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Siti Padillah Binti Abdul Wahab has a simple recipe for success: Believe in yourself, pursue knowledge and experience, embrace challenges, and build a support network as you aim for leadership roles. As one of just a handful of women in leadership roles in the EMS industry in Malaysia, she also advocates for inclusivity and takes time to celebrate her achievements.
Siti is managing director at CG Global Profastex Manufacturing Sdn. Bh., in Malaysia, a role that came as a result of shifting her career from business to manufacturing.
Establishing Herself in the Industry
Siti was just 20 years old when she took on part-time work at various electronics factories in Penang while a college student at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), where she majored in organization with a minor in communications.
“Through perseverance and hard work, I gradually established myself in the industry,” Siti says. She started in entry-level positions at an LED component manufacturing plant in her hometown of Taiping, Perak, learning as much as possible about the production process, technical parts, and market dynamics. Over time, this led to greater responsibilities, where she could lead projects and teams. “Networking within the industry opened doors for collaborations and partnerships,” she says, “allowing me to expand my influence and reach.”
Her college training equipped her with essential skills in interpersonal communication, negotiation, and presentation. She has used these to help build relationships with clients and stakeholders, and with her team members to foster a positive work environment.
“This educational foundation has empowered me to navigate the complexities of the EMS provider industry and drive my business toward sustained growth and innovation,” she says.
Siti acknowledges that the EMS industry has traditionally been male-dominated, “which can present challenges for women seeking to establish themselves in leadership roles. Breaking through gender biases and gaining equal recognition in a competitive landscape has required resilience and determination.”
Read the rest of this article in the Winter 2025 issue of IPC Community.
