Agencies help enrich HR event

Employees of Star Media Group (SMG) Bhd and members of the public had a chance to engage with various government agencies at booths set up in Menara Star, Petaling Jaya.

The booths were an initiative in conjunction with Star Employee Enrichment Day (Seed) 2023, an annual event organised by SMG’s Group People Department.

Menara Star was bustling throughout the two days as visitors flocked to the booths situated on the building’s first, second and third floors.

Vendors from Kedai Suria, a booth run by Suria FM, interacting with visitors during the two-day event.

Some of the government agencies that brought in their services were National Registration Department (JPN) and Road Transport Department (JPJ).

Putrajaya JPN assistant registrar Mohd Fauzi Kadri said the “JPN Mekar” booth, which operated inside a JPN-owned bus, received great support from Seed 2023 visitors.

“The bus has been crowded with people,” he said.

Services offered included replacing or renewing MyKad, obtaining MyKad for 12-year-olds, as well as printing birth and death certificates.

“For MyKad renewal, all the related procedures such as registering and taking photos could be done on the bus.

Vendors like Farm Fresh Milk gave away free products.

“Visitors can later collect their renewed MyKad at the JPN branch of their choice,” he added.

JPJ, through its mobile truck, allowed Seed 2023 visitors to renew their driving licence and road tax, as well as pay their summonses, according to assistant enforcement officer Muhammad Syahmi Abdul Latiff.

Shankar Singaravelloo, from SMG’s Transport Department, lauded JPJ’s effort in setting up a mobile truck at Menara Star.

“In just seven minutes, I renewed driving licences for my daughter and myself, and printed road tax stickers for the company vehicles.

“This is much more convenient and faster than going to the JPJ office. I hope the mobile truck can come every year,” he said.

Mac World Industries Sdn Bhd associate manager, who wished to be known as Kalaashaangeri, shared a similar view.

“It is sometimes difficult for us to go to government departments during working days due to time constraints, which is why we need booths like this.

Menara Star was a hive of activity with booths from several businesses including providers of wellness services. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG and FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

“This is definitely a much faster option,” said Kalaashaangeri, who renewed her MyKad at the JPN booth.

SMG Group People Department senior general manager Terence Raj said Seed was a one-stop centre for SMG employees to enjoy services provided by various government agencies and private companies.

“It is also an avenue for them to mingle with each other.”

SMG chief executive officer Alex Yeow Wai Siaw said, “Seed is a good opportunity for SMG to engage with its business partners.

“Besides, it also allows the staff members to temporarily come out from the office and interact with each other.

“Hopefully more of these kind of events can be conducted in the future. It is a very good HR initiative.”

SMG employees were also entitled to receive a goodie bag containing goods from participating vendors, while visitors also enjoyed free gifts from some vendors.

Among the vendors who participated in Seed 2023 were Farm Fresh Milk Sdn Bhd, Sa Sa Malaysia, Tong Garden Marketing Sdn Bhd, Stand Pie Me, FMC Greenland Sdn Bhd (BMS), Coca-Cola Bottlers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, Marina, Julie’s Marketing Sdn Bhd, Bubble Bee, Zp Malaysia, Berroca and Massage Station.

Stand Pie Me and Massage Station are run by groups of people with special needs and disabilities.

Stand Pie Me marketing manager Lee Jin Choong said there were currently 11 autistic bakers trained to master every step of producing a pie, from preparing the ingredients to packaging.

“We are dedicated to supporting those with special needs.

“We hope through this event, more people can be aware of our cause.”

Mohd Sakani, a massage therapist from Massage Station in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, which is operated by a group of visually impaired people, called Seed 2023 a “win-win situation”.

“Not only can visitors relax through our reflexology service, but we can also earn more income,” he said.