• Berita Sunway highlights the Sunway Management Associate Programme, an initiative dedicated to preparing and empowering young leaders who will drive the company’s future growth through innovation.  

In the bustling heart of Sunway City Kuala Lumpur (SCKL), where the rhythm of the city never falters, Khalil Khairuddin found himself at the helm of a transformative initiative. As a participant in Sunway’s Management Associate Programme (MAP), Khalil was entrusted with a mission to redefine the guest experience at Sunway’s flagship hotel in SCKL. The goal was audacious: to redesign the traditional check-in process into a seamless digital system integrating everything from room keys to concierge services in a single, intuitive app.   

This vision demanded both innovation and courage. “The idea was to enhance the guest experience, making check-in as simple as a tap on a phone,” Khalil shared, reflecting on the late-night brainstorming sessions and cross-departmental collaborations that brought the project to life. Navigating this project required more than technical expertise. Khalil needed to hone his leadership skills, bringing together diverse departments under a shared vision while preserving the personal touch that guests cherished. “Every obstacle was an opportunity to forge stronger connections,” said Khalil. “Engaging with management associates and leaders from different backgrounds is incredibly enriching. These interactions continually broaden my understanding and inspire fresh approaches.”  

“No pressure, no diamonds,” Khalil often remarked, perfectly summarising the MAP ethos, which nurtures future leaders in a dynamic and empowering environment that fosters initiative, adaptability and leadership.

Such is the life of a MAP participant – one brimming with opportunities to develop resilience and resourcefulness. For Khalil, the programme was more than a skill-building exercise; it was about seeing challenges as growth opportunities.  

The Essence of MAP

MAP has its roots in the Sunway Managerial Advancement for Recruited Talents (SMART) Programme, launched in 2003.

Over the years, MAP has evolved remarkably, reflecting Sunway’s steadfast commitment to developing ethical, globally conscious leaders poised to make a difference in the world. This transformation is driven by the vision of Sunway Group founder and chairman, Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, who has long dreamed of cultivating leaders embodying these values: Integrity, Humility and Excellence. As Sunway celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, the Group is ambitiously setting its sights on becoming Asia’s model corporation, not just in sustainable development, but for sustainable leadership and people practices as well. 

“We firmly believe that our people are the foundation of our success,” said Foo Shiang Wyne, Sunway Group chief human resources officer.

In today’s whirlwind business world, where change is the only constant, retaining top talent has never been more critical. Job security and loyalty alone no longer suffice; employees crave purpose and flexibility. Deloitte’s 2024 Global Human Capital Trends research emphasises that prioritising human sustainability – focusing on employees’ health, skills and sense of belonging – is crucial for driving business success. This aligns with LinkedIn’s 2018 Workplace Learning Report, which found that 94% of employees would stay longer if companies invested in their career growth. “Job security and company loyalty are no longer the primary concerns for today’s talent; they seek a greater purpose in their work,” Foo observed.  

Embracing New Work Aspirations

The MAP is built for this new era and designed to meet the aspirations of modern workers head-on. It offers a vibrant tapestry of possibilities, allowing associates to carve their unique journeys and intricately weave individual ambitions with tangible opportunities. Through mentorship, coaching, and real-world projects, management associates actively navigate their growth. 

For Hailey Koh, a senior associate in Talent Management at Sunway, MAP was not just a stepping stone but a launchpad into new realms of leadership and innovation.

With a background in chemical engineering, Hailey joined the programme in 2022, eager to explore beyond her foundational roots. “I was determined to explore something beyond technical engineering roles and venture into corporate and business-related roles while still given the chance to apply my transferable skills in a fast-paced and diversified organisation,” she recalled.   

The programme offered Hailey more than she had ever imagined. Leveraging Sunway’s diverse business portfolio, MAP includes rotational assignments across various business divisions. “The structure of MAP is fascinating; while we focused on our core function and role, we were exposed to various businesses through the three-month group internal audit attachment and the special group project assignment, involving us in a business transformation project of a particular industry,” Hailey shared. She believed these experiences forged strategic thinking and innovative problem-solving skills essential for today’s business landscape.  

Forging the Path to Success

Pratap is the associate director of development management at Sunway Malls, he began his career in Sunway through the SMART programme in 2009.

Sunway’s dedication to nurturing talent is evident from the very first step in the insightful journey. The recruitment process for the programme is as thorough as it is intense. As Pratap Kumar Subramaniam recalled, “When I first joined SMART in 2009, I expected a rigorous, fast-paced environment that would challenge my skills and knowledge. I anticipated structured training modules, frequent evaluations, and a competitive atmosphere.”   

He was not disappointed. As a fresh graduate, Pratap was eager to test his mettle in a company renowned for its cutting-edge innovation. “What I found was a programme that not only pushed me professionally but also supported my personal and leadership development.” His words echo the sentiments of many who have embarked on this journey before and since, stepping into an environment that demands excellence and fosters growth.   

Sunway selects its candidates based on merit, potential and alignment with the company’s core values. Pratap vividly remembered this process, noting the emphasis on both character and credentials. “The recruitment wasn’t just about what we knew on paper,” he said. “It was about who we were – our motivations, values and long-term career aspirations.” This holistic method ensures that those shortlisted are not only skilled but resonate with Sunway’s culture and ethics.   

Once through the gates, participants embark on a two-year odyssey brimming with mentorship, networking opportunities and hands-on experiences. Here, mentorship is not just a buzzword; it’s the programme’s lifeblood. Industry leaders guide management associates through the labyrinth of corporate complexities, offering wisdom and insights that textbooks simply cannot. 

Foo Shiang Wyne explained, “We balance our short, medium and long-term talent strategies as well as circle back to the purpose of why we do what we do, our core values, and the communities that we want to serve. In holding true to these, we attract talent who share our vision and common purpose. The ones who possess the Sunway DNA continue our journey with us to deliver on that vision.”

Sunway’s dedication to employee development and workplace excellence has not gone unnoticed. Its reputation is gilded with accolades, including Gold for Employer of the Year at the HR Excellence Awards, the Kincentric Best Employers Malaysia Award, Talentbank’s Graduates’ Choice Awards, and Malaysia’s 100 Leading Graduate Employers Awards. These awards are a testament to Sunway’s commitment to creating a nurturing environment for talent. However, Foo believes Sunway cannot rest on its laurels or risk becoming irrelevant with time. 

Leading into the Future

With a legacy built on award-winning standards, Sunway is not content with merely following the tide; it is dedicated to leading the charge into the future. Sunway’s compass is set firmly on innovation and sustainability, aligning its course with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs).

One shining example of Sunway’s forward-thinking approach is the Sunway Executive Development Programme for Sustainable Leadership (Sunway EDP). Developed in collaboration with Sunway University, this programme does not just teach – it transforms. It empowers Sunway employees and external corporate leaders to become sustainability champions, leaving a positive ripple effect that reaches far beyond Sunway’s walls. For employees eager to learn, Sunway opens doors with educational assistance, encouraging continued education at institutions under the Sunway Education Group, Malaysian public universities, and endorsed universities overseas. This approach keeps management associates competitive in the global job market. It underscores Sunway’s belief in lifelong learning as a gateway to excellence, preparing them to meet the challenges of tomorrow.  

With the future of work at the heart of Sunway’s human resource strategy, the organisation is continuously championing a culture where learning never stops. Virtual learning platforms allow employees to take the wheel on their career journey, while tools such as Microsoft Viva Glint provide real-time insights to keep employee engagement thriving. This seamless integration of technology harnesses their potential to redefine organisational efficiency and effectiveness, proving that the path to success is paved with innovation.  

“We must continue to engage with the talent of today and tomorrow, to listen to their aspirations and needs in both personal and professional capacities, as well as adapt our leadership approach to lead with more empathy and embrace diversity,” Foo stated, adding, “Work is not the main component but one that supports our pursuit of a meaningful life purpose.” In these words, we find a compelling vision – a call to build a future workplace where sustainability, inclusivity and purpose-driven leadership illuminate the path forward.