WOMEN WHO REFUSE TO SETTLE

ALL eyes were on her – not for fitting in, but for standing out. In a soil mechanics lab at the University of Miami, a young Datuk Nik Airina Nik Jaffar, then a master’s student and teaching assistant, stood before a room of mostly male engineering students from around the world.

She was young, she was a woman, and she was determined. “I can do this,” she told herself.

“I realised that with hard work and determination, I could achieve anything I set my mind to. That experience was a key milestone that prepared me for future challenges.”

Nik Airina was soon hired as a structural engineer by a consultancy firm in Florida – the youngest and only woman on the team. Her first projects were the Port of Miami Bridge and the I-95 highway.

The stakes were high, the pace relentless, and the learning curve steep. “It sharpened my technical skills and, more importantly, gave me the confidence to lead teams and engage across cultures.”

In 1989, she returned to Malaysia to join Pengurusan Lebuhraya Bhd (now Opus), under UEM Group Bhd, just as the North-South Expressway project was taking off.

“I was fortunate to be part of UEM Group during a period of rapid infrastructure expansion, both locally and abroad. It was also an inclusive environment that valued diversity and enabled my growth,” says Nik Airina.

Today, she is PLUS Malaysia Bhd’s managing director. Throughout the years in UEM Group, she was instrumental in delivering major infrastructure projects such as the Manila-Cavite Expressway, the Pan-Borneo Highway and several rail systems.

Nik Airina has also held top leadership roles across UEM Group’s diverse businesses – highway operations, engineering consultancy, construction and new ventures.

Her expertise earned her a seat on the board of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB). Beyond infrastructure, she’s building something more lasting – a culture that empowers women and nurtures leadership at every level.

“Women engineers should always aspire for more, be courageous in meeting challenges and seek newer, bigger opportunities,” says Nik Airina, who believes companies must foster a more balanced, inclusive, and equitable environment to support women’s advancement in engineering.

This belief, shaped by her journey at UEM Group, inspired her to champion PLUS Malaysia’s Employee Mobility Programme –designed to break silos and unlock talent through cross-functional exposure.

“We now have over 60 women engineers at PLUS, several in leadership roles. I look forward to mentoring the next generation of women engineers and future leaders.”

Raised by grit and resilience

Demonstrating leadership qualities reminiscent of Nik Airina, UEM Edgenta Bhd head of commercial business operations for healthcare solutions business Choo Tze Wei, 46, delivered one of her most defining career achievements under extraordinary circumstances.

Five months pregnant and unable to be on-site, Choo was tasked with leading the turnaround of delayed infrastructure works for a major power plant project in Port Dickson. Critics questioned her appointment, but her execution silenced them.

“I restructured the team, leaned into local expertise, and stayed focused on delivery. Even though I never stepped foot on-site, we turned the project around,” says the structural engineer (bridge specialist) who carries a legacy of grit forward.

Raised by parents who epitomised perseverance – her mother earned a degree at 50, her father rose without formal education – Choo embraced discomfort as a catalyst for growth.

She transitioned from structural engineering into commercial strategy and procurement before stepping into healthcare, a field she once knew nothing about.

“One can discover strengths in the unknown,” she advises.

A strong advocate for representation, Choo believes women in leadership ignite belief in others.

“Representation is important – it induces self-belief. Sometimes being a woman in engineering makes you a special species. You bring something unique to the table.”

She cautions against letting others define your path. “Don’t put yourself in a box. Society or even your parents might – but step out of it. If you have strategy and confidence, your gender doesn’t matter – competence does.”

Choo credits UEM Edgenta’s progressive policies – flexible hours and remote work – for enabling her to thrive in both her career and motherhood.

Acknowledging the challenges many women face when navigating caregiving responsibilities, she says: “Without that flexibility, I might’ve had to give up my job.”

She also highlights the subtler dynamics in male-dominated workplaces – from sports-centric conversations to leadership stereotypes – that can unintentionally exclude women.

“Self-awareness, preparation, and supportive leaders who see beyond gender make all the difference. I’ve had bosses who told me, ‘We don’t see you as a woman engineer. We see you as a professional who delivers.’ That mindset is powerful,” shares Choo.

With seven years of US experience as well as leadership training from Wharton and INSEAD, the former Gamuda scholar now mentors women, champions pay equity, and promotes inclusive leadership.

“Organisations need to ensure fairness in pay and opportunity – when you uplift women, you elevate the whole team,” she says.

Standing up to stereotypes

Cement Industries of Malaysia Bhd (CIMA) ready-mixed concrete division technical manager Salwati Mohd Sukri, 37, draws inspiration in women who have excelled in both technical and operational roles.

“If they can do it, so can I,” she says. With over 13 years of experience, Salwati has contributed to landmark projects such as Malaysia’s first MRT and the iconic Merdeka 118. Her speciality lies in designing advanced concrete mixes for complex structures – with a strong emphasis on sustainability.

Known for championing green innovations, she consistently pushes for eco-friendly solutions that minimise environmental impact. In construction, precision is critical. Salwati has worked night shifts, public holidays and late nights on-call – all while balancing family life.

She attributes her growth to CIMA’s support – through technical training, hands-on site exposure and access to cutting-edge construction technologies.

To her, learning never stops. She believes confidence is built through curiosity, preparation and persistence. Emphasising that women should not self-limit themselves based on societal expectations or perceived industry barriers, Salwati says: “Strength is not just physical. It is found in strategic thinking, attention to detail, showing up with consistent excellence.

“One does not need to know everything from day one. Just be confident, keep learning and let your work speak for itself,” Salwati advises.

Meanwhile, UEM Lestra Bhd technical executive (power) Amani A’qeela Ismadi, 27, had her first glimpse of women in leadership at an all-girls school –where students led clubs and drove initiatives, challenging the traditional notion that women are merely secondary to men.

“Being young is already a challenge. Being a young, female engineer adds another layer of complexity,” she shares.

Rather than deter her, these barriers fuel the mechanical engineer’s resolve to challenge outdated perceptions and prove women can achieve in male-dominated industries.

A Yayasan UEM scholar, Amani A’qeela began her career in sustainability at PLUS before moving on to lead national solar and hybrid energy projects at UEM Lestra – including a large-scale hybrid plant with battery storage.

She believes that knowledge and hands-on experience are the ultimate equalisers. “Once knowledge, experience and exposure is yours, nobody can take that away.”

She credits her growth to working in small teams that offered real responsibility and direct access to senior leaders. Equally empowering has been the visibility of female role models at work.

“The glass ceiling isn’t as solid as people say. If you already believe in it, you’re limiting yourself more than anyone else ever could.”

A strong advocate for women supporting women, Amani A’qeela encourages others to break free from self-doubt and speak up.

“For men, they have to give 100%. For women, we have to give 150%. I’m not mad about that – it’s just how it is. But don’t be timid. Be assertive. Speak your mind, or you will forever be a wallflower.”

Empowering women talent

The Star’s cover story published on April 18, 2025 highlights the progress and growth of women in engineering – an industry traditionally dominated by men.

According to research firm Fictiv, men made up 86.3% of the global engineering workforce in 2023, compared to 13.7% women.

While this marks a slight decrease from 14.88% in 2020, long-term data show a general upward trend in the global participation of women in engineering.

In an effort to help shift the balance, UEM Group – the infrastructure arm of Khazanah Nasional Bhd – has been investing in women in engineering long before diversity, equity and inclusion became a corporate imperative.

Merit has always been the guiding principle across the group’s subsidiaries, enabling women to grow into technical, operational, managerial, and executive roles.

To date, more than 60 women have received engineering scholarships through Yayasan UEM, the group’s philanthropic arm.

UEM Group managing director Datuk Amran Hafiz Affifudin says: “Excellence knows no gender. The group takes pride in our women engineers – from frontline roles to senior leadership – who consistently redefine what’s possible.”

As a company responsible for delivering landmark infrastructure, UEM Group recognises the value of diverse perspectives in solving complex challenges.

With women still representing just 13.7% of the global engineering workforce in 2023, Amran notes that diversity gives the company an edge.

“This is why we’re committed to creating real opportunities for women to lead, innovate, and thrive.

“Inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do – it enhances our impact and helps us build sustainable solutions for communities and the country,” he adds.