Who: Verlyn Cheng
From: CSC Automated
To: Jones Lang LaSalle Property Consultants
As the new human resources business partner for Jones Lang LaSalle Property Consultants, Verlyn Cheng is responsible for integrating and strengthening business-focused HR strategies for the organisation. Describing her working style as task-orientated, Cheng says she is currently working on an employee satisfaction survey that measures employee engagement and managerial effectiveness. Other HR strategies she has in the pipeline include talent management exercises that would identify high potentials and high performers in the company, as well as map out their career development plans. Besides driving core managerial training programmes, Cheng is also working on a succession plan for the key and critical roles. Commenting on the current HR challenge keeping her awake at night, she says: “It’s developing and building a pipeline of readily available candidates for key frontline functions.”
Who: Juliana Ong
From: Royal Plaza on Scotts
To: Royal Plaza on Scotts
Juliana Ong has been promoted to human resources manager for Royal Plaza on Scotts. Formerly the assistant human resources manager, Ong is now responsible for attracting, retaining and developing the human capital portfolio for the organisation. A believer in open communication with her team, Ong says trust and respect are essential for the team to function well. Her team members are also empowered to make recommendations and decisions that will not only give them an edge over the rest, but help the individuals grow in their career development, says Ong. “Work should be refreshing for all of us. New ideas are welcome in the workplace, as innovations will give the team an edge.” With the entrance of the integrated resorts putting significant pressure on the hospitality talent crunch, Ong says HR is working on the hotel’s brand in the employment market for talent recruitment. This includes building the refreshed organisation culture for talent retention, succession planning and training for talent development. As HR in the hospitality industry is expected to turn projects around in a very short time to meet the demands, Ong says “it’s reassuring to know my general manager, colleagues and family are always there to give me support.”
