"Business is very much like a game of golf" - this was the gist of the message that renowned Leadership Methodologist, Paul Bridle, conveyed to an appreciative audience at the 2nd HR Practitioners' Networking Dinner organised by Taylor's University College (TUC).

The audience consisted of over 100 Human Resource (HR) practitioners from various industries, academicians, staff and selected students of Taylor's. This event is the first of its kind to provide a single platform for experts from a diverse range of industries, to meet and exchange ideas. Paul Bridle's keynote address kick-started the evening's animated discussions on 'hot' HR issues of the day by the different groups later in the evening.


"In business, like in golf, we start off by defining our goal and evaluating strategies to reach it; studying the current climate and environmental conditions; keeping our attention always focused on the goal; and evaluating, realigning and re-strategizing as we progress in the game," said Paul.

"If we focus on the bunker we tend to hit the ball into it! Similarly, in business, by focusing on the problem we get nowhere. Instead, we must keep our eyes on the goal," he added.

Earlier in welcoming the guests, Pradeep Nair, Chief Operating Officer of Taylor's College said, "The dinner serves as a platform to encourage dialogue amongst fellow peers in a neutral environment. This innovative approach which we proudly initiated, is mainly designed to facilitate two-way communication between HR practitioners and academia of Taylor's for a better understanding of today's graduates. We also aim to encourage discussion amongst like-minded individuals on the significant issues pertaining to the industry."

This year's HR Networking Dinner featured a unique concept, whereby each table was assigned a topic, and seated individuals from Taylor's academia, HR practitioners and students. This encouraged more open discussions and airing of views from all corners. Some of the topics included 'Strategies to attract the best talent and to keep them', 'HR's role in the economic meltdown' and 'Leading the new Y Generation', amongst others.

"New acquaintances" ~ Taylor's staff and students network with industry professionals over a sumptuous meal

"It is through events like this that we ensure our curriculum continues to be relevant with the changing needs and trends of the industry. This enables us to better equip our students to become valuable human capital to the global marketplace," added Pradeep.

One of the participants, Wan Muhsin Wan Ishak, Group Talent Sourcing - Group HRM from Petronas said, "We were pleased to be able to attend such an informative event and I think Taylor's University College has organised it very professionally. It is a good practice to have such events on an annual basis for stronger networking and industry sharing to potential talents."

Students of Taylor's University College bond with industry representatives from KPMG (1st & 2nd from left) before the dinner

Students too were excited with the opportunity to hear the wise words of Paul Bridle, and meet and get-to-know people from the industry. Said Tan Jia Lene, from Taylor's School of Business, "I really enjoyed the event and felt privileged to be here. The discussion we had at our table was enlightening and I gained some insight on what the industry is looking for in graduates."

Paul Bridle (3rd from right), flanked by staff of Taylor's University College, industry partners and student representative

A valuable piece of insight that many took home that night, was perhaps the advise by Paul Bridle, in facing the gloomy economic climate. He urged corporations to use this 'down time' as an opportunity to re-engineer the organisation from the inside - retraining staff and improving internal processes. "Once the economy picks up again, you will be poised and in full gear to zoom ahead," he said.

Apart from providing an opportunity to exchange ideas and thoughts on HR practices and trends, the event also proved to be an evening of warm exchange of smiles, forming new alliances and renewing old acquaintances.

Taylor's University College, in collaboration with Taylor's Business School, also conducted a seminar by Paul Bridle, entitled "Leading the Future Employee".

For more information on Taylor's University College contact 03-5636 2641 or e-mail admissions@taylors.edu.my .