Last week, I had the privilege of attending the HR Best Asia Best Companies To Work For In Asia Awards 2025.
And yes… I know what many of you like to say, “But Aunty, these awards can be bought what!”
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room then.
Yes, many workplace awards (just like many other award programmes) are commercial.
Yes, companies pay to participate.
Yes, people will always have opinions about it.
And here’s mine. HR Asia’s award is far from a simple trophy business.
Its credibility comes from a rigorous employee engagement survey, with over 700,000 data points analysed and benchmarked across Asia.
Employee themselves evaluate their company’s across culture, leadership, engagement, and trust.
Meaning…
Yes, you can pay to enter.
But you cannot pay your way to happy employees.
If the scores don’t meet the benchmark, you don’t win. Full stop.
Personally, I see the award as both a branding platform and an accountability mirror.
It “forces” companies to listen to their employees.
It nudges leaders to improve.
It pushes organisations to treat people better, even if the motivation starts with employer branding.
But hey, it’s still a win for the workforce, right? Jangan dengki.
So yes! My heartiest congratulations to all winners!
May this recognition continue to inspire you to walk the talk and build workplaces your people are truly proud of.
xoxoxo, AuntyHR
P.S. Congratulations to Datuk William Ng (far right), the man behind HR Asia Best Company To Work For in Asia Awards, for organising yet another successful event! 🫶
