Yvonne Oo
Senior vice president, Human Resource
Ascott International Management
What was your first HR job ever?
My first ever HR job was an OD/HRM/HRD associate consultant with Coopers & Lybrand management consulting firm, for five years. It was a demanding role and I had to learn very quickly. Although my first bachelor’s degree was not in HR, I progressed well with lots of hard work, structured methodologies and mentors who were 10 to 15 years my senior. The consulting projects I was involved in covered a wide spectrum of OD/HRM/HRD functions and provided me a solid foundation into the profession. I have since then built up my HR experience and acquired HR qualifications (received medallist award), and also an MBA.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy most aspects of HR functions, particularly leadership development. HR is in a good position to shape and influence the nurturing and development of our leaders. Great quality leaders help in employer branding. More importantly, their values, attributes and competencies can go a long way to ensure long term sustainability of the business and consequently, impact the livelihood of the hundreds and thousands of employees and their families.
Do you think the glass ceiling still exists for female employees?
I don’t think so. At least for the companies I have worked in (mainly MNCs), appointments and promotions to top jobs are awarded based on merit and business results. In one recent US MNC company I worked in, we even consciously scouted for female top talent to take top jobs to provide the balance and diversity.
If you weren’t in HR, what would you be doing?
I would like to head a charitable organisation as I love meaningful work that can influence positive changes to the lives of the less fortunate. I feel everyone deserves a second chance to live a good life.
What do you do in your spare time?
When I have spare time, I travel around the world to experience different cultures, explore history, savour local cuisines and go shopping. During weekends, I just spend quality time with family and indulge in my favourite food, ie. my mum’s cooking.
if you can only have only personal item on the desk, what will it be? Why?
I would like to keep a picture of my entire family and their extended families. Why? They mean the whole world to me. As the saying goes, at the end of the day, it matters not what you have or who you are, but who you have with you. I know my family will always be there for me.
I can’t work without my BlackBerry such that my family says there should be a “blackout” period for me using my BlackBerry.
My colleagues are a bunch of talented, committed and fun people to work with, and I appreciate them a great deal.
