Women@Work powered by GE

I had the opportunity to be part of an amazing panel of women speaking at a forum that was hosted during BMW Malaysian Open for WTA last month. I had such a wonderful time talking to those that attended as well as some of the other women who had such beautiful stories to share. 

(All of us in a row – stole this from Nicole David’s FB page)

(First session of speakers)

A speaking program focused on highlighting the increasingly important role women are playing across every tenet of modern day society, the ‘Women @ Work’ presented by GE event will feature speakers that include sports personalities Venus Williams and Datuk Nicol David; corporate leaders Datuk Yvonne Chia and Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood as well as the Malaysian Minister of Youth and Sports, YB En Khairy Jamaluddin.

Women@Work presented by GE brought together a diverse set of personalities for it’s inaugural forum here. Attended by over 150 guests, guests were treated to up close and personal presentations and spirited discussions between the speakers and several topical panels that were spread across the day long event. The topics discussed include, Diversity of Success, Women Supporting Women, Enabling Environment and Key of Success.

The accompanying photo exhibition showcased the stories of the speakers and women from various backgrounds. These included a chef, a cancer survivor, a dancer and many other inspirational women with compelling success stories to share.

“Women@Work presented by GE is the logical next step for the BMW Malaysian Open. We have for the past four years been focused on enhancing the talents and abilities of women in the sport of tennis and this has also highlighted the power that sports plays in empowering every aspect of our young talent’s lives. This forum and the photo exhibition celebrates that by showcasing examples of empowered women from all walks of life and their unique stories,” said Dr. Gerhard Pils, President & CEO, BMW Group Malaysia.

The speakers this year included:

•    Minister Of Youth and Sports YB En Khairy Jamaluddin;

•    The first woman during the Open Era to win the singles Grand Slam, Margaret Court;

•    Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, President of MERCY Malaysia

•    Malaysia’s own women’s squash legend and world number 1, Datuk Nicol David;

•    North American, Asian entertainer and brand ambassador of Beverly Wilshire Medical Centre, Sarah Lian;

•    Editor in Chief of Marie Claire Malaysia, Mindy Teh.

•    Consultant Aesthetic Physician of Beverly Wilshire Medical Centre, Dr Karen Po

Thanks Karen Millen Malaysia for the beautiful dress!

I think events like these are fantastic to inspire other women. We all have our own stories, we have our struggles and we have our own journey. Each step brings us closer to the next goal, you keep pushing forward until you look back and realise how far along you have come.

I believe that this willpower is in all of us, and as women we may face a few more hurdles than men but that doesn’t mean we can’t get there. I’m so happy to be part of this beautiful movement to empower women. Whether you are in business, sports, medicine, entertainment or anything between, you deserve all the success you work hard for!

Other Links:

http://www.bmwmalaysianopen.com/Pages/Contents/News?id=3606

http://www.bmwmalaysianopen.com/Pages/Contents/News?id=3943