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Picture this: You’re 15, daydreaming about your future. Do you see yourself leading one of the most important trade and exhibition centres in Southeast Asia? Mala Dorasamy did. Now CEO of MITEC, mother of two, and proud resident of Malaysia for the past eight years, Mala has turned vision into reality. In a podcast session with Motherhood titled 'What It Really Takes to Lead with Impact' at WEF ASEAN 2025, Mala shared her journey with a sincerity that reminded us all, leadership isn’t just about the title. It’s about vision, vulnerability, and values. From Dreaming Big to Doing Bigger Image credit: MITEC Growing up in South Africa during the apartheid era, Mala learned resilience the hard way. Inspired by leaders like Nelson Mandela, she believed that dreaming big was not a luxury, but a necessity. Her parents taught her to visualise boldly, and everything she imagined, from travel to leadership, she eventually manifested. "If we believe in it strong enough, it will happen," she said. That mindset carried her across continents to Malaysia, where she describes her role at MITEC as a “canvas for imagination.” Her team is constantly reinventing what a space like MITEC can be: a venue, yes, but also a hub for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. MITEC as a Launchpad for Women Image credit: Women Economic Forum ASEAN More than just the largest exhibition space in Malaysia, MITEC is, according to Mala, a platform for women entrepreneurs to scale. "Women should take this opportunity," she urged. The venue doesn’t just host events, it catalyses dreams. Through strategic partnerships and access to key economic sectors, MITEC helps women connect with the right networks to grow their businesses. It’s about starting small and thinking big. With MITEC’s support, many women-led ventures have moved from passion projects to globally relevant businesses. What Women Bring to the Table Image credit: Women Economic Forum ASEAN Mala doesn’t shy away from naming the strengths women bring to leadership: empathy, multitasking, a holistic view of work and life, and the ability to solve problems from every angle - as a mother, a leader, a colleague. "We don't see things only from a business or personal point of view. We bring them together," she said. And leadership, she added, doesn’t always have to be loud. "You don’t need to shout. Just be assertive, know what you’re talking about, and take your place at the table." The Ubuntu of Leadership Image credit: Women Economic Forum ASEAN During the pandemic, Mala and her team faced one of their biggest challenges, shutting MITEC down temporarily. But instead of giving up, they leaned into the South African philosophy of ubuntu: "We are because of each other." It was this spirit of unity that helped them weather the storm. "I don’t believe I could have done it on my own," she said, crediting her team, her family, and the women who shaped her resilience. Balance Isn’t a Buzzword, It’s a Practice Mala is a firm believer in self-grounding. From early morning yoga and meditation to winding down with her family at the end of a long day, she makes time for mindfulness. "My days are long, but a simple meal with my family grounds me." She’s also part of the 5:30 a.m. club, a time she reserves for herself before the world demands her attention. It’s in these quiet hours that she reflects, re-strategises, and reminds herself who she wants to be. When asked what matters most for growth, she smiled and said, “We have to remain agile. No day is perfect, but it’s the challenges that shape who you are.” Catch Mala Dorasamy in our full podcast session during the Women Economic Forum ASEAN 2025. Hear how she blends innovation, heart, and heritage in a role that’s as visionary as it is grounded in reality. Stay tuned to Motherhood Story and follow us Facebook, Instagram and TikTok as we continue spotlighting women who are changing the way leadership looks, feels, and succeeds in Southeast Asia. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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Leading with Heart: How Mala Dorasamy is Redefining Women’s Leadership in Trade and Tech