In honour of International Women’s Day, celebrated globally on 8th March, Varnam Malaysia in collaboration with Yayasan Bank Rakyat and Ministry of Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development, hosted an International Women’s Day event to commemorate this year’s theme, Invest in Women: Accelerate Action.
The event took place on 23rd March 2025 at the Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. This event recognized the achievements, contributions, and resilience of women, while also emphasizing the need for accelerated efforts toward gender equality and empowerment.
Ybhg. Datuk Anbumani Balan, Senior Private Secretary to the Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development graced the event as the special guest. Hosted by Revathy Mariappan, the event was attended by numerous distinguished guests from various fraternities. YBhg. Datuk Anbumani Balan officially inaugurated the event with his opening speech, setting the tone for an inspiring and impactful gathering.
During his speech, Datuk Anbumani Balan highlighted the various initiatives and support programs provided by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development for the Indian community, with a special focus on the empowerment of Indian women. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to fostering opportunities, enhancing economic participation, and supporting the growth of Indian women entrepreneurs.
The event continued with a panel session featuring distinguished women leaders, including Dato’ Sasikala Devi Subramaniam, Datin Sri Shaila V, Ms. Kokila Vaani, and Dr. Thyivya Kalaiselvan. The session was both insightful and inspiring, as the speakers shared their remarkable journeys, the challenges they encountered, and their resilience in overcoming obstacles to achieve success in their respective fields and contribute meaningfully to the community.
DCP (R) Dato’ Sasikala Devi Subramaniam is a formidable leader in law enforcement, a symbol of resilience, excellence, and unwavering commitment to justice. As the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) who holds the position as the former Deputy Chief Police Officer of Selangor, she stands as an inspiring force in a field that demands courage and integrity.
Datin Sri Shaila V is a talented producer, actor, and singer known for her perfectionism and strong work ethic. Her dedication drives her to continually refine her acting skills, ensuring that she delivers a flawless and deeply satisfying performance. Beyond entertainment, Datin Sri Shaila V is also a successful businesswoman and a qualified lawyer.
Kokila Vaani Vadiveloo is a distinguished legal professional, known for her leadership and contributions to the Malaysian legal fraternity. She made history as the first female Chairman of the Selangor Bar Committee, serving two consecutive terms (2021-2023). With a legal career spanning over a decade, she currently heads the Civil Litigation division at Kumar Chambers
Dr. Thyivya Kalaiselvan is a dedicated medical professional, musician, and entrepreneur with a passion for enhancing lives—both through wellness and music. Balancing her roles as a doctor, musician, and entrepreneur, Dr. Thyivya Kalaiselvan continues to inspire, striving to make a meaningful impact in the medical, artistic, and wellness communities.
The SHEro Awards presentation was held after the panel session to honor and celebrate women who inspire and lead in their respective fraternity. The SHEro Leadership Icon Award was presented to Deputy Commissioner of Police (R) Dato’ Sasikala Devi Subramaniam in recognition of her exceptional contributions to law enforcement and leadership. As the former Deputy Chief Police Officer of Selangor, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment to justice, public safety, and mentorship within the force.
Vigneswari Naraja, widely known as Vyna, was recognized with the SHEro Entrepreneurship Icon Award for her outstanding contributions to the baking and culinary industry. As the visionary founder of Fancy Custom Cakes and Zest Cakes & Cafe, Vyna has made a remarkable impact with her creativity, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Meanwhile, Sangeetha Krishnasamy received the SHEro Cinematic Icon Award, celebrating her contributions to the entertainment industry. Sangeetha Krishnasamy is a talented actress and producer who has made a significant mark in the entertainment industry. In addition to her success in the Tamil film industry, she made her debut in the Malaysian Malay entertainment scene in 2017, earning widespread recognition for her performances.
This event served as a powerful platform to celebrate the achievements of women while reinforcing the importance of continued efforts toward gender equality and empowerment. By bringing together inspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, the celebration highlighted the resilience, dedication, and contributions of women across various fields.
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