Who Linnet Foo
From Giesecke & Devrient Asia (G&D)
To Giesecke & Devrient Asia
Linnet Foo, the new HR director of Giesecke & Devrient South Asia, excluding China and India, has an added edge to her role with her new promotion. Alongside her HR generalist responsibilities, she is now looking more into the spectrum of talent development and management, which include attracting and retaining star performers for the security technology firm, specifically in Asia. Talent retention remains one of her key challenges, particularly since the job market is picking up. Even though most of her employees have relatively long tenures of more than five years, Foo still believes in addressing their needs individually as not everyone wants to “chart their career the same way”. As part of the “seniors” in the firm with her tenth year approaching in 2010, Foo attributes her longevity to G&D’s understanding work environment and flexible work style. “Synergy is very important in the team. Sometimes when you work, you want to know you belong.”
Who Aldys Kong
From Ikea Alexandra
To Ikea Alexandra
Aldys Kong has recently been promoted from assistant HR manager to HR manager at Ikea Alexandra. She oversees the outlet’s HR department for the full spectrum of HR duties – from recruitment and selection, compensation benefits and payroll, to exit interviews. Of all her duties, Kong enjoys the strategic development process most which includes improving employee engagement, brainstorming for strategies on retention, talent management, succession planning and talent development. Kong says she was initially attracted to Ikea due to its brand, which is perceived as being innovative. Describing the company culture as one that is “very people-oriented”, Kong’s biggest challenge now is the tightening talent market which stems from increased competition from the new retail malls and the upcoming opening of the Integrated Resort. This is why Kong says she is constantly on the lookout for new talent as well as improving the company’s employer branding.
Who Leong Mei San
From Datacraft Asia
To Zuellig Insurance Brokers
As the new HR and admin manager at Zuellig Insurance Brokers, Leong’s responsibilities cover all the HR aspects including compliance, which ensures that the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s regulations are observed in the company. Previously from the IT industry, Leong was attracted to her job due to the compliance aspect as it is “something new” and a challenge for her in her career.
Who Edwin Chia
From Pacific Internet
To Datacraft
As Datacraft’s manager of total rewards, Edwin Chia overlooks two key areas in his role: compensation & benefit policies and programmes for the Datacraft group as well as policy administration. Having worked for companies such as Pacific Internet and the Ascott Group before, Chia says he enjoys working in the IT industry as it is fast-paced and he constantly needs to be keep abreast of technological changes. Describing Datacraft as an open company, Chia says, “I was mostly attracted to join Datacraft because of the autonomy it grants employees as my hiring manager then shared how my position is able to institute programmes within the organisation.”
