In our last blog, we introduced Jayanti Kandayah, director of Intel Global Talent Acquisition for Greater Asia Region, to celebrate Women’s History Month. Today, we are going to have Hou Mi Mi, the leader for Malaysia and APJ (Asia Pacific Japan) recruitment team, share her views, thoughts and values on workplace, families, communities, and the world. Hou Mi Mi
“Be stubborn about your goals, but flexible with your approach.”
As the leader for Malaysia and APJ (Asia Pacific Japan) recruitment team and recently expanded her scope to take on Global ATM staffing role, Mi Mi’s days are marked by early morning and late-night meetings. With a background in industrial chemistry, she started at Intel as an engineer and eventually moved into HR after six years—a multidisciplinary journey that currently spans two decades.
Growing up, her aspirations changed over time, but one thing remained a constant: the desire to complete a degree so her mother could stop working and enjoy life a little more. Today, Mi Mi finds her drive by adding value to the lives of others alongside her team. “I try to inspire people to step out of their comfort zone—to stretch themselves and step into something they’ve not attempted before.”
To Mi Mi, relationships are essential—both within and outside the workplace. A proponent of situational leadership, she thrives working with and through people. She makes it a point to offer help and support as much as is possible, even if it’s occasionally beyond her scope. “When I joined as an engineer, there were only three ladies in a team of over forty. Diversity and inclusion were virtually non-existent. We’ve come a long way in this respect—with more inclusive leaders, greater gender parity, and overall flexibility.”
The mother of two teenage daughters’ advices younger women who are considering a career in tech or who already have one to not be shy about speaking out about challenges they face, even when it comes to family commitments. She also encourages them to reach out and connect with other women in the organization in networks such as Women In Intel (WIN).
Reflecting on her own journey as a working mother, she shares, “It’s important that we strive to walk the talk. Nothing comes free in life, one always has to put in the effort—and never be afraid of doing things differently.”
Interested in working with leaders like Mi Mi?
Click here to discover more about our vacancies in Intel Malaysia today.
Want to read more about Intel GTA women’s story? Check out
Joanne Kan’s story.
