I am indeed grateful with my former Malaysia Airlines (MAS) colleagues from various disciplines for their candid feedback on my story relating Economist Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Anuwar Ali, entitled “Humans remain crucial in HR ensuring that technology is used ethically, and strategically to create a positive workplace” that was published by newswav.com on 28 February, 2026 (http://newswav.com/A2602_CkoC3X?s=A_amkYOLZ&language=en).
CPA S. Suppiah, former MAS Executive Vice President for Group Finance, commented that “The key role of HR is to deal with people's issues and need for personal touch. AI can be used as a tool to assist the HR personnel in doing their work but it certainly cannot empathize, etc to solve deep human issues.”
In support, Engr N. Sitham, former MAS Deputy Director of Engineering Division, said “Empathy is vital in handling HR issues. John MacDonald, former President of MacDonald Douglas had this on his table, ‘When dealing with People issues, always, put yourself in the other man’s shoes.' I wished all HR people take this seriously. Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Anuwar is spot on correct. Have empathy and use AI tools for best results for our organizations.”
Shulhameed Marican, former MAS General Manager for Flight Operations, revealed “Being involved in Unions & Associations for the past 30 years, even after retirement, I feel its pertinent that we resolve HR issues in an environment that has Empathy, Respect and most importantly understanding each others issues, both Management & Staff Representatives alike. Unionism is a double edged sword. AI can assist but can never replace the human touch.”
Our former MAS colleague, Dzul Bahrin, who's currently the Honorary Secretary MYAEROSATU concurred that “I started to do research for my study on aviation industry since 2002 and Allahyarham Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman, the legendary MAS Managing Director explained that the success of any organization depends on its leadership & HR. When leadership is ineffectual, its people become directionless, and demotivated, organization suffers."
Zulkifly Baharom (hajizul50@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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