Building an Organization for Human Development of the Third Largest Workforce

Human development – what exactly do these two words encompass? Outwardly, it would seem that the phrase refers to the capability of individuals to grow and realize their potential. That is in fact the core concept of the term. However, it also refers to developing the capability of a workforce in an organization. And the United Nations measures human development across different countries.

Human development has long been studied in management as a key factor for the long-term success of an organization. No company is considered to be valuable if its workforce is not capable. It’s simple logic, really: you are bound to receive more from a workforce that feels they are able to develop and is motivated to learn and improve.

Hence, the importance of human development in the workplace for companies, for countries and for regions. Realizing this, ASEAN – 10 countries in Southeast Asia making up the third largest workforce in the world after China and India, with over 635 million employees, has created the ASEAN Human Development Organization (AHDO).

Here's where Bob Aubrey warrants an introduction. In his own words, the man has spent his entire career on human development at work and he plans to continue doing so until he's into his nineties! Ever since Bob Aubrey was a university student, he was thoroughly fascinated with human development ideas and innovations. He would eventually go on to build a career based on this passion as a human development expert and entrepreneur. This work has taken him far: from the USA to France, China, Singapore and nearly twenty-five countries in over six continents. He has also written 10 books on different aspects of human development.
His career has made him a reputable advisor, speaker and management mentor. His expertise encompasses personal development, learning, leadership, organizational development and NGOs all the way up to global economics and government policy.

Bob Aubrey is the CEO of Bob Aubrey Associates – a company dedicated to improving human development and building capabilities in business and with organizations such as ASEAN. On 6th November 2018, the core of AHDO's founding members met in Jakarta. The first movers represent many of the region’s large growing countries - Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Myanmar. The first Board Meeting took place after a conference organized by HRM Asia which had been opened by Indonesia's Minister of Manpower, Hanif Dhakiri.

Speaking further on what he wants to accomplish in the upcoming years, Bob mentioned that his overall purpose is to contribute to human development in thought leadership or working with businesses and institutions. Bob says that his primary focus for the time is to extend his business expertise to NGOs and government organizations.

Besides founding AHDO, Bob chairs the Human Resources committee of the European Chamber of Commerce in Singapore and actively supports the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD), the European Foundation of Management Development (EFMD) and the ASEAN Foundation.