The First Word: Shaping tomorrow’s talent today
Starting in the working world is both thrilling and daunting. For fresh graduates, it marks a huge shift from structured classrooms to fast-paced work environments, where they must navigate new expectations, expand their knowledge and experience, and find their place within corporate culture. For employers, this is a chance to plant the seeds for tomorrow’s […]
The First Word: How CHROs in Asia are leading transformation
As the pace of change accelerates across global business, Asia’s Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) are emerging as pivotal architects of organisational resilience and transformation. While global CHRO turnover has risen, reaching 2.6% in Q1 2025, a 15% increase from the previous year, Asia’s turnover remains notably low, with less than 1% and zero departures […]
Leading with compassion across borders and cultures
If there’s one thing Kirk Patrick Alimaza has learned in nearly two decades of HR, it’s that no two industries move to the same beat. “Aviation demands precision, hospitality calls for warmth, manufacturing requires consistency, and BPO thrives on pace,” he says. That mix has taught him agility—and a firm belief that balancing business outcomes […]
From stopgap to standout: Putting people first, always
HR wasn’t part of the original plan. For Alyssa Alillana, it started as a stopgap on the way to medical school—but what began as a temporary path quickly turned into something far more meaningful. “Early on, I was placed in roles that allowed me to engage directly with people, understand their motivations, and help them […]
Xandra Galang: Building a clear vision for the Filipino talent
When you speak with someone who’s shaping the future of work across one of the Philippines’ most iconic conglomerates, you expect big ideas. But with Xandra Galang, Head of Talent Management at Ayala Corporation, what strikes you first is clarity. Clarity of thought, of purpose, of impact. In just over two years, she’s led transformative […]
From law enforcement to HR excellence: A journey of expertise
With more than four decades of experience spanning law enforcement, security, and human resources, Toh Siew Pat has built an impressive career rooted in discipline, expertise, and a passion for knowledge sharing. Starting as a police inspector with the Royal Malaysian Police, he transitioned into corporate security management before finding his true calling in human […]
From strategy to success: An HR visionary’s journey
With a career built on purpose, strategy, and people empowerment, Eeswary Kupusamy stands out as one of the region’s most respected HR leaders. As HR Director at DXC Technology, she oversees operations in Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia—leading high-impact teams and navigating diverse cultural and organisational landscapes with agility and insight. Eeswary’s professional journey spans over […]
Strategic leadership in HR: Bridging tech and people
Dr. Koh Ngee Loke embodies the strategic vision that modern human resources demand. His career trajectory spans two decades of industrial excellence, revealing a professional who transforms workforce management from a support function to a critical business driver. With a 17-year foundation at Motorola, Dr. Koh developed expertise in critical operational domains—Safety, Quality, Delivery, and […]
Driving HR excellence with purpose and innovation
When it comes to shaping the future of human resources in Malaysia, Arulkumar Singaraveloo is at the forefront. As the CEO of Malaysia HR Forum, he leads one of the country’s fastest-growing HR platforms, bringing together over 45,000 members in a thriving community of HR professionals. His journey through the HR landscape has been nothing […]
Giga Maritime Group: Navigating the waves of HR excellence
Giga Maritime Group (GMG) has been recognised as the runner-up for Best HR Team at the 2024-2025 HR Stars Awards Malaysia, a testament to the organisation’s unwavering commitment to collaboration, teamwork, and employee engagement. This achievement reflects the dedication of GMG’s Human Resources (HR) team in fostering a workplace culture where employees feel valued, supported, […]
