WISTA Malaysia’s Holds Inaugural Fireside Chat

Padmesh Prabhune

WISTA Malaysia, the Malaysia’s chapter of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International), a global organization connecting female executives and decision-makers from around the world, held its inaugural virtual fireside chat, titled – The Benefits of Diversity and Inclusion for Organizations and Communities, on March 31.

The online meeting was attended by over 25 members, mostly women from across segments. The Panel consisted of Jennifer Leong, Founding Secretary General WISTA Malaysia; Shanti Abraham, Founding Vice President; Siti Norai Shah, Founding Sabah State Representative; Judy Chong, Founding Assistant Secretary General; Eunice Goh, Founding Treasurer; Summiit Cheema of WISTA India; and Reshma Yousuf of WISTA Singapore.

Setting the stage, the host Reshma Yousuf introduced the panel of speakers and Jennifer Leong, the moderator for the discussion who had been very focused in picking out the right questions, paved the way for the panelists to respond with alacrity.

During the online discussion held for over an hour, Leong ensured every speaker could make their point clear enlisting the benefits of Diversity and Inclusion for Organizations and Communities. While everyone present were equally vocal about the growing need of inclusive diversity, speakers like Judy Chong and Prunella Phoong maintained that Malaysia is gradually improving on adapting to the changes.

Some of the merits acknowledged were that gender diversity sparks innovation, and diverse leadership expands an organization’s customer base.

To conclude, Reshma Yousuf delivered the vote of Thanks, promising many more regular online discussions to be held in future.

Marex Media