10 Malaysia Best Employers 2009

The study to find Malaysia’s best employers for the year 2009 has been completed. Hewitt Associates, the research firm which carried out the survey has listed 10 of the best employers around in this country.

Hewitt is specialized in the fields of human resources management, talent acquisition, organizational development, investment and business process outsourcing (BPO).

In coming up with the list, a number of criteria has been taken account for such as employee engagement, organizational alignment and business sustainability.

The top ten winners:

1. The Ritz-Carlton (KL)

A chain of luxury hotel, Ritz-Carlton is headquartered in Maryland, United States, and altogether, owns more than 70 hotels across the world, including the one in Kuala Lumpur. The company, which has a long, successful operation spanning for more than a century, is backed by over 30,000 strong employees. The Ritz-Carlton KL offers more than 200 guestrooms and over 30 suites to their customers.

2. American Express

American Express, or also popularly known as Amex, was founded in the 19th century in New York. Its very first business involvement was in the express mail business before diversifications in the business structure almost completely changed the company. American Express today is best known for its range of financial services including credit card, charge card and traveler’s cheques.

3. Four Seasons Langkawi

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts opened its first hotel more than 50 years ago, and from thereon, more and more premises have been mushrooming throughout the world. Its Malaysia presence is represented by a beautifully designed hotel in Langkawi complete with 5-star guest rooms, suites, spa, dining and many more. While excellent customer service is one of their main star attractions, the company’s employees are not given any less attention, making it one of the best employers to work with.

4. Federal Express (FedEx)

Federal Express or FedEx built its name literally from hardship, trust and loyalty. During its formative years, the story of FedEx delivery boys traveling hundreds of miles and even facing life and deaths situations while on journey were not common. Today, the company prides itself as one of the best and most trusted international delivery services providers.

5. Agilent Technologies

This is not the first time Agilent has been named among the country’s best employers. In terms of physical and workforce size, Agilent Technologies, which is located in Bayan Lepas, has been shrinking. In terms of the employees’ own admiration, looks like it is still on the high side. The company specialized in the manufacturing of electronic components, serving various industries including telecommunication, information technology, medical, military and so on.

6. SP Setia Berhad

SP Setia was established in the 70s and has since grown by leaps and bounds to become what it is today. The hardworking people for the company have spearheaded key developments across many cities, and mainly in Klang Valley and Johor areas. SP Setia’s core businesses lie in property development, construction & infrastructure and manufacturing & investment. The Edge ranked the company as the no. 1 property developer for the year 2008.

7. Hilton Kuala Lumpur

The Hilton chain hotel was founded Conrad Hilton, the great grandfather of the famous model-cum-actress Paris Hilton, in 1919. It is also one of the very few major hotels in the world that operates under the franchise system. The state-of-the-art Hilton KL opened its door quite recently in 2004, offering more than 500 guestrooms, and was designed by multiple award winning designers.

8. Intel

As the world’s largest semiconductor chip maker, Intel is considered as one of the most popular companies for Malaysian not only in the manufacturing sector, but across many other industries. It is also known for its best in class training and development facilities, nurturing the best of engineers and technology workers. Intel has major presence in Penang, and has recently invested a significant amount of money to expand its operation in Kulim, the neigbouring state.

9. Golden Arches Restaurants

Remember Golden Arches, remember McDonald’s. Not everyone’s favorite place but that does not prevent the company from continuing nurturing its thousands of employees, majority made up of local folks. When the business tycoon Vincent Tan first brought the first McDonald’s franchise into the country, it takes many, many years before the business model was accepted by the citizens. Today, everything is history.

10. Telekom Malaysia (TM)

Perhaps a surprising entry, considering that the company is the only one from the telco industry which made it to the list, beating the likes of Maxis and DiGi. TM does not provide the best of products and services and arguably, many of TM customers don’t feel they are given the right treatment. However, the research apparently found out that it is still one of the preferred employers to work with in Malaysia.

Other posts you may want to read:

1. Malaysia’s Best Employers Awards 2009
2. Job Offers for Nikko Retrenched Workers
3. Intel to Shut Down Penang Plants
4. JobStreet.com (MCTF) Career Fair 2009
5. Great Employers for New Graduates

Author's bio: Zul is the founder and principal contributor for the SKOR Career blog. He is the author of two books, The Malaysian Job Seeker's Dilemma and Buat Duit Tanpa Kerja Makan Gaji (How to Make Money Without a Job), available in major book stores nationwide. You can reach him at zulkiflimusa[at]gmail.com.