Interviewers: Mahmoud Mansi & Mariham Magdy
1-HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: What made you decide to launch your own conference in the region and how did the idea start?
Saruhassan Jeffri Chandran: We decided to test the idea last year when we noticed a large amount of HR professionals experiencing various struggles in the industry in many aspects of the HR related function; at the time, we were running many workshops and gathered as much feedback as possible to build a sustainable foundation to kick-start our very first HR Technology Asian Convention. With the various tech solution providers at the palm of our hands, the feedback was very positive, leading us to launch our second annual HRTAC for 2019 for our eager clients.
2-HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: What will your conference bring new to the audience?
Saruhassan Jeffri Chandran: This conference will definitely be an eye opener to many; introductions to the latest trends and tech in the industry will be a breath of fresh air to the delegates. It will also be a motivator to professionals who are struggling in making certain decisions; this conference will give them the assurance and confidence as well to make game-changing moves.
3-HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: We as HR Professionals enjoy and learn from attending conferences, however we never understand how these conferences were organized and all the planning and efforts done to reflect such quality in the end. Can you share with us what happens behind the scenes?
Saruhassan Jeffri Chandran: Definitely a lot of time is spent conducting online research as well as many hours of phone conversations with past, present and future clients to truly understand their pain-points and day-to-day struggles; putting ourselves in their shoes and coming up practical solutions. At the end of the day, their satisfaction is ours.
4-HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: What are the usual expectations of the delegates in a conference, and how do you assure to meet their expectations?
Saruhassan Jeffri Chandran: Everyone wants to be ahead of the rest, by gaining as much of NEW information as possible and by figuring out the BEST solutions to excel. The way we do it is by treating each client as our first, top priority and importance is to all. We try our best to meet halfway with each and every single delegate to reach their level of expectation and potentially exceed it.
5-HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: We find conferences a perfect venue to learn about practical solutions, new trends, cases studies and experiences. Unfortunately there are some employers who do not recognize the importance of such conferences when it comes to L&D or hiring or any other relevant HR function. How can conferences further validate their importance and empower their delegates?
Saruhassan Jeffri Chandran: In my opinion, the best way a delegate can gain the most out of a conference is by being involved as much as possible. Conferences should put delegates in the driver’s seat and give them hands on examples, practical and engaging activities to give them a taste of what could be. Decision makers or employers often find comfort in the actions seen and examples portrayed by other big names; something which boosts their confidence and empowers them.
6-HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: How can delegates maximize their learning from attending the conference?
Saruhassan Jeffri Chandran:
Before the conference: Delegates can prepare a list of questions/concerns based on the day to day HR function they are involved in to be discussed during conference with speakers and other delegates alike.
During the conference: Network and gather information based on others pain-points and struggles, potentially share and learn new ways to improve the HR function; build potential business relationships.
After the conference: Receive post conference materials from speakers across Asia and apply various methodologies in their companies. Various networking between delegates and solution providers would create many partnerships and business relationships that will improve the overall HR function.
7-HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: Public speaking is becoming an essential competency in HR, whether in conferences or in internal corporate events. From your leadership experience in this, what tips do you have for people to enhance their public speaking skills?
Saruhassan Jeffri Chandran: It is fairly short and simple; be confident and decisive with what you believe in. Passion goes a long way; when you believe in what you are conveying, the message will stick long after you are done speaking.