A DECADE OF LAWA: CHAMPIONING A FLEXIBLE, INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE WORK CULTURE

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- Now in its 10th year, the Life At Work Awards (LAWA) continues to complement Malaysia’s existing policies and labour laws in fostering a flexible, inclusive and sustainable workplace culture, said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.

Sim said Malaysia already has a robust legal and policy framework, such as the Employment Act 1955 and various labour ordinances, along with established guidelines promoting best practices at the workplace.

“LAWA serves as a form of recognition for companies and individuals who have successfully embraced these values and work cultures,” he said at the awards ceremony held here last night.

Organised by Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), a strategic think tank under the Human Resources Ministry, the 2025 edition received entries from 266 companies with over 700 nominations across 13 categories, including three new ones, namely Future Ready School, Future Ready University, and College and Changemakers.

Sim noted that the overwhelming participation, especially from large corporations and government agencies, reflects a growing awareness that workplace well-being is not merely a social responsibility but also an economic necessity.

“The participation from these companies shows that flexible and inclusive practices are not only achievable but also profitable. Businesses can thrive while uplifting the welfare, skills, dignity and morale of their employees,” he said.

Among this year’s notable winners was Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, which clinched the Workplace Innovation Award (International Organisation/Public Listed Company). Its Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Reuben Rethinalingam, was also named CHRO Champion (International Organisation).

Reuben described the double win as a proud milestone, underscoring the company’s long-standing people-first strategy.

“Our people-first strategy ensures that employees remain our top priority. Everything we do in HR is not only for us but for all our employees in Mercedes-Benz Malaysia,” he said, dedicating the recognition to the HR team and all employees who form the backbone of the organisation.

He added that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s success is driven by continuous investment in employee upskilling and reskilling, particularly in digital competencies and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-readiness, through initiatives that cultivate ‘digital champions’ across the organisation.

Another inspiring story came from Sekolah Menengah Teknik Alor Setar, which won the Future Ready School award for its commitment to preparing students, especially those in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), for future careers.

School counsellor Mohd Faruhi Johari said the school’s initiatives include mentorship programmes, career guidance and the introduction of a Google Site platform to help students plan their post- Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) pathways.

“This year, 99.6 per cent of our students continued their studies after SPM, thanks to the programmes we’ve implemented. We hope our achievement will inspire other schools to do the same,” he said.

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) emerged as one of the top winners, sweeping three major categories, Best Organisation (Public Sector), Young Graduates (Private Limited Company/Public Sector) and Digital & Tech Excellence (Private Limited Company/Public Sector).

BNM was recognised for its Digital Operations Platform (DOP), which integrates human resource, finance and procurement functions. Its suite of AI-powered bots, including PolicyBOT, LegalBOT and KijangBOT, has improved operational efficiency by up to 40 per cent and reduced administrative time by 30 per cent, setting a national standard for secure, human-centred and innovative workforce management.

Beyond the major categories, LAWA 2025 also honoured organisations and individuals in areas such as Women at Work & Leadership, Employee Care & Well-being Champion, Talent Sustainability, Workplace Innovation and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Each winner received a certificate and trophy in recognition of their contribution to advancing progressive, inclusive and forward-thinking workplace practices across Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA