University of London hosts More Seats at the Table: Achieving Leadership Equality in a Gendered World, a panel discussion event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
On 29 October 2018, the University of London held a panel discussion, More Seats at the Table: Achieving Leadership Equality in a Gendered World. Hosted at the residence of the British High Commissioner to Malaysia, the event was a continuation of the University of London’s Leading Women campaign and moderated by Mary Stiasny OBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor International and Chief Executive of University of London Worldwide.
The panel included three distinguished University of London alumnae: Asha Menon founder of HR Consultancy Firm, AM Talent Partners; Beverly Hon, owner of Xcess Communication; Karen Cheah Lee Lynn, partner at Chooi & Company + Cheang & Ariff.
After welcome remarks from Her Excellency Vicki Treadell, British High Commissioner to Malaysia, the panel passionately discussed women's progress across a range of professions and attaining gender parity and equality, including calls to their fellow alumnae to 'ask for what you want' to get ahead professionally.
All the speakers agreed on the importance of education, and encouraged the University to ensure continuing gender equality in our courses, proudly noting that currently half of all students in University of London’s distance and flexible courses are women. The audience posed interesting and lively questions, which sparked conversation beyond the session with guests staying to discuss themes of gender and race equality in Malaysia’s professional landscape.
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The panel
Dr Mary Stiasny OBE
Dr Mary Stiasny is the Pro Vice- Chancellor (International) of the University of London and Chief Executive of the University of London Worldwide. Prior to this, she provided strategic direction and leadership at the UCL Institute of Education, in her capacity as Pro-Director with responsibility for Learning, Teaching and International. Dr Stiasny currently chairs the steering group for the leading women campaign.
Asha Menon
Asha Menon is a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) graduate from the University of London and founder of HR Consultancy Firm AM Talent Partners. With 17 years corporate HR experience, including as Regional HR Director of REA Group, Asia, Asha has had experience of overseeing teams of over 1200 people. In 2018 Asha was recognised as one of “Malaysia’s Most Talented HR Leaders”, and in 2017 was included in the “Top 100 Most Influential Global Human Resources Leaders” by the World HRD Congress.
With a passion to inspire and influence young women to live a bold and meaningful life, Asha currently volunteers as a Mentor/Coach in LeanIn, Malaysia’s Women in Leadership Program.
Beverley Hon
Beverley Hon is the owner of Xcess Communication, a boutique PR consultancy, whose clientele includes prominent local and multinational brands. This former journalist and editor is also the author of Borneo Animals, a series of animal concept books for young children published by Oyez!Books - she has paired her love for animals and writing with her knack for rhyming in this series. In the world of sports, Beverley is a member of the International Cheer Union’s Entourage Commission, which develops and promotes educational programs for the Athletes’ Entourage. This also sees her working closely with the ICU’s Ethics and Medical commissions.
Karen Cheah Yee Lynn
Karen Cheah is an alumna of the University of London and a partner at Chooi & Company + Cheang & Ariff. She has been in active legal practice for over 20 years and was the immediate past Honorary Secretary and Treasurer of the Malaysian Bar. As a Partner at Chooi & Company + Cheang & Ariff, Karen’s current primary focus is on corporate and commercial transactions, information technology and data privacy, as well as conveyancing matters.