share on
Chief People Officer Koo Chee Min says: "We believe that when our people succeed, the organisation succeeds, and that’s the foundation of our growth."
Recognising the changemakers behind Malaysia’s most impactful HR strategies, the HR Excellence Awards 2024 celebrates organisations that place employees at the heart of everything — honouring efforts in employee wellbeing, corporate social responsibility, learning, and more.
Among the winners of this 2024 edition is MCIS Insurance Berhad (MCIS Life), whose people-first culture earned the team accolades for the following awards as finalists:
- Excellence in CSR Strategy
- Excellence in Employee Volunteerism
- Excellence in Workplace Wellbeing
With a holistic approach that supports not just career development but also physical and mental health, MCIS Life aims to continue building a workplace where people thrive — both personally and professionally. From inclusive policies and flexible work to community outreach and engagement, the company is a strong believer that meaningful impact starts from within.
In this interview, HRO chats with Koo Chee Min, Chief People Officer, MCIS Life, to learn about its recipe for success in cultivating a culture of care and commitment within the team.
Q What was the motivation that sparked your passion & business case for pursuing your outstanding people strategy?
At MCIS Life, we’re driven by a deep commitment to the overall wellbeing of our employees. We believe that when our people succeed, the organisation succeeds, and that’s the foundation of our growth. That’s why we take a holistic approach to supporting our team, addressing not just their professional needs but their physical and mental health as well.
From offering competitive benefits and flexible work arrangements to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, we create an environment where employees can excel personally and professionally. This strategic focus not only enhances productivity but also attracts top talents, reinforcing that investing in our people is an investment in our future.
Q Looking back, can you share a challenge that you overcame in your journey of HR excellence? How did you triumph?
One of the significant challenges we faced was helping our team adapt when we returned to the office after the pandemic. Many employees had become accustomed to the flexibility of working from home, so we knew it was important to make the transition as smooth as possible, while maintaining their wellbeing. To help with this, we introduced various flexible work arrangements — such as Wellbeing Time-Off (WTO) and Volunteering Time Off (VTO) — giving employees the freedom to balance their work-life balance effectively.
We also made sure to stay connected with our team by gathering feedback through pulse surveys and having ongoing conversations to understand their needs. This open dialogue helped us successfully integrate new routines that not only supported individual wellbeing but also organisational performance.
Q Beyond the recognition, what impact do you hope your feature in the HR Excellence Awards would have on the HR community and manpower landscape?
We are excited that our recognition at the HR Excellence Awards can inspire other organisations to take a more holistic approach to employee wellbeing and volunteerism.
"By sharing our initiatives like the culture transformation project and our commitment to community engagement, we hope to encourage a wider movement within the HR community to prioritise employee-centric practices."
Ultimately, we aspire to create a work environment where companies recognise the intrinsic value of investing in their employees’ overall wellbeing, because we believe that’s the key to sustainable success.
Q Could you share some advice you would give to others aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
My advice for organisations aspiring to enhance their people strategies is to adopt a holistic approach that focuses on every aspect of employee wellbeing. Start by actively listening to your employees, use tools like annual employee engagement survey, quarterly pulse survey, open forums, and townhall sessions to gather their feedback.
Offering flexible work arrangements that cater to diverse employee needs and prioritise mental health support through programmes like Mental Health First Aider certification programme. It’s also important to build a culture of community by encouraging volunteerism. Not only does it enrich employees' experiences but also strengthens team bonds and enhances organisational reputation. By focusing on these areas, you can create a workplace where everyone feels supported and valued.
Q Let's talk inspiration! Who has been the driving force behind your success?
A driving force behind our success has been our leadership team’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. Their vision has been instrumental in shaping initiatives like our Employee Assistance Programme, VTO, WTO and various wellness programmes that prioritise mental health.
We have dedicated September to November as our Wellness months. Additionally, the dedication of our employees themselves — who actively participate in community service projects and internal engagement activities — has created a vibrant company culture rooted in collaboration and shared values. Together, these efforts strengthen our mission to make a positive impact, both within the organisation and in the communities we serve.
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets section!
Photos: Provided
share on
