Building a culture where everyone belongs: Kelvin Sy's journey

Creating environments where different perspectives flourish requires more than good intentions; it demands genuine human connection and lived experience. Kelvin Sy, a Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition at AtkinsRéalis, has spent nearly six years transforming his passion by bringing people together into a career dedicated to ensuring everyone belongs.

His journey from Hong Kong to the UK and back to Asia offers valuable insights into creating workplaces where varied backgrounds don't just coexist, they drive innovation and growth.

From football pitches to corporate offices

Kelvin's story begins in Hong Kong, a city he describes as "a unique melting pot of eastern and western cultures across language, traditions and food." This multicultural foundation shaped his worldview, but his decade in the UK throughout his studies truly opened his eyes to both the challenges and opportunities that cultural differences present.

"The boarding school experience was especially fun where I got to meet kids not only from the UK but all over the world," Kelvin recalls. However, his most profound lessons about unity came from an unexpected source: football.

"The beauty of the game lies in its universal appeal regardless of language or culture. On the pitch, everyone works as a team, and the love of the game brings everyone together."

This early understanding of how shared purpose creates connections would later become central to his professional philosophy. The football pitch taught him that meaningful collaboration transcends cultural boundaries when people work toward common goals.

Six years of growth across Asia

Kelvin has been with AtkinsRéalis for almost six years, the longest tenure of his career. His role has evolved significantly, starting with supporting the Hong Kong business and expanding to cover the wider Asia region.

What keeps him engaged after all these years? "I get to interact with colleagues from different backgrounds and cultures every day, and the opportunity to visit offices in Singapore, Shanghai, Seoul and Bangalore to meet the team in person."

This geographic expansion hasn't just broadened his professional responsibilities; it's deepened his understanding of how varied perspectives strengthen business outcomes across different markets and cultural contexts.

Turning personal experience into professional purpose

Kelvin's commitment to our Everyone Belongs initiatives stems directly from his lived experience navigating multiple cultures. "Growing up in Hong Kong and studying in the UK, I've seen firsthand how vital it is to create an environment where everyone feels valued."

This personal connection translates into tangible workplace benefits that extend far beyond feel-good initiatives. Kelvin has witnessed how varied perspectives drive practical innovation in his daily work.

"Having a team with colleagues from various backgrounds and experiences definitely helps during brainstorming sessions where we bounce ideas off each other. Different perspectives turn into innovative solutions."

Beyond the professional advantages, Kelvin appreciates the personal enrichment that comes from working with people from around the world, including getting insider travel tips for his next holiday from colleagues who know the best local spots.

Learning through connection, not just curriculum

Rather than relying solely on formal training programs or academic research, Kelvin takes a hands-on approach to staying current with best practices. He actively builds connections with colleagues and candidates across the industry, sharing experiences and strategies through networking.

This peer-to-peer learning approach reflects his broader philosophy: meaningful change happens through genuine human connection, not top-down mandates or one-size-fits-all solutions.

Everyone's responsibility, everyone's opportunity

One of Kelvin's key insights is that creating environments where everyone belongs isn't just HR's responsibility; it requires active participation from every team member. He emphasizes that all employees can contribute meaningfully by:

Engaging actively in learning opportunities through training sessions and workshops that build cultural competency and communication skills.

Providing honest feedback on company initiatives, sharing what works and what doesn't come from their unique perspective. 

Demonstrating welcoming behavior in daily interactions, from how they conduct meetings to how they onboard new team members. 

Amplifying different voices by ensuring various perspectives are heard and valued during decision-making processes.

This approach transforms belonging from a program that's done "to" employees into a culture that's built "with" them.

Ready to be part of something bigger?

Kelvin's story shows how personal experiences and professional growth can combine to create workplaces where everyone truly belongs. If you're ready to join a team that values different perspectives and celebrates what makes each person unique, explore our current opportunities and discover how you can contribute to building bridges in your next role.