Uniqlo’s Ellen Law connects people to the right roles and builds pathways for them to succeed

This International Women’s Day, five women show us how everyday actions reshape workplaces, communities and cultures to impact lives around them. This series is created in partnership with Uniqlo.

Ellen’s outfit: Smooth Cotton V Neck Cardigan, Premium Linen Long Sleeve Shirt, JW Anderson Oxford Boxy Shirt Long Sleeve (worn inside), Vintage Belt, and Smart Ankle Pants, Uniqlo. Shoes, stylist’s own

One might see no link between the job of a fictional childhood superhero and the role of a HR Manager, but Ellen Angelina Law thinks otherwise. “I have always loved the Power Rangers as they are helpful to others,” she admits. “That has somewhat translated to what I do – helping people find the right job and creating pathways for them to succeed.”

Ellen’s role as HR Manager at Uniqlo Singapore spans talent acquisition and development across store operations, corporate functions and leadership pipelines. The 33-year-old also designs hiring strategies that align with the brand’s long-term development plans.

Beyond these frameworks, Ellen’s superpower is an acute ability to match people to a job that suits. “It’s about having the right people in the right roles, at the right time,” she shares. “And making sure they can grow with the organisation, not just within it.”

Uniqlo Singapore takes hiring seriously, Ellen emphasises, viewing every new team member as a future business leader. Beyond building long-term careers, the company is equally committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. To them, DEI is more than a box to tick – it is integral to strengthening the company’s culture, business and impact on society. Differences are not only respected, but valued, with equal opportunities for every employee to realise their full potential.

This commitment has not gone unnoticed: Uniqlo Singapore was recently recognised as a National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre Champion of Good (NVPC) for its inclusive employment practices.

“We know exactly who we are looking for, and have a thorough selection process where multiple internal stakeholders can vet the candidates. We are patient and don’t hire until we find the right person,” she adds.

Having been on that exact journey herself for the past 10 years, the mother-of-two believes that the different roles she has held within the company have shaped her to become the HR manager she is now.

Ellen began her career in 2015 under the Uniqlo Management Candidate (UMC) programme, which offers a complete retail immersion experience. She worked on the store floor for two and a half years before being promoted to store manager. Being part of the UMC programme taught her adaptability, resilience and the importance of teammates – crucial lessons that continue to inform her work as a leader.

Walking the talk has also helped her to pinpoint the needs of the company and champion thoughtful initiatives. In December last year, she launched Uniqlo Singapore’s first local store internship programme.

Ellen points out that many university students may not initially see retail as an appealing long-term career path. Uniqlo’s internship programme aims to change that by giving them hands-on exposure to store operations, business management, customer service, and the workings of a global company – showing just how much they can learn and grow.

Designed for final-year university students, the programme also helps identify potential future leaders. Of the six interns who participated in its first run, half were later converted into the UMC programme.

She sums it up with a smile: “Success to me is seeing employees that I hired become the right fit for the company, and then see them grow or hit milestones in their career journey.”

ART DIRECTION Adeline Eng & Ray Ticsay
STYLING Bryan Goh
HAIR Wong Ying Cui
MAKEUP Lasalle Lee
COORDINATION Sophie Hong & Cheryl Chan