MAS HOLDINGS

MAS’ CULTURE SPARKS INNOVATION

MAS Holdings, the largest apparel and apparel tech company in South Asia, is among the most recognised ‘design to delivery’ solutions providers in apparel and textile manufacturing. Home to a community of over 100,000 people today, MAS’ operations have a global reach with established design locations placed in key style centres across the world.

Three powerful change makers at MAS discuss what makes the company one of LMD’s ‘Most Awarded’ entities.

“At MAS, we have a clear purpose: ‘To be change makers, enabling dreams and enriching the fabric of life on our planet.’ It is more than merely apparel – it’s about our people, our products and our partnerships that align with our values, giving MAS its integrity and reputation,” explains Deirdre Candappa – Director, Organisational Development.

She says that aspects such as innovation and sustainability are part of the company’s DNA – while MAS’ pursuit of excellence stems from its large appetite for learning, which spurs improvements in existing processes and products, as well as the discovery of innovations.

“We are always learning and we believe there is always room for improvement. Inspiration could come from anywhere – partners, employees or even competitors,” she says.

Candappa highlights that “employee diversity” is one of the main reasons why MAS has remained ahead of the competition in its pursuit for excellence.

According to Dineli Jayasekera, Head of Human Resources – Twinery: “Our talent makes a difference. We are like-minded in our values and behaviour but diverse in competencies and opinions, and we always respect one another.”

“Staying true to our slogan – ‘Change is courage’ – we embrace changes through focussed initiatives, which drives an inspired, motivated workforce

“Teams know the work that has to be done and are passionate in its pursuit. Their inherent curiosity and relentless drive to innovate is what fuels robust and meaningful breakthroughs. Our diverse and highly motivated teams work with integrity. And integrity is woven into everything we do – from ideation and creation to commercialisation,” she says.

Jayasekera adds: “At Twinery, the innovation arm of MAS, our mandate is to enable tomorrow’s business models, explore white spaces, disrupt today’s core products, and create disproportionate value for unmet and under-met needs. We look at the functional, emotional and social aspects of a product, and we have been brave and bold in bringing these products and solutions to life – even when it comes to taboo spaces.”

This brings her to sustainability, an area in which MAS is consistently awarded for its commitments.

“Sustainability is not an isolated component at MAS – it’s embedded in our mindset. This means being conscious at every stage, from creation to commercialisation, and how the products ultimately get discarded. Our processes are thoughtful and long-term, not simply for short-term gains,” she asserts.

All three change makers agree that the MAS culture – one of innovation – has been pivotal to the company’s success and global recognition.

“As an industry leader, we benchmark ourselves globally. Our values are our true north and they have brought us to the forefront,” says Asangi Wijeyasundere, General Manager – Human Resources and Sustainable Business at MAS KREEDA.

She states: “MAS succeeds because we always do what’s right – by our people, product and planet. As an organisation, staying relevant, and adopting the latest trends and technologies with a strong appetite for continuous improvement and learning, has been a mantra for us.”

“Staying true to our slogan – ‘Change is courage’ – we embrace changes through focussed initiatives, which drives an inspired, motivated workforce with a ‘can do’ attitude,” Wijeyasundere avers.

Explaining how MAS creates a culture and conducive environment for creative minds to be inspired, she says: “From a ratings standpoint, we rate individual performances, which helps individual growth and development. Simultaneously, we advocate teamwork and collaboration.”

“We encourage the leadership to remind employees of the power of collective efforts while divisional heads come together often to share best practices. Cross functional internal projects draw synergies between departments. All this creates a win-win culture for all,” Wijeyasundere explains.

Collaboration is “a must-have leadership skill – without it, you cannot succeed,” asserts Candappa.

Trust, teamwork and collaboration are enhanced through MAS’ internal recognition of every employee.

“Recognition is also how you feel about your work. At monthly team meetings, we thank colleagues who have helped us professionally or personally. Our work culture is such that employees can be vulnerable with each other, and speak up and ask for help, which encourages us to be good humans,” affirms Jayasekera.

This workplace culture of innovation through diversity and collaboration helps turn risks into opportunities.

“Our work culture empowers employees to take risks and they’re celebrated when they course correct successfully after failing,” reveals Candappa.

Commenting on how MAS’s awards and accolades help the company and its employees, she says: “Recognition always inspires performance. We do not work to win awards. But rather, it is our innovative and ethical approach to business that wins us awards, and attracts employees.”

“To continue to foster a healthy and progressive workplace culture, all our processes – including talent acquisition and leadership development – look at innovation in a big way. It is about cultivating an out-of-the-box, free-thinking mindset and driving leadership behaviour,” she emphasises.

Jayasekera agrees, affirming: “The MAS mindset and culture are what bring in recognition and awards.” She believes that MAS gets its competitive edge through its people, well-defined processes and technologies, and global ecosystem – all of which are elements of its ‘secret sauce’.”

Wijesundere avers: “Awards are a reminder that we’re doing something right and are possibly the best at something – but awards are not the only pull for employees.”

“We do not work to win awards. But rather, it is our innovative and ethical approach to business that wins us awards, and attracts employees

“Our work culture and values need to resonate with them. As an employer, we need to stay true to our unique value proposition to attract talent with similar values, which will hit perfect equilibrium to gain organisational commitment and support retention,” she elaborates.

While awards and accolades have followed MAS through the years, the company demonstrates a strong sense of resilience and growth.

Speaking on MAS’ potential to continue along this trajectory, Wijesundere says: “Resilience is a muscle that MAS has strengthened and our leadership has the ability to bring everyone together despite challenges – be it a pandemic, global recession or the current economic crisis. Proactive decision making from our leadership and our adaptable workforce helps MAS win every single time.”

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