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From engineering to leading HR for more than 5,500 employees, the Country HR Director at Micron Memory Malaysia explains how understanding employees' evolving needs can turn Total Rewards into a stronger driver of motivation and performance.
For Vellu Mahadevan (pictured above), Country HR Director, Micron Memory Malaysia, a career in human resources began by chance, but quickly became a calling.
Originally trained as an engineer, he found himself searching for a role that would allow him to work more closely with people rather than spend his days behind a computer. After exploring several opportunities, he made the move into HR, where he discovered a passion for resolving workplace challenges, removing roadblocks, and helping people thrive. Nearly 26 years later, that motivation remains at the heart of his work.
Today, Vellu leads the HR function for more than 5,500 employees at Micron Memory Malaysia, overseeing people strategies spanning recruitment, onboarding, engagement, retention, wellbeing, as well as learning and development.
Through it all, his belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to bring their best selves to work is what has shaped his views on Total Rewards. Ahead of Total Rewards Asia Summit 2026, Malaysia, Vellu shares with Mary Ann Bundukin why he believes Total Rewards should go beyond compensation to motivate and inspire employees while addressing the diverse needs of today's workforce.
As a speaker at #TotalRewardsMY, he hopes attendees will leave with a fresh perspective: that total rewards should not exist only as a formal programme, but as something HR leaders can weave into everyday workplace habits and interactions.
Read Vellu's full interview below.
Q What first drew you to HR, and what keeps you passionate about it today?
It was moving away from what I didn't like that helped me discover what I like. Having come from an engineering background, my initial pursuit was moving away from being in front of the personal computer (PC) all day. Upon exploring several roles in between, I landed an opportunity in HR and have never turned back. Being in a position of resolving people related issues and being able to remove roadblocks as well as elevate someone, keeps me passionate every day.
Q Can you share the core belief that guides your approach to designing rewards strategies that truly support employees?
Total Rewards should be meant to motivate and inspire employees to bring their best selves to work.
If the Total Rewards is not current and relevant, it will not serve well in supporting employees and alleviate their deepest concerns in their mind.
It needs to take into consideration that different levels of employees have their specific needs and to the best possible, the collective needs for that level of employees need to be taken care of.
Q What is one common misconception about total rewards that you’d like to challenge?
Total Rewards is about money. While for the large part it is, the spirit of Total Rewards is to ensure employees feel appreciated, motivated, and inspired.
Q Please tell us a fun fact about yourself that people may not know.
I am passionate about coaching and am aN ICF Certified coach.
Q As a speaker at #TotalRewardsMY, what do you hope attendees will take away from your session?
That Total Rewards doesn't have to only be a programme and it can be incorporated into daily habits.
I want to attend the conference: If you're keen to attend this closed-door conference, kindly register your interest here. For speaking opportunities, please write in to Mary Ann Bundukin. We look forward to welcoming you!
I want to sponsor: Engage in meaningful dialogue through dedicated speaking slots, roundtable discussions, and at your booths! If your organisation provides any talent solutions and products that you'd like to showcase, you’ll fit right into this event. To learn how you can sponsor, please reach out to a member of our team now!
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