On June 19, AmCham China hosted the sold-out 26th annual Human Resources (HR) Conference under the theme “Navigating Opportunities and Challenges for HR Amid Global Uncertainty.” The event brought together HR professionals, industry experts, and senior executives to explore how HR can proactively respond to shifting global dynamics and technological advancements to empower sustainable business growth.
Charles Shao, HR Committee Co-Chair and Managing Director of Korn Ferry Advisory Business in Greater China, welcomed attendees. AmCham China President Michael Hart delivered opening remarks, underscoring the critical role of talent strategies in the face of ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
Chim Lee, Senior Analyst at Economist Intelligence, opened the day with a keynote titled “The Impact of Today’s Economic Environment Across Industries.” He highlighted China’s investment in AI and innovation, emphasizing the growing importance of cultivating local talent to enhance competitiveness and manage long-term labor shifts brought by emerging technologies.
The first panel, “Applying AI in Human Resources Practices,” was moderated by Steven Song, Managing Director at Korn Ferry. Speakers included Wenjie Gu, China Head at Zoom Video Communications; Xiaodi Zhao, Vice President and General Manager of Talent Management at Beisen; and Rick Duan, Senior Product Specialist at Microsoft (China). Panelists shared insights on AI’s transformative role in productivity, organizational change, and talent development. They called for deeper HR involvement in business model evolution and stressed continuous learning as a strategic imperative.
The second panel, “Evolving Organizational Frameworks and Talent Needs in Today’s Landscape,” was moderated by Melody Xu, Head of People Organization at HP Inc. Greater China. Speakers included Ivy Liu, Vice President of Human Resources at United Family Healthcare; Ada Wang, HR Director of Culture and Inclusion, Greater China at Oracle; and Jane Chen, HR Head of China, Asia & India at NBA China. The discussion centered on adapting to evolving organizational needs amid AI disruption, cost pressures, and economic uncertainty. Panelists emphasized talent as the core of organizational resilience and shared best practices for fostering workforce adaptability.
The third panel, “Navigating the HR Transformation,” was led by Michelle Zhang, Head of HR at Pfizer China. Chris Huang, Head of Corporate Culture & EVP at Lenovo; Monica Mu, Head of People & Culture, Greater China at SAP; and Zhu Ma, Senior HRBP at Google, explored how HR leaders are aligning people strategies with business transformation. They discussed leveraging company culture, embedding AI, and promoting agility to enable long-term, sustainable growth.
Following the first three panels, Alex Xing, Managing Partner at LABOURS Consulting, delivered a keynote on “The Strategic Value of Human Resources in Sales and Acquisitions Amid Major Transformation.” He addressed the vital role of HR in managing workforce transitions during M&A activity, layoffs, and restructuring.
The 26th HR Conference concluded with a high-level executive roundtable moderated by AmCham China President Michael Hart. This exclusive session featured members of the AmCham China Board of Governors, including Travis Tanner, President at Greenpoint Group and AmCham China Vice Chair; Malone Ma, Global Vice President and Chief Representative in China at MetLife and Board Member; and Jean-Marc Taton, Chairman of ExxonMobil China and Board Member. The panel shared insights on the evolving US-China business environment, the implications of AI on workforce planning, and the growing strategic importance of HR in ensuring business resilience and leadership development.
Special thanks to our 2025 HR Conference sponsors:
Senior Sponsor
LABOURS
Exhibit Sponsors
ARRAIL, Beijing United Family Hospital, Fragomen, Beijing Kerry Centre, Raffles Hospital, and Sanjieke.
To learn more about the HR Committee contact Melody Wen at mwen@amchamchina.org.