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June 26, 2023 – Amid the digital revolution, organisations are recognising the crucial role of Human Resources (HR) in leading digital transformation. HR is uniquely positioned to drive this change, as it manages the organisation’s most valuable asset – its people.

The Digital HR Symposium was established to address this growing need. Organised by Global Talent Alliance (GTA), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), InvestPenang and Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), the event was held in collaboration with industry leaders such as Leaderonomics, Budaya, Talbotiq Technologies, Digisity, Aisling Group, FastJobs, Accendo Technologies, Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC), and Global Leadership Network Malaysia (GLNM). The one-day summit brought together 150 Chief HR Officers (CHROs) and top HR leaders from Penang and the Northern region to discuss “Transformation Through Digital Optimisation of the Human Capital Space”.

The Symposium aimed to empower CHROs and HR leaders to harness the power of technology in managing human capital, providing insights into leveraging digital tools, optimising HR processes, and driving transformative change within organisations. The event featured talks by local and international thought leaders sharing insights and best practices in this space.

Y.A.B Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, officiated the event and delivered a keynote address highlighting the Penang State Government’s commitment to fostering innovation and driving digital transformation across industries.

“The advent of the digital revolution presents organisations with tremendous opportunities to optimise their HR practices, unlock the untapped potentials, and pave the way for unprecedented growth and success. Nevertheless, the realisation of these prospects hinges upon the pivotal role of HR leaders, who are steering the organisation through the digital transformation journey.”

Dato Seri Lee Kah Choon, Special Investment Advisor to the Chief Minister of Penang and Director of InvestPenang, emphasised the potential of digital innovation and the transformative role of HR in shaping human capital.

“With the ever-evolving landscape of the digital era, the power of HR becomes even more pronounced. The Digital HR Symposium reveals the potential of digital innovation, redefines the intersection of technology and humanity, and champions the transformative role of HR in shaping our greatest asset – people.”

Ts. Mahadhir Aziz, the Chief Executive Officer of MDEC highlighted the comprehensive coverage of the Symposium which addressed key aspects of HR digital transformation including emerging HR technology trends, digital optimisation of the end-to-end HR life cycle, employee well-being enhancement, effective talent acquisition and retention strategies while providing insights into the utilisation of digital tools and techniques for attracting, engaging, and retaining top talent in a competitive regional and global marketplace.

“By catalysing growth in the digital economy through our Malaysia Digital (MD) national strategic initiative and PEMANGKIN programmes, we are fostering an ecosystem that propels Malaysia to the forefront of HR digital transformation, advancing our position as the digital hub of ASEAN. Together with our esteemed partners, we are poised to unlock new possibilities, forge innovative digital pathways, and shape a future defined by digital transformation and unparalleled success.”

Datuk Shahul Dawood, Chief Executive, HRD Corp, spoke on the critical role that HR professionals play in driving digital transformation by upskilling the workforce and of how it is important to equip them with the technological knowledge and skills to optimise HR processes and drive transformative change within their organisations.

“As HR professionals, we play a critical role in driving digital transformation by upskilling the workforce, aligning talent, and embracing a test-and-fail mentality to challenge the way things have always been done. It is imperative for HR professionals to equip themselves with the technological knowledge and skills to optimise HR processes and drive transformative change within their organisations.”

Roshan Thiran, Founder of the Leaderonomics Group and HR Thought Leader, underscored the Symposium’s commitment to addressing the most relevant topics in HR digital transformation, equipping HR leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to drive change within their organisations.

“This event represents a unique opportunity for CHROs and HR leaders to navigate the digital landscape and harness the power of technology to optimise the human capital space. By embracing digital transformation, HR professionals can unlock the true potential of their organisations and drive sustainable growth.”

During this Symposium, The Digisity Sdn Bhd, a leading education academy specialising in training on cutting-edge technologies announced the launch of a scholarship program worth RM100,000 for fresh graduates. This scholarship program offers talented graduates with a pathway to free training and industry-recognised certifications in Data Science, Machine Learning and Cybersecurity, aiming to bridge the talent mismatch and skills shortage, empowering them with skills need to thrive in the Digital Transformation Era.

The Digital HR Symposium was an invite-only session, providing a collaborative platform for attendees to discuss and understand how technology can be effectively utilised to drive sustainable business growth. Participants gained valuable insights into creating a digital culture, attracting, and retaining digital talent, and leveraging digital technologies to improve employee engagement.

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About Global Talent Alliance (GTA)
The Global Talent Alliance (GTA) is a forward-thinking coalition of preeminent HR Tech organisations committed to driving the growth and development of the HR Tech ecosystem in Malaysia and across Asia. This groundbreaking collaboration, which includes distinguished industry players such as Talbotiq Technologies, Leaderonomics Digital, Digisity, Accendo Technologies, Budaya.app, BI Worldwide, XSBenefits, MadForGood, among others, is chaired by Akhil Gupta, Founder of Talbotiq Tech. This cooperative alliance amplifies the synergistic potentials of their combined technologies by sharing APIs, thus enriching the HR Tech landscape.

Devoted to promoting seamless digital adoption, the GTA serves as an empowering platform for organisations aiming to integrate HR technology into their operations. The alliance fosters an environment where the implementation of tech is rendered as frictionless as possible, thereby easing the burdens typically associated with digital transition. This commitment to simplicity and efficiency allows HR leaders to focus on the strategic aspects of their roles, confident that the tech foundation they lean on is robust, reliable, and seamlessly integrated. GTA’s mission is to ensure that every organisation, regardless of their size or digital proficiency.

About Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)
Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), a government agency under the purview of the Ministry of Communications and Digital, was established in 1996 to lead Malaysia’s digital economy. Beginning with the implementation of the MSC Malaysia initiative, we have since then catalysed digital transformation and growth all over the nation. By offering greater incentives and governance for growth and re-investment, we aspire to bolster Malaysia’s status as the digital hub of ASEAN, opening new doors and driving shared prosperity for all Malaysians through Malaysia Digital.

Find out more here: https://mdec.my/

About InvestPenang
InvestPenang is the Penang State Government’s principal agency for promotion of investment. Its objectives are to develop and sustain Penang’s economy by enhancing and continuously supporting business activities in the State through foreign and local investments, including spawning viable new growth centers. To realise its objectives, InvestPenang also runs initiatives like the SMART Penang Center (providing assistance to SMEs) and Penang CAT Center (for talent attraction and retention).

For more information, please visit https://investpenang.gov.my/ and follow InvestPenang’s social media channels: Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp)
Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) was established in 1993 as the Human Resources Development Council. It was incorporated into Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad through the enactment of the Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad Act 2001.

As an agency under the Ministry of Human Resources, it is responsible for collecting levy from key industries and disbursing training grants to registered employers through its internal mechanisms known as the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF).

In April 2021, HRDF became HRD Corp. The name change reflects its new responsibilities, directions and mission. These include expanding its workforce, upskilling and reskilling efforts to all Malaysian employers and individuals, and providing income-generating opportunities to all communities in need.

This transformation is in line with HRD Corp’s ambition of driving Malaysia’s talent development aspirations for the long term.

For more information, visit the HRD Corp website – www.hrdcorp.gov.my.

Media Contacts:
Elaine Cheah / Michelle Goy
InvestPenang
elaine@investpenang.gov.my / michelle@investpenang.gov.my