- The Sunday Morning – 09.04.2023
Ken Vijayakumar, the current President of CIPM SL, the nation’s leader in human resource management, was honoured as the ‘Most Outstanding HR Business Leader of the Year’ by the CEO Sri Lanka Magazine’s glittering CEO Awards 2022 ceremony held recently.
A passion for people and lending his expertise to drive HR towards a national platform has placed Viyajakumar a cut above the rest. He received this distinguished accolade for his contributions to CIPM and exemplary leadership skills in driving innovation and growth within HR.
Ken Vijayakumar serves CIPM SL as President in a voluntary capacity. His full-time designation is as the Deputy General Manager, Human Resources, Administration, Purchasing, and Sustainability at A Baur Company Ltd.
As President, Viyajakumar aims to implement CIPM SL’s strategic plan, powering the institution towards vital initiatives and furthering HR among its stakeholders, including its members, such as those keen to pursue a career in people management, students, and the general public.
However, he firmly believes HR should be practiced and thrive within the organization first. Under his direction, CIPM SL initiated Employer of the Quarter/Year to recognize and reward staff accomplishments and establish an in-house medical center to focus on employee wellness.
An urban garden was created to generate a sustainability mindset among staff and students of CIPM SL. With the first harvest already bearing fruit, Viyajakumar notes all those who participated keenly in the venture realize the benefits. Obstacles such as limitations of space and lack of proper soil were overcome, demonstrating the ability to become self-sufficient easily, especially during the current crisis.
Under his leadership, CIPM SL has signed a historic agreement with Academy to Innovate HR, Netherlands (AIHR). Students and professionals in Sri Lanka and the Asian region will now have access to gain in-demand HR skills and unlock their full career potential. The self-paced online training programs are offered with attractive discounts. CIPM SL is also working towards providing its courses in Bangladesh and other South Asian countries through student exchange programs to encourage dollar inflows into the country.
Vijayakumar and CIPM SL are committed to developing an HR Audit Framework where national HR standards and people management principles are implemented. Furthermore, CIPM SL has successfully signed a Memorandum of Agreements (MoU) with almost all the universities in the country to support graduates in pursuing studies in HR Management.
Having been a leader in human resources for nearly two decades, Vijayakumar firmly believes in his formula for success, a building block of passion supported by a triune of three Cs Commitment, Courage to make bold decisions, and Curiosity to seek out what is new. Leading with vision and conviction, Vijayakumar is an outstanding leader in his field and a role model to watch.
Mr. Ken Vijayakumar receiving the award at the ceremony
