By S. Chandravathani
KUALA LUMPUR: Companies need to take a more proactive approach in identifying workforce-related risks to prevent fraud, misconduct and other workplace issues, rather than acting only after an incident occurs, said technology industry leader Sharmila Gunasekaran.
She said background screening and risk intelligence could help employers identify potential concerns early, particularly before employees are given access to company finances, sensitive information, systems or other critical assets.
Sharmila, who is the chief executive officer of Venovox Sdn Bhd, said workforce screening should be viewed as a preventive risk-management measure to help organisations make more informed decisions when hiring and placing employees.
“Risk intelligence is still not always viewed as a must-have requirement. Too often, attention and resources are directed towards damage control after an incident has occurred.
“My vision is for organisations to become more preventive. The purpose of screening is not to create barriers to employment. It is to help employers make informed decisions, place people in roles appropriate to their risk profile, and protect both the organisation and genuine candidates,” she told Bernama after receiving the Woman in Tech Award at the PIKOM Digital Excellence Awards (PDEA) 2026 here yesterday.
The award was presented by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) chairman Ganesh Kumar Bangah, who represented Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo at the PDEA 2026 Awards Dinner.
Commenting further, Sharmila said advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation were also transforming background screening by enabling providers to process larger volumes of information, cross-check records, identify potential discrepancies and flag patterns for further investigation.
However, she cautioned that technology should not replace human oversight, particularly as screening processes can involve incomplete or inconsistent information, similar names, differences in transliteration, outdated records and varying data standards across jurisdictions.
“AI cannot replace the analytical ability, professional scepticism and interpersonal skills required to establish the facts. An experienced analyst must determine whether the information remains relevant and how it should be presented fairly.
“Screening affects careers and reputations, so findings cannot be produced without accountability and human judgment,” she said.
Organised by PIKOM, the National Tech Association of Malaysia, the annual awards recognise individuals and organisations for their contributions to innovation, digital transformation and the country’s technology ecosystem.
— BERNAMA
