THE Cybertorium and Cyberhub halls in Menara Star, Petaling Jaya in Selangor, buzzed with energy as over 90 eager participants gathered for a workshop dedicated to developing women’s full potential in the workplace.

Hosted by Star Media Group (SMG), the “Speed Mentoring: Own Your Ascent” event was organised by the 30% Club Malaysia – a voluntary organisation of senior professionals focused on facilitating 30% women representation on the boards of companies listed on Bursa Malaysia.

Talent search company CnetG collaborated on this event.

In her opening remarks, 30% Club’s Enable Pillar Board Mentoring scheme co-lead and Berjaya Corporation Bhd executive director Norlela Baharudin asked the audience if they had been to a speed mentoring session before.

One participant quipped that she had, adding that she found the experience similar to speed dating, drawing laughter from the crowd.

One participant quipped that she had, adding that she found the experience similar to speed dating, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Norlela said the event’s objective was to inspire board-ready candidates to rise to leadership roles.

Following the opening remarks, participants were split into two sessions – speed mentoring and speed networking.

At the speed mentoring round, participants were engaged in 15-minute discussions with each mentor, exchanging ideas, gaining insights and receiving guidance on navigating the path to leadership.

Seven guest speakers joined the sessions, tackling questions from the participants on career and leadership.

The guests were Norlela, SMG chief operating officer Lydia Wang, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Malaysia board chair and chief executive officer Anamika Talwar, 30% Club’s Enable Pillar (Talent Engagement) and CnetG Asia managing partner Raj Kumar Paramanathan, Hibiscus Petroleum independent, non-executive director Emeliana Rice-Oxley, Paynet group chief executive officer Farhan Ahmad and CIMB Group Holdings independent director Ho Yuet Mee.

During the networking session, participants mingled through a series of activities.

It included a unique game of Bingo where, in order to win, participants were required to complete an activity worksheet by crossing out the names of the companies of individuals they had met at the workshop.

It was followed by a sharing session where participants spoke about their strengths as a leader and the leadership roles they aspired to assume.

The event ended with closing remarks from Wang, who stressed that for many women in the working world, they are both a mother and a working professional.

“It is not wrong to choose your family. Yes, we are here to talk about career growth, but whatever you decide to choose, that is the right decision.

“So do not think you are obliged to be superhuman,” she added.