Manila, Philippines – April 30, 2025 — Nearly 100 HR leaders and professionals from across the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC) convened at the Mapua Cardinal Cinema for the 13th YGC HR Conference, centered on the theme: “Thriving HR Era: AI, Analytics, and Green Workforce.” The event provided a dynamic platform for forward-looking discussions on how HR can drive transformative change at the intersection of technology, data, and sustainability.
The conference featured a powerful lineup of speakers, beginning with Lito Villanueva, Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer at RCBC, who delivered a thought-provoking talk on the evolving role of HR in the Age of AI. He emphasized the need for HR leaders to be bolder, more strategic, and deeply human-centered, highlighting how innovation and empathy must go hand in hand in building the workforce of tomorrow. Villanueva also underscored YGC’s opportunity—and responsibility—as a conglomerate to champion inclusive, tech-forward workplace cultures.
Building on the innovation theme, Pamela Morales-Cabudoy, Chief Data Scientist at RCBC, shared a compelling presentation on the transformative power of data and digital enablers in HR. She illustrated how organizations can leverage the vast availability of workforce data to better understand employee needs, enhance engagement, and make more informed and agile decisions. Her session featured real-world AI use cases, demonstrating how data-driven, human-centric approaches are positioning HR as a strategic powerhouse.
Rounding out the conference speakers was the insightful presentation by Karthik Subburaman, Regional Operations Director at ASSIST and Practice Lead for Corporate Sustainability at ECCI. Karthik delivered a compelling talk on the importance of future-proofing the workforce, emphasizing the emerging role of green jobs and the need for a just transition to a sustainable economy. His perspective resonated strongly with delegates as he outlined actionable steps HR can take to build resilient, eco-conscious, and equitable work environments in the face of rapid environmental and technological shifts.
“The future of work demands more than adaptation; it calls for transformation. By integrating green skills and sustainable thinking into HR, we’re not just filling jobs; we’re building a future-ready, purpose-driven workforce,” Karthik emphasized.
The conference sparked dynamic discussions and cross-company collaboration among HR professionals, reinforcing the importance of embracing AI and sustainability not as trends, but as foundational strategies for the future.
