CEO Insights Magazine

Human resources have come a long way from their early days. Changes in HR have been especially notable in the last several years. There has been a dramatic change in the structure of HR departments in recent decades as a result of the proliferation of technology that automates formerly labour-intensive tasks. Human resources departments, at least the innovative ones, are no longer primarily concerned with people management and administrative responsibilities, but rather with fostering employee satisfaction and fortifying the company's culture. In light of this, one of the global leaders who has witnessed the development of the HR sector over the last three decades is Villa Ouk, Chief Human Resources Officer of Peng Huoth Group. Villa Ouk is a seasoned human resources expert with over 27 years of experience in the area, gained via leadership and development roles in HR at a variety of large corporations. Workforce planning, succession planning, skill development, talent management, compensation & benefits, policy development, performance management, rewards & recognition, industrial relations, corporate affairs, and administration are all significant areas of focus for Villa in terms of strategic HR planning and corporate business planning.

There were numerous difficult situations that Villa Ouk overcame throughout his time as an HR professional, including a complete business culture shift, localization, re-engineering of the workforce and optimization, severe industrial difficulties, and a whole firm re-structure.

Below is an excerpt of Villa Ouk’s exclusive interaction with CEO Insights ASIA magazine.

How has your journey been so far at Peng Huoth Group?

In June of 2016, I made the transition from Cambodia Beverage Company, Ltd. to Peng Huoth Group, where I was tasked with leading the company's transition from a locally-focused enterprise to a multinational conglomerate. In addition to serving as the organization's primary transformational leader, I was responsible for developing internal skills to guarantee that our transformation goals would be met. Major accomplishments have been made over the past few years, including the establishment of a Board of Directors and an Executive Committee (Exco), the creation of a corporate structure complete with vision and missions, the creation of a Board Charter, the implementation of an annual business plan and a reward system. In addition, I was responsible for the establishment of a corporate culture that incorporates core values and leadership behaviours, the introduction and implementation of human resources policy and procedures, and the guaranteeing of the same.

Define Peng Huoth Group as an organization and its current position in the industry.

The Peng Huoth Group operates in several distinct industries. PH Construction, Borey Peng Huoth (Property Development), and PH Investment are the three main business units of the corporation. In addition, Borey Peng Huoth has been honored with many accolades for its work in the real estate industry, including Best Developer (4 consecutive years), Best Township Development, Best Architectural Design & Master Plan Design, Best Lifestyle Developer, Eco- Friendly Development, and Special Recognition for Corporate Social Responsibility.

What has been the success mantra that constantly helps you arrive at positive outcomes?

Leading and maintaining the transition is difficult to work. Setting a clear transformation plan and influencing all members to go in the same direction, particularly the senior leadership team, is the secret to success.

Since you've worked in the HR sector for over 27 years, in your opinion, how has the industry transformed over time? What are your thoughts on the new normal, the practice of working from home?

With the advent of industry 4.0, HR has shifted its emphasis from operations to strategic initiatives and data analytics. Human resources must continue to develop its analytical capabilities, which call for specialized training beyond that of basic business and functional skills. Human resources must also anticipate and adapt to the new normal of the workplace to provide appropriate policies and practices for the transformation of the workplace. However, if HR is serious about reducing workplace stress by adopting spiritual wellness practices, they need to be mindful of the unique challenges posed by remote work and the post-covid era.

Villa Ouk, Chief Human Resources Officer, Peng Huoth Group

In 1995, Villa Ouk earned a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from the University of Phnom Penh. After graduating, he started his career with British American Tobacco in the role of HR Analyst. Villa has worked for several organizations throughout his career, including The Coca-Cola Company, its bottler in Cambodia, Cambodia Beverage Company Ltd. He is now working as the Executive Committee Member and Board Director at Peng Huoth Group.

Hobbies: Computer programming, song and poem writing, video editing

Favourite Cuisine: Cambodian sour soup

Favourite Book: Computer programming, leadership

Favourite Travel Destination: Eco destinations like mountain sides, rice fields, farms

Awards & Recognitions:

• 100 Most Influential Global HR Leaders

• 101 Global HR Hero

• Global HR Leadership Excellence

• Global Best Employer Award (company level)

• Best HR Strategy Award (company level)