By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Sept 13 — Selangor is focused on narrowing the gender gap in both political representation and economic participation, siad state executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari.
Speaking at the inaugural Women in Aviation Awards in conjunction with the Selangor Aviation Show (SAS) 2024 last night, Anfaal highlighted the state government's commitment to promoting gender diversity, especially in male-dominated industries like aviation.
She said while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go in increasing women leadership roles.
“Diversity drives innovation, and it is crucial that we harness the full potential of all talent.
“Globally, only 13 per cent of aerospace engineers are women, with Malaysia’s numbers similarly low, where women represent less than 20 per cent of the aerospace engineering workforce,” she said at the launch of the award held at the Skypark Regional Aviation Centre, Bukit Jelutong, here yesterday.
Anfaal also pointed to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) “25 by 2025” campaign, aimed at increasing women representation in the aviation industry by 25 per cent.
She said there is a need for more women in top executive positions, as women occupy less than 6 per cent of chief executive officer and chief operating officer roles globally.
As part of Selangor’s broader gender equality efforts, Anfaal said the state administration aims to see more women in senior leadership positions within Malaysia’s aviation and aerospace sectors.
She cited female leaders like Mitsuko Tottori of Japan Airlines and Marjan Rintel of KLM as examples of women breaking barriers in the field.
Turning to politics, Anfaal highlighted the gender disparity in Selangor’s state assembly, where women make up only 16 per cent of the legislators.
“Only nine out of 56 Selangor state legislators are female,” she said, acknowledging this as part of a wider issue in Malaysian politics.
“As one of the few ‘unicorns’ in my field, I can relate to the challenges faced by women breaking barriers in male-dominated industries.”
To address this, Anfaal referred to the Selangor Women’s Policy and Action Plan 2024-2026, which aims to increase female participation in leadership roles as well as increased participation and contribution to the economy.
The Women in Aviation Awards, held in collaboration with Women in Aviation Asia, Business and General Aviation Association of Malaysia, and Women@MAG, celebrates women who have made significant strides in the aviation and aerospace industries.
[caption id="attachment_372108" align="alignnone" width="795"]
Recipients of the inaugural Women in Aviation Awards, held in conjunction with the Selangor Aviation Show (SAS) 2024, pose for a photo at the Skypark Regional Aviation Centre, Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam, on September 12, 2024. — Picture by AHMAD ZAKKI JILAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Anfaal praised the awardees as “torchbearers” and expressed her hope that the Selangor Aviation Show would continue to nurture future women leaders.
Now in its fourth edition, SAS 2024 has established itself as one of the leading aviation events in the region, fostering partnerships and showcasing advancements in the aerospace industry.
The following are the award categories and recipients who were celebrated for their achievements across various fields, showcasing leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing the industry:
- Eco-Innovation in Aviation Award
This award recognises strides made in embedding sustainability within aviation.
Recipient: Sharliza Shaari
- Quality & Safety Assurance Award
This award honours individuals for their dedication to ensuring the highest levels of quality and safety in aviation.
Recipient: Aliza Zainal
- Aviation Technology Innovator Award
This award acknowledges key contributions to advancing aviation technology.
Recipient: Hee Hwee Leng
- Rising Star Award
This award recognises a young woman who has demonstrated exceptional promise and potential in her early aviation career.
Recipient: Uma Shangery Aruldass, Tech Services & Planning Manager, Berjaya Air Sdn Bhd
- Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance Award
This award recognises excellence in aircraft maintenance, ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft.
Recipient: Nur Safura Safri, Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Execujet MRO Services
- Leadership in Aviation Management Award
This award honours exemplary leadership and management in aviation.
Recipient: Datuk’ Nonee Ashirin Mohd Radzi, Executive Chairman, Global Turbine Asia
- First Female Air Traffic Controller
Recipient: Major (Retired) Rasaletchumi Ratnasingam
- First Female Helicopter Pilot
Recipient: Lt. Col. Norhana Abdul Manaf, Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF)
- Educator Award
This award celebrates significant contributions to aviation education, guiding the next generation of aviators.
Recipient: Rizalina Jumairy
- Inclusion Impact Award
This award recognises an individual whose initiatives have advanced inclusivity and diversity within the aviation industry.
Recipient: Dr Esther Loo
- Outstanding Woman Pilot of the Year Award
This award recognises a woman pilot for exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication.
Recipient: Capt Nazneem Hashim
- Women in Aviation Leadership Award
This award honours significant contributions and outstanding leadership in aviation.
Recipient: Rubita Hani Hammmim, Senior Manager, Program Management Dept, Airod Sdn Bhd
- First Female Transport Pilot, RMAF
Recipient: Brig. Gen. Fadzillah Abdullah
- First Female Commercial Airline Pilot
Recipient: Datuk Capt Norashikin Onn, Air Asia Pilot
- Lifetime Achievement in Aviation Award
This prestigious award honours a distinguished career in aviation, celebrating long-term contributions, leadership, and impact on the industry.
Recipient: Major (Retired) Rasaletchumi Ratnasingam, COO, Sapura Aero
