APPLIED-HR: Sense & Simplicity

About the Book

As a rookie in HR, the author who is an economist by education, was in constant search for formulas and principles to help addressing workplace challenges in managing people. For him, this did not come easy from the books he read. Thus, early-on he started the habit of writing his hard-learned lessons at the workplace, especially on people, performance, leadership and the subtle areas of culture and behaviours. During his thirty years of working in various regions and with multiple cultures, the author updated his writings and summarized them into easy-to-read short phrases. If career is a long road-trip, “Applied-HR: Sense & Simplicity” is the culmination of his learnings from that long ‘road-trip’. The author shares each of the 200 thoughts and principles in succinct messages, which at times may sound unconventional. The lessons maybe self-evident to some readers while it may evoke different perspectives to others, given their respective experience. It is hoped that “Applied-HR: Sense & Simplicity” will be a catalyst for HR practitioners, supervisors, business leaders, corporate facilitators, lecturers, undergraduates, and to all those who are keen to explore the subtleties of managing people in a business environment.

About the Author

K Thivenathan, or Thivi, took an early retirement in late 2019 after spending three decades of professional life in the field of human resources. He held HR leadership roles with reputable multinational companies, such as Coca-Cola, X-Fab, Eli Lilly, Epson, and Honeywell. Prior to retirement, Thivi was the global CHRO of UTAC Group in Singapore, a semiconductor manufacturer with a revenue over USD$1B and 12,000 employees globally. During his illustrious career, Thivi has worked or done short-term assignments in Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, China, Taiwan, USA, Thailand, and Indonesia. Post retirement, he has served as a council member of Singapore’s Institute of Adult Learning (Singapore University of Social Science) until early 2022. Thivi has successfully facilitated large-scale organisational restructuring, culture transformation, and cross-border M&A initiatives. His ability to recognise pain areas of business and address them with simple and yet award-winning people practices has won multiple industry recognitions. Amongst the most notable recognitions are HR Leader Award (Malaysia, 2006), Best HR Leader Award Finalist (Singapore, 2011), and Asia’s Best HR Team Award for Change Management (HRM Asia, 2017). In the mid-2010s, Thivi was a member of distinguished judging panel of Aon Hewitt Best Employer Award in Indonesia and Singapore. In 2019, he was appointed to Human Resources’ Advisory Panel (HumanResourcesOnline, Singapore). And, in 2023, Thivi was appointed as a member of judging panel of The HR Star Award (Chief of Staff Asia). Over the years, Thivi has also written and contributed to numerous articles for HR magazines in the region. He has established himself as a trusted advisor and expert in his field. Thivi is based in Singapore, enjoys spending time with extended family members and friends in Malaysia and with children in Australia. During free time, he enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and playing golf whilst keeping an eye on his investments in several start-ups. Thivi holds a Degree in Economics from National University of Malaysia; MBA from Charles Sturt University, Australia; Diploma in Industrial Relations (ILO/MEF); and a certified Occupational Safety Trainer (AlliedSignal, USA). Thivi is a martial arts enthusiast with a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo.