On the 7th of March, in celebration of International Women's Day 2024, an impactful event unfolded at the Cheras campus of Saito University College. The event, titled "Empowering Women Leaders in Security: Overcoming Challenges and Driving Innovation," was a collaborative effort between ASIS International Malaysia Chapter and Saito University College.
The atmosphere was set with patriotic fervor as the attendees began the day by singing the Negaraku, followed by a doa recital, emphasizing unity and respect. The stage was then handed over to Ts. Dr. Zahar Ali, the Executive Dean of FLAME at Saito University College who delivered an opening speech, setting the tone for an enlightening and empowering day ahead. Victor Lim, the Chairman of ASIS International Malaysia Chapter, also shared his insights and perspectives in his opening address.
The focal point of the event was a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Ts. Dr. Zahar Ali. The panel comprised esteemed individuals who have made significant strides in the field of security, breaking gender barriers along the way. The panelists included Joey Cheng, the Women in Security Chair for ASIS International Malaysia Chapter; Shamala Krishnan, representing Dell Global Supply Chain Security; Tay Bit Sean, a Safety and Security Manager for a major shopping mall in KL, and Nur Hamaliana, an Investigating Officer in the D11, Crime Investigation Division of the PDRM.
Around 50 enthusiastic attendees, including students and business professionals, gathered to engage in the dialogue. The panelists candidly shared their experiences and insights, addressing the challenges they faced as women in security roles and the strategies they employed to overcome them. The open and honest discussion allowed the audience to gain valuable perspectives on the journey of women in the security sector. Before we ended the event, the attendees were treated to an inspiring video made by the students sharing the Independence Day celebrations from last year, as well as a networking lunch session which allowed attendees to mingle and connect.
The event aligned seamlessly with the campaign theme for International Women's Day 2024: "Inspire Inclusion." The stories and achievements shared by the panelists served as a source of inspiration for all present, encouraging the belief that inclusivity and diversity are crucial for driving innovation in the security industry.
As the event concluded, it left a lasting impact on the attendees, fostering a sense of empowerment and determination. The hope resonates that the narratives shared on this occasion will continue to inspire inclusivity, paving the way for more women to thrive as leaders in the field of security.
