Malaysian Indian Women Break Barriers and Pave The Way for 'Women Icon Awards'

Every successful woman started somewhere!

There’s no “magic pill” for them to start up and mushroom rapidly in any field as it births from tiny seeds before it turns to fruition.

A woman plays many roles—sister, daughter, friend, breadwinner, wife, partner, mother, confidante, and so on. We are defined and regarded as great multi-tasking empowering individuals, hence, we need to choose a profession that not only pays well but also allows us to have tremendous success in whatever we intend to do with our lives.

Recently, four Malaysian Indian women have blazed in the Women Icon Awards 2021 list. The award ceremony is celebrated to highlight women who have certainly beat the odds and risen beyond expectations placed on them.

Shalinee Fernandez

Shalinee is known as the Senior Legal Counsel Asia-Pacific for Ansell, an Australian multinational corporation that manufactures protective industrial and medical gloves and personal protective equipment (PPE) around the world. Being a member of the legal team, she supports the company’s global operations and sourcing accordingly.

Recently, the Top 50 Legal Falcons (Lawyers) in the world bagged the “Women Icon Of The Year ” under Women Leadership Awards category.

In October 2002, she was enrolled as an Advocate and Solicitor to the High Court of Malaya after graduating with a law degree from the University of London in 1999 and the University of New England (New South Wales) Australia in 2020.

She comes with over 19 years of experience, including 5 years as a partner in a private practice handling both litigation and corporate work in the areas of general civil litigation, employment, family law, banking, industrial relations, and corporate winding up.

Kunasundari Sundar

Hailing from Banting, Sundari who sets as an inspiration for the rest of the young generation has bagged the “Difference Maker Award” under Women Inspiration Awards category.

Known as a standout graphic designer, the 28-year-old woman has also filled in the shoes as a digital marketing specialist and the founder of SM Unique Enterprise. Well, at this age the responsibility that is being shouldered by this wonder woman ain’t a catwalk.

Being the only graphic designer to successfully conduct international events in Singapore, Malaysia and India, her hard work has paid off despite going through an uphill battle in reaching for the stars.

Her life motto:

“What you think, you become
What you feel, you attract
What you image, you create”

She has a background in digital marketing involving high-tech enterprises, with an emphasis on delivering a superior brand experience. Her clients remain astounded by her exceptional marketing abilities, being that of an inspirational marketer.

Telekha Shanmugam

Telekha, the Director of SLC Logistics & Distributions Sdn. Bhd has been honoured with the “Super Boss Award” under the Women Icon Awards category.

The mother of two, began her career as a clerical clerk at JPSS Trading and Logistics and her personal qualities drove her to make their big idea a reality. She credits much of her hard-earned success to the company, the director of The Star Transportation and Distribution Sdn.Bhd, Mr Sardar Singh noticed that Telekha has leadership qualities to run a business. Hence, he decided to appoint her as the director for another company, SLC Logistics Sdn.Bhd and it’s been moonlighting for a few years till date.

With the clock ticking, Telekha has also dipped her toes as a director of SAT Trading and I Studio Rehearsal & Recording.

Everyone wants the decision to be easy or quick, but it will never be. Put in the effort, demonstrate that you’ll keep doing the work even if you’re the only one in your corner. Then go ahead and make it happen. Well, Talekha has proved that her freaking hard work has finally reaped its rewards.

Niwashini A/P Murthi

Despite enduring so many hardships, Niwashini finds what lights her up. She put in the effort and hard work to make that dream happen and it did! Showers of blessings poured eventually.

Being honoured with the “Young Achiever Award,” the married woman has been constantly excelling in both studies and work. With a strong support system, she enrolled for a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology degree and continued her Master’s Degree in the same field. She found a career that not only pays her well, but allows her to be a career woman without having to compromise on anything.

If you think it is impossible to multitask at this age, well think about it again!

Women these days can achieve it all: financial freedom, a thriving career, great independence, a family (if they wish to) and a fulfilling personal and social life. And, after all, why not? Your choices have the power to provide you with anything you desire.