2026 JUDGE'S PROFILE

Ilango Santhana

Senior Director Human Resources SEA

PUMA Group

With 18 years of comprehensive experience in all facets of human resources management, Ilango is a highly experienced and results-driven HR director. from hotel management to construction, F&B and retail, his journey reflects agility and adaptability in dynamic and fast paced business environments.

He brings deep expertise in strategic HR planning, talent acquisition, employee development, and organisational effectiveness. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated a proven ability to implement innovative HR programmes that boost employee engagement, enhance productivity, and contribute to business growth.

Adept at leading local & regional cross-functional teams and fostering positive, high-performing work environments, Ilango excels at aligning HR strategies with broader organisational goals. He has a strong track record in managing large-scale change initiatives, streamlining HR operations, and delivering impactful employee development programmes.

Known for his strategic vision and hands-on leadership style, Ilango is committed to promoting a culture of continuous improvement, diversity, and inclusion—driving both people and business success across every level of the organisation.

View other 2026 Judges’ Profile
Priscilla Nathan

Priscilla Nathan

Chief People Officer

ADA Global
Hsiao Ley Tung

Hsiao Ley Tung

Chief Corporate Solutions and Healthcare Officer

AIA

Yael-Khailan Hussain

Yael-Khailan Hussain

Head of Labor Relations & Employee Relations (Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei)

Coca-Cola Bottlers Malaysia

Basker Maniam

Basker Maniam

Director Talent Acquisition APAC

Dexcom

Siew Lee Tee

Siew Lee Tee

Human Resources Director

DMIA Group

Adzlan Zakaria

Adzlan Zakaria

Chief Human Capital Officer

FGV Holdings

Anne Gnanapragasam

Anne Gnanapragasam

Head of People & Global Business Partner SS, Global Operations

HSBC Electronic Data Processing
Nurul Ili Jamaluddin

Nurul Ili Jamaluddin

Group Head of Rewards

Jebsen & Jessen

Vila Rajah

Vila Rajah

Head of People Strategy

Pos Malaysia

Ilango Santhana

Ilango Santhana

Senior Director Human Resources SEA

PUMA Group

Razila Duah

Razila Duah

Head of Human Resources, Malaysia

Qualitas Healthcare Malaysia

Eng Imm Chua

Eng Imm Chua

Chief People Officer

Sime Darby Property

Sabri Zakeer Ali

Sabri Zakeer Ali

Total Rewards Project Lead

Technip Energies

Wendy Khek

Wendy Khek

Head, HR & Corporate Affairs

Toshiba Sales and Services

Faiza Mat Saaid

Faiza Mat Saaid

Director – Talent, Performance & People Experience

Touch ‘n Go