Hosted by Star Media Group, workshop boosts leadership aspirations through speed mentoring, sharing sessions

THE Cybertorium and Cyberhub halls in Menara Star, Petaling Jaya in Selangor, buzzed with energy as over 90 eager participants gathered for a workshop dedicated to developing women’s full potential in the workplace.

Hosted by Star Media Group (SMG), the “Speed Mentoring: Own Your Ascent” event was organised by the 30% Club Malaysia – a voluntary organisation of senior professionals focused on facilitating 30% women representation on the boards of companies listed on Bursa Malaysia.

Talent search company CnetG collaborated on this event.

In her opening remarks, 30% Club’s Enable Pillar Board Mentoring scheme co-lead and Berjaya Corporation Bhd executive director Norlela Baharudin asked the audience if they had been to a speed mentoring session before.

Wang (right) leading a roundtable discussion with a group of participants.

One participant quipped that she had, adding that she found the experience similar to speed dating, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Norlela said the event’s objective was to inspire board-ready candidates to rise to leadership roles.

“According to the 2024 Grant Thornton study, women make up 40% of C-suite level roles in Malaysia, but this figure has dropped by about 3% this year.

“We’re not yet on the path to parity, so our work isn’t done yet.

“I hope that today’s event will inspire participants to push up that number back to 40%, then 50%,” she said.

Following the opening remarks, participants were split into two sessions – speed mentoring and speed networking.

At the speed mentoring round, participants were engaged in 15-minute discussions with each mentor, exchanging ideas, gaining insights and receiving guidance on navigating the path to leadership.

Chiam shares her experience in balancing her personal life and career.

Seven guest speakers joined the sessions, tackling questions from the participants on career and leadership.

The guests were Norlela, SMG chief operating officer Lydia Wang, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Malaysia board chair and chief executive officer Anamika Talwar, 30% Club’s Enable Pillar (Talent Engagement) and CnetG Asia managing partner Raj Kumar Paramanathan, Hibiscus Petroleum independent, non-executive director Emeliana Rice-Oxley, Paynet group chief executive officer Farhan Ahmad and CIMB Group Holdings independent director Ho Yuet Mee.

During the networking session, participants mingled through a series of activities.

It included a unique game of Bingo where, in order to win, participants were required to complete an activity worksheet by crossing out the names of the companies of individuals they had met at the workshop.

It was followed by a sharing session where participants spoke about their strengths as a leader and the leadership roles they aspired to assume.

Norlela (right) delivering her opening remark during the event held at Menara Star, Petaling Jaya.

“I believe that this event has really allowed us to elevate women’s leadership and assume leadership roles to bring about gender equality,” said Tune Protect Group global partnership head Kelly Chong, 45.

Another participant, Syaza Qistina Selamat, 30, said the event offered fresh perspectives to a younger generation of employees and future leaders.

“I believe that those in the Gen Z have certain qualities that are crucial to securing and succeeding in leadership positions,” said Syaza, a Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd people development associate.

“Those who are bold enough to embrace change are the ones who have what it takes to be in higher leadership roles,” she added.

The event ended with closing remarks from Wang, who stressed that for many women in the working world, they are both a mother and a working professional.