Embedding Core Values for a Value-Driven Talent Development

Yat Seng Ng, Head of Talent Management at Synthomer

Yat Seng Ng, Head of Talent Management at Synthomer

Yat Seng holds a post-graduate degree in Industrial & Organizational Psychology. With over twenty years of experience in Human Resources, he has held management positions across various industries, including chemical, shared services, financial services, manufacturing, and security services.

He is the Head of Talent Development for Asia and part of the global Centre of Expertise talent development team at Synthomer plc, a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialized polymers and ingredients for the coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection end markets globally. In collaboration with the Management team, he develops organizational approaches for leadership development, performance management, learning and development, talent acquisition, and strategic talent management. He aims to support and enable the overall organizational strategy and direction by embedding core values into every aspect of talent development.

He recalls a pivotal moment during his hiring process at Synthomer that truly excited him about the role. "It was an opportunity to create things from a blank piece of paper and see them through to execution," he says. This opportunity to create and implement new strategies and programs from the ground up was a significant factor in his decision to join the company. The challenge of building robust talent development frameworks and witnessing their successful execution aligns perfectly with his passion for innovation and growth in HR practices. He is also amazed by the company's emphasis on a strong safety culture, which is part of the core values. The organization’s dedication to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment not only protects employees but fosters a culture of care and responsibility. This focus on safety resonated deeply with him.

Leadership development is a crucial aspect of any organization’s success.

At Synthomer, Yat Seng ensures that leadership development programs align with the company's strategy and core values. By identifying potential leaders early on, the organization provides tailored development plans that focus not only on skills and competencies but instilling the company's values and culture. This approach ensures that future leaders are well-equipped to drive the organization forward while maintaining its core values. It also aligns with feedback from one of the customer service representatives: “At Synthomer, I have found a company that appreciates its people, values their capabilities, and provides substantial opportunities for growth and learning. It has helped me stay motivated and strive to give my best.”

Performance management is another critical area where core values play a significant role. It measures individual and team performance and evaluates the “how” using the core values and leadership attributes. This focus ensures that employees are not only meeting their performance goals but contributing positively to the organizational culture. Regular feedback and continuous conversations help employees align their personal goals with the company's values and objectives.

“Continuous learning and development are essential for both individual and organizational growth.”

Continuous learning and development are essential for both individual and organizational growth. He emphasizes the importance of creating learning opportunities in line with the company's evolving strategy, which includes offering training programs in areas of growing importance such as innovation, sustainability, and customer-centricity. As one of the application managers shares, “Being with the company for more than 13 years, I am happy to see significant changes since I joined. More empowerment is given to employees, a lot of programs are made available for employee development, and the company cares for and appreciates its employees by rewarding them for their hard work and contribution.”

Attracting and retaining the right talent is a key focus for Yat Seng. He ensures that the talent acquisition process is designed to identify candidates who not only have the required skills and experience but align with the company’s values. This involves incorporating value-based assessments and interviews into the hiring process. By hiring individuals who share the company's values, Synthomer can build a cohesive and value-driven workforce. He recalls a field employee who rejoined the Synthomer workforce after leaving the organization for three months. “In the other company, I wasn’t given any development, and most importantly, I didn’t feel safe working there. At Synthomer, what I know for sure is that I can go back home in one piece to my loved ones, as they emphasize safety.”

Strategic talent management involves identifying and nurturing high-potential employees to ensure a pipeline of future leaders. He works closely with the Management team to develop strategies that align with the employer's long-term goals and core values. This includes succession planning, career development programs, and mentorship opportunities. By focusing on strategic talent management, the organization can ensure sustained growth and success. Positive feedback was shared by one of the process engineers: “Our working culture is vital in shaping career development and continuity, and Synthomer excels at both. It’s truly an excellent place to gain experience and grow.”

Succession planning is vital for the long-term stability and success of any organization. He implemented a robust succession planning process at Synthomer that identifies key roles and potential successors within the company. This process involves evaluating employees' readiness for promotion based on their performance, potential, and alignment with the company's core values. By preparing high-potential employees for future leadership roles, the organization can ensure a smooth transition and continuity in leadership, maintaining its values and strategic direction. One of the sales managers shared, “One of the reasons why Synthomer is a great place to work is because it provides excellent career opportunities and exposure, both regionally and globally. I’ve grown significantly throughout my journey here. Along with the company’s direction, I aspire to take the business to the next level. Synthomer is an outstanding company, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

His commitment to embedding core values into talent development has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, he was part of Synthomer Asia’s HR team which won two prestigious awards in Malaysia. They received the Human Resources Minister Award for their achievements at the highest level of excellence in human capital and learning development at the national level. Additionally, they were awarded the HR Excellence Award in Talent Management and Leadership for their remarkable, sustainable talent and leadership development program. This program encompasses training policies, strategies, and processes that bolster career transitions and nurture robust leadership.

Yat Seng's journey in talent development highlights the importance of embedding core values into every aspect of HR practices. By focusing on leadership development, performance management, learning and development, talent acquisition, strategic talent management, and succession planning, he has successfully created a value-driven approach that supports and enables the overall organizational strategy. His achievements and recognition in the field serve as a testament to the effectiveness of this approach and the positive impact it can have on both employees and the organization.