Have you ever asked yourself, “Why me?” for Dato’ Ong Bee Leng, this question surfaced when she was a child, the only daughter in a family of five siblings living in a world where gender determined the level of opportunities available to individuals.
But while that question could have constrained her as a girl, it instead fired her up. Dato' Ong was raised by her father, Mr. Ong Hooi Hong, a taxi driver with little time but boundless faith. Early on, she understood the power of belief at home and how it could lay the groundwork for bold dreams. He didn’t just support her; he equipped her to rise, proving that true empowerment starts in the family.
Would you dare to challenge the norm in your first week at university? Dato' Ong did. She flat out asked, "Why are cadets only men?" And with that simple question, she opened up years of unspoken inequality. With passion and courage, she enrolled in PALAPES, where she did not just participate; she excelled. She became the first woman to earn “Best Trainee of the Batch.”
Can one experience steer your life's calling? For Dato' Ong, the time spent in the Malaysian Territorial Army sharpened her leadership and resilience. However, this was not the end of the story for her; she used this experience to pursue a career in developing other leaders and providing support.
With more than 35 years of experience in education and human capital development, she's mentored dozens of people and led change at the highest levels. Whether it's Gender Inclusiveness Policies or Safe Family programs, Dato' Ong's work as the CEO of the Penang Women's Development Corporation (PWDC) has become embedded in the systems that shape people's lives.
How do you turn ambition into impact? Through Women and Family Development Committees and leadership workshops, Dato's has brought this ambition to communities, empowering women and giving them a sense of purpose.
In 2023, her work and journey were recognised with a Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri award. But the real reward? A legacy where when one rises, many rise with her.