Not an Ideal Environment for Experienced Global Talents
Pros
The corporate policy is constantly being updated to reflect global standards, but change is slow and sometimes counterproductive. There is no shortage of intelligent, hard-working people with advanced degrees and professional certifications that allows for good networking opportunities. Also, the health and medical insurance/benefits are excellent for those with a family, as well as the expat package, which provides housing allowance or a furnished apartment.
Cons
Ambiguous tasks and duties coupled with a rigid top-down military-based rank system cause and endless cycle of inefficiencies and endless reports. Well intentioned changes are stymied by upper management and lack of proper enforcement. Promotions are seemingly based on a fair and transparent point system, but in practice, the final decisions are made according to seniority at the company and the team's internal political clout, not on merit, skill or competence. Some senior managers have no respect for private or family emergencies and have no qualms in calling or messaging past 10:00 pm for a mundane task or question, even on the weekends. Also, some of the strict compliance policies have become roadblocks to carrying out simple tasks that seriously hinders efficiency. Therefore, expats with a particular skill set or professional background (especially at a non-executive level) would do well to heed all the advice in these reviews as they are accurate reflections of the work life, culture and environment at this company. In my opinion, this company is ideal for anyone who would like a stable job for life and is used to the top-down, seniority based culture which demands absolute dedication and loyalty that is prevalent in Asia. On the surface, things may seem copacetic but there is deep resentment and distrust between local and non-local staff due to cultural differences and misplaced personnel who have no clue as to what they are expected to do.
