In September 2025, the G+ Annual Stakeholder Forum brought together industry leaders in South Korea, to explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in offshore wind, HSE and, workforce management across the APAC region.
Thomas Chiu, Taiwan Country Manager and Director Ben Hiner attended the forum and here, Thomas shares his reflections on the conference and, how Shirley Parsons supports organizations tackling these challenges.
Thomas’ Forum Recap.
“The atmosphere at the forum was highly collaborative and forward-looking. There was a strong sense of commitment among industry leaders to not only address current HSE and workforce challenges but also to build a more sustainable and resilient future for the energy and engineering sectors across APAC.”
Several sessions and themes particularly resonated with him, including:
- Offshore Wind Safety Culture – The importance of standardizing safety practices across contractors and countries was highlighted to ensure consistency.
- Digital Transformation in Workforce Management – “Digital workforce platforms are becoming central to improving contractor management, compliance, and training,” Thomas notes.
- Employee Well-being – Mental health and overall well-being were discussed as critical factors for sustaining long-term workforce performance, especially in high-pressure offshore and engineering environments.
Thomas also observed emerging trends that could reshape workforce strategies: greater emphasis on local content, AI-driven safety performance monitoring, and cross-border collaboration to build a more mobile, well-trained talent pool.
He emphasizes that collective action is key:
"No single organization can solve these issues alone; it requires collaboration between developers, OEMs, contractors, and service providers to raise safety standards and address talent shortages."
Advancing Offshore Wind Safety - Key Takeaways.
How would you describe the overall atmosphere of the event in Incheon?
“The atmosphere was highly collaborative and forward-looking. There was a strong sense of commitment among industry leaders to not only address current HSE and workforce challenges but also to build a more sustainable and resilient future for the energy and engineering sectors across APAC.”
Were there any standout sessions, speakers, or themes that resonated strongly with you?
“Sessions on offshore wind safety culture, digital transformation in workforce management, and cross-border collaboration in APAC were particularly impactful. Several speakers emphasized the importance of standardizing safety practices and building a more mobile, well-trained talent pool. Mental health and employee well-being were also highlighted as critical for sustaining long-term workforce performance and safety.”
What are the biggest challenges in HSE and engineering talent management across APAC right now?
- Talent shortages in specialized disciplines such as HSE managers, offshore technicians, and project engineers.
- Cross-border mobility barriers, including visa and work permit restrictions and inconsistent local labor laws.
- Retention and succession planning, especially for mid-senior professionals in high-demand markets like Taiwan, Korea, and Vietnam.
- Aligning safety culture across different contractors and countries, which remains an ongoing challenge.
Did you notice any emerging trends or innovations that could reshape project resourcing and workforce strategies?
- Digital workforce platforms to improve contractor management, compliance, and training.
- Greater emphasis on local content and localization strategies in offshore wind projects.
- Data-driven safety performance monitoring, integrating AI and predictive analytics.
How does Shirley Parsons support organizations in tackling these challenges?
- Delivering specialist recruitment across HSE, engineering, and project management functions in APAC.
- Providing contract staffing and project-based resourcing solutions, giving clients workforce flexibility without compromising quality.
- Offering market insights and salary benchmarking to support workforce planning.
- Promoting knowledge sharing and safety leadership through our global HSE community, ensuring that best practices are transferred across borders.
What was your biggest personal takeaway from the forum?
“The key takeaway for me was the importance of collaboration between industry stakeholders. No single organization can solve these issues alone; it requires collective action and shared accountability.”
Did you make any new connections or partnerships that could lead to opportunities for Shirley Parsons?
“Yes, I connected with several new stakeholders from offshore wind developers, EPC contractors, and HSE organizations. Many expressed interest in exploring recruitment partnerships, workforce planning support, and advisory services in Taiwan and Korea. These relationships could lead to exciting collaborations in the near future.”
Looking ahead.
The forum highlighted the rapid evolution of the offshore wind and energy sectors in APAC. With talent shortages, safety challenges, and increasing demand for digital workforce solutions, organizations must adapt strategically.
At Shirley Parsons, we are proud to help build safer, more resilient, and better-equipped workforces. Through our recruitment, advisory, and knowledge-sharing capabilities, we enable organizations to meet today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.
If your organization is looking to strengthen HSE, engineering, or project workforce strategies in APAC, Shirley Parsons can help. Our specialist recruitment, contract staffing, and advisory services are designed to deliver flexible, high-quality solutions tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support your workforce planning and talent management strategies.
