EMPOWER TOGETHER

Our Commitment to Human Capital and Sustainable Growth

At QES Social, we are dedicated to fostering an environment that values people, their well-being, and their contribution to our success. Through our Empower Together initiative, we aim to create a workplace culture that prioritizes human capital management, career development, employee health & well-being, occupational health & safety, and community engagement. This commitment is a key part of our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, ensuring that we continue to grow sustainably while uplifting our people and the communities we serve.

HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

To attract and retain top-tier talent, QES provides competitive compensation and benefits packages. Our commitment to fair compensation aligns with all pertinent local and national laws and regulations, including adherence to the national minimum wage standards in Malaysia or the respective country of employment.

We uphold the principle of equal pay for equal work, ensuring that individuals, regardless of gender, receive fair remuneration for their roles depending on their equivalent skills, responsibilities, and working conditions.

This commitment to provide compensation justly, encompassing both fixed and variable components, serves as a competitive advantage, fostering employee retention and attracting prospective talent. Recognizing the diverse needs and preferences of our workforce, QES believes in offering a range of variable compensation packages to cater to different professional aspirations and goals.

In addition to our dedication to providing competitive compensation and benefits packages, QES is steadfast in upholding human rights principles within our operations. In FYE 2024, we recorded zero substantiated complaints concerning human rights violations. This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to ethical practices and respect for all individuals within our workforce and communities. By prioritizing fairness, equality, and ethical conduct, we not only attract and retain top-tier talent but also foster a positive and inclusive workplace environment where everyone can thrive.

In FYE 2024, QES headcount increased to 485 pax, from 468 pax in FYE 2023. The details of the employee profile are presented as follows:

Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at QES: Empowering a Diverse Workforce

At QES, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equal, and inclusive workplace where all employees are respected, valued and empowered to reach their full potential. This commitment is central to our core values of PRIDE and we believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to innovate, drive business success and create positive impacts in the communities we serve. Our approach to diversity is not limited to gender, age, ethnicity or nationality. We embrace a broad spectrum of diversity, including but not limited to, cultural background, education, disability, sexual orientation and other individual characteristics. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enables us to better understand and respond to the needs of our customers, partners and the communities in which we operate. We are dedicated to ensuring that every employee has equal opportunities for growth and advancement, and we maintain a workplace free from discrimination, bias, and harassment. In support of this commitment, QES has taken proactive steps to improve workforce diversity and reduce discrimination. These initiatives include:

Ensuring fair and equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of their background or identity.
Making hiring, promotion, training, and compensation decisions based on merit, skills, and qualifications, not influenced by bias or discrimination.
Promoting equal pay for equal work.
Providing resources and training to foster awareness and respect for individual differences.

In FYE 2024, we continued to advance our diversity, equality, and inclusion efforts through targeted initiatives, training programmes, and awareness campaigns. We are dedicated to continually improving our practices to ensure QES remains a place where diversity is celebrated, equality is upheld, and inclusion is at the core of our organisational culture.

Career Development

We are committed to investing in our employees’ continuous learning and development, offering not only job-specific training but also opportunities for personal growth and the enhancement of soft skills. By ensuring equal and fair access to a variety of learning experiences, we empower our employees to adapt to the evolving demands of the capital market and the ever-changing business environment. This commitment helps them stay competitive, while also enabling our company to remain agile and thrive in a dynamic landscape. In FYE 2024, the Group devoted a total of 12,429.25 hours to training initiatives, underscoring our steadfast commitment to nurturing the professional growth and development of our workforce. This equates to an average of 25.63 hours, or 1.07 days, of training per employee, demonstrating our dedication to equipping our team with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles.

EMPLOYEE HEALTH & WELL-BEING

In an increasingly fast-paced world, ensuring employees’ well-being is critical to fostering a productive and positive work environment. At QES Group, we believe that our people are our greatest assets. This belief drives our commitment to robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, with a strong focus on promoting Employee Health and Well-Being. Through various welfare initiatives, in-house facilities, and wellness programs, we aim to create a supportive workplace that encourages personal growth, work-life balance, and overall well-being.

1. Company Trips and Celebrations: Building Connections and Creating Memories
Recognizing the importance of connection and camaraderie, we organize overseas and domestic company trips to encourage team bonding and provide a break from routine. These trips foster relationships and offer employees a refreshing change of scenery. Seasonal celebration lunches or dinners are another way we celebrate milestones together, helping create a sense of belonging and unity within our team.

2. Indoor and Outdoor Recreational Activities: Energizing Body and Mind
We believe in the power of movement and recreation for mental clarity and physical health. Our indoor and outdoor recreational activities cater to diverse interests, from sports to leisurely pursuits, offering employees options to stay active and refreshed. These activities provide a welcome break from work, recharge our employees, and contribute to a positive mindset.

3. Recognizing Dedication with Long Service Awards
At QES, we celebrate loyalty and dedication with Long Service Awards. Recognizing employees who have committed years of service not only shows our appreciation but also strengthens the bond within our workforce. These awards serve as a reminder of the mutual trust we share with our employees and motivate everyone to contribute to our company’s vision.

4. Dedicated Spaces for Personal Needs: Creating a Comforting Environment
To provide a comfortable and inclusive workplace, we offer a range of dedicated spaces tailored to our employees’ needs. Our sickbay supports employees who may feel unwell during the workday, while the prayer rooms and nursing rooms cater to employees’ diverse personal and family needs. Our Zen Garden provides a peaceful retreat within the workplace, allowing employees to take a moment to relax, reflect, and recharge.

5. Celebrating Milestones and Moments
At QES, every birthday is a cause for celebration. Our monthly birthday gatherings remind employees they are valued members of the QES family. Additionally, The Breakfast Club offers a cheerful start to the day, encouraging social interaction and helping employees connect over a wholesome meal.

6. Health and Wellness Workshops: Nurturing a Health-First Mindset
Our Health & Wellness Workshops provide employees with valuable insights and skills for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Covering topics from stress management to fitness and nutrition, these workshops reflect our commitment to equipping employees with the knowledge to make informed health choices. By investing in health education, we aim to create a culture that prioritizes wellness in and out of the workplace.

7. Opportunities for Giving Back: Volunteer Programs
Giving back to the community is an integral part of our social commitment. We offer volunteer opportunities that allow employees to engage in meaningful causes, encouraging a spirit of empathy and social responsibility. Volunteering not only contributes to societal well-being but also brings a sense of purpose to our team members, enhancing their personal fulfillment and enriching their work-life balance.

At QES, our Employee Health and Well-Being initiatives are more than just benefits – they’re a fundamental aspect of our social responsibility. By creating a supportive, inclusive, and health-conscious work environment, we’re not only enhancing employee satisfaction but also fostering a thriving organizational culture.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY

In showcasing our unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards, we employ a comprehensive array of preventive measures and rely on the active cooperation of our staff to adhere to industry-leading practices in their daily operations. Our commitment extends to rigorous inspections of emergency preparedness equipment, including firefighting systems, fire extinguishers, medical supplies, facility infrastructure, emergency exit signage, and lighting, ensuring their availability, upkeep, and functionality in crisis situations. These inspections are conducted on a monthly and quarterly basis, with the primary objective of preventing or minimizing incidents, injuries, and illnesses stemming from unsafe or unhealthy working conditions and processes. Central to our approach is the prioritization of employee health and safety, as evidenced by the establishment of our internally developed Occupational Health, Safety & Environment Policy.

This policy encompasses key initiatives such as the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) Emergency Response Team, monthly fire system maintenance protocols, and the Health & Safety Committee. These teams are tasked with creating and maintaining an accident-free workplace environment across all our workstations, ensuring that every employee is well-acquainted with and proficient in executing emergency response plans to mitigate safety incidents.

Our Emergency Response Team (“ERT”) stands ever-ready to spring into action during crisis. As of FYE 2024, the ERT at QES comprised 42 trained employees, and an updated roster was necessitated upon our relocation to our new 5-storey Corporate HQ. These individuals undergo rigorous training in emergency response procedures, encompassing first aid, firefighting, and building evacuation techniques. We further strengthened our commitment to employee safety by ensuring that a total of 228 employees received training on health and safety standards. This significant investment in training reflects our ongoing dedication to fostering a culture of safety and preparedness across our organization.

Notably, our Group recorded zero reported work-related fatalities and zero Lost Time Incident Rate (“LTIR”) from FYE 2023 to FYE 2024, underscoring the effectiveness of our proactive safety measures and vigilant workforce. The reporting scope covers 100% of our operations in Malaysia and is based on employees only. For clarity, LTIR is calculated as a rate, where the number of lost time incidents during the reporting period is expressed per the total number of hours worked as at the end of the reporting period. No health and safety incidents leading to injuries or fatalities occurred during this period.

We also require our contractors and external stakeholders to fully comply with all occupational health and safety requirements as stipulated in our Supplier Code of Conduct. While stationed at QES premises, contractors must obtain a Permit to Work and strictly adhere to our established health and safety policy. They are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of all individuals affected by their activities and must take all reasonable precautions to prevent accidents and injuries. Contractors and external stakeholders are also required to conduct their operations in a manner that does not compromise the safety of our employees, other contractors or the public.

Community Engagement

At QES, our commitment to corporate social responsibility extends far beyond financial goals. We are deeply committed to making a real difference in society through active engagement in community initiatives and events. This ethos is ingrained in our corporate culture, guiding our actions as we strive to balance business success with environmental stewardship, ethical governance, and social welfare.

Our unwavering dedication to community engagement is evident through our steadfast support for various charitable events and initiatives. Over the years, QES has been actively involved in numerous impactful events, including the Pink Charity Run, Jog for Hope, Pink Ribbon Run, Nottingham Charity, Orchid Run & Ride, and more.

In FYE 2024, QES allocated sponsorship funds totaling RM13,950.00 to various communities such as Persatuan Insan Istimewa IMC Selangor, Breast Awareness Pink Run 2024, Blood Donation Drive at Corporate HQ & Penang and Family Wellness Day at Penang, Malaysia impacting an estimated 700 beneficiaries.

The 12th Annual Let’s Play Carnival is aimed at uniting individuals with diverse special needs, offering them opportunities to participate in a wide range of sports activities. Our commitment goes beyond financial contributions. We actively encourage and support our employees to engage in these initiatives, enhancing the collective impact we can make.

In FYE 2024, 81 employees volunteered their time and efforts, ensuring the success of these events. Notably, our Blood Donation Drives resulted in 210 successful donations, making a meaningful contribution to the well-being of those in need. These initiatives underscore our firm belief in the transformative power of community engagement. At QES, we understand that true success is not measured solely by financial performance but also by our ability to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Through our ongoing support of charitable endeavors and community engagement initiatives, we remain dedicated to creating a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

Our Commitment to the Future

In “Empower Together,” QES is deeply committed to shaping a sustainable and inclusive future, where the company thrives alongside its people, partners, and the communities it serves. QES focuses on attracting top-tier talent through fair and competitive compensation practices while offering extensive career development and training opportunities. By prioritizing employee well-being, health, and safety, QES aims to cultivate a positive workplace environment that encourages growth and innovation.

2024 @ QES GROUP BERHAD (201401042911)