Thirty-eight Malaysia-based companies were named among the best companies to work for in Asia by HR Asia, in a survey that covered over 7,000 Malaysian employees. Companies like Coca-Cola Bottlers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Elken Sdn Bhd, MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn Bhd, Petra Energy Berhad, Pharmaniaga Berhad, RHB Banking Group, Sama-Sama Hotel, SAS Institute Sdn Bhd and UMW Corporation Sdn Bhd made it on the HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2015 list.
The survey developed by HR Asia encompasses employees’ feedback and input, and management comments and presentation. Participating employees were surveyed to determine their intention and motivation, emotional engagement and advocacy, using a 5-point scoring scale.
Producing some intriguing results, the survey provided valuable insights into Malaysian workplaces. The leading sentiment across all surveyed companies was the employees’ desire to Meet and Exceed Customer Expectations (4.54/5.00). This is closely followed by Having Good Friends at Work and Seeking Better Ways to Improve Effectiveness at Work, scoring 4.42 and 4.41 respectively.
On the other hand, the survey uncovered several areas for improvement across the surveyed companies. At the bottom rungs of the ladder stood Engaging Employees in Decision Making Process, Recognition or Praise for Doing Good Work, and being Informed about the Goings-on in the Organization. These were seen as major weaknesses particularly the lack of transparency that were likely to create mistrust between employees and their employers.
“This is one of the most scientific and extensive surveys on employee engagement and workplace practices in this region. Through the survey, HR Asia has discovered that many of these companies – both local and international – have workplace practices that are on par with the best in the world,” said Dato’ William Ng, group editor-in-chief of Business Media International, the publishers of HR Asia.
“Collectively, these award-winning companies have created great workplace environments and pushed the boundaries beyond traditional workplace and employee engagement practices. These are success stories and experiences of both local and multinational organizations from diversified industries,” said Ng.
Award an Inspiration for Good Employers
Many of the recipients were overwhelmed at being named as among the Best Companies to Work For, with most crediting their employees for their achievements.
“To be accorded this honour tells us that we’re on the right track, and reaffirms our purpose to be the fitness leader who inspires people to go further in life’ – whether they’re our employees, our members, or the public at large”, says Kurt Stocks, managing director of Fitness First Malaysia.
“We are both humbled and honoured to know that Brunsfielders’ sense of passion and engagement has enabled this meaningful recognition”, says Goh Siew Chin, human resources director of Brunsfield International Group.
“Winning in AbbVie is never to prove that we are better but a continuous road of knowledge in improving ourselves for a better tomorrow”, says Mupindra Singh, country manager of AbbVie Malaysia.
“This award represents a key milestone of our Reaching for Greatness journey, inspire repeatable success within teams and is a recognition that our employees are proud to work at Kimberly-Clark Malaysia,” says Danny Tan, managing director of Kimberly-Clark Malaysia.
“We are delighted and humbled to win this award, this award validates our efforts to be an employer of choice, and recognize us as one of the best companies to work for in Asia” – Yun Leong Yu Assistant Vice President – Manpower & Compensation, Human Resources Department.
“We are honoured to receive this prestige recognition for our People – the core contributor to the success of our Company!” says Thomas Kathöfer, managing director of arvato Systems Malaysia.
“Winning the award for 2 consecutive years testifies our consistent commitment in employee engagement and implementing good work practices.” – Mohamed Iqbal Abdul Rahman, COO.
“I believe this success is because Worldwide Holdings has always been a People’s Company. We make our people a top priority. I feel honoured and blessed”, says Datin Paduka Norazlina Zakaria, CEO of Worldwide Holdings Berhad.
“We are pleased and honoured to win this award for the second consecutive year, at Petra Energy we aim to create a platform for employees to be the best version of themselves. This award is testament to our efforts”. – Dato’ Anthony Bujang, Group Chief Executive Officer.
“For the QI Group to be recognized as one of the best companies to work for in Asia is a tremendous achievement. This award will serve as great encouragement for all of us to continue to place our people at the top of our priorities”, says Christopher I. Watson, chief human resources officer, Qi Group.
“I would like to dedicate this award to all AUSPians who made our company the best place to work. With their never ending stream of positive energy, this company have grown so much in just 5 years and will continue to succeed”, says Chin Siong Chen, HR Director AUO SunPower Sdn. Bhd.
“We are pleasantly surprised with the award, this goes to show that our HR practices have been keeping with the times by creating an environment where employees are genuinely happy and excited about where they work and what they do”, says Low Seng Chee, chief executive officer of APM Automotive Holdings Berhad.
