The NUS Office of Human Resources (OHR) clinched not just one, but two awards at the Singapore Business Review (SBR) Management Excellence Awards 2023 held on 21 November 2023. The Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of leaders, innovators, teams, and initiatives that drive growth and make a positive impact on both business operations and its workforce.
NUS Chief People Officer, Dr Janson Yap, was honoured with the Executive of the Year – Education award for his visionary leadership in redefining HR excellence through pioneering AI strategies and positioning the University as an innovator in HR within the education sector.
To align NUS’ HR strategy with the University’s evolving needs and overarching goals, Dr Yap spearheaded a number of initiatives for staff progression and talent development. His strategic use of AI and data analytics in talent acquisition and human resource performance management not only helped streamline processes but also brought about greater efficiency and effectiveness in attracting top talent to the University.
Enhancing the organisation culture to make every staff member feel valued has been another priority for Dr Yap. Under his leadership, OHR has implemented a number of initiatives to improve diversity, promote inclusivity, and foster a compassionate workplace.
One such initiative is the Sukahati Raya Celebration organised by OHR which took the award for the Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year under the education category at the SBR Management Excellence Awards 2023. As part of the event, NUS staff packed and distributed groceries to more than 900 disadvantaged households during the Hari Raya Puasa holiday, helping to lessen their financial burden and spread joy during the festive season.
The leadership of Dr Yap and the efforts of the OHR team in putting together the Sukahati Raya event has nurtured a more inclusive and compassionate community within NUS, benefitting 40,000 people across Singapore.