HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia: Honoring Human-Centric Workplaces Across the Continent
In today’s fast-changing world where talent is the most valuable asset, building a positive, inclusive, and sustainable work environment has become a strategic imperative for organizations. Among Asia’s most prestigious accolades in the field of human resources, the HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia Awards recognize outstanding companies that lead in putting people first.
Asia’s Most Coveted HR Recognition
Launched in 2013, the HR Asia Awards are organized annually by HR Asia Magazine, the leading HR publication across Asia. The award is held in over 16 countries and territories, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, India, the UAE, and Vietnam.
Widely referred to as the “Oscars of Human Resources”, the award celebrates companies with the best employee engagement, organizational culture, and HR practices. It has become a benchmark for excellence in talent development, particularly in the post-pandemic era where employee happiness, well-being, and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) practices are taking center stage.
Established in Vietnam Since 2018
In Vietnam, HR Asia officially launched the Vietnam Edition of the award in 2018, quickly becoming one of the most anticipated HR events in the country. Every year, over 500 local and multinational companies apply, undergoing a rigorous selection process.
Notable companies that have been recognized in Vietnam include:
• Unilever Vietnam – a pioneer in gender equality and DEI culture.
• Nestlé Vietnam – known for aligning people development with sustainability.
• Deloitte Vietnam and PwC Vietnam – top consulting firms renowned for professional growth and innovation.
• Vingroup, FPT, Viettel, PNJ, Techcombank – leading Vietnamese enterprises at the forefront of digital transformation and talent empowerment.
• Vinamilk – a beloved national brand with a consistent people-first strategy.
• Biti’s and TH Group – homegrown champions of sustainable development and values-based leadership.
• Abbott, Bosch, Microsoft Vietnam, Shopee, Suntory PepsiCo – multinational corporations offering dynamic, inclusive, and human-focused workplaces.
By 2025, the HR Asia Awards have celebrated eight successful seasons in Vietnam, becoming a gold standard for employer branding and workplace excellence.
A Meticulous, Multi-Layered Evaluation Process
What sets HR Asia apart is its robust, transparent, and evidence-based selection process, grounded in its proprietary Total Engagement Assessment Model (T.E.A.M). This model assesses both internal policies and actual employee sentiments through three key dimensions:
1. Core (Organizational Strategy & Culture): Examines leadership vision, company values, transparency, and purpose-driven culture.
2. Self (Employee Experience): Measures how employees feel about respect, recognition, development, and job satisfaction.
3. Group (Team Cohesion): Looks at internal collaboration, shared goals, innovation, and collective trust.
The full evaluation includes four rigorous phases:
1. Anonymous Employee Surveys – HR Asia conducts independent, confidential surveys across all levels of staff, ensuring unbiased and authentic insights into workplace engagement and satisfaction.
2. Internal HR and Culture Audit – Companies submit detailed reports on HR practices, training systems, DEI policies, ESG activities, and organizational structure.
3. Executive Interviews – HR Asia’s senior evaluators hold one-on-one interviews with company leaders (CEO, CHRO) to understand vision, human development strategy, and leadership philosophy.
4. Independent Advisory Panel Review – A council of HR experts, scholars, and regional advisors review all data and score the candidates against Asia-wide benchmarks to ensure consistency and excellence.
A Global-Standard Recognition with Strategic Impact
Winning the HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia is not just an accolade—it is a strategic asset. Being recognized brings multiple long-term advantages:
• Enhances employer branding, making the company more attractive to top talent in a competitive labor market.
• Boosts employee morale and loyalty, especially among younger generations (Millennials, Gen Z) who prioritize purpose and workplace culture.
• Validates sustainable and people-centric business strategies, which are crucial for long-term success in the global market.
• Gains credibility in global expansion, investment rounds, and stock exchange listings, by showcasing international HR standards.
Many companies leverage this award to position themselves as employers of choice, foster innovation, and attract cross-border talent.
More Than an Award—A Commitment to People First
Beyond the trophy, the HR Asia Awards foster a regional movement of people-first leadership. The award is a declaration that business success is not only measured in profits but in how organizations care for their people, community, and the planet.
By honoring companies that excel in engagement, equality, well-being, and purpose, HR Asia is reshaping the narrative of work across Asia—from hierarchy to humanity, from process to passion, and from compliance to care.
In Conclusion
HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia is a prestigious and transformative recognition for any company aspiring to build a high-impact, people-powered organization. It serves as an annual celebration of workplaces where people thrive, grow, and feel proud to belong.
For Vietnamese companies, being honored on this pan-Asian stage is a powerful affirmation of local excellence meeting global standards—and a motivation to keep building happier, healthier, and more human-centric workplaces for the future.
