SYNOPSIS

Join us for an insightful talk as we delve into the realm of women in engineering and critically analyze whether Malaysia is truly doing enough to provide a conducive environment for their success. In today's rapidly evolving world, it is imperative to examine the role and representation of women in traditionally male-dominated fields, particularly in engineering.

Malaysia, known for its technological advancements and thriving engineering sector, holds immense potential to foster gender equality and inclusivity in this field. However, it raises the question: is enough being done to ensure that women in engineering are not only welcomed but are provided with equal opportunities to excel and thrive?

As we embark on this journey together, we will explore the current landscape of women in engineering within Malaysia. We will shine a light on the advancements made thus far, celebrating the accomplishments of women who have broken barriers and shattered stereotypes. However, our focus will extend beyond mere recognition as we critically analyze whether the infrastructure and support systems in place truly provide a conducive environment for women to prosper.

Through thought-provoking discussions and tangible examples, we will examine the challenges faced by women in engineering, ranging from gender biases and stereotypes to workplace culture and support systems. We will explore the importance of representation and the impact it has on inspiring future generations of women engineers.

Moreover, we will delve into the initiatives and policies that exist within Malaysia, ranging from diversity and inclusion programs to educational reforms, all aimed at bridging the gender gap within the engineering sector. We will question the effectiveness and inclusivity of these measures, seeking ways to improve and enhance the support provided to women in engineering.

This talk aims to inspire and ignite change, fostering a dialogue that challenges the status quo and encourages collective action. Together, we will strive towards creating an environment where women in engineering can thrive and contribute to Malaysia's technological advancements.

Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of a conversation that has the potential to shape the future of women in engineering in Malaysia. Join us as we explore whether Malaysia is truly doing enough to provide a conducive environment for women in engineering.


MODERATOR

Ts Irene Lock Sow Mei

Irene Lock Sow Mei graduated from Universiti Teknologi Petronas with a Bachelor Degree in Chemical Engineering and she is the award recipient for UTP’s Chancellor Gold Award, Vice Chancellor Gold Award, Best Final Year Project Gold Award and Capstone Award for Best Plant Design Project. She was also the winner for the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Best Engineering Graduate Gold Award. Serving as a process engineer in Group Technical Solutions PETRONAS since 2015, Irene has 9 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. She has experiences in performing industrial and consultancy projects, ranging from engineering design; technology improvement; innovation development; to digital transformation. Her expertise and interest are in water technology and water treatment, whereby she oversees the development and implementation for technologies for effective water management and treatment. She is also the office bearer for the ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET) and Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM).
Irene was the winner for The Institution of Chemical Engineering (IChemE) Young Industrialist Award 2019. Apart from that, she was also the honouree for Anugerah Belia Cemerlang Malaysia 2020 and Eco-Champion Award 2021 by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in recognition with her efforts to promote water sustainability. Irene also gained world recognition as the first south east Asian to emerge as winner for the International Young ADIPEC Technical Professional of The Year 2019 under the patronage of the President of the United Arab Emirates and Egypt Petroleum Show Nex-Gen Female of the Year 2022 Award.


BIODATA OF PANELISTS

Panelist 1: Ir. Raftah Mahfar

Ir. Raftah binti Mahfar is currently a Director of SCG Consultants Sdn. Bhd., a Structural, Civil, Infrastructure, and Geotechnical engineering Consultants.  She holds a Degree in Civil Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (1985) and Master of Science in Civil & Structural Engineering from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (1990).  She has nearly 40 years of technical experience in Geotechnical Engineering design and construction.
Ir. Raftah is a Professional Engineer with Practicing Certificate with the Board of Engineers, Malaysia (BEM). She is also an Interviewer and Reviewer for IEM’s Professional Engineer Interview. Ir. Raftah is active as Corporate Member of Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM). She has been a Committee member of IEM WE section from year 2008 and was the Chairperson of IEM Women Engineers Section for Session 2013/2014 and 2014/2015.  Presently, Ir. Raftah is the Chairman for WE Research Proposal Paper, committee on Disaster Risk Reduction Advisory Board (DRRAB) and Committee on IEM Structured Training.


Panelist 2: Ts. Sakinah Ab Halim

Ts. Sakinah Ab Halim graduated with BEng (Hons) (Electrical Power) from University of Tasmania, Australia in 2017. She is currently a Senior Engineer in Interface Department at Gamuda Berhad for KVMRT – SSP Line Underground Package of MRT 2 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Her roles in Interface Management includes capturing railway system requirements and coordination works as per contract requirements between Civil and Structure (C&S), Architectural Building Works and Finishes (ABWF) and Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) as well as Railway Systems Works Package in design, construction and testing and commissioning stages. Sakinah is managing the interface process closely between underground Civil Work Contractors and Railway System Works Package Contractors to allow seamless coordination and achieve functional performance for a safe and operated KVMRT PY railway line. Sakinah is also a passionate Committee Member for Institute of Engineers Malaysia Women Engineers Section.


Panelist  3: Ir. Prof Dr Zuhaina Zakaria

Prof. Ir. Dr. Zuhaina Zakaria holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in 1989. She pursued further education and acquired her Master's degree from Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom in 1997, followed by a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom in 2005. She has been working in Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) for more than 30 years and currently a Professor in the College of Engineering. Her main research interests are in the areas of energy efficiency, power quality, load profiling and power system analysis. Currently, Prof Ir Dr Zuhaina Zakaria is the Dean for Institute of Postgraduate Studies, UiTM. Her commitment extends beyond academia, as she actively engages in engineering professional societies. She is a Senior Member of IEEE, a member of IET, and presently holds the esteemed position of Honorary Secretary at The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM).

Her influential role also encompasses her past appointment as a member of the Board of Engineers Malaysia, along with her responsibility as the Chair for the Engineering Technology Accreditation Council.


Panelist  4: Ir. Prof. Dr Norlida Buniyamin

Ir. Prof. Dr Norlida Buniyamin is currently a President of the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) for session 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 and a Professor in Electrical Engineering, of the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). She obtained her Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) (Electrical and Electronic) from the University of Adelaide, Australia in 1985. She later received her Master of Science in Industrial Control Systems from the University of Salford, UK in 1993, before being conferred a Doctorate in Total Technology by the then University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST, now the University of Manchester), UK in 2004. Ir. Prof. Dr Norlida was first elected into the Council of IEM in 2000, and served as the Vice President for 2 sessions from 2016 to 2018 before going on to win the post of Deputy President in 2020. During her involvement in IEM, prior to assuming the post of President, she has served in various capacities in the Standing Committee on Examinations and Qualifications as well as Admissions and Practical Training. Besides chairing various Standing Committees in IEM over the years, she was also the Country Registrar of Malaysia for the ASEAN Engineering Register (AER) as well as the first woman Head Commissioner of AER.