Aris Culala

💥 Still in the midst of processing all the insights from the Singapore Fintech Festival, but here's one key takeaway on the talent front - 🚀 As GenAI reshapes industries, a new type of professional is in demand—Techno Functional Collaborators who blend: 1) Technical Expertise – A strong foundation in the advanced technologies, such as AI, data analytics, and cloud solutions, allows techno-functional collaborators to understand, build, and scale solutions effectively. 2) Business Acumen – Beyond technical know-how, these professionals have a solid grasp of business strategy, market trends, and industry needs. They can translate data-driven insights into actionable strategies that align with broader business goals, making their contributions directly impactful to the bottom line. 3) User Adoption – Perhaps the most critical aspect, techno-functional collaborators excel at bridging the gap between technical solutions and real-world application. By engaging stakeholders, training teams, and embedding solutions into day-to-day operations, they ensure that technology is not only implemented but also widely adopted, maximizing value across the organization. These versatile experts bridge tech and business, turning innovation into true organizational value. 💡 #TechTalent #SingaporeFintechFestival

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Singapore’s new immigration rules prioritise locals for entry-level and mid-career jobs. Overseas employees on work visas must now meet a points-based system and a minimum salary threshold for employment-pass renewal. While this aligns with practices in other countries, it may discourage foreign companies and impact Singapore’s reputation as a global business hub. The program, introduced in 2022, evaluates employment passes based on salary, education, skills, and nationality diversity. Employers bear the responsibility of justifying their need to hire foreigners. In 2020, concerns about foreign workers affected the ruling People’s Action Party, emphasising the importance of safeguarding jobs for citizens. Similar approaches exist in countries like the UK and Canada to balance local and foreign workforce participation. #thomasfrostexecutive #banking

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**Successful Recruitment: How We Found the Perfect Filipino QA Admin Assistant for a CTO in a Leading Startup, Now Saving Thousands of Dollars Monthly** Two months ago, we met Omri, CTO of a growing fintech startup. For months, he had been searching for someone who could play a significant role in managing the complex operations of the development department - from quality assurance and QA, through task management and documentation, to ongoing administrative support. "I need someone who will be my eyes and ears," he said in our first meeting, "someone I can trust to see the big picture while handling all the small details." The challenge was clear - finding someone with a rare combination of high technical capabilities and excellent administrative skills. The role required a deep understanding of QA processes alongside high-level management and organizational abilities. After a comprehensive and thorough recruitment process, we're excited to share that we found the perfect candidate: Jessica! How did we know she was the right candidate? Here's our process: 1. **Precise Role Requirements:** - Significant experience in QA Testing - Proven administrative capabilities - Proficiency in advanced task management systems - Sharp eye for detail - Independent learning ability 2. **Building a Rigorous Screening Process:** - Professional test simulating real situations - Technical and administrative skills assessment - Communication and teamwork evaluation 3. **Professional Skill Test:** As always in our recruitment processes, we invested significant time in creating a comprehensive skill test specifically tailored for the role. The test simulated a typical workday of a QA Administrator: from identifying bugs in the application, through organized documentation of findings, to task management in ClickUp. We wanted to see how the candidate handles tasks she's never encountered before, when given clear instructions - exactly as would happen in the day-to-day role. Jessica not only solved all tasks perfectly but also added insights and improvement suggestions that pleasantly surprised us. Her ability to think outside the box, combined with precision and professionalism, showed us we found the one. 4. **In-depth Interview Examining:** - Compatibility for direct work with CTO - Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously - Long-term commitment - Creative thinking and problem solving **Jessica Stood Out in All Parameters:** 1. Demonstrated deep knowledge in QA 2. Showed excellent ability in managing complex tasks 3. Presented a proactive and creative approach 4. Demonstrated clear and professional communication This is a perfect example of how a structured and professional recruitment process leads to finding the perfect candidate - one who not only meets all professional requirements but also fits culturally and has significant growth potential. Are you facing challenges in recruiting professionals for complex roles? Share with us in the comments.

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Navigating the Tech Job Market: Challenges Beyond the Numbers Today's reports show that Singapore's labour market expanded by 11,300 jobs in Q2 2024. On the surface, this seems like encouraging news. However, a closer look reveals a more nuanced reality: 1. Growth Driven by Non-Residents: The employment increase was solely due to non-residents filling lower-skilled roles in sectors like construction and manufacturing. Resident employment actually saw a slight decline of 600 positions (oversimplifying this figure there might be 600 more people who retired or lost their job than new fresh graduates hired). 2. Unseen Tech Layoffs: Despite overall growth, layoffs in the tech sector aren't always reflected in total employment data. Many tech professionals are navigating job losses that fly under the radar, making it harder to grasp the industry's true state. 3. Market Saturation and Global Trends: Overhiring during the pandemic, coupled with a surge of tech graduates, has led to increased competition. High interest rates and reduced VC funding are forcing startups to make tough decisions, including downsizing or shutting down. 4. Offshoring of Roles: To manage costs, some companies are moving jobs overseas. As Albert Einstein wisely said, "In the midst of every crisis lies great opportunity." Recognizing these hidden challenges allows us to better navigate the complex landscape of the tech industry. Strategies to Navigate the Hidden Challenges: 1. Stay Informed and Adaptable: Keep abreast of industry trends and be prepared to pivot. Emerging fields might still be growing. 2. Invest in Continuous Learning: Upskill yourself through courses, certifications, or workshops. Diversifying your skill set can make you more marketable and open up new opportunities. 3. Leverage Your Network: As Tim Sanders (or maybe Porter Gale) emphasizes, "Your network is your net worth." Building and nurturing professional relationships can lead to opportunities that aren't publicly advertised. 3. Consider Cross-Industry Roles: Sectors like healthcare, education, and finance are increasingly seeking tech talent. 4. Aim to Create Massive Value for Employers: Leverage your past skills and experiences, identify unique challenges an potential employer faces and propose solutions that showcase your ability to drive results. You can set yourself apart in a crowded job market. 5. Explore Entrepreneurship: Consider using this time to start a small business or venture. Entrepreneurship is more difficult than finding a job but it may offer other benefits. While the challenges are real and sometimes daunting, remember that we have the power to shape our response. Instead of dwelling on job loss, let's focus on solutions and the opportunities that lie ahead. We can choose the meaning we assign to our experiences, turning setbacks into catalysts for growth. As Epictetus said, "It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

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On Profiles in Risk - Ep. 605, I chat with Mang-Git Ng, Founder & CEO at Anvil Foundry, the fastest way to build software for documents. They provide developers, product teams, and non-technical people the tools to take their existing documents and convert them into programmable, online, simple, guided workflows. They offer PDF Generation, PDF Filling, e-signature, and more. LINK TO THE SHOW IN THE FIRST COMMENT! #Insurance #Insurtech #ProfilesInRisk

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It was great to meet two top engineering leaders from well-known companies in Cebu and talked about the benefits of AI. ● For Developers, AI speeds up code writing and debugging. ● For Testers, AI automates bug detection and fixes. ● Project Managers, AI tracks project progress and predicts issues. ● For Companies, AI search tools enable quicker access to information, improve decision-making, and streamline operations, enhancing team effectiveness and reducing routine task time. Overall, AI significantly boosts productivity and management in organizations. I had a great discussion with Rodolfo Nax Nacu Jr. and Vincent Clyde Burgos after each of their sessions. As a senior software engineer, AI has enhanced my efficiency, planning, and skill development by comparing my coding with AI-generated suggestions. How has AI supported your work?

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Calling out to Product Managers in SINGAPORE! 🇸🇬 My client—a leading global FinTech company—is gearing up for growth in 2025 and is eager to connect with experienced Product Managers (5-12 years experience) specifically from high-growth technology businesses or FAANG. If you’re passionate about innovation, customer-obsessed, and considering a career change in the coming year, this is your chance to explore exciting possibilities. Let’s start a conversation about how you can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of financial technology. Reach out for an exploratory discussion! #FinTech #FAANG #Technology #Singapore #ProductManagement

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DevCon Bkk was my most productive conf yet. Now that it has been a week since I returned frm @EFDevcon, I finally got finished with organising my notes and replying to (most) messages. I am realising that this has been my most productive conference yet. I met the people I wanted to, attended events for personal growth and carved time out for casual meet-ups. And a lot of it can be attributed to the 3 actions I took prior: 1) Downsized my calendar 2) Took a hyper focused approach 3) Standardised introduction

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Is the future of the Philippines tied to its digital economy? As we move deeper into the 21st century, the digital economy is no longer a mere buzzwordit's a catalyst for national development. The Philippines stands at the cusp of a transformation that could redefine its economic landscape. Here's why: - : With the digital economy, there's potential for an unprecedented boost in GDP. Digital platforms can create new markets and opportunities for both urban and rural areas. - : The digital sector can generate millions of jobs, ranging from IT services to digital marketing and e-commerce. This will not only reduce unemployment but also upskill the workforce. - : Digital tools can bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. By providing access to education, healthcare, and financial services, the digital economy can foster a more inclusive society. - : Startups and tech companies can thrive, driving innovation and creating solutions tailored to local challenges. This can position the Philippines as a hub for technological advancements in Southeast Asia. However, embracing the digital economy requires concerted efforts: - : Ensuring robust and widespread internet connectivity is crucial. Without it, the benefits of a digital economy remain out of reach for many. - : Policies must be adaptive and supportive of digital transformation, protecting consumers while encouraging innovation. - : Equipping the workforce with the necessary digital skills is essential. Investments in education and training programs can prepare the next generation for the digital age. Are we ready to harness the full potential of the digital economy? Engage with this visionlet's discuss how we can collectively drive the Philippines towards a prosperous digital future. https://lnkd.in/gST6qigp

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📊 Philippines Tech Teams: A Quick Cost-Benefit Analysis A client just wrapped their first year building dev teams in Manila. Here's the actual data that matters: 💻 Current tech stack coverage: Complete teams for React, Python, Java ⏱️ Time-to-hire: 3 weeks vs 3 months in London 💸 Cost efficiency: Senior devs at 30-35% of UK market rate ✅ Quality metric: 94% code review pass rate (matching our UK baseline) Most interesting finding: The oversupply of IT grads (180k+ annually), Is creating a buyer's market. We're seeing senior talent availability up 40% from 2023, Who also remain on average 50%-70% below the cost of same talent in UK. ⚡ Currently scaling from 12 to 50 engineers based on Q2-Q4 performance. 🔍 Running UK tech ops? DM me for our hiring playbook and actual performance metrics. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 🌉 Bridging UK-PH business: A Filipino-Brit's Journey #SparQingConnections with SparQ International Come Follow Me Joshua Whyte!

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Natanong mo na ba kung anong purpose mo dito sa mundo? Nag sa-struggle ka ba sa buhay? Feeling lost in a sea of uncertainty? You're not alone. In a world bustling with deadlines and demands, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. But there's hope amidst the chaos. A glimpse of a life filled with meaning, purpose, and destiny waiting just around the corner. Ever heard of stories of people who seem to find their path even when everything feels uncertain? Yung mga success stories of people na, just like you, ay nakaexperience ng matinding pagsubok sa buhay but they were able to get back on track and pursue their life goals? That's exactly what awaits you at Moments of Change. If you're ready to rewrite your story, to embrace the possibilities that will fulfill your destiny, mark your calendars on May 25. Join us on a journey of discovery as we hear the stories of those who have stood at life's crossroads and found direction toward a better life. Register here: https://lnkd.in/g5N45rF7 #YROCK #MomentsOfChange

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🌟 Evo Social Nights is back with our next event! 🌟 We're thrilled to announce our upcoming networking event, and this time, we're shining a spotlight on senior leaders in data and AI. 💡 If you're passionate about leveraging data-driven insights or pioneering AI innovations, this event is tailor-made for you. 🤝 Join us for an evening of insightful discussions, valuable connections, and endless opportunities to exchange ideas with fellow industry experts. 🌐 Keen to be part of the conversation? Drop us a message to secure your spot! 📩 Looking forward to sparking meaningful conversations and forging new connections in the dynamic world of data and AI. See you there! 👋 #NetworkingEvent #DataLeaders #AILeaders #TechIndustry #ConnectAndInnovate

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🌟 Key Updates on December 2024 Benefits for Singaporeans 🌟 The Government will disburse several benefits in December 2024 to support cost-of-living pressures, healthcare, and retirement savings: 1️⃣ Enhanced Assurance Package: ✅ Cash Payouts: $200-$600 for 2.9 million citizens aged 21+ (based on income & property ownership). 💳 Payments via PayNow (Dec 5), Giro (Dec 16), or GovCash. 2️⃣ MediSave Top-Ups: ✅ $300-$500 for 1.4M Singaporeans born 1974-2003. ✅ $1,250-$2,000 for 1.6M seniors (1973 or earlier) under the Majulah Package. 3️⃣ Retirement Savings Bonus: ✅ $1,000-$1,500 for 800,000 seniors born in 1973 or earlier, credited to CPF accounts. 💻 Check eligibility via Singpass at govbenefits.gov.sg. 🚨 Beware of scams: SMS from gov.sg will not ask for replies, links, or personal details. #Singapore #GovernmentSupport #CostOfLiving #MediSave #CPF

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Simple message but convoluted presentation - 20% of "foreign" firms employing 60% of "Singapore resident" earning gross monthly income exceeding S$12.5k (about S$175k 14-month-year), who are among top 10% of income earners in Singapore. Let's unpack this. #Singapore's per-capita GDP (PPP) was US$127k (Dec 2023, S$165k based on today's spot-rate, https://lnkd.in/gPDqwX5R), which kind of say that the quoted S$12.5k is just average Joe. Top 10%? but that rub the feathers in the right directions for many high ego yuppies, who are in that 10%. However, for bulk of the 80% non-foreign companies, this "average Joe" is not average on the ground. The distorting factor: Singapore's Gini (https://lnkd.in/g5vHXqNr, https://lnkd.in/gM377Zgb). Average is never a good statistical number for a skewed population, but is always depended on to explain anomalies in politics unfortunately. The struggles for the "real" non-foreign firms are keeping pace with the rising cost, decreasing man-power resources willing to work for, and affordable for non-foreign firms. Who are "Singapore resident"? According to (https://lnkd.in/gWtHuPZ6) : "A local (also known as resident) employee is any Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident who is employed by an employer under a contract of service or other agreement entered into in Singapore." As long as someone gets a permit to stay and work in Singapore, they are "residents". Make sense? Got that? This does not say Singapore citizens. So, depending on where you are coming from, digest this article appropriately. "Summarised" reportings are always written with key "theme", they are good for reading the "intentions", and shifting "winds". For decision makers of firms, I will suggest reading the labour statistics directly: Check https://lnkd.in/g4fzUCfB . Great move! Transparency works wonders to avoid insulting the intelligence of citizens.

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A recent survey by Capstone-Intel Corporation in November 2023 revealed that 9 out of 10 Filipinos are now relying on financial technology apps for their daily transactions. As a result, businesses are shifting their focus towards investing in payment gateways to cater to this growing demand. By partnering with NetGlobal Pay, your business can offer seamless and secure payment experiences to your customers. Join us today and experience the benefits of NetGlobal Pay! #NetGlobalPay #NetGlobalSolutions #PaymentSolutions

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