NEWS

Beauty, Brains, and a Drive to Inspire Change

Umah Jeralene A/P Louis Adaikalasamy, affectionately known as Ms. Jay, is a distinguished figure in project management, construction, and tourism development in Malaysia. Her impressive career includes prestigious roles such as General Manager at Sri Pengkalan Binaan, where she oversees critical project developments and liaises with government authorities.

With a Diploma in Marketing & Business from Stamford College, Master's Degree in Executive Masters in Management  from Asia E University and her ongoing pursuit of a PhD in Business Administration, she demonstrates a strong commitment to professional growth. Throughout her career, she has driven significant sales achievements, notably generating RM168 million in sales at Suechi Industries, and played pivotal roles in landmark projects like the Melaka Gateway.

But life did not start out great for Ms Jay. She grew up in Seremban with dreams of higher education, but life threw her a curveball. At 20, tragedy struck when her mother was killed in a hit-and-run accident, altering her life’s path. By 22, her father arranged her marriage to a man ten years her senior, marking the start of a journey filled with resilience.

Despite these hurdles, Ms. Jay was determined to make lemonade out of lemons. Her unique marriage—she a Christian and her husband a Hindu—flourished with mutual support. While her plans for higher education paused with motherhood, she pursued child psychology courses and a marketing diploma, ultimately excelling in her career as a PA and later as a branch manager.

Balancing ambition and family expectations was challenging, but her perseverance paved the way for her as a trailblazer in property development. “Opportunities for Indian women in Chinese-majority companies are rare, but my confidence helped me break barriers,” she shares, advising others to “carry yourself well, speak confidently, and be disciplined.”

Her career flourished, and after her father’s passing in 2014, she completed her master’s degree and became a general manager overseeing over 80 staff. Through strict time management and self-discipline, she maintains high performance in a demanding industry.

Her transformation journey was not without challenges. Health setbacks, including knee replacements in 2019 and the pandemic, spurred her to adopt a healthier lifestyle, shedding 20 kilograms through dietary changes and exercise. At 56, she took a leap of faith, winning a beauty pageant—a childhood dream that inspired her family and colleagues.

In 2024, Ms. Jay received the World Class Women Achievers Award and the Women Dream Builders Award at an international ceremony in Trichy, India, where she was celebrated as a Women Icon. Her pageantry journey includes being crowned the Mrs International Glam Icon Season 6 Diamond Winner and the Mrs Elite Malaysia Universe 2024 2nd Runner-up, starting with her title as Mrs India Malaysia 2022 Champion Classic Queen.

Now pursuing a PhD in Business Administration, Ms. Jay champions continuous learning, stating, “You’re never too old to learn.” Nearing retirement, she remains a driving force in her company and an inspiration to women, urging them to “stay disciplined, believe in yourself, and keep going. Life is full of challenges, but each step forward is a victory.”

From the heart of Ms Jay

What 2 skills do you believe have been crucial for your success and why?

Leadership
In my career, I’ve held senior roles like General Manager of Project Development, where I’ve led diverse teams in construction, sales, and marketing. My leadership has driven project success and helped my teams meet company objectives.

Problem-Solving
Successfully managing large-scale developments and coordinating with government authorities demands strong problem-solving skills. I navigate complex projects, resolve issues with consultants and contractors, and ensure regulatory compliance, all of which are crucial to my project management effectiveness.

These skills enable me to overcome industry challenges and support sustainable business growth.

Can you share any specific experiences where you had to break barriers or challenge stereotypes?

Early in my career, I encountered skepticism about my abilities due to my background. Rather than retreating, I chose to let my results speak for themselves. By tackling challenging projects, I was able to demonstrate my skills and, in doing so, shift perceptions and pave the way for others in my community.