B
oehringer Ingelheim Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to leadership excellence and individual career development has once again earned the company recognition as a Top Employer in the Malaysian market for the seventh consecutive year by the Netherlands-based Top Employers Institute.
Its senior technical manager (Companion Animal, Animal Health) Dr Eddie Tan said the recognition reflects the organisation’s continuous efforts to create an empowering work environment where employees are supported to grow, lead and thrive.
“This recognition truly reflects the company’s values and how it invests in its people.
“Through robust programmes that prioritise career progression, leadership growth and employee well-being, we are empowered to drive meaningful advancements in companion animal health while maintaining the trust of veterinarians, pet owners and partners we work with,” he told Bernama in an interview recently.
The veterinarian said the company’s commitment to talent development has transformed his own career – elevating him from a technical manager to a senior technical manager capable of driving impact across borders.
“By providing tools, trust and opportunities for growth, Boehringer Ingelheim ensures employees like myself develop alongside the company’s mission to advance animal health.
“For someone overseeing technical strategy in diverse markets, this investment in training and leadership programmes has been indispensable – equipping me to innovate, inspire teams and deliver solutions that matter to pets, vets and pet owners alike,” he said.
Dr Eddie Tan, Senior Technical Manager, Companion Animal, Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia
Listed among the top employers in multiple countries and regions over the past 11 years, Boehringer Ingelheim also offers a “virtual campus” known as Boehringer Ingelheim University – of which the Leadership Academy is a part – providing both in-person and state-of-the-art virtual learning platforms accessible to its 53,500 employees worldwide.
The company’s offerings also encompass a holistic employee well-being focus, and investments in social, physical, financial and mental health for its employees’ long-term growth and happiness. Its flexible working models further support employee well-being and work-life balance.
Tan said specific learning opportunities that have been most valuable to him include leadership development programmes, global and regional technical training, and short-term assignments such as the Regional Talent Management Programme, a six-month experience at the Singapore regional office.
“Collectively, these programmes and opportunities have equipped me with practical skills and experiences directly applicable to my role while enhancing my ability to lead technical teams in a complex, multicultural environment,” he said.
He added that the key lessons shaping his leadership philosophy have been rooted in the interplay of the company’s core values – respect, trust, empathy and passion – along with its focus on inclusivity and purpose of ‘Transforming Lives for Generations’.
“Boehringer Ingelheim’s culture of emphasising internal mobility and developing leaders from within assures me that my future here will continue to balance ambition with empathy, and innovation with integrity.
“The empathetic leadership culture not only reduces burnout as I advance my career but also enhances team loyalty and performance. These values inspire me to carry these lessons forward, ensuring the next generation of leaders are equally equipped to drive meaningful change,” he said.
EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME
For Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia’s district sales manager Lee Yuan Ding, the company’s dedication to employee development is reflected not only through its structured leadership programmes but also in the nurturing environment it creates for continuous learning and growth.
She said the company places a strong emphasis on providing employees with opportunities to upskill and apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
“At Boehringer Ingelheim, there is always a strong focus on training and development. Employees are given ample opportunities to equip themselves with various skills through formal workshops and training sessions,” she said.
Lee added that what sets the company apart is not just the availability of learning programmes but also the practical platforms that allow employees to demonstrate and refine those skills.
“Beyond formal training, we are encouraged to practice what we learn. One unique initiative is the Boehringer Ingelheim Fellowship Initiative Training (BI FIT), where employees can apply for stretch assignments outside their usual roles. This environment truly helps us grow, both professionally and personally,” she said.
She believes that such initiatives empower employees to take ownership of their development, fostering a culture of continuous learning while preparing them for future leadership roles within the organisation.
District Sales Manager Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia, Lee Yuan Ding
When it comes to strong leadership strategies, Lee believes in the importance of investing in employee development, especially in the fast-paced world of medical sales, by fostering a high-trust environment to effectively manage a dynamic sales team on the ground.
“For me, creating a cohesive team is crucial, especially in a sales environment where challenges are inevitable.
“I currently lead a team of nine. What keeps us strong is a culture built on mutual trust and support,” she said, adding that building such a cohesive team does not happen overnight as every individual comes with a different personality and working style.
Meanwhile, head of sales Kevin Ha, who double-hatted as the head of marketing in 2024, said empowerment and trust in the team to deliver is critical and it has always been the team behind every success.
“The support I got from my supervisor and peers is also worth a shout-out as they understand the intensity of my role and are willing to step in and support.
“It reaffirmed me to keep my mindset open as both teams have different perspectives, and we have to ensure seamless and timely communication.
“While the methods or strategies used to achieve our goals may vary, the ultimate objective or outcome remains the same,” he said.
Ha believes that this open and inclusive environment not only strengthens team spirit but also enhances problem-solving capabilities, enabling the team to navigate the evolving demands of the health industry more effectively.
“At the end of the day, it is this high-trust culture that empowers us to support each other and deliver the best value to our customers and partners,” he said, agreeing that empowerment and trust in the team to deliver is critical.
PEOPLE-CENTRIC APPROACH
Tan said Boehringer Ingelheim’s people-centric approach fosters a collaborative and innovative environment across teams.
By valuing every voice, breaking down silos and aligning around a shared purpose, the company ensures its teams across the region can swiftly adapt to emerging challenges.
“At Boehringer Ingelheim, we are recognised for our people, our innovation and our excellence in delivering value to customers and patients.
“Looking ahead, Boehringer Ingelheim is poised to reinforce its commitment to employee-centric development and future-focused innovation,” he said.
Tan said Boehringer Ingelheim will continue to support employee development and innovation by investing in advanced training programmes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and providing more opportunities for career growth.
“By intertwining employee development with sector-wide innovation, Boehringer Ingelheim will solidify its role as a transformational force in the industry.
“Employees like myself will see our careers thrive as we tackle pressing challenges, while the company gains a competitive edge through a motivated, future-ready workforce,” he added.
Ha also said that patient-centricity is at the heart of everything in Boehringer Ingelheim.
“Our leaders have always emphasised the importance of integrating patient insights into our work, regardless of our role or function within the organisation.
“With this commitment, we continuously strive to ensure that patients have access to the treatments they need, working proactively to support healthcare providers and communities whenever challenges arise,” he said.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Ha, meanwhile, said Boehringer Ingelheim’s focus on employee well-being has created a supportive and resilient workplace culture by providing the necessary resources and support to manage stress, maintain work-life balance and stay motivated.
“The culture of well-being not only transforms the workplace but also fosters stronger organisational resilience, retention and overall productivity, which ultimately benefits both employees and organisations. This is reflected across the many activities that the company initiates, such as the ASKANCares programme, a structured well-being initiative in which the activities are developed by the employees and for the employees.
“One of our workplace cultures is DE&I (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) which promotes respect for diverse perspectives, ensuring all employees feel respected, supported and valued.”
Head of Sales and Head of Marketing, Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia, Kelvin Ha
Tan said similarly, Boehringer Ingelheim’s commitment to flexible work arrangements has allowed him to efficiently manage cross-country responsibilities.
“For instance, balancing time zones and on-site technical activities with virtual collaboration tools ensures seamless communication across teams. This flexibility reduces logistical stress and empowers me to prioritise critical tasks without compromising work-life balance,” he said.
Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia’s people-centric policies continue to set the company apart as an employer that genuinely prioritises employee well-being, particularly for working parents and caregivers.
Having been a part of the Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia family for 13 years, Lee has personally benefited from the company’s progressive policies that support work-life balance and family care, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment.
She said the company also ensures returning mothers feel fully supported in the workplace, including providing breastfeeding facilities that are accessible and comfortable.
Beyond maternity support, Lee shared that the company also offers Family Care Leave, a benefit that allows employees to care for their loved ones when needed.
“For example, if someone has elderly parents at home who need attention or care, they can apply for family care leave and take the time off to be there for them. It’s a thoughtful policy that really values family responsibilities,” she said.
[6th from the left] Lee Yuan Ding, District Sales Manager, Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia secured the “Best Team Award” in 2024
In line with its DE&I efforts, Boehringer Ingelheim also provides Adoption Leave to ensure a fair and inclusive environment for all parents, regardless of how they choose to build their families.
Lee also highlighted the company’s efforts in supporting mental health, including access to a dedicated well-being platform known as Boehringer Ingelheim Friends which connects employees to professional support, whether through an app or direct phone calls.
Lee believes these initiatives reflect Boehringer Ingelheim’s genuine care for its employees – empowering them to thrive professionally while balancing personal and family needs.
“It’s not just about work here – the company really looks out for us as individuals and that motivates us to give our best every day,” she said.
This people-first approach is a reflection of Boehringer Ingelheim’s broader commitment to transforming lives for generations, not only through innovative healthcare but also by nurturing a workplace where every individual feels empowered to thrive.
Underpinning this is the company’s strategic framework, Winning with People, which embraces employees’ needs by focusing on supporting, investing in and growing each individual. By placing people at the heart of everything it does, Boehringer Ingelheim continues to foster a culture where purpose and potential go hand in hand.
