As Malaysia’s economic recovery accelerates post-pandemic, the role of strategic human capital development has never been more critical. Sylvia Anita Rockey, a 1993 Accounting graduate from Systematic College (now part of SEGi University & Colleges), exemplifies the power of long-term leadership in shaping organisational resilience and workforce transformation.
With over two decades of experience, Sylvia has emerged as a respected voice in human resources consulting and executive search. She currently serves as Executive Director at Sputnik Consulting Sdn Bhd and 9 Advisory, two boutique firms that provide tailored business solutions in HR, legal advisory, and C-level talent acquisition. Her work focuses on crafting people-centric strategies for businesses navigating complex transitions—whether due to digital disruption, regulatory shifts, or global market volatility.
Sylvia’s journey in workforce development began at Putrajaya Holdings, where she spent 17 years shaping customer engagement and internal development frameworks for one of Malaysia’s most influential property development companies. She then led the HR consulting arm at Axcelasia Inc., a firm listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX), where she provided high-level HR transformation services to public-listed companies, government-linked entities, and multinational corporations across Southeast Asia.
Her experience aligns with a growing need for adaptive leadership in HR. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report (2023), over 44% of worker skills will be disrupted in the next five years. In Malaysia alone, the HR services market is expected to exceed RM4 billion by 2027, driven by digitalisation and talent mobility. Sylvia’s work directly supports this transformation, particularly through advisory roles that integrate talent analytics, HR technology platforms, and customised workforce strategies—critical tools for organisations managing hybrid workforces and ESG mandates.
A firm believer in continuous education, Sylvia earned her MBA in Human Resources Management from Heriot-Watt University in 2020 and holds professional credentials in Change Management (APMG International) and Harrison Assessment Talent Solutions—further proof of her commitment to lifelong learning and adaptive leadership.
Her current firms, Sputnik Consulting and 9 Advisory, are particularly known for executive placements from mid to C-suite levels, helping both public and private sector clients strengthen their leadership pipelines. These efforts support national workforce targets and corporate governance reforms under frameworks such as the Malaysia Productivity Blueprint and Twelfth Malaysia Plan.
In an era where talent is a key driver of competitiveness, Sylvia Anita Rockey’s career underscores the value of strategic HR leadership built on education, expertise, and empathy. Her journey not only highlights the critical role of business education in shaping impactful leaders but also reinforces Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to future-proof its workforce.
This event is organised in support of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals