SEEK Awards returns for the second year

Judges look forward to inspiring submissions that will set higher standards within HR community.

THE SEEK People & Purpose Awards is back, celebrating HR excellence and inspiring innovation across Malaysia. Organised by Jobstreet, the awards has become a platform for recognising HR achievements and best practices. With submissions open until Feb 14, organisations have the opportunity to showcase their purpose-driven initiatives and be recognised for their contributions to the HR community. Last year’s inaugural event set a high bar for HR excellence. This year’s awards aims to build on that success, providing organisations with a benchmark against the best in the industry. Feedback from last year has been instrumental in refining this year’s categories and enhancing the overall experience. This year, Jobstreet is actively engaging smaller enterprises and non-profits to highlight the diversity of talent and innovation. Smaller organisations often face unique challenges in attracting and retaining talent, yet their contributions to HR excellence and innovative practices are equally significant. By including them, the awards aims to provide a platform that recognises and celebrates their efforts, encouraging them to share their success stories and inspire others.

This year, submissions will be evaluated by a panel of 16 HR leaders from various industries, including Aeon Co (M) Bhd Chief Human Resources Officer Dr Kasuma Satria Mat Jadi, Zuspresso Vice President, People and Culture Kelvin Tan and RHB Banking Group Chief Human Resources Officer Wan Mariah Abu Hassan. Their combined expertise ensures a comprehensive assessment of HR practices. Judges are looking for submissions that demonstrate innovative and forward-thinking practices. Common themes include talent diversity and inclusion, employee well-being and technological integration. Kasuma hopes to see submissions that challenge the status quo with bold strategies, while Wan Mariah emphasised the importance of scalable solutions that can drive industry-wide transformation. One of the components that Tan will be looking for is purposeful and impactful strategies that support employees’ well-being through development initiatives, rewards and benefits, as well as workplace wellness activities.

This commitment to innovation is evident in Aeon’s approach to addressing market challenges. For example, by implementing technology initiatives such as self-checkout counters, they’ve reduced reliance on manual cashiers, enabling staff to be upskilled for higher-value services.

At Zuspresso, the commitment to career, culture and compensation has shaped the company’s approach to employee engagement and satisfaction. Tan emphasised the importance of engaging in dialogues with employees while striving for continuous improvement. “Employee feedback is crucial to the initiatives we put forward.”

Wan Mariah shared that RHB has a robust focus on cultivating leadership excellence at every level.

She also highlighted their Women in Leadership initiative, which offers bespoke opportunities for female employees and has earned recognition for advancing HR excellence.

According to Jobstreet, last year’s winners have leveraged their recognition to deepen their commitment to purpose-driven HR practices. For instance, CIMB Group has reinforced its focus on employee development, diversity, and inclusion through public communications. By showcasing their achievements, these organisations have attracted like-minded talent, enhanced their employer brands, and bolstered their credibility in sustainable HR efforts. The SEEK People & Purpose Awards is poised to influence HR practices and trends in Malaysia over the coming years. The focus on purpose-driven practices is expected to intensify, with emphasis on employee well-being, diversity and sustainable growth. By recognising leading organisations, the awards aims to shape these trends, prompting a ripple effect throughout the industry. In highlighting purpose-driven practices, the awards celebrates today’s achievements and pave the way for future advancements in the industry.