Malaysian company finds success through diversity and inclusion

A global information services and solutions provider, IHS Inc has been in the market of providing insight and analytics in critical areas that shape today’s business landscape since 1959. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, USA, IHS employs approximately 8,600 people in 32 countries around the world.

Its presence in Malaysia began in 2012 in Penang with just three employees. Four years on, IHS Global (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd's Centre Of Excellence has over 150 employees and supports customers and overseas colleagues in various capacities including IT, finance, customer care, sales, order management, creative services, research and analytics, and human resources.

With diversity as one of the key focus in the organisation, IHS Global Malaysia began establishing several key initiatives, including diversity focus groups, women’s mentoring circles, senior women cohort sessions and the IHS CAreer RE-launch Programme (or ICARE). These initiatives are designed to attract, develop, retain and connect employees from ethnically diverse backgrounds, with a goal of keeping a high percentage of women in the workforce.

“These programs foster skills and career development, while showcasing women as visible, proactive role models,” said Shankar Nagalingam, Human Resources Director for IHS Global (Malaysia). “The initiatives have been a great differentiator for IHS as an inclusive organisation in Penang.”

Today, IHS Global Malaysia is made up of 54 percent women and headed by Vimaleswari Ramasamy who is the first Malaysian female to be hired as managing director for a multinational company in Malaysia. Her appointment is testament that diversity is top of mind in this organisation.

Their recent win at the Life At Work Awards in September 2015 where they walked away as Champions in the Best Lean Organisation category is further evidence that something is not only being done right but that their efforts are an example of how diversity in the Malaysian workforce can benefit any organisation.

“To be recognised as an early champion of diversity and inclusiveness is a great testimony to the vision and leadership at IHS to pioneer programs that connect women and minorities to career opportunities,” said Vimaleswari.

With this in mind, Ashley Jacob, Global TA Direct Sourcing Manager at IHS, encourages companies to consider adopting similar programmes as "it is definitely rewarding and we have seen the results the ICARE consultants brought for us as well as the development we are seeing in their careers".

Tags: DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION, EMPLOYERS, FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS, FLEXWORKLIFE.MY