The First Word: Rethinking how Malaysia builds for the future

What do we really want from work today? Stability? Flexibility? Meaning? Across Malaysia, these questions are quietly reshaping boardroom discussions, hiring decisions, and business strategy. Work has become more digital, more dynamic and yet, for many, less connected. As industries evolve and technology accelerates, one truth has become clear: the future of work is no […]
Why healthcare HR demands a different kind of leadership

Healthcare is unlike any other industry. At its core, it is about people caring for people, often in moments that matter most. For Razila Duah, leading Human Resources in this environment has profoundly shaped her perspective. As she puts it, “my motivation has always been simple but deeply rooted: to create workplaces where employees feel […]
Dr. Koh Ngee Loke: Grounding HR in reality and results

Dr. Koh Ngee Loke’s HR journey did not begin in a traditional people role. It began on the factory floor, inside operations, materials, and production environments where safety, quality, delivery, and cost mattered every single day. That grounding shaped how he sees HR today, Reflecting on his early years at Motorola, where he spent 17 […]
Vaclav Koranda is seeing HR clearly, not comfortably

Long before digital transformation became a headline topic, Vaclav Koranda was already questioning how HR should truly work. Becoming an HR Director at just 27 years old forced him to grow fast, reflect deeply, and learn what leadership really means in practice. Looking back, he says, “it was a mix of my boundless self-confidence and […]
Will you be the next HR superstar in Malaysia?

The 2024–2025 HR Stars Awards Malaysia recognised organisations and leaders who raised the bar for people practices across the country. Their work shows what is possible when HR teams combine purpose, consistency and thoughtful design. For any organisation considering a nomination, these winners offer a clear message: meaningful HR work deserves to be seen, shared […]
🌟 Nominations now open for HR Stars Awards Malaysia

The 2025–2026 HR Stars Awards Malaysia is now open for nominations, inviting organisations and HR leaders to share their stories of transformation, innovation, and impact. More than a celebration of achievement, the Awards represent a moment of reflection for Malaysia’s HR community and a chance to look at how people strategies have evolved in a […]
WHO SAYS: When HR struggles, who holds us?

Immerse yourself in the wisdom shared by respected HR and business luminaries from across Southeast Asia as they offer their insightful views on the most urgent matters of the day. “HR is expected to be the listener, the fixer, the fighter. But when HR struggles, who holds us?” – Kirk Patrick Alimaza, Country Head, People, […]
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 […]
Allianz Malaysia named “Employer of Choice”

Allianz Malaysia Berhad is the Employer of Choice at the 2024-2025 HR Stars Awards, reaffirming its commitment to creating an outstanding workplace. This recognition highlights Allianz Malaysia’s dedication to fostering an inclusive, dynamic, and forward-thinking work environment. The company has prioritised employee well-being, professional development, and digital transformation to enhance the workplace experience. With a […]
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 […]