Redefining Human-Centric Leadership in the Digital Age
Chief Human Resources Officer of Global Talent Acquisition
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)
As global calls for more people-centric workplace policies grow louder, Dr. Murugappan, Chief Human Resources Officer at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), leads with an old yet effective belief: “True leadership begins by understanding the human behind the role.” He has spent over three decades refining the art of connecting with people—not just through words but by cultivating environments where employees feel seen, heard, and valued. As leadership shifts from authority to empathy, he is balancing emotional intelligence and strategic vision to ensure unparalleled growth for his people and organisation. With initiatives like the innovative MetaHRise—a metaverse-powered onboarding experience—he is merging technology with human connection to craft engaging, future-forward solutions for today’s workforce. A leader who believes that “successful transformations are not about the tools you implement but about empowering people to embrace change with confidence,” Dr. Murugappan’s work in human capital financial reporting and digital leadership is shaping the future of HR in Asia. Recently, CEO Outlook Global had the privilege of interviewing him to delve deeper into his unique approach to leadership and innovation in HR and his vision.
Working with diverse multinational teams across the Asia-Pacific has truly been a transformative experience for me.
While my exposure to different countries may be limited, leading talented individuals from various cultures in my previous organisations has been deeply enriching. Every culture carries its own unique rhythm, and navigating this diversity has taught me the art of adaptability and empathy.
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” – Nelson Mandela
That’s exactly how I approach leadership in diverse cultures—understanding not just how people work but why they work and how they do it.
For example, in Malaysia, decision-making is often about consensus, while in the U.S., a more direct approach is appreciated. Balancing these cultural differences has helped me create stronger, more cohesive teams where everyone feels heard and valued.
It’s a dynamic journey, but it’s one that has shaped me into a more flexible and culturally attuned leader.
As global calls for more people-centric workplace policies grow louder, Dr. Murugappan, Chief Human Resources Officer at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), leads with an old yet effective belief:
He has spent over three decades mastering the art of connecting with people—not just through words but by cultivating environments where employees feel seen, heard, and valued. As leadership shifts from authority to empathy, he skillfully balances emotional intelligence with strategic vision to drive unparalleled growth for his people and organisation.
With initiatives like the innovative MetaHRise—a metaverse-powered onboarding experience—he seamlessly merges technology with human connection to craft engaging, future-forward solutions for today’s workforce.
A leader who believes that “successful transformations are not about the tools you implement but about empowering people to embrace change with confidence,” Dr. Murugappan’s work in human capital financial reporting and digital leadership is shaping the future of HR in Asia.
Recently, CEO Outlook Global had the privilege of interviewing him to delve deeper into his unique approach to leadership, innovation in HR, and his vision.
My HR leadership philosophy is anchored in passionate energy, continuous learning, and adaptability.
I believe that when you take care of your people, they’ll take care of the business. This means creating an environment where everyone can grow, learn, and thrive.
In my daily leadership, I keep an open door for my team, encourage constant learning, and promote innovation. A prime example is MetaHRise, our Metaverse onboarding project, which immerses new employees in an engaging, future-forward experience.New hires into our culture from day one. I also emphasise continuous improvement, always looking for ways to elevate both individual and team performance, shaping a future of growth and collaboration.
Working with diverse multinational teams across the Asia-Pacific has truly been a transformative experience for me.
While my exposure to different countries may be limited, leading talented individuals from various cultures in my previous organisations has been deeply enriching. Every culture carries its own unique rhythm, and navigating this diversity has taught me the art of adaptability and empathy.
That’s exactly how I approach leadership in diverse cultures—understanding not just how people work but why they work and how they do it.
For example, in Malaysia, decision-making is often about consensus, while in the U.S., a more direct approach is appreciated. Balancing these cultural differences has helped me create stronger, more cohesive teams where everyone feels heard and valued.
It’s a dynamic journey, but one that has shaped me into a more flexible and culturally attuned leader.
The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the toughest crises in my career, forcing rapid, strategic decisions. I embraced the principle that “in every crisis lies an opportunity” and focused on two priorities: employee well-being and maintaining productivity.
We introduced mental health programs, flexible working options, and one-on-one check-ins to keep the human connection alive. At the same time, we used digital tools to stay connected and crafted a compassionate rewards strategy.
Balancing empathy with practicality helped ensure that our team felt supported and unified during a challenging time.
“It started with a hesitant smile.” That’s what I remember most vividly about one student in a group of underprivileged youths I had the privilege to mentor. He was bright, no doubt about that, but burdened with self-doubt as if every step forward came with two questions: Can I do this? Do I even deserve to try?
Over time, our mentoring sessions became a journey of rediscovery for him. Slowly but surely, I watched as that hesitant smile turned into confidence—he began to believe in his abilities and his future.
The breakthrough moment? When he applied for a scholarship, something that once felt impossibly out of reach for him. When he secured it, I saw more than just joy in his eyes. It was a spark—proof that his world had shifted from hope to possibility.
This experience echoed a quote that has stayed with me:
For me, the heart of mentorship lies in this truth—empowering young people to craft their own stories. The thrill of watching someone realize their potential, seeing them achieve what they once thought was unattainable, is beyond words.
Moments like these fuel my passion for developing young talent—because every young mind we uplift is an investment in the future we all share.
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