KUALA LUMPUR: Experian Malaysia aims to assemble a diverse team, and this includes investing in neurodivergent talent who are often underrepresented in the workforce.
Its human resources director and country site leader Chua Chai Ping said the effort includes cultivating a welcoming workplace where each person is encouraged to share their unique talents and feels appreciated.
Neurodivergent talent refers to individuals who have neurological differences that are often seen as divergent from the typical or "neurotypical" brain function.
These differences can include conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia and other cognitive variations.
Chua said Experian has partnered with organisations like 42KL, a coding school with a unique free, self-paced learning model, to invest in future talent pipelines.
The company also collaborated in International Women's Day events with social enterprises led by women and those with disabilities.
"Diversity to us is no longer about what you can see. It's about what you cannot see – neurodiversity.
"By harnessing this potential, we will fly as a community, as an industry, and as a country. Our leaders become better by being more empathetic and observant.
"This drives innovation, which is why Experian has been voted one of Fortune's top 100 most innovative companies in the world," she told Business Times in a recent interview.
According to Chua, there should be greater advocacy to address the stigma surrounding neurodiversity, particularly in the workplace.
She added that significant prejudice still exists in this area, and it is crucial to challenge these misconceptions and overcome potential barriers.
Therefore, Chua said Experian provides a diverse array of stimulating employment options across multiple disciplines such as software development, analytics and data science.
The company is also expanding its pools of potential hires through unique recruitment platforms and partnerships with more diverse organisations to make new connections and cast a wider net to find talented individuals from all backgrounds.
"We go beyond just technical skills during recruitment. We seek well-rounded individuals with a growth mindset and a passion for innovation.
"We also actively build partnerships with unconventional sources to find talent with a diverse expertise," she noted.
Experian is a global information services company, offering data and analytical tools to clients in over 32 countries.
It helps businesses manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing efforts, and automate decision-making.
In Malaysia, Experian Information Services (Malaysia), previously known as RAM Credit Information, is a credit bureau accredited under The Credit Reporting Agencies Act 2010.
With a comprehensive database developed over the past 25 years, Experian has served as a trusted provider of credit and business information.