Bangkok Bank Berhad: Commendable HR Initiatives

Photo (above): Team Bangkok Bank Bhd (from left): Theam Yuen Wai, Desmond Cheang, Ng Wai Hoy, Datuk Seri Haji Ismail Bin Haji Abd Muttalib (Deputy Minister of Human Resources Malaysia), Rebecca Khor, Calbert Loh, Laura Wong, Yee Chiea Hung and Mohd Zaki Yusoff.

Small steps that lead to big positive changes

Bangkok Bank Ltd, Kuala Lumpur (KL) branch was established on Jan 23, 1959 offering a full range of commercial banking services.

Bangkok Bank Bhd (BBB), incorporated on May 12, 1994 to take over the operations of the KL branch, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of parent bank Bangkok Bank Public Co Ltd with an authorised and paid-up share capital of RM400mil.

BBB can take pride in its double silver wins at the 14th Malaysia HR Awards, namely in the HR Best Practices and HR Manager categories.

With the wins, BBB is very much aligned with its aspirations to:

Become the leading relationship foreign bank in Malaysia.
Add value to its customers’ business by providing quality products and excellent service.
Deliver comprehensive financial solutions to meet customers’ business requirements.

Even though BBB is often perceived as a small overseas bank in Malaysia, its human resources (HR) initiatives are highly commendable and on par with other banking institutions.

Holding steadfast to BBB’s core vision, mission and values, HR corporate strategies are integrated in such a way to empower its HR to support the bank’s competitive edge and growth.

Today, BBB has five branches in Malaysia, located in KL, Klang, Penang, Johor Baru and Muar.

Due recognition for a transformative HR leader

Rebecca Khor Ying Ying, vice-president and head of human resources at BBB, was recently accorded the silver award for HR Manager in this year’s edition of the Malaysia HR Awards for her relentless effort to transform BBB’s HR management from an operational to a strategic one and now, a human resources corporate strategy (HRCS) function.

Rebecca Khor

Under Khor’s leadership, the HRCS unit has successfully implemented some sustainable steps to develop, engage and retain BBB talents. These include:

Implementing BBB’s group-wide performance management system aligned with the bank’s global practice.
Managing employee retention strategies by understanding their skills and competencies.
Developing comprehensive succession planning through management development and leadership awakening programmes.

“I have relied on Rebecca to ensure that the HR function remains at the forefront to support the business strategies of the bank. This includes the formulation of an all-encompassing HR programme that is aligned to the business requirements of the bank.” – Robert Loke, executive director and CEO of BBB.

“Rebecca has transformed the HR department to be the most efficient and effective department, with a proper set of guidelines, procedures and several initiatives that she and her team have implemented over the years for the betterment of employees of the bank.” – Amar Jauhari Abang, senior vice-president and head of operations department.

“Various new ideas and employee development programmes were introduced by the HR department, thanks to Rebecca and her team, to retain talents and enhance employee welfare. That helps to reduce the staff turnover rate in the bank.” – Ng Wai Hoy, senior vice-president and head of business banking.

An avenue for rejuvenation

Being a strong purveyor of work-life balance, BBB Sports and Recreational Club (SRC) was established for the sole purpose of nurturing a spirit of camaraderie among employees. It is an avenue for relaxation from work-related stress.

Besides cultivating team spirit through fun activities such as sports tournaments, family days and treasure hunts, SRC is also involved in community-based activities as part of their CSR initiatives such as blood donation drives and visitations to orphanages and retirement homes.