AMMA holds its first Ladies' International Symposium

KUALA LUMPUR: The All-Malaysia Malayalee Association or AMMA, held its first-ever Ladies' International Symposium recently to empower women to attain skills and confidence to participate fully in economic life across all sectors, create a healthy lifestyle, and sustain quality life for themselves, family and community.
AMMA president Datuk Suseela Menon said: "We strongly feel that such a conference will inspire and empower our women greatly, encouraging them to think differently and at a higher level."
The one-day event entitled "Infinite Possibilities, Woman Know Thy Strength", attracted participants from the length and breath of the peninsula, including Singapore.
This event showcased some 15 local and international personalities and celebrities who spoke about the successes and challenges they have faced in their respective fields.
The symposium focused on the achievements of global women in various fields, infinite opportunities available to them in the new millennium and also, the trials and tribulations faced and overcome by women who have made it against all odds on national and global platforms.
The highlight of the event was the presence of Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Travancore, Kerala, Princess Aswathy Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi, who was the guest of honour and keynote speaker who spoke on "Mother Earth – A Royal Perspective".
Other speakers included famous South Indian celebrity film stars who are women's cause activists, Khushboo Sundar who spoke on "Beyond The Glass Ceiling", Shwetha Menon ("Breaking Barriers"), Bollywood celebrity stylist and television personality Ambika Pillai, on "Fortune Favours The Bold", local entertainment celebrities Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina, Deanna Yusuff and South Indian starlet and singer, Aparna Balamurali on "Life Behind The Glamour".
The other speakers were former Education Ministry deputy director-general Datuk Noor Rezan Bapoo Hashim, sports personality and educator Datuk Marina Chin and British Council country director Sarah Deverall who spoke on" Educate A Woman And You Educate A Village".
Corston Smith asset management CEO Datuk Shireen Ann Zaharah Muhiudeen spoke on "Woman: Her Failings", while former beauty queen Deborah Henry on "Making Beauty Count".
Besides the women speakers, Prof Em Datuk Dr Kumar Das and Prof Dr Suresh Govind, talked on "Feminism: Is it a Wow or an Ouch?" and "Woman, From A Man's Perspective" respectively.
Meanwhile surplus funds raised at the event will go towards the betterment of under-privileged children through the education programmes run by AMMA Foundation, the education arm of AMMA and towards providing assistance to hardcore poor single mothers through Project MADE (Making a Difference Everywhere).