Spotlight Speaker: Fong Tuan Chen – HR Beyond Support, Towards Humanity

By: Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas

“HR has always, traditionally been known to be a support function where, traditionally, we also do hiring, firing, and paying technically. Over the years, I think HR has evolved into a function that enables more than support. But in the future, in this new reality of artificial intelligence and augmented intelligence… we are actually shaping and influencing the business.”

With this powerful statement, Fong Tuan Chen, Chief People Officer of Valiram Group, reframed the way organizations should view HR. To him, HR is no longer a bystander in business, it is a driver, immersed in challenges, technology, and people strategies that shape the future.

The Universal DNA of People

Having led HR across industries from utilities and FMCG to global tech and luxury retail, Fong Tuan has found a consistent truth: all people seek the same three things.

“Number one is security. Everyone wants security… Second is the freedom to act… The third one is the opportunity for growth. Regardless of where you are and regardless of generations, everyone looks for opportunities for growth.”

He emphasized that respect and fairness must be at the center of how leaders treat their people. In his words, “How we treat our people is how they will reflect it in how they treat our customers and stakeholders.”

Quantifying the Unquantifiable

When it comes to trust and culture, Fong tuan challenges traditional approaches. Instead of relying on surveys and indexes, he argues that their real essence lies beyond measurement.

“Culture is what doesn’t get measured and still gets done, that’s true culture, and that’s true trust. Trust doesn’t need to be earned. It needs to be given.”

For him, building trust is not about waiting for people to prove themselves. It is about giving trust first, unconditionally, and allowing people to rise to it. This, he explained, is how authentic cultures are built.

AI and the Return to Humanity

When it comes to artificial intelligence, Fong Tuan takes  a view that is both refreshing and hopeful. Rather than seeing AI as a threat, he frames it as an opportunity to strengthen humanity.

“Instead of replacing us, I think it will make us even more valuable. It will make us more human. It will increase our humanity.”

By removing repetitive, mechanical tasks, AI creates space for people to focus on empathy, intuition, and holistic decision-making. Far from dehumanizing the workplace, Fong sees AI as a catalyst that amplifies what makes us most human.

Leaders, Fairy Tales, and Dragons

Perhaps the most memorable moment in fact, came when he shared his personal philosophy of leadership:

“Leaders should believe in fairy tales. Fairy tales have dragons in it. Leaders should believe in dragons as well. And more importantly, leaders should believe that those dragons can be slayed.”

For him, dragons symbolize the challenges every leader faces. Believing they can be defeated and equipping ourselves to do so, is the very heart of resilience.

End Note

From his engineering background to his journey as a national ballroom dancer and now as a people strategist, Fong Tuan Chen has always combined discipline, precision, and human insight. His spotlight message is clear: HR is not just a support system, it is the engine of business. People everywhere need security, freedom, and growth. Trust must be given first to unlock real culture. AI, far from replacing us, can amplify our humanity. Leaders must believe that dragons can be slayed.In his own words: “We need to go beyond that.”   Ready to shape the future of HR? Join us this October at HRx Indonesia 2025 and be part of the conversations that matter most in people, culture, and leadership. Don’t miss this chance to connect with industry leaders and innovators.