Intan Shahira Mohd Shahru, Head of People (Aviation) with Kuala Lumpur-based budget airline AirAsia describes her organisation as“transparent and unbiased”, with an open office design that encourages employees (called ‘Allstars’ internally) to freely approach management without fear of judgement or reprisal.
She says the team is resilient, “believes in the unbelievable”, and “dares to dream”.
“We are a family that works as hard as we party and strives to make a difference together,” she says. “We look for hungry learners, innovative, passionate about making a change, strong in their sense of purpose, and committed to growth.”
Shahru graduated from Australia’s University of Wollongong with a bachelor’s degree in Law and Management. She also attended the Harvard Business School’s Executive HR programme.
She started in HR at the age of 21, with Kornferry, an international management consultancy firm.
“10 years in consulting provided the technical know-how and a strong foundation,” she says. “I gained experience and exposure in different industries and markets in various geographies.”
Shahru was the Central Bank of Malaysia’s Director for Strategic Human Capital for six years before joining AirAsia in 2018.
She says working for an airline had not been on the cards, until AirAsia first contacted her. “When they called me for the job, their answer to my question about the role sealed the deal,” she says.
“They said: ‘It’s an empty sheet of paper, Intan. You decide what you want to paint’.”
Over five years at AirAsia, Shahru has worked in multiple roles. She was originally hired as the Group Head for Talent and Rewards, then became Group Head of the Centre of Excellence and HR Operations, and is now Head of People (Aviation). “Time flies when you love what you do,” she says.
Shahru says AirAsia’s people are her key motivators. “Money can’t buy being better and being able to play an integral part in the team’s growth,” she says. “In my long career, I have never worked as hard as I did during the pandemic. My sense of purpose for the company and the Allstars is the daily push I need.”
She notes that technology drives her adaptive HR, ensuring simplified and integrated systems and processes. She focuses on building a high-performance culture with capable and innovative talents. She says the best things about working at AirAsia are “people, culture, and the ability to be you”.
