From Striver to Warrior

The year 2026 has been a memorable chapter in my career journey, filled with meaningful recognition and valuable lessons.

In March 2026, I was honored to receive the Most Beautiful Striver 2025 Award. To me, this award is more than just a title—it represents perseverance, dedication and the countless efforts invested throughout the year. It is a reminder that success is built through consistency, hardwork and the determination to keep moving forward despite challenges. The construction industry is built on determination. Behind every completed structure are countless hours of planning, coordination, problem-solving, site inspections, technical discussions and difficult decisions. The same can be said for personal growth. Success is rarely achieved overnight; it is built through consistency, discipline and the willingness to keep moving forward when things become challenging.

Receiving this award was a reminder that hard work does not go unnoticed. It acknowledged not only the results achieved, but also the attitude and commitment demonstrated throughout the journey. Every late-night review, every site challenge, every deadline met and every problem solved contributed to this achievement. More importantly, the award reinforced my belief that strength and femininity can coexist. Women do not need to compromise who they are in order to succeed in technical and demanding industries. We can lead projects, solve engineering challenges, make critical decisions and still remain authentic to ourselves.

Just two months later, in May 2026, I was deeply humbled to receive the Hexagonal Warrior recognition from the Southeast Asia Regional Area. What makes this achievement especially meaningful is that I was the only female engineer to receive this recognition. Working in the construction and engineering industry, where women are still underrepresented, this recognition serves as a powerful reminder that competence, leadership and impact are not defined by gender. When I first entered the construction industry, I was often one of the few women in meeting rooms, site inspections and technical discussions. And sometimes, in certain projects i am the only woman actually. Construction sites are environments where decisions must be made quickly, challenges arise daily and leadership is tested continuously. Building credibility in such an environment requires not only technical knowledge but also consistency, confidence and the ability to deliver results.

The Hexagonal Warrior Recognition symbolizes excellence across multiple dimensions. It recognizes individuals who demonstrate strong technical capability, leadership, teamwork, accountability, adaptability and a commitment to continuous improvement. Receiving this recognition affirmed that true leadership is not about gender—it is about performance, character and the ability to create value for the organization and the people around us. Being the only female engineer to receive this recognition was both an honor and a responsibility. It reminded me that representation matters. Every achievement by a woman in engineering helps challenge outdated perceptions and opens doors for future generations of women who aspire to pursue careers in technical fields.  Besides that, I also have been selected to fly to our company's headquarters in China. It is a privilege to be part of this journey. I am excited and looking forward for this trip.

These achievements are not mine alone. They reflect the support of my colleagues, construction team and the company that has given me opportunities to grow, learn and challenge myself. Every project, every obstacle and every success has shaped me into the professional I am today. For your information, I handled 3 projects for the Southeast Asia Regional Area located at Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.

As a woman in engineering, I hope my journey encourages more women to step confidently into technical and leadership roles, embrace challenges, and pursue their ambitions without limitations. The road may not always be easy, but every milestone achieved helps pave the way for those who will follow. Engineering and construction have long been perceived as industries primarily for men. However, the reality is changing. More women are stepping into technical roles, leadership positions and project management responsibilities, proving that capability is not defined by gender.

My journey has taught me that breaking stereotypes does not happen through words alone—it happens through actions, consistency and results. It happens when women confidently participate in technical discussions, lead project teams, solve engineering challenges and contribute meaningfully to organizational success. Every milestone achieved by a woman in engineering sends a powerful message: there is a place for women in every corner of this industry.

I am grateful for these recognitions, but even more excited for the opportunities, challenges and achievements that lie ahead. This is not the destination—it is another step forward in a journey of continuous growth and excellence. The journey from Striver to Warrior is not about receiving awards. It is about continuously striving, continuously learning, and continuously proving that determination, excellence and leadership have no gender.