Women who inspire
The finalists of the Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia prove that women can indeed ‘have it all’ if they focus on their goals, writes Meera Murugesan
HER outfit, a beautiful, floral embroidered saree, falls in soft, graceful folds and she pairs it with an edgy, utterly modern short hairstyle. Dr Jeyanthi Ramasamy presents an interesting combination, not just in the way she dresses but in who she is.
Jeyanthi, the youngest female board member of a Malaysian public-listed company, is a woman who has her feet firmly planted in two worlds ― home and boardroom ― and she’s equally comfortable in both.
She’s also proof that women can indeed “have it all” if they set their mind to it.
Jeyanthi, who’s also the technical solutions manager at Oceaneering (Malaysia), was one of the Malaysian finalists at the recent Women of the Future Awards, Southeast Asia. She’s a lady with a story that would inspire every young girl to dream big.
TEA PLANTATION GIRL
She grew up in the holiday destination of Cameron Highlands but life was far from free and easy, as her father was a labourer at a tea plantation and struggled to provide for the family.
Jeyanthi grew up in a two-room house at the workers’ quarters, which didn’t even have an indoor toilet.
“I’m a tea plantation girl,” says Jeyanthi modestly, adding that both her parents were labourers, but her father wanted all his children to be educated.
“That’s all he wanted. He had a very strong target for all of us.”
Jeyanthi, who has a degree in petroleum engineering, is an expert in subsea project development and was Lead Subsea for the Gumusut-Kakap deepwater gas field development.
Her line of work is highly technical and specialised, and certainly not a field many women find themselves in. But having the courage to take on new challenges and being open to learning new things has opened doors for her.
Her parents, with their determination to improve the lives of their children gave her the strong early push she needed, but it was her husband who encouraged her to pursue her chosen field with passion and commitment, and get even more ahead.
As a wife, mother, daughter and a highly successful professional, Jeyanthi has to strike a fine balance between her multiple roles but despite her success, she describes herself as “just a working mum”.
“I’m always very positive. I will try something new and if you challenge me, I will definitely give it a go. Women tend to defeat themselves or hold themselves back. Of course, situations is able to get demanding and overwhelming, but it can be done.”
Jeyanthi adds that with flexible working hours and an understanding boss, she can juggle her multiple roles well but she has to prove herself at the workplace too.
It boils down to showing them that you are capable and can be trusted to pull off the task, she stresses.
“Men have been supportive of me throughout my career. Once they know you are good, they recognise you, but you need to deliver results and earn their respect.”
FOLLOW YOUR PASSION
Like Jeyanthi, Oon Chern Ein, a senior lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia, credits the men in her life for helping
There will be good and bad days but remain focused on your goals and your passion will see you through
Oon Chern Ein
her climb the career ladder.
Her father, a chemist, encouraged her love of science and as a child, she used to spend many happy hours at the laboratory, watching him work. But it wasn’t chemistry that finally sparked her interest but biology.
Oon, the sole Malaysian winner at the Women of the Future Awards, Southeast Asia, has always been interested in human anatomy. She has received numerous awards for her work on novel molecular therapeutics in cancer, and her expertise and research will likely influence more effective strategies in anti-cancer drug development.
She says, generally, girls tend not to choose science-related careers because they have been mistakenly told that it’s tough or challenging.
“But if you really have a passion for it, then set your mind on your goal and be really focused because so many things will distract or discourage you.”
Oon, the mother of a 1-year-old girl, says her husband, who’s German, is very supportive of her career goals and always encourages her to move forward in her field.
She adds that like many working mothers, she does feel guilty about not spending enough time with her daughter but at the same time, she understands the value and importance of her work and its implications for society at large.
“I have to make difficult decisions all the time so it’s important to get bosses and colleagues who are supportive of your needs. If you can’t, then you have to find a way around it. There will be good and bad days but remain focused on your goals and your passion will see you through.”
MAKing DREAMs A REALiTY
Another Malaysian finalist at the awards, Juanita Ramayah, a former presenter for hitz FM Malaysia, Astro Radio, says her career in radio gave her a “voice” and the belief that one can make any dream a reality.
As a child, Juanita was inspired by a female deejay she used to hear on the radio while on her way to school.
“What I found interesting about her was that she could be herself, just her crazy self!” says Juanita.
She adds that as a teenager, it struck her as remarkable that someone could make a career out of doing something they were so comfortable with.
Juanita was the first female breakfast producer for hitz.
She credits her male bosses for encouraging her to go further, to learn new things and not stay in a “safe zone”.
“As the youngest in my family, I was used to listening, not speaking up but my boss, Brian, used to tell me that I had to go out there and push myself. He encouraged me, taught me and allowed me to explore all other parts of radio too,” says Juanita.
Her parents, who are pastors, also sparked her interest for social work and giving back to society, and Juanita has always been keen to work with young girls.
“If you’re interested in a career in radio, then go for it. It will open other doors for you. Whatever it is that you want, spend time learning it, master your craft and stay focused even when it becomes challenging.”