Allianz Malaysia strengthens DEI with ‘Allianz Beyond’

The 2024-25 HR Stars Awards Malaysia Berhad recently celebrated outstanding achievements in HR practices across the country. Allianz Malaysia is recognised for its dedication to creating an equitable workplace environment—earning the Best Diversity and Inclusion Strategies award. The journey towards this recognition began when Allianz Malaysia identified a significant challenge within its organisation—the underrepresentation of […]
The First Word: A paradigm shift in retaining Gen Z lawyers

I was born in 1984 (i.e. technically, a Millennial) and admitted to the Bar in 2007, less than 20 years ago, but many things have happened since, including a global pandemic, some of which were not even predicted by George Orwell when he wrote Nineteen Eighty-Four. The world’s priorities have shifted for every generation, across […]
The First Word: How female leaders drive innovation and inspire the next generation

Building a strong pipeline of future leaders is essential for long-term success in any industry. In STEM fields, where women remain underrepresented[1], leadership plays a critical role in expanding access, fostering talent, and ensuring that innovation is driven by a broad range of perspectives. Female leaders contribute not only through technical expertise but also by […]
The First Word: Three priorities to future-proof your workforce

The evolution of Singapore as a nation has been remarkable, one led by a combination of visionary leadership, sound policies and an ability to adopt to global changes. The next 60 years will be different, one that is purpose driven, led with innovation with a conscious balance of doing good as well as doing well. […]
Five essential frameworks for achieving gender equity

Achieving gender equity in the workplace requires a strategic approach beyond traditional diversity initiatives. While many organisations have taken steps toward inclusion, systemic barriers still hinder progress. Implementing structured frameworks can create lasting change by embedding equity into organisational policies and practices. In this last installment of our 4-part “women series,” let’s dig deeper into […]
Five behaviours cultivating women’s professional growth

Creating an inclusive workplace that supports women’s professional growth requires more than policies; it demands a cultural shift in behaviour. While many organisations focus on structural changes, everyday interactions and attitudes significantly impact career advancement for women. Encouraging positive workplace behaviours can help break barriers and foster an environment where women can thrive. This is […]
The First Word: How to cultivate a thriving global workforce

Asia, the world’s largest and most populous continent, is home to a rich tapestry of cultures, languages and histories. Nowhere is this diversity more evident than in global business hubs like Singapore, where international workforces bring together a wide range of perspectives and experiences. For companies operating in such dynamic environments, fostering a workplace culture […]
Five initiatives advancing women’s careers in Southeast Asia

The professional landscape in Southeast Asia is evolving rapidly, with a growing focus on gender inclusivity and empowerment in the workforce. Despite significant progress in recent years, women across the region still face substantial barriers to career advancement, including unequal pay, limited leadership opportunities, and persistent cultural biases. To address these multifaceted challenges, forward-thinking organisations […]
Five methods of measuring employee engagement

Employee engagement significantly influences productivity, retention, and overall organisational success. As businesses evolve in increasingly competitive talent markets, HR professionals need effective tools to understand and improve engagement levels within their workforce. Measuring engagement effectively requires approaches that provide meaningful insights while respecting cultural nuances. When implemented thoughtfully, engagement metrics offer valuable data that drives […]
The First Word: Silent epidemic of mental health in the workplace

Strengthening mental health has climbed to the forefront of business agendas, with an estimated 15% of the global workforce struggling with a disorder (WHO, 2024). This is spurring organisations to take proactive steps to support emotional wellbeing in the workplace – from flexible work arrangements to enhanced healthcare benefits. Yet, mental health challenges quietly persist: […]