Ch’ng Tuan Cheng
Business leader, talent management, Asia Pacific
Visa Worldwide
What do you like most about working for Visa?
Visa has such a strong brand – whether on our cards in our wallets, on the television as an Olympic and FIFA World Cup sponsor, or at almost every cashier counter. I really like being in a company that is a part of people’s lives.
Why did you choose a career in HR?
I’ve always been interested in people, their behaviour and what drives them. This led me to majoring in psychology during my university days. By the time I was looking for my first job, I knew that I wanted a job that would have a direct impact on people. HR allows me to work on approaches and processes that will help people more broadly, so I signed up for it.
How can HR be strategic?
Many organisations go through major changes. Helping their employees manage change and continue to be engaged can be challenging. This is probably one of the most critical strategic roles HR can play.
Visa went public and was incorporated as a multinational company about two years ago. Amid this significant company transformation, HR has partnered with other departments in Visa to manage the change. This partnering has helped in many ways – for example, by helping colleagues make the mindset change to a single company and preparing people to work in a global company.
How would you describe your colleagues at Visa?
At Visa I am surrounded by experienced people who are experts in
their fields of work. This has a lot to do with our approach of hiring experienced professionals. I enjoy the intellectual stimulation and quality of
discussions I have with my colleagues as we problem-solve in the course of our work.
What is the one thing HR can do for its employees?
HR supports employees in so many ways, from ensuring development opportunities, to ensuring fair and equitable compensation, to recruiting new hires – the list goes on. However, I think the most important thing HR can do is to show employees that the company cares for them and values them as individuals.
