Varnam Malaysia honours women leaders

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Varnam Malaysia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development (MECD) and Yayasan Bank Rakyat, hosted a special event on 23rd March 2025 at the Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. Themed Invest in Women: Accelerate Action, the event recognized the achievements of women while highlighting the importance of fostering gender equality and empowering women across various sectors.

The gathering featured an inspiring lineup of speakers, an engaging panel session, and the prestigious SHEro Awards ceremony, which honoured women who have made significant contributions to their fields.

Championing Women’s Empowerment and Economic Participation

The event was graced by YBhg. Datuk Anbumani Balan, Senior Private Secretary to the Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development, who delivered the keynote address. In his speech, Datuk Anbumani Balan underscored the ministry’s dedication to empowering Indian women through tailored support programs and initiatives.

He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to enhancing economic participation and fostering growth opportunities for Indian women entrepreneurs. Through these initiatives, the MECD aims to provide vital resources and platforms to ensure the success and sustainability of women-led businesses.

Hosted by Revathy Mariappan, the event attracted distinguished guests from various industries, fostering an environment of collaboration and inspiration.

Insightful Panel Session

A highlight of the event was an engaging panel session featuring four prominent women leaders—Dato’ Sasikala Devi Subramaniam, Datin Sri Shaila V, Ms. Kokila Vaani, and Dr. Thyivya Kalaiselvan. Each panelist shared their personal and professional journeys, offering insights into the challenges they faced and the resilience they demonstrated to achieve success.

The session not only highlighted their accomplishments but also shed light on the importance of creating supportive ecosystems for women. Their stories of perseverance and leadership served as a testament to the power of investing in women to drive societal progress.

Honouring Excellence with the SHEro Awards

Following the panel session, the prestigious SHEro Awards were presented to women who have made exceptional contributions in their respective fields. Among the honourees was Deputy Commissioner of Police (R) Dato’ Sasikala Devi Subramaniam, who received the SHEro Leadership Icon Award. Recognized for her exemplary service as the former Deputy Chief Police Officer of Selangor, Dato’ Sasikala’s commitment to justice and public safety was celebrated.

The SHEro Entrepreneurship Icon Award was presented to Vigneswari Naraja, also known as Vyna, for her remarkable impact in the baking and culinary industry. As the founder of Fancy Custom Cakes and Zest Cakes & Cafe, her entrepreneurial spirit and creativity have left a lasting mark on the industry.

The final accolade, the SHEro Cinematic Icon Award, was awarded to Sangeetha Krishnasamy for her contributions to the entertainment sector. Known for her versatility, Sangeetha’s work in both the Tamil and Malay film industries has earned her widespread acclaim.

Commitment to Gender Equality

The event served as a powerful platform to celebrate the achievements of women while reinforcing the need for continued efforts toward gender equality and empowerment. By bringing together accomplished leaders and changemakers, the celebration amplified the importance of supporting women’s participation across all sectors.

Through strategic collaborations and initiatives like these, Varnam Malaysia, MECD, and Yayasan Bank Rakyat continue to champion the cause of gender equality, fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for future generations of women.