Some leaders find purpose through achievement; others, through the difference they make in people’s lives. For Kevin Chua, Chief Human Resources Officer at United World College South East Asia, purpose has been the compass guiding his every career move — from corporate giants in MedTech, Pharma, and Energy, to his current role in education.
“I am drawn to organisations with purposeful vision,” he says. “Being in HR, our skills are transferable and I am fortunate to be able to work in different companies in different industries but all with the aim to positively impact society, making our work very meaningful for all our employees.”
From Corporate to Campus
For Kevin, transitioning into the education sector was a natural progression rather than a leap into the unknown. “My work as a CHRO in an educational institution is not very much different from my work in companies in other organisations,” he explains. “It is about creating an environment where all employees thrive and is able to contribute to the organisation’s impact.”
His journey reflects a consistent theme — aligning HR with purpose and impact. Whether in the corporate world or the classroom, Kevin’s leadership is built on a belief that people flourish when meaning drives their work.
Global Lessons, Local Leadership
Having held roles across Japan, Southeast Asia, and London, Kevin credits his international experience for shaping his inclusive and adaptive leadership style. “My international assignments and experience have broadened my perspective of HR, and has definitely shaped how I relate to different people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds,” he shares. “How I lead and interact with every individual is different taking into account our different cultures; while at the same time being able to have the whole team share a common vision and goal.”
His early foundation in learning and development also continues to anchor his approach. “I continue to be passionate about developing people and enabling leaders to optimise their performance and the impact that their teams can make for their organisations,” he says. “I view People Development as a core responsibility of all leaders; and that leaders have an important role in setting the culture of the organisations that they lead.”
This passion extends beyond HR strategy into personal practice. As a certified Executive Coach, Kevin has guided senior leaders toward transformative self-awareness. “The ones that have the greatest breakthroughs are those who are able to reflect about their own behaviours and leadership, and make deep changes to their worldview or mind-frame and thus impacting their leadership and performance,” he reflects. “As a coach, I try to do that myself, and find myself ‘coaching myself’ through difficult or challenging issues.”
A Broader Perspective
Kevin’s work extends into boardrooms and charitable organisations, where his perspective continues to grow. “My Board involvement has been fulfilling, meaningful and deeply enriching,” he shares. “I have learnt from my fellow board members about strategic thinking, generative discussions and risk management. All these are very useful to my role as a CHRO – as I have a broader perspective of what is needed in my own organisation.”
And as a judge at the 2025 HR Stars Awards Singapore, Kevin brings that same blend of insight and curiosity. “Every organisation is different and operates in a different context,” he says. “What I am hoping to learn from every participating organisation is how they conceptualise, implement and assess key initiatives, so that it adds value and contributes to what their organisation does.”
Through every role and responsibility, Kevin’s message remains consistent: leadership is about purpose, people, and the continuous pursuit of learning.
