In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of engineering, women have been breaking barriers and carving out their space in a traditionally male-dominated field.
However, the journey hasn’t always been easy, as they’ve often faced skepticism, resistance, and gender stereotypes along the way.
In an exclusive interview with Business Today, Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence Malaysia, Country Manager, Khoo Siew Fang shared her insights on overcoming obstacles, promoting inclusivity, and fostering growth for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
With over 18 years of experience in engineering, sales, and leadership, Khoo Siew Fang has been a driving force behind the growth of Hexagon in Malaysia.
As the leader of country-wide sales activities and service teams, she played a key role in the company’s development. Prior to Hexagon, Khoo excelled at Mitutoyo, where she contributed to revenue growth in emerging markets.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and a Diploma in Civil Engineering, balancing her successful career with her role as a devoted mother of two.
Navigating Challenges with Resilience
Reflecting on her experience, Khoo acknowledges encountering skepticism and resistance rooted in gender stereotypes throughout her career.
Despite facing doubts about her capabilities and being overlooked for opportunities because of her gender, Khoo viewed these challenges as opportunities to prove her worth. “To address these obstacles, I focused on building a solid track record of success and reliability. I made sure my work spoke for itself, ensuring that the quality of my contributions and the results I delivered could not be ignored.
I also sought to cultivate strong relationships within my network and peers, finding allies and mentors who supported and believed in me.
This wasn’t about confronting skepticism with defensiveness but rather about proving through actions and outcomes that my gender does not define my capability or limit my potential,” she said.
Championing Diversity and Inclusivity
As a leader in the engineering field, Khoo actively promotes inclusivity and diversity within her organisation. She emphasised the importance of creating an environment where diversity is not just about numbers but about fostering a balanced workplace culture.
“I emphasise on enhancing diversity within our teams, promoting a hiring approach that minimizes bias and champions the inclusion of varied backgrounds and perspectives.
Creating an environment where diversity is not just about numbers but about fostering a balanced workplace is key.
This commitment extends to all levels of Hexagon, ensuring diversity is embedded into our company culture, shaping how we innovate, collaborate, and grow together,” she said.
By championing a hiring approach that minimises bias and fosters inclusion of varied backgrounds and perspectives, Khoo ensures diversity is embedded into the company’s culture.
This commitment extends to educational initiatives addressing unconscious biases and showcasing the benefits of a diverse workforce.
Harnessing the Power of Mentorship
Mentorship plays a crucial role in fostering growth and development, particularly for women in STEM fields. “The guidance, encouragement, and insight from my mentors not only helped me face and overcome various challenges but also encouraged me to seize opportunities that came my way.
Their support was not just about sharing knowledge, it was about instilling confidence and showing belief in my potential. This experience taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, the importance of continuous learning, and the courage to lead.
It transformed my professional outlook, enabling me to progress from learning to leading, and highlighted the importance of giving back by mentoring the next generation,” Khoo said.
Recognising the transformative power of mentorship, Khoo is committed to fostering mentorship within Hexagon and the broader STEM community.
By providing mentorship to young women in STEM, she aims to replicate the supportive environment instrumental in her development and contribute to building a more diverse and inclusive engineering field.
Attracting and Retaining Female Talent
To attract and retain female talent in engineering and manufacturing, Khoo underscored the importance of creating environments that welcome and support women’s growth and career development.
Implementing policies and programs addressing unique challenges women may face, such as flexible work arrangements and tackling workplace bias, is essential.
Additionally, fostering a workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion is crucial.
Khoo supports initiatives aimed at bolstering female representation, including mentorship schemes and collaborations with educational institutions to introduce girls to engineering and manufacturing from a young age.
Key Skills for Success
In today’s competitive landscape, aspiring female engineers and leaders should focus on cultivating a blend of technical proficiency, continuous learning, and strong interpersonal skills.
Technical skills are fundamental, but the ability to continuously learn and adapt is equally important. Interpersonal skills such as effective communication, teamwork, and leadership are crucial in driving projects to success and fostering innovation.
Khoo said by balancing these skills, advocating for oneself, and navigating unique challenges can empower aspiring female engineers and leaders to succeed and make impactful contributions to their fields.
As women continue to make strides in engineering and STEM fields, leaders like Khoo Siew Fang serve as inspirations, breaking barriers, and driving diversity and inclusion forward.
By overcoming challenges, championing diversity, harnessing the power of mentorship, and cultivating essential skills, women in engineering are paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative future.
With continued support and advocacy, the engineering industry can tap into the full potential of female talent, driving growth, and transformation in the years to come.
