens. Bidwai, however, champions a more nuanced approach – one that considers the unique dynamics of the Eastern workforce.

With People Matters expanding into regions such as the UAE, KSA, and Southeast Asia, there’s a pressing need to tailor HR strategies to regional realities rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all model.

“For the longest time, we’ve been consuming data and insights created from a Western lens. It’s time we define success through our own unique perspectives,” Bidwai said.

What we’ve created here in Asia is not just limited – it’s expanding, shaping the future on our own terms.”

His commitment to region-specific insights is evident in the People Matters SHRPA research, an extensive study mapping the HR landscape across Asia. Through this initiative, key gaps in organisational change readiness, HR effectiveness, and value realisation have been identified – challenges that must be tackled head-on.

Breakthrough thinking

At the heart of Bidwai’s vision is a call for HR leaders to break free from incrementalism. The rapid rise of AI, automation, and digital workplaces means that fine-tuning existing HR strategies is no longer enough.

Instead, the need of the hour is bold, disruptive thinking – an approach that reimagines HR as a driver of business success rather than a supporting function.

During his keynote, Bidwai led an interactive session where attendees shared insights on the forces shaping the future of work over the next 12 to 18 months. This exercise wasn’t just about information exchange but about fostering collective intelligence.

The future of HR, after all, isn’t built in silos but through shared learning and collaboration.

“Can we collectively drive intelligence, not just consume it?” Bidwai challenged his audience.

CHRO Effectiveness: Aligning HR and business

One of the most compelling aspects of Bidwai’s keynote was the unveiling of People Matters’ study on CHRO Effectiveness. Surveying over 220 HR leaders, including 100 CEOs, the research sought to bridge the gap between business expectations and HR priorities across Southeast Asia.

The findings painted a telling picture. Business leaders expect CHROs to spearhead transformation, align people strategies with business goals, and groom future CXO leaders.

Yet, CHRO scorecards continue to focus on traditional HR metrics: employee engagement, quality of hires, and learning effectiveness. While important, these measures don’t fully capture the strategic role HR is now expected to play.

The research further revealed a disconnect between where CHROs spend their time and where they should. Too much focus remains on operational tasks, while business leaders seek HR leaders who can drive transformation, build high-performing leadership teams, and foster deeper cross-functional collaboration.

Also Read: Change fatigue? How to survive the pressures of transformation

The future of CHROs as 'business architects'

Bidwai envisions a future where CHROs transcend traditional HR boundaries. The expectations placed on them are no longer confined to people management. They are now key players in business strategy. To excel in this expanded role, CHROs must:

Leverage technology wisely – AI, analytics, and HR tech are not just tools but strategic enablers that can drive smarter decision-making and workforce management.

Think like business leaders – Moving beyond operational HR requires developing a commercial mindset to ensure HR decisions align with broader business goals.

Champion leadership development – The CHRO of the future is a leadership architect, responsible for nurturing talent pipelines that drive organisational success.

Build cross-functional bridges – Strengthening ties with other business functions ensures HR initiatives are woven seamlessly into the company’s strategic fabric.

Commit to lifelong learning – In a world transforming at breakneck speed, staying ahead of industry trends and continuously upskilling is non-negotiable.

The call to action: Pivot and lead

Bidwai’s keynote was more than just an exploration of HR trends – it was a wake-up call. The next curve of change isn’t coming; it’s already here. And CHROs who embrace a transformational mindset will not only keep up but shape the future of work.

“Every choice we make is a step toward the future. It's being created right here, right now,” he said.

The conference, much like People Matters itself, serves as a hub for HR leaders ready to challenge the status quo. Bidwai’s vision is for HR to lead change, not just respond to it. Those who pivot with purpose will be the ones to redefine success.