What was your first job ever?

I was given two dollars for washing my aunt's car.

What was your HR job?

I started as an HR officer at Seagate Technology International.

What are your key responsibilities in your current job?

In a gist, I bear the responsibility of coaching and managing a team of HR professionals in 15 countries to deliver the full spectrum of HR services to our internal customers.

What attracted you to a career in Misys International Finance Systems?

Misys' modus operandi was a definite draw. In the Asia Pacific operations, the heads of the various key functions are members of a regional management board and co-drive every major decision. It is refreshing for me as HR is taken as an equal partner for the successes or failures of the business.

What is the most important contribution HR can make to a business?

There isn't a single contribution that is completely paramount. HR needs to play multiple roles to be a moderator between the key leaders and the human capital. HR must be able to help both management and staff understand what limits and propels them.

What key skills do you need to be successful in your current role?

You need to internalise the roles HR need to play and couple that with a good dose of business understanding. The general complaints about HR practitioners are that we are detached from business realities, add to the cost centres and do not have our pulse on the business. We should educate the line managers how HR can resolve business issues and add to the bottom-line. HR should not only be business pragmatists but also evangelists of corporate visions.

Why a career in HR?

Why not? Do you see many jobs in the market that transcends or cut across all industries and functions? We are needed everywhere.

Best career advice you've ever given?

Passion is over-rated. There is no single job that is completely satisfying and without its detractors.

How do you wind down?

Doing absolutely nothing serious with a good read in my hands.