Breaking Barriers: Career Growth Lessons from Jamie Huang, Suntory Global Spirits Sr. HR Specialist

On 25 November 2024, Student Association of International Programs hosted a Resume Workshop, featuring Jamie Huang as the guest speaker. Beyond sharing her expertise in crafting resumes and cover letters, Jamie offered a glimpse into her broader career journey and the lessons she has learned from working in dynamic, international environments. Her career embodies her skill in human resources and her ability to navigate and bridge diverse cultural landscapes.

Currently, Jamie serves as Senior People Solutions Specialist at Suntory Global Spirits (SGS), a renowned spirits company headquartered in New York, also a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. During nearly 4 years at SGS, she has been overseeing full employment cycles and key HR projects in APAC, including expatriates’ coordination. Her responsibilities span markets such as Taiwan, Korea, Thailand and also supports China, Singapore, and Vietnam when needed, reflecting her expertise in aligning global strategies with local needs as the role often involves interactions with regional Center of Excellence teams and market HRBPs to align strategies and practices, with commitment to fostering inclusive and effective work environment to optimize employe experience.

SGS has undergone cultural transformation in recent years as blended unique craftsmanship spirits from Suntory with American leadership styles from Jim Beam, leading to an exclusive model when “East meets West”. Jamie also highlighted a distinctive aspect of SGS’s work culture: the Japanese concept of Gemba, which translates to "the real place" in English. This principle involves observing consumers and retailers firsthand to gain insights into the market. “Sometimes employees will head out for drinks, not just to relax but also to engage in Gemba—understanding the dynamics of the market directly at the scene,” she explained. This hands-on approach illustrates SGS’s value to stay connected to the realities of its business while maintaining an engaging and collaborative work atmosphere.

Flexible work arrangements and results-driven focuses define Jamie’s work-life balance. “For me, work-life balance means stretching my time effectively,” Jamie shared. This includes being able to finish tasks at the office or working from home depending on necessity. Jamie’s role involves frequent interaction with international stakeholders, requiring her to adjust to their time zones. This flexibility not only accommodates the nature of Jamie’s work but also reflects the company’s understanding of the demands of a global workforce. By allowing employees to manage their schedules, SGS ensures that both productivity and work-life balance are maintained—a key factor that Jamie values in her role.

Reflecting on her studies at NSYSU’s GHRM MBA, Jamie credits the program’s emphasis on soft skills and intercultural collaboration as invaluable assets for her career. “The all-English environment and group projects with international peers were pivotal,” she assured. The program provided a unique opportunity for local Taiwanese students like Jamie to engage in an immersive, English-speaking environment. Unlike typical education settings, where such exposure is limited, the GHRM MBA fostered a space for continuous language practice and cross-cultural connection. Each discussion, group project, and collaboration required her to articulate ideas and negotiate solutions in English—an experience she describes as both demanding and transformative. This rigorous practice prepared her to thrive in roles requiring frequent communication with international stakeholders, a necessity in her current and past positions at multinational companies. “Forming the habit and overcoming the fear of speaking English are crucial,” Jamie said.

Jamie’s transition from academia to the professional world was smooth, thanks to her open mindset. “I never expected theories to be directly applicable in the workplace,” she noted. Instead, Jamie emphasized the importance of asking questions and seeking guidance when facing challenges. This approach also helped her during internships, where she tackled case studies and proposed solutions as part of the interview process. “Do your research, understand a company by knowing its products, services and reading relevant news before an interview,” she advised, as it’s important to prepare and present oneself confidently so as to highlight the value throughout the recruitment process.

She also offered a candid evaluation of Taiwan’s job market for international students: while international companies are more open to hiring non-local talents, Chinese fluency is often a decisive factor. “Unless you’re technically skilled, companies may hesitate to incur the additional cost of hiring foreign talents,” she said. Opportunities are more in industries like high-tech or software compared to retail or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), where local expertise dominates. Jamie explained that those industries focus on selling goods in local markets, and thus rarely hire international talents due to business goals aiming at consumer needs and tight profit margins. Jamie stressed the importance of leveraging unique backgrounds to stand out in competitive markets.

Jamie’s journey from a GHRM MBA student to a senior HR specialist is a testament to the value of adaptability, continuous learning, and proactive career planning. Her story offers inspiration for current students and alumni navigating the complexities of global careers, particularly in Taiwan’s evolving job market. Thanks to Jamie’s open sharing, we could understand the job market from a different aspect. We wish her continued success in her career and look forward to more real-world sharing in the future.

Luxury Insights From ‘Michael Wattanaariyakit’: An Alumnus’s Take on HR Executive in Luxury Retail

In today’s competitive landscape, the luxury retail sector requires a keen understanding of high-end products and a deep appreciation for the people who make the business succeed. HR is an important position that finds highly potential employees who can satisfy those valuable clients and make the company thrive. Recently, we had the opportunity to interview Michael Wattanaariyakit, an alumnus of Global Human Resources Management at NSYSU and current HR Executive for a well-known global luxury retail brand in Thailand. With a focus on sourcing candidates and developing employee engagement strategies, Michael shared valuable insights from an HR in this industry.

Before pursuing his Master’s degree, Michael had experience in the luxury hotels and retail industries as a human resource officer and supervisor. Meanwhile, during his study in GHRM at NSYSU, Michael had an opportunity to be an intern in a luxury hotel in Taiwan. The internship offered an opportunity for Michael and Taiwanese employees to work together in a diversified workplace, preparing them and the company for working on an international scale. His HR experiences and Master’s degree in Global Human Resource Management allowed him to work in diverse environments, which shaped him to be a skillful HR with a strong background in the luxury industries. Hence, his academic background and work experiences made him an outstanding alumnus. Furthermore, reflecting on his time at NSYSU, he appreciated the university's incredible scenery. He loved the campus's scenic views of mountains and sea, which allowed him to unwind and relieve stress during his studies.

After completing his Master's degree from GHRM-MBA, he got a recruitment offer from a luxury retail company as a human resources executive in Thailand, also focusing and coordinating with the Vietnam branch. As an HR executive in a famous luxury retail company, he shared valuable insights about working in the luxury industry. He also emphasized how challenging the position is when working in a diverse environment. Michael found it challenging working in a diverse workplace. As an HR executive, one of his responsibilities is to foster a positive work culture and develop engagement initiatives. Hence, he highlighted the importance of cross-cultural understanding in the workplace. 

“Working in international organizations where there are employees from different racial groups, no one has the right to judge another's culture by their cultural standard." 

Also, remote working with his Vietnam branch is challenging as he cannot investigate the problems that occurred himself. To overcome this challenge, he implemented essential tools that can support them, instead of telling them what to do. It is more effective when he lets them do their tasks themselves, as they know the issues the best; and provides them with comprehensive support. 

Furthermore, Michael, an expert HR executive hiring the right candidates, gave us some recommendations for students interested in entering the field of luxury retail. He explained that beyond basic qualities like reliability and integrity, they should have a personality that aligns with each brand’s character. Plus, experience in the luxury sector is also crucial, as mid-level positions typically require a background in similar roles. For mid-level positions in luxury businesses, fresh graduates with no experience in a luxury-related field might be a big challenge. Michael also highlighted the importance of maturity, communication skills, and positive attitudes when working with high-end clients who expect exceptional service. He noted that these characteristics are key to maintaining a luxury brand's high standards and image.

In summary, Michael’s insights into HR in the luxury retail sector reveal the critical interplay between understanding people, especially people from different cultures, and managing his responsibilities with HR analytics and decision-making. His journey highlighted the importance of cultural awareness, hoping that current students would be concerned and prepare for their future careers in any field. Also, his valuable insights into the luxury industry are inspiring and informative.

[GHRMMBA] Success Stories from Thai Alumnus ‘Reianthong Vongseangkam’: How to Stand Out in the Job Market

Reianthong, a Thai alumnus of the GHRM-MBA program of National Sun Yat-Sen University, shared valuable career insights and job-hunting tips with the Student Association team in a recent online interview, which offers students in the management department advantageous insights and tricks when looking for jobs. 

During his study at GHRM-MBA, Reianthong not only focused on his academic learning but also took advantage of attending extracurricular activities to develop the abilities he needs for his future. He was the founder of the Hult Prize at NSYSU, and got an internship at the Rising Star Summer Internship Program of CTBC Bank in 2021 for two months. His academics and extracurricular responsibilities that he had pursued shaped him to become an outstanding alumnus.

After completing his Master's degree from GHRM-MBA, he quickly secured a role as an Organization Development Manager at Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited, a multi-category retail leader and the flagship company at the roots of the Central Group in Thailand. As an Organization Development Manager, two years in this role, following his experience as an HR Strategy and Project Management Office Manager, he shared valuable insights into the complexities of OD. He emphasized how challenging and dynamic the position is, as it requires highlighting the critical link between employee development and financial performance of organizations. By applying both HR and business principles, his work focuses on driving the growth of the organization through the growth of its people, highlighting the critical link between personal development and organizational success. Plus, he recommended from his OD perspective that highlighting the critical link between employee development and financial performance of an organization. Thus, in his opinion, understanding business models and commercial priorities is the most critical skill that supports any HR to truly have value-added to the organization.       

Reflecting on his journey, he credited his academic skills and the experiences he had during his time in Taiwan for shaping his professional skills and mindset. He talked to us about the challenges and rewards of studying at NSYSU. He highlighted how adapting to a new culture and language broadened his worldview and strengthened his research skills. He gave him a chance to reflect on himself, which benefited him from working in the business field.

“Studying a Master's degree abroad is the beginning of serenity.”

He also noted that studying for a master's degree abroad became a key opportunity during his job search in Thailand and internationally. Studying for a master's abroad not only gave him a better chance to get better knowledge in the field and salary, but it also provided him a wonderful opportunity to have more time to reflect on himself. It made him think of himself as a 'global citizen' who can live or work wherever he wants, not just in Taiwan or Thailand—spending time in Taiwan helped him understand his identity by focusing on the "why" to stay focused, resilient, and productive.    

After sharing his job insights, Reianthong shared tricks he used to get the job, which made him exceptional compared to other candidates. 

Key tricks to be an outstanding candidate from an expert HR perspective: 

• LinkedIn and the STAR Model for Success:

A significant part of the interview was dedicated to practical advice on utilizing LinkedIn effectively—a tool that, according to Reianthong, played a critical role in his job search. He introduced the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result) as a framework for showcasing skills and achievements on LinkedIn.

Situation: Describe the context of the role or challenge.

Task: Outline what you were tasked to do.

Action: Detail the specific steps you took.

Result: Highlight the positive outcome and how it benefited the company or project.

• Keyword Optimization

"Start by identifying the key skills and qualifications the position you’re applying for is looking for," Reianthong advised. Looking at job descriptions and noting down the important keywords. Once those keywords are identified, students should ensure those skills are stated on their LinkedIn profiles. 

• Highlight irreplaceable achievements: "They should reflect your skills but also demonstrate why you’re an irreplaceable candidate."

He also stressed the importance of tying unique achievements to those skills. "Your achievements should be something that sets you apart from other candidates," he said. "Think about what you’ve accomplished that others might not be able to replace you."

• Build your connections:  Job search sites are powerful tools for connecting with professionals and alumni in the field. Referral is crucial when you are looking for a job. "Don't hesitate to reach out and create your connections with other alumni or professions in the company that you are looking for."

• The right time to look for the jobs: The first quarter will be a perfect time to start applying for a job, as most people who want to change jobs will resign after they already got their bonuses, so many positions will be vacant during that period. 

The online interview with Reianthong provided students with a unique perspective on how to be outstanding candidates. His story served as a reminder that challenges, such as studying abroad, can become strengths in one’s professional journey. In closing, Reianthong encouraged students to "focus and reflect on yourselves to sharpen your sense of self.”

Interview with Priscilla Diani Kumaradewi: From NSYSU's GHRM MBA Program to Navigating Taiwan’s Job Market

Priscilla Diani Kumaradewi, an Indonesian graduate from NSYSU's Global Human Resource Management (GHRM MBA) program, enrolled in September 2022, shares her professional journey and valuable experiences. Her story is an inspiration to other international students who are pursuing their own career paths in Taiwan.

Priscilla is currently working in the Recruitment and Talent Acquisition department in the company she is working for, where she is responsible for hiring and training new employees. Her responsibilities include administrative tasks such as drafting job requirements and working with her boss on recruitment strategies. The diverse work environment, which includes Indonesian, Taiwanese, Vietnamese and Filipino employees, demonstrates her ability to thrive in a multicultural environment. Interestingly, Priscilla's job came through a personal referral from a friend, a reminder of the importance of networking and connections in securing employment opportunities. When it comes to job interviews, Priscilla stresses the importance of knowing what you want and being passionate about your field, adding that passion and expertise helped her stand out from other candidates.

Reflecting on her time at NSYSU, Priscilla is particularly grateful for the practical skills she gained from the Human Resource Competency Development course led by Professor Professor Shyh-Jer Chen and Professor Heidi Chang. The course's emphasis on real-world applications, such as guest lectures from alumni, gave her the tools she needed to succeed in the professional world. "In the working world, practical skills are more useful than just theory," Priscilla notes, underlining how her education at NSYSU provided a solid foundation for her current role.

 Prior to enrolling at NSYSU, Priscilla studied International Affairs, which gave her strong communication and collaboration skills. Her previous work experience at the Stella Maris International Seafarers' Center in Kaohsiung, where she worked with international NGOs, further developed her ability to work across cultures. This experience, together with her studies at GHRMMBA, provided a strong foundation for her current career in recruitment and talent acquisition, allowing her to excel in a diverse and dynamic work environment.

After graduation, Priscilla was driven by her desire to stay in Taiwan, which led to a focused job search that lasted about two months. She was fortunate to find a position with a company run by Indonesians, which recruits graduates from Taiwanese universities, particularly those from Southeast Asia. This cultural fit made her transition smoother and highlighted the importance of targeting companies that match your background and expertise. Her story is a testament to the value of persistence and strategic job hunting in a foreign country.

 Priscilla believes that Taiwan's growing Southeast Asian worker market offers many opportunities, especially for international students. Her company caters specifically to this demographic, and as the number of Southeast Asian workers in Taiwan continues to grow, so do the prospects for job seekers from the region. However, she also acknowledges that international students can face challenges, such as adapting to the local work culture and overcoming language barriers.

 Priscilla also highlights the reasons for studying a Master's degree in Taiwan, pointing to the abundance of scholarships and the international reputation of Taiwan's universities. She mentions that NSYSU's College of Management, which holds the prestigious AACSB accreditation, is highly regarded and offers a world-class education. For international students, Taiwan offers both academic excellence and financial support, making it an attractive destination for higher education.

 In sharing her story, Priscilla offers a roadmap for international students seeking to build successful careers in Taiwan. Her journey from studying at NSYSU to working in recruitment and talent acquisition demonstrates the importance of practical skills, strategic job searching, and cultural adaptability. Her experience serves as an inspiring example of how international students can navigate the complexities of the Taiwanese job market while staying true to their professional passions.

Written by Yen. International MBA Programs Student Association President.