Sharifah Musainah (centre with award) with her dedicated team celebrating their Gold win as Top Voted Employer in the Food and Beverage category.
The SEEK People & Purpose Awards, presented by Jobstreet by SEEK, has completed its second year of recognising Malaysia’s most inspiring employers, which is fast becoming a benchmark for human resources (HR) excellence.
Reflecting the collective voice of working Malaysians, the awards spotlight companies that foster meaningful work, inclusive cultures and lasting social impact.
This year, CelcomDigi Bhd
, Farm Fresh Bhd and QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd were named Top Voted Employers in their categories. Their stories show how nurturing talent and championing inclusivity are crucial to building resilient, future-ready workplaces.
Purpose beyond the plate
For QSR Brands, being voted Top Employer in Food and Beverage for the second year is more than a badge of honour.
“This recognition reflects more than just a title; it’s a meaningful signal from the wider Malaysian workforce – affirming the trust, engagement and pride we aim to inspire throughout our journey,” said the company’s group people management office chief people officer Sharifah Musainah Syed Alwi.
Sharifah credits QSR Brands’ success to HR strategies that extend beyond traditional models.
“Our purpose goes far beyond serving meals – we are here to serve future generations. Guided by our core value of ‘Growing People as Builders’, we’re shaping a stronger, more inclusive Malaysia through opportunity, empowerment and nation-building.”
QSR Brands’ approach is inclusive, from fast-tracking graduates into leadership through the Assistant Restaurant Manager Trainee (ARMT) Programme, to creating career pathways for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The KFC SLDN Apprenticeship and KFC Scholarship offer underprivileged youth, especially from the B40 community, not just jobs but meaningful careers and brighter futures.
“Empowerment must be inclusive. That’s why all our learning and career pathways remain accessible to every team member.”
Fresh take on people-first
For Farm Fresh, winning Top Employer in the FMCG sector marks a significant milestone.
“It is a powerful validation of our team’s hard work, innovation and dedication,” said HR manager Norahasrina Zulkiply.
“It reflects our commitment to a people-first culture where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to grow.”
Farm Fresh focuses on holistic well-being, fair compensation and robust feedback.
Mental health support, comprehensive training and open forums ensure every voice is heard.
“We connect employee tasks to the organisation’s broader goals and values, fostering a sense of meaning and impact,” Norahasrina shares.
Attracting and retaining talent, especially in rural and production-based areas, remains a challenge. She acknowledged the company had to meet the expectations of a new generation that values purpose, flexibility and growth as much as pay.
Farm Fresh’s solution: strong culture, competitive benefits and visible recognition. The company remains committed to ensuring that every individual feels valued and empowered.
“Becoming a top employer is a journey and consistently showing your people that they matter.”
Purpose-driven connection
Rising from last year’s Gold to this year’s Platinum in telecommunication, CelcomDigi is setting new standards for HR excellence.
“It’s a proud and meaningful milestone,” said chief human resources officer Azmi Ujang.
“It affirms our Employer Value Proposition – Grow with Purpose, Build with Trust.
“CelcomDigi’s ‘people at heart’ philosophy empowers every employee – affectionately called a CDzen – to align personal goals with purposeful work.
“Openness, well-being and next-generation talent development are central, supported by technology and online learning platforms.
“Mental wellbeing, psychological safety and agile leadership remain at the forefront as CelcomDigi prepares its teams for rapid industry shifts,” says Azmi.
“The best workplaces are built on relationships, not just policies.”
The SEEK People & Purpose Awards show that HR excellence is rooted in purpose, inclusion and innovation.
The message of winners: invest in your people, listen with intent and let purpose lead – demonstrating that when people come first, everyone gains.
