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Janice Wong, Director of Human Resources, believes that at the core of the organisation's philosophy is a dedication to embracing diversity and actively promoting inclusivity.
Monash University is a contemporary, global, research-intensive university, providing high-quality education and research excellence in Australia and throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Established in 1998, Monash University Malaysia is Monash’s third-largest campus and one of Malaysia’s most respected higher education institutions. More than 9,700 students representing approximately 77 nationalities are currently enrolled at Monash University Malaysia, supported by committed staff members. The team places a strong emphasis on student experience and strive to produce graduates who can lead and contribute to their local and regional communities, with graduates found in positions of importance all over the world. Since welcoming its' first cohort of 417 students, Monash University Malaysia has graduated over 27,500 students, including 800 who earned PhDs.
The remarkable outcomes of these initiatives have resulted in Monash University Malaysia being honoured with the bronze award for 'Excellence in Women Empowerment Strategy' and merging a finalist in the 'Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion' category at the HR Excellence Awards 2024, Malaysia.
Janice Wong, Director of Human Resources, expressed immense pride in this accomplishment, marking it as a significant milestone in the organisation's ongoing commitment to empowering women, fostering inclusivity, and creating a thriving work culture as she sat down with the HRO team to talk about the win.
Q. What was the motivation that sparked your passion & business case for pursuing your outstanding people strategy?
At the core of Monash's philosophy is a dedication to embracing diversity and actively promoting inclusivity. This commitment is rooted in Monash University Malaysia’s foundational belief that a diverse and inclusive workplace drives success and innovation. By embracing a comprehensive, intersectional approach, we aim to dismantle systemic barriers, allowing every individual within our community a safe environment to excel and thrive.
The active support from our leadership, particularly our President and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, has been vital, emphasising that inclusivity is not merely an objective but a core value that is embedded in our culture. This vision fuels our dedication to creating equitable, meaningful opportunities, demonstrated through our EDI Framework and a range of impactful initiatives led by our passionate EDI champions.
Q. Looking back, can you share a challenge that you overcame in your journey of HR excellence? How did you triumph?
Embracing a truly inclusive culture requires a whole-of-community effort supported by committed leadership that empowers the teams to ignite their passion for furthering EDI in a meaningful way that matters to them personally and professionally.
In the early days of our EDI journey, some individual's EDI passions were not duly supported by their leaders and their deliverables did not cover inclusivity. To address this gap, inclusive goals were embedded in our strategic plan and inclusive leadership training was held to develop a cohesive inclusive leadership culture. Through a series of development interventions to create psychological safety at work, staff feel empowered to express themselves and contribute to championing EDI in areas that they are passionate about.
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 hope that our recognition in the HR Excellence Awards will inspire the HR community and the broader workforce landscape to view equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) as essential drivers of a resilient, engaged and dynamic workplace. By sharing our experiences, we aim to demonstrate that cultivating an inclusive environment benefits every aspect of an organisation, encouraging others to prioritise EDI in their own strategies.
Our goal is to foster greater awareness, drive continuous learning and empower women across industries, ultimately advancing gender equality and breaking down systemic barriers within Malaysia’s HR profession and beyond.
Q. Could you share some advice you would give to others aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
For those aspiring to make an impact in HR, I would say, begin by aligning your personal values with your professional purpose - this authenticity will guide and sustain you. Focus on building a solid foundation in empathy, adaptability and evidence-based practices. Prioritise diversity and inclusion, not just as initiatives but as core principles that enrich every aspect of the workplace.
Lastly, embrace continuous learning and remain curious about the evolving needs of people and organisations. These qualities, combined with a strategic vision, pave the way for meaningful change in the HR landscape.
Q. Let's talk inspiration! Who has been a driving force behind your success?
Our success is a testament to the strength of our people who are passionate about making a difference in championing the various causes in furthering equity, diversity and inclusion within our organisation and the broader community contributing towards empowering thriving communities. Our workforce is diverse, consisting of four generations and rich international cultures from 34 countries, including various Malaysian ethnicities. We have almost equal women participating in the workforce, with one-third of our top leadership positions filled up by women.
We represent diverse communities, including those with disabilities and individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. This inclusive environment naturally attracts talented individuals who are genuinely passionate about co-creating a culture of inclusivity.
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices – head over to our Winning Secrets section!
Photo: Provided
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