Employee Highlight: Vince Wong

The true power of a company lies in its people. By bringing in the right talents, investing in employee development, and fostering a positive work culture, companies can unlock their full potential. It is Vince Wong's greatest pleasure to see a strong and resilient workforce. 

"A strong foundation is built on strong people. As the Corporate Human Resources Manager, it is my biggest reward to build a strong company culture where employees feel valued, respected, and engaged." 

Interview by Abigail Chung 

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FIRST PART: Vince at ARSGEM

• Briefly introduce yourself: what your role is at ARSGEM and how long you've been at ARSGEM. 

I'm Vince Wong, and I've been a part of the ARSGEM team since June 2021. As the Corporate Human Resources Manager, I oversee HR functions for both our Canadian and U.S. operations. I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the growth of this incredible company and welcome new talent to our team. 

• What are some unique parts of your role at ARSGEM? 

My role as an HR Manager allows me to bridge the gap between the strategic objectives of the organization and the needs of our employees. I collaborate with leadership to shape our company culture and foster a positive work environment. 

• What are some elements within your role that people might not know about? 

The role of HR has evolved significantly in recent years. Beyond the traditional functions of recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding, HR professionals are now strategic partners who contribute to the overall business strategy. From talent management, performance management, and employee relations to legal compliance, HR is actually a multifaceted discipline. 

• What attracted you to the field of HR? 

Since 1996, I've been fortunate to build a career in HR. My passion for working with people has always been a driving force. It's incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact I can make on individuals and teams. 

• What are your favourite parts of your role? 

I find the most satisfaction in recruiting talented individuals and watching them flourish within our organization. 

• How do you measure success for your role? What metrics did/do you use? 

The success of my role as an HR Manager is measured by the growth and satisfaction of our employees. Key indicators include employee engagement, retention rates, and career advancement opportunities. Additionally, I evaluate the effectiveness of our HR strategies in supporting the organization's business goals. 

•  What would you advise a young person who aspires to be an HR professional? 

I'd strongly recommend exposing yourself to as many different fields within HR as possible. The HR field is a vast and diverse landscape, offering a multitude of roles and specializations. For example, someone could be an excellent recruiter while someone does a superb job in strategic planning. Only a highly rare portion of people are good at everything. When you gain exposure to various HR functions, you can identify your strengths, weaknesses, and interests, and ultimately choose a career path that aligns with your goals and aspirations. 

For me, I started my HR career with recruiting, then I began to experience other aspects of the job. 

SECOND PART: Vince's Philosophy

• What are your core values and how do they guide your decisions? 

My actions are guided by a strong foundation of integrity, respect, empathy, and accountability. These values ensure that I make ethical decisions, treat others with kindness, and take responsibility for my actions. 

I strongly disagree with the notion that we can compartmentalize our lives into work and personal spheres. We are not compartmentalized beings. Our work and personal lives are interconnected, and our actions in one sphere often impact the other. 

As a parent of two, I prioritize character development above all else. I instill values such as kindness, honesty, diligence, and integrity in my children. And I know the best way to teach it is by leading by example. If there is a legacy I'd like to leave behind, I aim to be consistent, reliable, and trustworthy in all my interactions, both professional and personal. 

• If you could have a conversation with any person (including historical figures), who would it be and why? 

I'd be fascinated to have a conversation with Elon Musk. His ability to think outside the box and challenge the status quo is truly remarkable. 

• What aspect of Musk's approach to innovation do you find most inspiring? 

While I may not share Elon Musk's technical expertise, his relentless pursuit of innovation is truly inspiring. His ability to turn ambitious visions into reality serves as a powerful reminder that with determination and hard work, anything is possible. His work made me realize the importance of adaptability and a growth mindset. To fully realize our potential, we must be willing to embrace change and challenge the status quo. 

• How do you see AI and automation impacting the future of HR and the workplace? 

While AI has the potential to automate certain HR tasks, the human element remains irreplaceable. The core of HR, such as employee relations, performance management, and talent development, requires empathy, creativity, and strategic thinking. These are the qualities that AI cannot fully replicate. 

On the other hand, I believe that the adequate adaptation of AI into work could make us highly efficient with certain things. For example, AI can help us by automating routine tasks and providing data-driven insights. 

When I started my career, online job search websites weren’t yet mainstream (fun fact: Monster was among the first 100 websites ever registered!). Back then, companies spent thousands of dollars to place tiny ads in Saturday newspapers—ads no larger than your palm. Job seekers would read them and fax their resumes to potential employers. Then the Internet revolution took over, and online applications became the norm, leaving facsimile machines relics of the past. 

Having gone through these major shifts, I’ve observed how modern technology reshapes the world around us. I’m excited to see how cutting-edge AI will unlock new possibilities in our lives. Technology itself isn’t the threat—it’s how we use it that matters. Just as a sharp knife can serve or harm, AI can be an incredible tool when approached with wisdom and care. 

• If your life were a book, what would its title be? Why? 

I love sports and if my life were a book, its title would be "Game On: The Journey of Resilience and Growth." It reflects a commitment to consistent effort and a willingness to learn from failures. Just as athletes strive to improve their performance, we should strive to continually enhance our skills and knowledge. 

THIRD PART: More about Vince

• All-time favourite movie? 

My all-time favourite movie is Shawshank Redemption due to its powerful themes of hope, resilience, and redemption. 

• Your favourite ice-cream flavour? 

Strawberry 

• Favourite colour(s)? 

White, Black, Blue 

• What's your favorite type of cuisine or dish? 

I love food. Toronto's vibrant food scene has something to offer everyone. Sushi, with its delicate flavours, is one of my go-to choices. 

• What's your favorite type of exercise or physical activity? 

I'm passionate about both fitness and sports. I enjoy working out at the gym and playing softball during the summer months. 

• Your go-to music/playlist when you need to be relaxed or inspired? 

Jack Johnson is my go-to music for relaxation. 

• What's something you're grateful for today? 

I'm grateful for my health. Good health is a powerful tool that enables me to achieve my goals, overcome obstacles, and live a life of purpose. When our health is compromised, it can significantly impact our overall quality of life. 

• What's one thing you're really looking forward to in the future? 

Autonomous driving vehicles. My commute from Markham to the office would be far more productive and enjoyable!