“Does hard work still get you promoted? Or is there a point where visibility and influence matter more?”
That question set the tone for the latest RAIL Leadership Accelerator roundtable dinner, organised by Women in Rail Malaysia, held on 10th July 2026 at Busaba, Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC), here in Kuala Lumpur.
The RAIL Leadership Accelerator is an intimate dinner series that brings together women across the rail industry for honest conversations with leaders from different industries. It’s a chance to step away from the boardroom, ask questions we don’t always get to ask and learn from people who have navigated their own leadership journeys.
Our guest speaker, Soo Fern Lee, former EY Asean Diversity & Inclusiveness Leader and Partner, Talent at EY, shared her experiences of stepping into senior leadership, the lessons she learnt along the way and the realities that often aren’t talked about enough.
One idea kept coming up throughout the evening.
That question set the tone for the latest RAIL Leadership Accelerator roundtable dinner, organised by Women in Rail Malaysia, held on 10th July 2026 at Busaba, Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC), here in Kuala Lumpur.
The RAIL Leadership Accelerator is an intimate dinner series that brings together women across the rail industry for honest conversations with leaders from different industries. It’s a chance to step away from the boardroom, ask questions we don’t always get to ask and learn from people who have navigated their own leadership journeys.
Our guest speaker, Soo Fern Lee, former EY Asean Diversity & Inclusiveness Leader and Partner, Talent at EY, shared her experiences of stepping into senior leadership, the lessons she learnt along the way and the realities that often aren’t talked about enough.
One idea kept coming up throughout the evening.
Hard work will always matter. But as your career grows, so does the importance of being seen.
Not for recognition or titles, but so people understand the value you bring. Being seen means speaking up when it matters, building trust, sharing your ideas and having the confidence to take on bigger responsibilities.
The conversation also explored why some talented people move into senior leadership while others seem to plateau, what leaders really look for when deciding who’s ready for the next step, the courage to make difficult decisions, and the constant balancing act between career and family.
What made the evening memorable wasn’t just Soo Fern’s insights, it was the conversation around the table. People shared their own experiences, asked thoughtful questions and challenged different perspectives. There were moments of laughter, honest reflection and plenty of practical advice that everyone could take back to work.
A heartfelt thank you to Soo Fern Lee for spending the evening with us and for sharing your leadership journey with such honesty and generosity.
We would also like to thank our valued partners — Arup, MRT Corp, Huawei Malaysia, Asia Infrastructure Solutions and NK Mobility — for their continued support of the RAIL Leadership Accelerator and for joining us in creating a space where women can learn from one another, build meaningful connections and grow together.
These conversations remind us that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about continuing to learn, supporting those around us and having the courage to step forward when the opportunity comes.
We look forward to welcoming everyone to the final RAIL Leadership Accelerator roundtable dinner of this series, where we’ll continue the conversation and celebrate another chapter of learning, connection and leadership.
The conversation also explored why some talented people move into senior leadership while others seem to plateau, what leaders really look for when deciding who’s ready for the next step, the courage to make difficult decisions, and the constant balancing act between career and family.
What made the evening memorable wasn’t just Soo Fern’s insights, it was the conversation around the table. People shared their own experiences, asked thoughtful questions and challenged different perspectives. There were moments of laughter, honest reflection and plenty of practical advice that everyone could take back to work.
A heartfelt thank you to Soo Fern Lee for spending the evening with us and for sharing your leadership journey with such honesty and generosity.
We would also like to thank our valued partners — Arup, MRT Corp, Huawei Malaysia, Asia Infrastructure Solutions and NK Mobility — for their continued support of the RAIL Leadership Accelerator and for joining us in creating a space where women can learn from one another, build meaningful connections and grow together.
These conversations remind us that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about continuing to learn, supporting those around us and having the courage to step forward when the opportunity comes.
We look forward to welcoming everyone to the final RAIL Leadership Accelerator roundtable dinner of this series, where we’ll continue the conversation and celebrate another chapter of learning, connection and leadership.
