From Policies to People: Building Culture with Heart at Cancer Research Malaysia

At Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY), science may drive the mission — but people power the journey.

Behind every research breakthrough, every patient navigation call, and every community initiative, there is a team working with purpose. Helping nurture that team is Nor Hidayah Hashim, HR Executive at CRMY, whose work goes far beyond policies and paperwork.

For Hidayah, HR is not just about processes. It is about people.

Where Purpose Meets Practice

“As an HR Executive, my role is really about taking care of both our people and our HR processes.”

Her portfolio spans employee engagement, recruitment support for interns and volunteers, and the operational backbone that keeps daily functions running smoothly. From organising engagement activities to handling administrative coordination, no two days look the same — and that is exactly how she likes it.

But what makes HR at CRMY distinct from a typical corporate environment is its deep connection to mission.

Working within a research-driven Non-Profit Organisation means understanding more than job descriptions. It requires insight into the pressures scientists face, the niche expertise required, and the emotional weight carried by patient-facing teams. Recruitment is not only about fitness skills, but also about cultural and mission alignment.

“Everything we do is tied closely to our purpose. HR here must be integrated with the core work of the organisation. This isn’t a one-man thing; it’s a team effort of the HR department and the cooperation of other colleagues that made our culture very welcoming”

People Before Numbers

CRMY places strong emphasis on people before numbers — a value that Hidayah actively brings to life.

In a result-driven research environment, it can be easy to focus solely on metrics and milestones. HR acts as an advocate for fairness, transparency, and inclusivity, ensuring that decisions consider people’s impact alongside operational efficiency.

Townhalls, retreats, engagement activities — these are not just events on a calendar. They are intentional spaces designed for open dialogue, recognition, and connection beyond KPIs.

“The most fulfilling part of my role is seeing people feel genuinely appreciated and connected. When staff feel valued, they work with more purpose and energy — and that ultimately supports our mission.”

Energising the Workplace

Over the past year, HR has introduced initiatives that prioritize both wellbeing and morale.

One standout program was CRMY Get Active — a month-long initiative featuring bowling, badminton, hiking, and Zumba. What began as a wellness drive evolved into a friendly challenge linked to a PERKESO initiative, sparking healthy competition and camaraderie across teams.

In-office initiatives such as a ping pong table and board games offer light-hearted breaks during intense workdays. Meanwhile, recognizing the emotional demands of patient-facing roles, CRMY engages a volunteer counsellor to provide safe spaces for teams to decompress and share.

These efforts reflect a broader philosophy: wellbeing is not an afterthought — it is foundational.

Turning a Townhall into a Community Moment

One of Hidayah’s most memorable projects was organising a mini townhall retreat that brought staff together from across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak.

Townhalls typically serve as platforms for updates and Q&A sessions. But this time, the gathering extended into something more.

“It’s not often we can gather everyone in one place. We wanted to make it meaningful and memorable.”

The retreat segment featured mixed-team games, quizzes, acting challenges, physical activities, a mini fashion show, prize-giving, and even karaoke. Every activity was deliberately designed to encourage cross-team interaction.

The goal was simple: to create shared memories.

“Seeing people who normally interact formally start cheering, laughing, and encouraging each other. That shift — from colleagues to community — really stood out.”

It was a powerful reminder that culture is not built in meetings. It is built in moments.

Why Engagement Matters in Research

Research environments are intense by nature. Deadlines, grant pressures, patient impact — the stakes are high.

Moments of connection allow teams to recharge, build trust, and strengthen collaboration. When relationships improve, communication improves — and that directly strengthens the quality and impact of research.

The encouraging feedback following the retreat affirmed one key lesson: engagement does not have to be extravagant to be meaningful. Thoughtful planning, inclusivity, and genuine appreciation matter more than budget.

“Culture is built intentionally. HR plays a big role in facilitating that.”

Looking Ahead

For Hidayah, engagement is not a one-off initiative. It is an evolving commitment.

Future plans include structured retreats, smaller team-based activities, and recognition programs shaped by staff feedback and organisational needs.

“Listen first. Understand your workforce — their pressures, personalities, and motivations. Design with intention, not for optics. And most importantly, create spaces where people feel safe to participate as themselves.”

A Culture in Three Words

Purpose-driven. Collaborative. Resilient.

Purpose-driven, because everyone is united by a mission larger than themselves.

Collaborative, because research and operations rely on teamwork.

Resilient, because despite challenges, the team continues to push forward with dedication and heart.

At Cancer Research Malaysia, science advances the mission — but it is culture that sustains it. Through thoughtful engagement, intentional connection, and a deep commitment to people, HR helps ensure that every breakthrough is supported by a strong, united community.