OVERVIEW

 

The Centre for Future of Work is dedicated to understanding and shaping the evolving world of work in South East Asia and beyond. Grounded in four key research clusters—Digital Work and Wellbeing, Professions and Occupations, Innovative Management Practices, and SMEs and Family Business—we tackle pressing challenges such as hybrid work, AI integration, and cybersecurity in the digital economy.

 

Our research drives evidence-based frameworks, empowers small and family-run enterprises, and strengthens the region’s role in global value chains. Through close collaboration with academia, industry, and policymakers, we aim to future-proof businesses and equip the workforce with the skills and resilience needed to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

Purpose

To generate impactful research and partnerships that prepare businesses and workforces in South East Asia for the challenges and opportunities of the future workplace.

Mission 
To advance interdisciplinary research on workplace transformation in South East Asia, integrating technology, work trends, and organisational dynamics to drive practical solutions for sustainable growth and workforce wellbeing.

ABOUT US
RESEARCH CLUSTERS
CONTACT US
ABOUT US RESEARCH CLUSTERS CONTACT US

Kuala Lumpur in the evening
Empowering the Future of Work Through Innovation and Insight

 

The University Centre for Future of Work (CFW) leads interdisciplinary research on workplace transformation across South East Asia’s developing economies. It explores the intersection of emerging technologies, shifting work patterns, and organisational dynamics through four key research clusters.

 

The Centre focuses on critical areas such as hybrid and remote work, AI integration, cybersecurity, demographic transitions, and evolving professional roles. Its pioneering work highlights innovative management practices and engineering approaches, especially for SMEs and family-owned businesses navigating unique operational challenges.

 

Using data-driven methodologies, CFW develops strategies for the digital economy and examines South East Asia’s position in global value chains. By fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and government, the Centre bridges research and real-world application—shaping forward-thinking workplace policies and underscoring the vital role of education in workforce development.

OUR TEAM

 

The Centre for Future of Work is driven by a diverse team of researchers, academics, and thought leaders united by a shared commitment to exploring Asia’s evolving landscape. 

Academic Committee

Portrait photo for Professor Jens Olaf Thommes

Professor Jens Olaf

Thommes

 

Chair for the Center

Portrait photo for Dr Athena Liu Li

Dr Athena Liu Li

 

Cluster Lead for Digital Work and Wellbeing

Portrait photo for Dr Praveena Nair Sivasankaran

Dr Praveena Nair Sivasankaran

 

Cluster Lead for Professions and Occupations

Portrait photo for Professor Dr Poon Wai Ching

Professor Dr Poon Wai Ching

 

Cluster Lead for Innovative Management Practices

Portrait photo for Associate Professor Dr Chong Wei Ying

Associate Professor Dr Chong Wei Ying

 

Cluster Lead for SMEs and Family Business

Digital Work and Wellbeing
Professions and Occupations
Innovative Management Practices
SMEs and Family Business

Young businessman with peer
Digital Work and Wellbeing

 

This cluster explores how industries are reimagining the workplace in response to unprecedented challenges and technological shifts. It examines best practices in creating agile, inclusive, and sustainable work environments that can adapt to black swan events, digital transformation, and climate change.

 

From hybrid and remote work models to cybersecurity resilience, the research aims to support healthier, more equitable, and future-ready organisations.

Value Proposition

Driving innovation for resilient, sustainable, and inclusive work environments in a rapidly evolving world.

UNSDGs Committed

  • #3 Good Health and Wellbeing
  • #5 Gender Equality
  • #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • #10 Reduced Inequality

AREA OF FOCUS

Each focus area reflects a commitment to addressing complex societal challenges through interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging collaboration across fields to generate impactful insights and real-world solutions.

Hybrid and Remote Work Models

Investigates effective strategies for flexible work arrangements that enhance productivity, employee wellbeing, and organisational resilience.

Workplace Sustainability and Health

Explores practices that promote environmentally sustainable, physically safe, and mentally supportive work environments.

Cybersecurity and Digital Trust

Addresses the risks and safeguards associated with digital workspaces, ensuring secure and ethical use of technology in the workplace.

Organisational Agility and Crisis Response

Analyses how companies adapt to black swan events and global disruptions, with a focus on agile leadership, policy, and innovation.

Leaders with team
Professions and Occupations
 

This cluster investigates how technological advancements and shifting demographics are reshaping professional roles and knowledge delivery.

 

It explores how industries adapt to emerging technologies, evolving skill requirements, and new modes of expertise, with a focus on ensuring workforce relevance and resilience in the digital age.

Value Proposition

Empowering future-ready professionals through research on evolving roles, skills, and knowledge systems in a tech-driven world.

UNSDGs Committed

  • #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • #4 Quality Education
  • #5 Gender Equality

AREA OF FOCUS

Each focus area reflects a commitment to addressing complex societal challenges through interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging collaboration across fields to generate impactful insights and real-world solutions.

Evolution of Professional Roles

Analyses how automation, AI, and digital tools are transforming traditional professions and creating new career pathways.

Knowledge Delivery in the Digital Age

Explores innovative methods of skill development, training, and certification tailored to modern, tech-enabled learning environments.

Adaptability to Emerging Technologies

Examines how professionals and institutions respond to disruptive technologies and integrate them into everyday practice.

Demographic Shifts and Workforce Development

Studies the impact of ageing populations, generational change, and diversity on professional identity and future workforce planning.

Two women having conversation
Innovative Management Practices

 

This cluster explores forward-thinking management frameworks that support end-to-end value chain transformation in the digital economy. It focuses on stakeholder engagement, change management, and sustainable development, while promoting agility in production and consumption within digitally connected communities.

 

Leveraging data-driven methodologies, the research aims to drive strategic decision-making and organisational resilience.

Value Proposition

Advancing sustainable urban development through innovative architecture, ecological design, and digital solutions, with a focus on climate resilience and cultural sustainability in diverse cities.

UNSDGs Committed

  • #9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • #12 Responsible Consumption and Production
  • #13 Climate Action
  • #17 Partnerships for Goals

AREA OF FOCUS

Each focus area reflects a commitment to addressing complex societal challenges through interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging collaboration across fields to generate impactful insights and real-world solutions.

End-to-End Value Chain Transformation

Examines how digital tools reshape supply chains, from production to delivery, to enhance efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.

Stakeholder Engagement and Change Management

Explores strategies to align people, processes, and goals during organisational transformation in response to digital disruption.

Sustainable Business and Consumption Models

Investigates frameworks that balance profitability with environmental and social responsibility in modern business ecosystems.

Data-Driven Strategic Decision-Making

Advances the use of analytics and real-time data to inform agile management, innovation, and long-term planning.

Young asian guy in the office presenting
SMEs and Family Business

 

This cluster focuses on enhancing the resilience, efficiency, and sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and family-owned businesses.

 

It explores unique operational challenges, succession planning, and digital transformation, while advancing strategies for policy development, economic growth, and long-term performance improvement in the South East Asian context.

Value Proposition

Strengthening SMEs and family businesses through research-driven strategies for digital growth, succession planning, and sustainable development.

UNSDGs Committed

  • #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • #9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

AREA OF FOCUS

Each focus area reflects a commitment to addressing complex societal challenges through interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging collaboration across fields to generate impactful insights and real-world solutions.

Operational Efficiency and Business Processes

Investigates methods to streamline operations and enhance productivity in resource-constrained SME environments.

Digital Transformation for Growth

Explores how SMEs and family businesses adopt digital tools to innovate, scale, and remain competitive in evolving markets.

Succession Planning and Leadership Transition

Examines strategies for sustainable leadership transfer in family enterprises, ensuring continuity and long-term success.

Policy and Economic Development

Analyses the role of supportive policies and regional economic frameworks in improving SME performance and resilience.

Have questions or want to learn more about our research? Whether you're a prospective collaborator, researcher, student, or industry partner, we welcome your enquiries. Get in touch with us to explore opportunities, request information, or start a conversation.

CFW

Centre for Future of Work

Taylor's Lakeside Campus,

Subang, Malaysia

 

cfw@taylors.edu.my

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