Coway Malaysia

Vickey Loh

Vickey Loh is a human resource manager with a track record of successfully leading strategic and operational initiatives for renowned international companies for over three decades. Currently, she is pivotal in the human resources unit of a major organization, Coway Malaysia. Operating within a multi-level structure, Vickey is entrusted with key responsibilities, including managing permanent employees, addressing organizational challenges, and ensuring alignment with individual career paths. Leveraging the diversity within the workforce, Vickey actively engages with individuals from varied backgrounds, guiding them in shaping meaningful and purposeful professional journeys.

In an exclusive interview with Manage HR magazine, Vickey Loh shares her valuable insights on aligning candidate experiences and education with evolving business needs. 

Could you give us an overview of your responsibilities as the head of human resources management at Coway Malaysia?

The dynamic nature of organizations, whether multi-level or contractual, provides valuable insights into employee development and crafting personalized career journeys. As the head of human resources management at Coway Malaysia, a multi-level organization, I am responsible for permanent employee management and guiding individuals toward their career paths. 

As part of my HR responsibilities, I oversee talent management, encompassing recruitment, industrialization, engagement, HR DS, and workplace management. I work collaboratively to shape career directions and facilitate training development across the organization. Managing 13,000 to 15,000 employees under the Cultural Development department, we face significant challenges and outcomes that demand strategic delivery.

“Our strategy revolves around organizational adaptability, in-house development, and providing our leaders with the tools needed to position the right candidates in the right roles.”​

With an emphasis on work-life balance and flexibility, we strive to educate and align responsibilities, particularly given the distinct mindset of new graduates in Malaysia. Bridging the gap requires mentorship and clarity, acknowledging the time it takes to integrate them into the evolving work environment.

What challenges do you face in the industry as the head of human resources management at a multinational company?

In recruitment, aligning candidate experiences and education with evolving business needs is a persistent challenge. However, the knowledge and skills of potential hires rarely match the dynamic business requirements. Through education and collaboration, it is important to help new employees understand and align with the organization's goals. We also see the benefits of a flexible work environment, but we want to ensure everyone stays motivated and productive even in a comfortable setting.

Another prominent challenge stems from the technological advancements in Malaysia, particularly in AI systems. The swift growth in AI adoption poses a hurdle as candidates and leaders must adapt to the evolving landscape. The need for specialized skills in system language and support further compounds the hiring challenges. 

In response to these challenges, our leadership has adopted a strategic approach. First, we're actively engaging developers to revamp our working systems, incorporating the latest tools and technologies. This ensures that our workforce is equipped to handle the demands of the modern business environment. We also help current employees explore diverse career paths and responsibilities.

We have also initiated targeted training and development programs for our employees. These programs encourage the workforce to improve their skills and empower them to utilize advanced tools and knowledge effectively, contributing to the company's overall growth. 

What are some of the emerging technological advances that play a key role in shaping human resources in companies like Coway Malaysia, according to you?

A significant aspect of this transformation involves focusing on system recognition processes. We're diligently working on developing a comprehensive framework for back-end data management. This strategic move enhances our technological infrastructure, creating a larger, more efficient framework that seamlessly supports our operational and business growth needs.

One notable advancement is the expansion of our employee Self-Service platform. We're introducing innovative features such as chatbots and integrated system dashboard reports. These enhancements not only streamline operations but also provide a user-friendly interface. Users can access and manage a myriad of functions with just a click, consolidating various processes into a centralized hub. Our overarching goal for the year is to shift towards technology-driven solutions, minimizing reliance on manual processes. By doing so, we anticipate significant time savings and increased operational efficiency, paving the way for a more streamlined and technologically advanced organizational landscape.

What advice would you like to give to young professionals aspiring to navigate through this changing space?

Regardless of age, it is crucial to embark on significant learning endeavours, as this enhances personal and professional growth and ensures relevance in an ever-changing landscape. Embracing a mindset that values ongoing education is not just a choice; it's a fundamental requirement for navigating life's challenges and opportunities.