People & Culture Associate

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Role: People & Culture Associate

Department: HR Department

Mode: Full-time role

About Respond.io

Founded in Hong Kong in early 2017, Respond.io is a pioneering Business Messaging platform that seamlessly unifies customer communication across instant messaging, web chat, and email. Our excellence has been recognized by G2 and honoured with the SME100 Award, underscoring our rapid growth and innovative solutions. Operating in 127 countries and dominating key markets in LATAM, EMEA, and APAC, we serve an impressive roster of industry-leading clients.

Our workforce is a testament to our global reach, with remote workforce and employees from all around the world, contributing to our diverse and inclusive culture. At Respond.io, we are not just a platform—we are a movement, pushing the boundaries of customer communication for tech-savvy organizations worldwide. Join us, and be part of a team that is shaping the future of business messaging!

Role Description

Respond.io is expanding rapidly, setting our sights on a $1 billion valuation following our successful Series A funding. As part of this exciting growth, we are looking for a detail-oriented and people-centric People & Culture Associate to drive our talent mobility and compliance functions, while enhancing employee experience and engagement.

The ideal candidate thrives in a high-performance, fast-paced environment, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail and strong critical thinking abilities. This role will be instrumental in ensuring seamless operations across our global workforce, advocating for employee welfare, and managing compliance with a strategic mindset. If you are passionate about people, adaptable to change, and ready to contribute to a company poised to become the next unicorn, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Spearhead and streamline end-to-end visa management processes, from planning to execution, ensuring timely application and renewal of Employment Passes (EP), Dependent Passes, Special Passes, Long-Term Social Visit Passes, Permission-to-Work (PTW) and MTEP.
• Oversee all visa-related compliance matters, serving as the go-to expert on immigration policies and maintaining up-to-date knowledge on regulatory changes.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory requirements, acting as a liaison with government agencies such as JTK, PERKESO (MyFuture Job), MDEC, Immigration, LHDN, HRDF and embassies ensuring accuracy and adherence to submission deadlines.
• Optimize the FKW Projection process annually, working cross-functionally with internal stakeholders to forecast and secure necessary visa allocations.
• Prepare, manage, and maintain critical documentation such as MDEC contracts, Undertaking Letters, DP11, DP11A, Release Letters, Cover Letters, and LHDN contract stamping.
• Manage the full relocation process for employees, including flight arrangements, accommodation setup, and providing guidance on settling in Kuala Lumpur.
• Handle and manage HRDF grant management, collaborating closely with training providers to facilitate employee development programs.
• Support employee engagement initiatives and activities, focusing on enhancing employee happiness and satisfaction to foster a positive workplace environment.
• Administer and manage People Operations functions, including HRIS maintenance, leave management, and ensuring accurate data entry and record-keeping to support smooth operational workflows.
• Coordinate Compensation & Benefits processes, ensuring payroll accuracy, benefits administration, and compliance with statutory requirements and internal policies.
• Serve as the main point of contact for employee queries related to leave entitlements, compensation, benefits, and HR policies, providing timely and accurate information to support employee satisfaction and well-being.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in handling similar task or in general people operations
• Experienced with government body & statutory matters (LHDN, PERKESO, MDEC, JTK, Immigration, HRD Corp etc.)
• Demonstrates the ability to quickly adjust to changes and challenges in a dynamic environment, maintaining composure and a strategic focus under pressure.
• Exhibits strong analytical capabilities combined with the ability to diagnose and efficiently solve problems using innovative solutions, ensuring operational effectiveness.
• Makes informed, ethical decisions that balance the needs of various stakeholders, while managing sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality and professionalism.
• Meticulous in managing details with exceptional ability to prioritize and organize multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, ensuring precision and effectiveness in execution.
• Demonstrates a high level of understanding and sensitivity to individual employee needs, fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace environment.
• Good communication skills in English with an ability to clearly explain complex ideas verbally and in writing
• Nimble and agile team player with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment

Here's what's in for you

• You will become part of an amazing culture with smart teammates who actually care
• You will grow more here than you would anywhere else, that is a promise
• Pizza parties, birthday gifts, social events (Go-Kart, Talent Show, Movie Night), you'll always be looking forward to it!
• Beer O'Clock on Fridays? Nah, we have it every day!
• Are you a PlayStation fan? It gets fun when you get to beat your colleague on a FIFA game at the office!
• You'll get to experience a very competitive compensation
• You'll be covered exclusively on one of the highest medical and dental insurance especially for you
• Unlimited snacks in our specially dedicated snack room. Oreos, KitKats, Gummy Bears, Chips, Biscuits, Nuts, Snickers ... you name it, we have it
• You'll be entitled to stock options with terms and condition
• Flexible working environment and working hours