The Star Online: Metro: South & East
The Star Online: Metro: South & East |
- Don’t expect the fairer sex to submit to the stereotype
- Company reaches out to island village
- Cash aid for poor homes
| Don’t expect the fairer sex to submit to the stereotype Posted: 07 Jul 2011 09:16 PM PDT CHANGE is a great thing. Once upon a time women were not allowed to vote, drive a car and participate in competitive sports. Today, women can do anything they aspire to. However, we still know that in today's society, an ambitious female still has her work cut out for her. There are still many people who stereotype because of their belief that women should only be homemakers. Recently, I interviewed some female professionals making a name for themselves in a male-dominated industry. I spoke to two female night club DJs (Disc Jockeys), Patricia Sue-Lin Knudsen and Miss Universe Malaysia 2010 Nadine Ann Thomas — two ambitious, successful and driven ladies who don't accept traditional stereotypes. I am sure many of you are thinking, how can two beautiful girls struggle to establish themselves in the entertainment industry? It's not about beauty; it's about getting into the circle and sticking with it. Contrary to popular perception, you do need a high level of skill and music knowledge to be a DJ. See, stereotyping again! Both girls are new to the industry, but during our interview, both said they certainly have had their fair share of knock backs, not because they can't do the job, but due to their gender. According to Nadine, "I won't deny that some men disregard female DJs as just a pretty face, making excuses that because we have a better sex appeal we do not have to be as good." Despite the barriers, these girls still have to earn a living, and they're doing an awesome job of it! "I can be the best, regardless of my gender," added Nadine. Malaysia has this really cool competition going on at the moment, Astro Hitz Spin Master 2; a reality competition to encourage newcomers to try the industry and to show that they have what it takes to move to the next level. "I think the show is great!!! I am sure there are many bedroom DJs who have immense talent, but don't know how to go about showing it," says Patricia. "We have got to see more girls trying out in competitions like this, and realising that gender is not a barrier". So what is our conclusion here? It's really about the fact that there are some cool opportunities out there, but like with so many, people have to just take that first step. Recently, the government announced that in the next five years the private sector has to ensure that women make up at least 30% of decision-making positions. I hope this becomes a reality because I am a firm believer that the work place needs a good equal balance of men and women to make things work. With all these changes, let's hope for more female icons. Ladies, no industry or job is easy. Just ask Nadine and Patricia. Success also comes to those with the right attitude — "I want to be the best DJ out there, not the best female DJ, just the best DJ," adds Nadine. For me I wrote this story because I am a firm believer of the underdog. I am sure many of us want to see more female icons, because the next time our international friends were to ask us if our female icons can lead? I am sure we want to respond and say, "Woooooo-Man, they definitely can." Ben Ibrahim works as a TV Presenter, Producer, and MC. For information about Ben, log onto www.benibrahim.com, Benb.ibrahim@gmail.com, Twitter @BenIbrahim Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price. |
| Company reaches out to island village Posted: 07 Jul 2011 09:15 PM PDT SANDAKAN: Astro had recently conducted its Corporate Social Responsibilit at Pulau Nunuyan Laut, a remote fishing village inhabited by 140 families. During the event, the company's Chief Executive Office Datuk Rohana Rozhan presented a cheque for RM50,000 under the Kasih programme to Chief Miniser Datuk Seri Musa Aman on behalf of the communities of Pulau Nunuyan Laut, Pemaguan and Pulau Libaran. A total of 1,500 people from these fishing villages witnessed the check presentation as well as cheered to the performances by local artistes like Adira, Lena, Bob and Felix. "The Sabah government is very grateful to Astro for its cooperation in helping the people from Pulau Nunuyan Laut. "It is noble that the company has encouraged its employees to volunteer their time and energy to enrich the lives of the community instead of focusing on business alone," said Musa. Rozana, who led her staff in carrying out community work in the rural location also thanked the community there for their hospitality. The company's employees repaired and painted over 70 houses and boats at Pulau Nunuyan Laut, which helped to sustain the residents' livelihood. Some 300 school-going children also received their school supplies. Since the launch of Astro Kasih on 1 August 2009, some 3,000 Astro employees have contributed to about 400 community programmes. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price. |
| Posted: 07 Jul 2011 09:15 PM PDT MUAR: Seven poor families in Kampung Sabak Awor and Jalan Bakariah received cash aid of RM1,000 each to repair their old houses and medical treatment. Special officer to Mentri Besar for the Bentayan constituency Chris Lee said the families including two Chinese, had asked the state for assistance recently. He added that village headman Idris Sehan was asked to look into their plight recently and found that the villagers were in need of financial aid. "Some of them have been living in old houses which need to be repaired and a few needed treatment for diabetes and other ailments," said Lee. One old villager, he added, is suffering from failing eyesight and was in need of spectacles. Apart from the financial aid, Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman had also allocated RM30,000 for the construction of a fishermen's hut in Sabak Awor. Lee said funding for the hut would be channelled to the district office soon and hoped fishermen in Sabak Awor would fully utilise the facility. He added that the Johor government is always concerned about its subjects and urged poor villagers who needed to repair their old or damaged houses to write to him. "They can also come to my office in the town or inform their village headman if they need financial aid from the state government," added Lee. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price. |
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