Hafizah Mohamad Zudin
Director, Strategy & Rewards, Group People & Culture Division
Kuala Lumpur,14
Summary
Dynamic and experienced HR professional with over 20 years in the financial services sector, currently serving as Director of Strategy & Rewards at MBSB Bank Berhad. Proven track record in leading rewards strategy and operations, covering performance management, compensation and benefits, payroll, engagement, and shared services. Combines broad HR generalist exposure with specialist depth to deliver practical, business-aligned solutions. Recognised for driving execution, ensuring governance compliance, and enhancing employee experience through streamlined processes and continuous improvement initiatives.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Group Head, Benefits, Wellbeing & Operations
MBSB Berhad
04.2025 - Current
- Lead the design and execution of a group-wide benefits strategy covering medical, Choice for Change program (MSS/VSS), wellness, and leave programs, ensuring alignment with cost, compliance, and employee needs.
- Manage vendor relationships and renewals, including negotiations with brokers, insurers, and unions (KESEK, NUBE), while resolving escalated service and claim issues.
- Oversee benefits operations, including enrollment platforms, employee communications (e.g., Total Rewards Statements), compliance monitoring, and analytics for utilization, spend, and feedback.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Group Head, Performance & Rewards
MBSB Berhad
07.2024 - 03.2025
- Led the development and execution of group-wide performance frameworks, ensuring alignment with business priorities, role clarity, and consistent reward-for-performance practices.
- Oversee salary structure design, bonus moderation, and reward policy governance to ensure internal equity, market competitiveness, and cost sustainability.
- Led and executed the Group’s benefits harmonization initiative as part of post-merger integration, with full accountability for aligning pay structures, grading, and benefits across entities; successfully delivered the exercise in-house, avoiding over RM3.0 million in external consultancy costs.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Head, Remuneration, Performance & Engagement
MBSB Bank
05.2022 - 06.2024
- Oversee the design and implementation of remuneration frameworks, performance cycles, and employee recognition programs to support fair, transparent, and business-aligned outcomes.
- Led and executed employee engagement activities aimed at promoting a positive work culture and fostering a sense of belonging across the organization.
- Introduced a holistic 360° well-being approach covering eight dimensions of wellness, launched the MFlex flexible benefits program, and championed wellness initiatives to support employee health and resilience.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Head, Benefits & Payroll Management
MBSB Bank
11.2021 - 05.2022
- Managed end-to-end payroll operations and statutory compliance, ensuring accurate, timely salary disbursements, and reporting for all Group employees.
- Oversee benefits administration, including staff financing, Takaful, medical, and leave, while aligning programs with policy standards and employee needs.
- Introduced process improvements and data controls to strengthen governance, enhance payroll accuracy, and streamline benefits delivery.
Head, HR Shared Services
MBSB Bank
01.2019 - 10.2021
- Oversee centralized HR operations, including employee lifecycle processes, HRIS, onboarding, records management, and offboarding.
- Led process optimization initiatives to improve turnaround time, service quality, and operational efficiency across shared services.
- Strengthened HR governance by implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs), service level agreements (SLAs), and data accuracy control.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
Head, Remuneration & Systems
MBSB Berhad
08.2017 - 12.2018
- Led the development and implementation of the Group’s Remuneration Policy in accordance with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) guidelines, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations on pay governance, risk alignment, and accountability.
- Managed the design and annual review of salary structures, incentive schemes, and performance-linked rewards to support business strategy and market competitiveness.
- Oversee HR systems related to remuneration and performance, driving enhancements to improve data accuracy, reporting, and payout governance.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
HR Specialist / Generalist
Malaysia Building Society Berhad (MBSB)
09.2014 - 07.2017
- Supported core HR functions, including payroll, performance management, benefits administration, industrial relations, recruitment, and employee data management.
- Acted as the central point of contact for internal HR queries, audits, and reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Contributed to process documentation, HR analytics, and the continuous improvement of employee lifecycle processes.
- Conducted routine HR audits to ensure data accuracy in personnel files, payroll records, and benefit enrollments.
- Provided support during organizational restructuring efforts, minimizing disruptions to daily operations while ensuring fair treatment of affected employees.
Manager/ Payroll Specialist, Human Resources
Malaysia Building Society Berhad (MBSB)
09.2009 - 08.2014
- Managed end-to-end payroll processing for the bank, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and full compliance with statutory requirements and internal controls.
- Handled payroll-related reporting, reconciliations, tax submissions, and audit support, while liaising with finance and external regulators.
- Contributed to the enhancement of payroll systems and processes, supporting automation, and improved data integrity.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
Head of Service (HOS), Leboh Ampang Branch
Malaysia Building Society Berhad (MBSB)
06.2007 - 08.2009
- Oversee day-to-day branch operations, including customer service, cash handling, compliance, and front-line staff performance.
- Supported business growth through the achievement of CASA acquisition and financing targets, working closely with the sales team to drive branch productivity.
- Ensured high service quality, operational efficiency, and audit readiness, while maintaining a strong customer experience focus.
- Promoted and executed internal and external campaigns to drive awareness and uptake of the Bank’s products, supporting business targets and strengthening brand visibility at the branch level.
- Ensured compliance with industry standards and regulations, mitigating potential risks faced by the organization.
Senior Executive, Branch Network Operations
Malaysia Building Society Berhad (MBSB)
06.2006 - 05.2007
- Oversee operational compliance across the branch network, ensuring adherence to SOPs, regulatory requirements, and internal controls.
- Acted as a central liaison between the Head Office and branches, resolving operational issues, and supporting process standardization and audit readiness.
- Prepared annual business plans and performance targets for branches, supporting CASA growth, financing productivity, and service-level alignment.
- Implemented innovative marketing strategies that significantly elevated brand recognition and customer engagement.
Executive/ Management Trainee
Malaysia Building Society Berhad (MBSB)
06.2005 - 05.2006
- Being part of the Bank’s first batch of Management Trainees, the program was designed to groom high-potential talent for future leadership roles within the branch network.
- Completed intensive training and operational rotations at two main branches, gaining hands-on experience in customer service, credit, compliance, and daily branch management.
- Built foundational knowledge of end-to-end banking operations, with a clear development track toward assuming leadership responsibilities in frontline banking.
- Participated in Management Committee (MANCO) meetings and leadership development programs to strengthen business acumen, strategic thinking, and managerial readiness.
- Mentored junior staff members for accelerated career growth, developing future leaders within the organization.
Executive Assistant, Finance Div – General Takaful
Takaful IKHLAS Sdn Bhd
01.2004 - 05.2005
- Supported finance operations, including claims processing, check preparation, and reconciliation activities for General Takaful.
- Maintained accounting ledgers, assisted with financial reporting, and ensured accurate documentation for audit and compliance purposes.
- Coordinated with internal departments and external stakeholders to ensure timely claims settlement and payment processing.
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
Graduate Trainee (JPA Scholar)
KPDN HEP
05.2003 - 12.2003
- Posted to KPDN & HEP; involved in policy research and administrative execution within the public sector.
- Led the execution of a ministry-level consumer awareness program, coordinating logistics, stakeholder engagement, and outcome reporting.
- Enhanced team collaboration by participating in group projects and sharing innovative ideas.
- Worked in various departments to gain hands-on experience.
- Boosted organizational efficiency with effective time management strategies, ensuring timely completion of assignments.
Internship (Branch Operations)
Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (BIMB)
01.2001 - 04.2001
- Assisted with front-line operations and gained early exposure to Islamic banking and customer service practices.
- Supported staff with administrative tasks, and observed end-to-end service delivery in a Shariah-compliant banking environment.
- Gained valuable experience working within various departments/sections, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
- Contributed to a positive team environment by collaborating with fellow interns on group projects and presentations.
- Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set especially how to operate ATM Machines.
Education
BBA - (Hons) Finance
Universiti Technology MARA (UiTM)
04.2001 -
Diploma in Islamic Banking & Finance
Universiti Islam Selangor (UIS)
04.2001 -
Skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Certification
Associate Qualification In Islamic Finance (AQIF) , IBFIM
Additional Information
Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA)
Timeline
Group Head, Benefits, Wellbeing & Operations
MBSB Berhad
04.2025 - Current
Group Head, Performance & Rewards
MBSB Berhad
07.2024 - 03.2025
Head, Remuneration, Performance & Engagement
MBSB Bank
05.2022 - 06.2024
Head, Benefits & Payroll Management
MBSB Bank
11.2021 - 05.2022
Head, HR Shared Services
MBSB Bank
01.2019 - 10.2021
Head, Remuneration & Systems
MBSB Berhad
08.2017 - 12.2018
HR Specialist / Generalist
Malaysia Building Society Berhad (MBSB)
09.2014 - 07.2017
Manager/ Payroll Specialist, Human Resources
Malaysia Building Society Berhad (MBSB)
09.2009 - 08.2014
Head of Service (HOS), Leboh Ampang Branch
Malaysia Building Society Berhad (MBSB)
06.2007 - 08.2009
Senior Executive, Branch Network Operations
Malaysia Building Society Berhad (MBSB)
06.2006 - 05.2007
Executive/ Management Trainee
Malaysia Building Society Berhad (MBSB)
06.2005 - 05.2006
Executive Assistant, Finance Div – General Takaful
Takaful IKHLAS Sdn Bhd
01.2004 - 05.2005
Graduate Trainee (JPA Scholar)
KPDN HEP
05.2003 - 12.2003
BBA - (Hons) Finance
Universiti Technology MARA (UiTM)
04.2001 -
Diploma in Islamic Banking & Finance
Universiti Islam Selangor (UIS)
04.2001 -
Internship (Branch Operations)
Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (BIMB)
01.2001 - 04.2001
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