Ugeswary (standing behind the counter) teaching her employees at her goldsmith shop in Kuala Lumpur and (below) receiving the Master Entrepreneur award from Enterprise Asia chairman Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn.
Datin Seri Dr Ugeswary Selva Raja had dreamt of becoming a lawyer since she was seven.
She not only achieved her dream, but her life journey led her to unexpected success as a goldsmith and entrepre-neur too.
Along the way, though, she had faced tribulations, such as the death of her father Selva Raja Chelliah just a week before her Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination.
Persevering through her grief, Ugeswary managed to score 3As.
She then pursued a basic law degree at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, graduating in 2006.
Her passion for law prompted her to pursue post-graduate degrees at Universiti Malaya, eventually obtaining a doctorate in 2017.
The career path for Negri Sembilan-born Ugeswary included being the legal head at a public-listed company.
In 2018, she ventured out to establish a law firm with a fellow lawyer.
Even as her law career flourished, the mother of three felt her entrepreneurial spirit grow ever stronger.
Although possessing no prior knowledge of the gold industry, she took the bold step of setting up Unique Gold Palace Sdn Bhd in Kuala Lumpur.
She chose the gold business because she perceived it as having a lower risk than other types of businesses.
“Gold has historically been a stable investment,” she said.
“It is also a tangible asset that can provide a hedge against economic uncertainties and inflation, making it a safer option for investors.
“I learned valuable lessons through trial and error; many of my mistakes cost me dearly.
“This path was necessary to improve myself and my business,” she added.
Ugeswary’s resilience paid off and soon, she opened three more shops in Kuala Lumpur – two along Jalan Masjid India and one in Brickfields.
By 2017, she expanded into the wholesale sector as well as export and import of jewellery with NIVS Gold Sdn Bhd.
Her expertise and advice helped many people start their own jewellery shops throughout Malaysia, making her one of the few successful women in a male-dominated industry.
Ugeswary’s achievements did not go unnoticed.
She received a “Master Entrepreneur” award last month from Asia-Pacific Enterprise Awards (Apea).
The accolade by non-governmental organisation for entrepreneurship Enterprise Asia gives regional recognition to her passion in training and contribution in this industry.
Ugeswary aims to train more Malaysians in the gold industry to address the shortage of local skills.
“Training is crucial. I have always believed that each of my employees must improve in skill and learning.
“Seeing their confidence and excellence, I know I can help others willing to learn.”
Ugeswary’s next project is setting up a training academy for young people to thrive in the gold industry.
“The scarcity of skilled artisans poses a significant hurdle.
“With proper training and nurturing, I believe young people can excel in this craft.
“It is a huge industry in Malaysia and there is a significant demand for skilled (goldsmith) artisans,” said Ugeswary, who lives by the motto “Results over Excuses: Where Determination Reigns, Success Follows”.
