KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 18): When Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam was first approached about joining the charter of Soroptimist International Petaling Jaya, she was unaware of its existence and had no interest in taking part, being then too busy with her job as public relations manager of Malaysia Airlines.

Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement that was founded in California, US, at a time when service organisations were not inclusive of females. The name, loosely translated from Latin, means “best for women”.

“I was persuaded to become a member, and of course, I have no regrets, even though I didn’t contribute much to the charter from January 1994 for a good three years,” Siew Yong recalls. “My journey only began after taking early retirement from MAS (Malaysia Airlines) and I agreed to take on the position of vice president.

“As circumstances would have it, I was quickly moved up to become the president in 1998, instead of 2001. From then on, there was no turning back. Once in, I wholeheartedly subscribed to its mission of transforming the lives of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities.”

Now, at the sweet age of 77-year-old, she is the first Asian to be Soroptimist International’s president. She shares insights into leadership and resilience in our cover story this week.

Also in this issue, author Dina Zaman talks about her book King of the Sea, which introduces readers to the lesser-known charms of Terengganu. Not to be missed is a look inside Royal Salute’s lavish launch party for the 21-year-old Miami Polo edition at Desaru Coast, as well as horologer François-Paul Journe’s eponymous restaurant in Geneva, Switzerland.

Read the stories in the Aug 19, 2024 issue of Options, out with The Edge Malaysia weekly.

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