Seven companies were the big winners at this year's Singapore HR Awards organised by the Singapore Human Resources Institute (SHRI).

HSBC Singapore, IBM Singapore, McDonald's Restaurants, National Parks Board, Public Service Division, Singapore General Hospital and Singapore Press Holdings all received the Leading Corporate HR Award - the highest corporate accolade.

Companies could submit entries in any of the 15 corporate categories - such as manpower resourcing and planning, performance management, corporate social responsibility, and fair employment practices.

In each category, winning companies won either a special mention or the more prestigious leading award. Companies with four or more leading awards were conferred the Leading Corporate HR Award. Last year, just two companies scooped this award: McDonald's and ABN Amro. Ninety companies participated then, compared with 165 this year. Of these, 35 picked up at least one award.

Besides corporate honours, individuals were feted too. This year marked the inauguration of the Leading HR Leader category to complement Leading CEO and Leading HR Professional. The new award recognises outstanding individuals for strategic management of the HR portfolio in alignment with corporate agenda.

SHRI president Lim-Ho Geok Choo said: 'The overwhelming response indicates more employers are beginning to refine their HR policies and schemes. As today's workforce boasts a diversity of talent and multiculturalism, HR practitioners play key and strategic roles in influencing management decisions.'

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