Associate Sponsor: Northern Trust

Associate Sponsor:

 

The Asia Pacific (APAC) region is one of the most culturally diverse in the world. With over 7,000 languages spoken and a wide range of cultural, historical and religious influences, the region is far from a homogeneous market — and this diversity shapes workplace experiences profoundly. 

From Confucian values emphasising harmony and hierarchy in East Asia to the pluralistic, community-centred traditions common in South and Southeast Asia, as well as the millennia-old heritage of Indigenous communities in Australia and New Zealand, APAC presents a rich and complex cultural ecosystem. Religious traditions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism, Daoism and Shintoism coexist and influence daily life across the region. 

This cultural richness is a tremendous asset — but it also poses unique challenges for workplace inclusion. Deeply ingrained norms such as collectivism, respect for hierarchy, indirect communication styles, and the importance of saving face require DE&I approaches that are thoughtfully localised to regional and cultural context. 

Understanding these nuances is critical for creating psychological safety and a genuine sense of belonging across APAC workplaces. 

 

What This Toolkit Covers 

This Accessibility-Free Resource provides insights and practical guidance on inclusion tailored to the cultural context of APAC. You can download and use this resource at no charge, available publicly thanks to the generous support of Northern Trust. 

Core Sections Include: 

1. Understanding APAC Cultural Nuances 
A region-wide exploration of how cultural values influence workplace dynamics and interpersonal behaviour across markets. 

2. Common Cultural Themes in APAC 

  • Collectivism and Harmony 

  • Respect for Hierarchy and Seniority 

  • Indirect Communication and High-Context Cultures 

  • Collective Decision-Making and Patience 

  • Religious Pluralism and Cultural Diversity 

  • Language Diversity 

3. Cultural Nuances Based on Region 
Insights into how cultural dynamics play out across: 

  • Southeast Asia 

  • Soth Asia 

  • North Asia 

  • Australasia 

4. Market Case Study — Northern Trust Philippines 
A highlight from the toolkit: Ability Anchors, a support group at Northern Trust Philippines, demonstrating how localised inclusion initiatives foster community and belonging. 

5. Practical Tools & Resources 
Handy, actionable resources to support your organisation’s DE&I journey within APAC contexts. 

 

Download the Free Resource 

This toolkit is accessible to the public at no cost, open to individuals, organisations and DE&I practitioners who want to deepen their understanding of culture-led inclusion in APAC. 

Supported by Northern Trust — thank you for making this accessible. 

Download Toolkit