1. What do you focus on at B Capital?

I am part of our global HR team. I am based in Singapore and oversee the Asia region as a Senior HR Manager. Broadly, my role is to ensure that our employees can safely work wherever they are while ensuring that the firm is also protected from any employment risks. The scope of my work covers operations and tactical workstreams from HR risk and compliance to global mobility to HR operations. I also collaborate closely with senior leadership across Asia on strategic people initiatives as we continue to build a High Performing Organization (HPO) globally.

My day-to-day can vary. Some mornings I’m on a call with Finance to collaborate on business process improvements, and by lunchtime, I’m catch up with external stakeholders over coffee. I also work with vendors on service delivery, brainstorm with colleagues from Talent Acquisition on internship programs and employer branding and catch up with employees across Asia and speak with prospective new hires. There’s never a dull moment!

The HR profession in Asia is ever-evolving, and labor regulations are being updated constantly to protect employees better.

HR is at the forefront of these changes, from advising founders on business expansion and mergers to designing talent strategies for emerging jobs while keeping track of the regulatory and statutory requirements so that businesses can expand safely. Asia is a great space for innovative companies and young professionals to kickstart their careers.

2. What attracted you to working at B Capital?

First and foremost, it’s the visionary leadership team! Before joining the firm, I monitored the firm’s activities and was impressed with the methodology towards investing in innovation and social impact. I am a huge believer in giving back to society – and to see B Capital’s commitment in these areas through our investment is awe-inspiring!

I have always believed in the potential that Asia can bring to the world. I have built my HR career in Asia over the last 13 years. I have seen many countries in Asia grow exponentially in terms of opportunities for young professionals and innovation. We’ve seen unicorns (and decacorns) coming out from Asia, which were not there ten years ago.

B Capital is at the forefront of these opportunities and innovation through our investments. I am genuinely excited that I am a part of it.

3. If you weren’t in this career, what would you be doing?

My passion is in solving problems. If I’m not in HR, I am likely to be found in consulting firms finding solutions for clients. In HR, I enjoy troubleshooting problems for employees, similar to consulting, where I would bring a solution-first mindset.

4. What is most interesting or unique about working in venture capital?

It is exhilarating, intellectually fulfilling, and professionally challenging – you can never get such a combination (it’s either one or two but not all three)! Working in a VC means that we set our minds to the future. We invest in innovation, growth, thinking of where the world will be a decade from now.

5. What’s something many people may not know about you?

I adore South Korea and all of the pop culture that comes with it: K-pop, K-drama, K-food More than just the music, food, and drama, it is a beautiful country with its mountains, oceans, and temples.

Some tips if you are going there the first time. Skip Seoul and visit Gwangju. You’ll love the old townscapes there, and the variety of traditional Korean food and snacks!

Connect with Khai on LinkedIn!