Some conversations don’t end when the dinner does. They stay with you.
On 6 April, Women in Rail Malaysia hosted the second session of the RAIL Leadership Accelerator with an intimate roundtable dinner at Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC), here in Kuala Lumpur.
We had the privilege of hosting Tan Sri Datuk Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, a trailblazer in public service. She was the first woman Secretary-General at Malaysia’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and most recently served as Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat in Singapore. Her career spans decades of shaping trade policy and representing Malaysia on the global stage.
The RAIL Leadership Accelerator is a six-month pilot programme designed to create space for conversations that do not usually happen in formal settings. These are honest, small-group discussions where women in leadership roles can reflect, share and learn from one another. Each session explores a different theme and this second session focused on navigating power, influence and visibility.
What made the evening meaningful was how open and real the conversation was. There were no filters, just honest reflections on what it takes to lead, especially in rooms where expectations are high and decisions are not always easy.
Tan Sri Rebecca spoke about the journey behind leadership roles. The moments that test you, the times you have to stand your ground, and the quiet work that often goes unseen. Her reflections reminded us that leadership is not defined by title alone, but by how we show up, the choices we make, and how we carry responsibility in difficult moments.
A key theme throughout the evening was the difference between authority and influence. Influence, she shared, is built over time through trust, consistency and clarity. It is not about being the loudest voice in the room, but about knowing when to speak and what to say.
The conversation also touched on visibility and the importance of being seen and heard. Delivering results matters, but it is equally important to step forward, contribute and ensure that your work and perspective are part of the conversation.
One message that stayed with many of us was the importance of people. Having figures you look up to. The ones who guide you, support you and become pillars as you grow in your career.
She also reminded us that as women, we need to support one another, open doors and create opportunities. Just as importantly, we must give younger talent the exposure they need to learn, grow and step into these spaces with confidence.
The evening brought together women from different industries and leadership backgrounds, creating a space for honest sharing and thoughtful reflection.
Women in Rail Malaysia is grateful for another meaningful session with a world-class leader who showed up, shared openly and made the conversation what it was.
We extend our appreciation to our corporate partners Huawei Malaysia, MRT Corp, Asia Infra Solution, NK Mobility and Arup Group for their continued support of this programme.
