Participants of the CapitaDNA training conducted on 20 November 2014 at CLIMB.
Participants of the CapitaDNA training conducted on 20 November 2014 at CLIMB.

When Augustine Khoa Nguyen, Head of Sales and Marketing for CapitaLand Real Estate Management (Vietnam) Ltd heard that CLIMB (CapitaLand Institute of Management & Business) would be bringing the “Strengthening of CapitaDNA” programme to Vietnam, he felt thankful that the team in Vietnam can be aligned with the company’s core values through the training.

Augustine was among the participants who went through the half-day training programme designed and rolled out by CLIMB to deepen staff’s understanding of the newly validated CapitaDNA. The CapitaDNA consists of CapitaLand’s vision, mission, credo and core values, and it provides a common foundation for employees on how they should conduct their businesses and day-to-day activities. Other than the numerous sessions organised in Singapore, CLIMB has brought the training to its regional operations such as Vietnam and Indonesia. Through partnership with CLIMB China and ACE (Ascott Center of Excellence), the programme has been conducted in China and Malaysia as well.

When asked what he liked about the programme, Augustine, who has been with CapitaLand for six years since his graduation from university, said, “The programme helped not only the newcomers but also long-service staff to see and do things in the right ways.”​

Other participants have also given positive feedback on the programme, which uses a combination of activities, examples, video case studies and group discussions to engage the participants.

The programme was also well received in Shanghai and Beijing. Julia Luo, Assistant Manager of Human Resource, CapitaMalls Asia Limited in China, commented, “Learning about the new core values has helped me gain a better understanding of our corporate culture, which has a strong influence on my thinking and behavior. I hope the programme can be widely promoted so that the company’s DNA can penetrate the hearts of every employee.”

Internalisation of CapitaDNA

It is not only important for employees to know what the essence of CapitaDNA is, but to ensure that the company’s core values are internalised and lived out. Some participants have already been practicing the core values, and the programme provided them with a better understanding of the company’s definition of these values.

Lew Yen Ping, Area Manager of Ascott International Management in Hanoi, who attended the programme in Vietnam shared that she lives out the values "leading by example" and "walking the talk". “I take time to attend the orientation programme of the new hires as well as the quarterly ‘Because We Care’ tea-break to share my personal belief on CapitaDNA. In Vietnam, we launched our very own programme to instill and cultivate the CapitaDNA culture. In addition, we have recently painted the Core Values Wall mural and we will be launching our very own DNA wall with real life picture of our associates that demonstrated the core values.”

As for Yen Ping’s colleague, Kim Ngan Nyugen, Learning and Development Manager of Ascott International Management, Vietnam, she has many opportunities to remind herself and her colleagues on the revalidated CapitaDNA in her area of work. “We all agree that CapitaDNA has an important role at Ascott that will lead us forward in all the right directions.” says Kim Ngan.

Many Nationalities, One CapitaDNA

Although CLIMB has introduced the programme in many different countries with varying cultures and practices, it was good to see that the participants were united by a common CapitaDNA. CLIMB hopes to roll out this core programme to more staff so that we can all be aligned with CapitaDNA and be One CapitaLand to carry out our mission and realise our vision. The programme will also be incorporated into the CapitaLand Immersion Programme in Singapore for new hires.

From The Building People Team in CapitaLand Institute of Management and Business