Striking right balance for success

(From left) Liew, Yih Pyng and Chen marking the launch of the KLSCCCI Women Entrepreneurs Inaugural Forum 2022. — Photos: LOW BOON TAT/The Star

KEE E-Lene believes in the importance of self-care,

“If you have energy for yourself, you can then attend to the needs of your family and other people,”said the Abundant Ventures Sdn Bhd co-founder.

The mother of two makes it a point to schedule time for herself by having coffee at her favourite cafe, exercising at least three times a week and listening to podcasts and spiritual talks to keep herself motivated.

“You must know how to delegate and not beat yourself up if something does not go according to plan,” she said at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KLSCCCI) Women Entrepreneurs Inaugural Forum 2022 at Seng Peng Hall, Wisma Chinese Chamber, Kuala Lumpur.

The event themed “Shine On from Powder Room to Boardroom” was held to connect successful women entrepreneurs and give them an opportunity to share stories of their journeys to the top.

The speakers for the first session were Sunway Property managing director Sarena Cheah, Digital Penang Sdn Bhd board member Datuk Ng Wan Peng and Kee, while Xelia Tong served as moderator.

Admitting to not handling work-life balance well, Wan Peng advised entrepreneurs to always put their entire focus on the task at hand.

“For example, if you choose to be at work, focus on the job and do it well.

“Try not to let other things distract you,” said the former Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation chief operating officer.

Cheah said: “Our company tries to promote work-life harmony. Some people turn to hobbies to destress; some seek spirituality.

“It is up to them to decide what is important for their mental health.”

To encourage more women in the workforce, Wan Peng said it started with education at home.

“Girls and boys need to understand from young that there should be equal opportunities for women and men.

“I hope to show people around me that women can be successful too.

“I want to encourage girls to fight for what they want,” said Wan Peng, who hopes to be remembered for her advocacy in digital transformation.

Cheah is supportive of the Securities Commission’s requirement for public-listed companies to have 30% women in the boardroom.

“Research has shown that there are more diverse opinions when there are women sitting on boards of directors.

“Having diversity is important to ensure better representation.

“Mentorship and opportunities are also key to grooming successful women,” she said.

The forum included presentations by Naluri chief product officer Dr Tiffanie Ong and fashion designer Melinda Looi.

Present at the event were KLSCCCI president Datuk Ng Yih Pyng, KLSCCCI Women Entrepreneurs Committee chairman Liew Su Fei and KLSCCCI Women Entrepreneurs Committee deputy chairman Chen Lee Lian.

In his speech, Yih Pyng said: “KLSCCCI thinks that giving more credit and support to women entrepreneurs is the way forward, not only from a social perspective but also from an economic perspective.

“It is also why we took the initiative to have this forum, namely to encourage more women to be versatile.

“Women entrepreneurship must be supported in many ways to succeed in emerging sectors, such as ICT, green economy, Industrial Revolution 4.0 and ecommerce,” he added.