As the world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, a spotlight falls on Noor Alia Mohd Anif (pic), Head of Marketing at ROSEN Group Asia Pacific, who has broken gender barriers and inspired a new generation of female professionals in the engineering field.
Navigating the traditionally male-dominated sector with grace and determination, Noor Alia who has over 17 years of experience in the industry, has shattered stereotypes and paved the way for women aspiring to leadership roles.
In an exclusive interview with BusinessToday, Noor Alia shared insights into her career milestones and experiences that have shaped her journey. “Being in the career of Marketing & Communication before the rise of the digital age has given me vast experience and opportunities,” she said. From traditional to digital work methods, Noor Alia has adapted and thrived, demonstrating resilience in the face of change.
However, Alia’s journey is not without its challenges. As a single mother, she faces unique obstacles in balancing her professional aspirations with her responsibilities at home. “Though I can’t claim to be successful just yet, I strive to give it my all every day,” she said. “Like other mothers in the world, I want to give my son the best life possible while balancing my passion for my career.”
Each day presents its own set of challenges for Alia, but she is grateful for the support network that surrounds her. “Thank God, I have a solid support network to help me manage my everyday responsibilities as a mother and a daughter while also pursuing my interests for work,” she said.
With understanding from her son’s father, an empathetic boss, supportive teachers for her son, and a circle of compassionate family members and friends, Alia feels blessed to have such unwavering support. “I couldn’t be at this stage without their encouragement and empathy,” she added.
Importance of Working Hand-in-Hand with Opposite Gender
Discussing the evolution of women’s roles, particularly in leadership positions within male-dominated sectors like engineering, Alia underscored the significance of International Women’s Day as a reminder of ongoing efforts toward gender equality. It serves as both a celebration of women’s achievements and a call for greater inclusivity across industries worldwide.
Reflecting on the progress made over the past half-century, it becomes apparent that women’s status has significantly advanced. Notably, there has been an increase in the presence of female executives in corporate settings, with statistics indicating that by 2023, women comprised over 30% of top-tier positions in Malaysia.
Drawing from her own experiences as a living example, Alia emphasised the imperative of collaboration between genders for the advancement of women in male-dominated fields like engineering. She firmly asserts that progress in these sectors hinges on unity and mutual support within the workforce.
“As a living example, I firmly believe that women’s advancement in a male-dominated field, like engineering, can only be achieved by working hand in hand with the male workforce.
In order to build the association and reach the goal, it is especially crucial to respect and recognize the strengths of each gender.” she said.
Central to her vision is the acknowledgment and appreciation of the distinct strengths that each gender brings to the table. By fostering an environment of respect and understanding, she believes that gender parity in leadership roles can be achieved more effectively.
“My ambition is for women in Malaysia to become more empowered and hold numerous leadership positions in industries that are dominated by men, while maintaining our deep strength as a woman. Regardless of gender, everyone in any organisation needs the support to flourish and make significant progress.” she added.
Navigating Male-Dominated Realms: Strategies for Success in Engineering Leadership
Navigating a predominantly male-dominated field like engineering presents its challenges, but for Alia, strategic approaches have been pivotal in overcoming these hurdles and cementing a leadership position within the industry.
Acknowledging the significance of not only technical proficiency but also a deep understanding of human dynamics, she has honed her intuitive abilities to effectively navigate complex scenarios. This skillset has proven invaluable, especially in environments where women are underrepresented.
“You have to be strong not just in your area of expertise, but also in your ability to understand people profoundly in order to overcome obstacles in a field that is dominated by men.” Alia said.
Her journey has been significantly aided by an environment at ROSEN that fosters respect for women, providing a conducive atmosphere for growth and development within the field. “I’m grateful that women were treated with respect at ROSEN.” she added.
In her early career, seizing opportunities to highlight her expertise and articulate her potential contributions was key to breaking through the barriers posed by a male-dominated profession. By aligning her skills with the organisation’s goals, she successfully garnered recognition and credibility.
Furthermore, prioritising emotional intelligence has played a crucial role in fostering collaboration and understanding. Through empathetic engagement and rapport-building, she has established meaningful connections essential for navigating gender-related challenges.
Ultimately, her approach emphasises the human aspect in overcoming obstacles, viewing each challenge as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. By embracing empathy and understanding, she has not only conquered gender barriers but also thrived as a leader in the engineering field.
Empowering Women in Engineering: Initiatives That Make a Difference
As the Head of Marketing, Alia has spearheaded initiatives aimed at empowering women in the engineering sector. Through events like luncheons, get-togethers, and the RoActive initiative, she has taken proactive steps to foster inclusivity and support within the workplace.
Believing strongly in the adage “Women empower Women,” Alia said, “I always believe in this phase “Women empower Women!” Our strength as women are undeniable. Utmost support from our surroundings is most required to ensure that we reach out to our dreams.”
The quarterly luncheons, daily workouts under the banner of “ROActive,” and regular get-togethers have had a significant positive impact on women at ROSEN.
These activities provide a platform for women to come together, network, and build a supportive community. Acting as ice-breaking sessions, they promote closeness among colleagues, leading to a more productive working environment.
Guiding the Next Generation: Mentorship in Engineering
In her role as a mentor to interns and newcomers in the engineering field, she adopts an informal yet effective approach during mentoring sessions. “Working at ROSEN has given me a new perspective on how I may collaborate with others and advance professionally while surrounded by newcomers who represent the next generation.” Alia said.
She added that taking time to genuinely get to know individuals, listen to their perspectives without judgment, and understand their thought processes lays the foundation for a trusting mentor-mentee relationship.
Acknowledging the challenges that the engineering field can present, particularly for newcomers, she emphasises the importance of fearlessness and voicing opinions. Encouraging interns and newcomers to build their soft skills and share their ideas openly, she acts as a cheerleader, providing support and guidance when needed.
Despite her years of professional expertise, she remains open to learning from the younger generation, recognising the wealth of ideas they bring. Embracing flexibility and continuous learning, she inspires both mentor and mentee to grow and succeed together in the dynamic field of engineering.
