WHAT makes people stay at their jobs?
In a time when job-hopping has become the norm, Carlsberg Malaysia stands out for a different reason: people choosing to stay, grow and rediscover themselves here.
For some, their Carlsberg journey began fresh out of university, while for others it started after years in banking, marketing or manufacturing.
But for all of them, it became more than just a career move, it became a place for personal growth, purpose and belonging.
At Carlsberg Malaysia, career progression doesn’t follow a single, rigid path.
Some have accelerated their careers while others have grown steadily in their roles or moved across functions to explore new challenges.
The company empowered its people to chart their own journeys through continuous learning, open and meaningful conversations and opportunities for internal movement, nurturing potential and authenticity at every step.
For over five decades, Carlsberg Malaysia has brewed more than just great beers, it has cultivated a workplace where people were encouraged to be curious, take ownership and grow at their own pace.
The company’s philosophy was simple: when people feel supported, they do their best work and stay longer.
That belief paid off.
Some of Carlsberg Malaysia’s longest-serving leaders have been with the company for over 20 years, starting from their very first job and growing into key decision-makers who have witnessed the company’s evolution through digitalisation, sustainability and innovation.
Then there were those who joined more recently, drawn by the company’s dynamic energy and people-first mindset.
In just a few years, they’ve discovered new opportunities to stretch their skills and take on roles that challenge traditional career boundaries.
The result was a diverse, vibrant workforce built on shared values and mutual respect.
It’s a community where growth was not a race but a journey, whether you’re single, married, raising children or navigating personal challenges.
What’s striking about these stories wasn’t just how long people stay, or how far they’ve progressed, it was who led the way.
The people shaping Carlsberg Malaysia’s future – from brewery operations to corporate functions – were women.
Five years ago, women made up just a quarter of Carlsberg Malaysia’s workforce.
Today, they represented 35% of the total workforce, nearly half (45%) of all managers and above, and half (50%) of the leadership team.
It was a remarkable shift and one that’s redefining what leadership looked like in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) isn’t just a buzzword at Carlsberg Malaysia, it’s part of everyday life.
The brewer infused DE&I into its people policies, talent development and leadership practices.
This commitment was recognised with the Gold Award for Best Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Seek People and Purpose Awards, a proud milestone for the company.
“Diversity is not just about representation; it’s about creating a culture where every voice is heard and valued,” said Carlsberg Malaysia people and culture director Choy Yen Li.
“We’re proud to champion women’s leadership and build a culture where every individual, regardless of gender, has the support to succeed at every stage of life.
“Inclusion and diversity make us stronger, more agile and resilient and better together.
“I’ve seen the culture shift; we’ve moved from just talking about inclusion to living it in how we hire, lead and listen.”
In celebration of Global Diversity Awareness Month, six Carlsberg Malaysia leaders described their leadership journey.
Corporate affairs and sustainability director Pearl Lai has served 20 years.
“I’ve pretty much grown up with Carlsberg Malaysia, a little older and hopefully a little wiser, too.
“My journey here has been all about resilience and growth.
“I keep learning, unlearning and relearning. Even after 20 years that hasn’t stopped.
“What keeps me going is our shared purpose and being part of a culture that inspires me to keep growing every single day.”
Quality assurance assistant manager Yuva Ramasamy, who has served 17 years said her journey at Carlsberg Malaysia taught her that destiny was shaped by opportunity.
“Here, women are given every chance to lead with confidence and purpose.
“I’m proud to be part of a culture that believes leadership and potential have no gender.”
Senior sales manager Eleen Ooi who has served for 12 years said she discovered what true empowerment felt like and proving that leadership in sales, even in a male-dominated industry, was not just a man’s game.
“Here, potential matters more than stereotypes and women are trusted to lead.
“It’s a culture that gives me the confidence to grow and succeed.”
Having served over two years, compliance manager Hanah Cheong said: “Coming from a different industry and moving to Malaysia from a different country was a big change.
“This journey gave me the chance to grow, learn and find purpose in what I do.
“To me, leadership is not about breaking barriers, it’s about creating connections that truly matter.”
Media and digital marketing manager Kritika Suresh, who has served over three years said at Carlsberg Malaysia, she felt truly uplifted – not just in her career, but as a person.
“Even during my toughest battle with cancer, I was met with compassion, trust and belief when I needed it most.
“This is a workplace that sees potential beyond circumstance and celebrates women for the strength, passion and creativity we bring.”
Head of people and culture business partner Cynthia Soo has served over three years.
“Carlsberg Malaysia has shown me that leadership is built on possibility – the freedom to grow, balance and lead in your own way.
“Here, I can be both a mother and leader, and that makes all the difference.”
Together, they showed that at Carlsberg Malaysia, life’s different chapters were not obstacles to a career, but part of the journey.
Because at Carlsberg Malaysia, being “Probably the Best Beer Company in the World” begins with being “Probably the Best Place to Work”.
And for these women, they shared one purpose – Brewing for a Better Today and Tomorrow.
