This cross fertilisation programme participant talks about her experience adapting to a new working environment

The Cross Fertilisation Programme is an initiative by the Public Service Department to encourage knowledge sharing between Government officials and Private sectors. TalentCorp’s key role is to assist with the placement of the Government Officials in various private companies. 

As a Cross Fertilisation Programme 2020 participant, Aireen Umimaisarah binti Hamdan was placed in the Group Human Resources (HR) Department (Technical and Production) at Nestlé Malaysia as a HR Project manager focusing on talent attraction, retention and expatriation. She shared with us her experience and learnings so far at Nestlé Malaysia. 

1. What were your initial feelings before you signed on to Cross Fertilisation Programme? How did you feel afterwards as you’re going through it? 

I felt excited and nervous when I got the offer! Although I have work experience in the private sector, the thought of working in an established fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company spurred a little worry as to how I can fulfil tasks assigned to me.
 
While my job scope in Nestlé Malaysia is what I’m already familiar with, I’ve also managed to learn up and perform new HR functions such as recruitment and talent management. I believe that this journey has widen my HR knowledge and skills and help me grow as a person, professionally.

2. What are 3 new skills that you have learned from the programme? 

i) Interpersonal skills. Working in different environments; in the office and factory has taught me to be more observant of the culture in both places in order to get necessary support and collaboration. It’s also very important to communicate clearly and hold regular check-ins to successfully manage tasks.  

ii) Digital skills. At Nestlé Malaysia, we adapt to a digital working environment by using software such as OneDrive, Skype, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint. These enable people to embrace the new normal, a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, while also creating an agile workforce that is aligned and engaged with their assignments, regardless of where they are. 

iii) HR skills. Through the programme, I’ve had the opportunity to explore HR functions such as recruitment and talent management. I learned how critical it is for a company to recruit talented people who match the skills needed for the job and have great interpersonal skills and attitude. 

3. What are the 3 best practices that you’ve learned from your experience at this organisation?  

i) Culture built on respect. People are treated with respect regardless of their background. By having respectful two-way conversations, knowledge can be shared across the board to break silos and create a better future.

ii) Engaging with people. Feedback from employees is valued to understand the organisation’s behaviour and leadership, foster engagement and promote a high-performing culture. 

iii) Training and learning for success. Employees are encouraged to undergo training and development as part of their on-the-job activities. With a wide range of interesting topics and a user-friendly e-learning portal, employees have the opportunity to equip themselves with new knowledge. 

4. Tell us about a challenge that you managed to overcome while undergoing the programme.  

As a new and temporary employee, it’s important to adapt to the environment to be part of the team. I overcame this challenge by being positive, asking questions when I need to, and never giving up. 

5. In your opinion, how does the Cross Fertilisation Programme help strengthen the relationship between the private sector and the government? Where do you see it benefitting Malaysia?

This programme can benefit the private sector and government sector in terms of building rapport and networking as well as sharing best practices. It can also contribute to professional development and encourage a high performing culture in the civil service, which can lead towards building a greater nation. 

It can also contribute to professional development and encourage a high performing culture in the civil service, which can lead towards building a greater nation."

The Cross Fertilisation Programme is an initiative by the Public Service Department (PSD)’s Special Unit for High Potential and SME Section (SUPREME) to promote knowledge sharing between Government officials and Private Sectors. This includes good practices that can be replicated, emulated, and implemented to improve the public service. As the key partner agency for the programme, TalentCorp’s role is to assist with the placement of Government Officials in various private sectors and industries for a period between 6-12 months.

Keen to know more about the Cross Fertilisation Programme and want to explore potential industry partnerships with us? Drop us an e-mail at industrypartnerships@talentcorp.com.my.