By Danial Dzulkifly
IN the male-dominated world of aviation, one woman’s passion and determination have soared above the rest and paved the way for future generations.
Major (Retired) R. Rasaletchumi, 73, Malaysia’s first female air traffic controller, spent over four decades breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes in an industry that once seemed impenetrable to women.
Her journey started when she enrolled in military training in her early 20s, and has been one marked by perseverance and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
“I’ve always believed that the sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning,” she said.
Her career spans over 44 years — 25 with the Royal Malaysian Air Force and another 19 in the civilian aviation industry.
Earning her rank in the 1970s, Rasaletchumi was always known as a no-nonsense Air Force officer.
Her stern demeanour, which she carried throughout her career, is a product of the tough path she has had to walk in.
In the early days on the job, she faced scepticism and resistance from her male counterparts.
“Back then, one of the biggest challenges was that men didn’t accept us. We had to prove ourselves constantly. They always wanted to outdo me, thinking I wasn’t able to keep up with the demands of responsibility,” she said of her time in the armed forces.
But prove herself she did. With a combination of willpower, dedication, and hard work, Rasaletchumi not only met but exceeded expectations, earning commendations from her superiors.
Fuelled by challenges
Rasaletchumi’s exceptional performance often ruffled the feathers of her male colleagues.
“There would be men around me not happy if I performed better, and they’d want to outdo me the next time. But I didn’t let them deter me.”
This competitive environment only fuelled her determination. She viewed each challenge as an opportunity to showcase her skills and demonstrate that gender had no bearing on one’s ability to excel in air traffic control.
Her perseverance paid off, earning her respect and recognition in a field long considered a male bastion.
After retiring from military service in 2001 at the rank of Major, she started as an operations manager within the civil aviation sector and steadily climbed the corporate ladder.
Today, she leads the aviation group at Sapura-Aero as the chief operations officer, a testament to her expertise and leadership skills.
Respect well earned
Rasaletchumi’s journey from the control tower to the boardroom has been marked by numerous accolades, including a recent award that took her by surprise.
During the Selangor Aviation Show (SAS) 2024 in September, she was presented the Lifetime Achievement in Aviation Award for Women, which honours a distinguished career in aviation, celebrating long-term contributions, leadership, and impact on the industry.
“I was shocked, but I must thank the organisers for nominating me for this award. I’m very thankful,” she said.
The inaugural Women in Aviation Awards, introduced at the state’s annual air show, honour the many distinguished women in the aviation industry, celebrate their achievements, and serve as a platform to encourage more female participation in the field.
A total of 15 distinguished ladies received awards on that day.
For Rasaletchumi, success is not just about personal achievements. She has made it her mission to pave the way for other women in aviation.
“I want more women to join the aviation industry. I’ve always advocated for this and have been actively involved in offering internships, guidance, and talks within my company.
“Don’t be discouraged by anyone saying, ‘You can’t do this, or you can’t do that’. We need to empower the younger generation by giving them opportunities to prove themselves.”
Rasaletchumi observed that over the years, many men in the industry have come to acknowledge women’s efforts. “We’ve worked hard to earn that respect,” she said.
The aviation landscape has changed dramatically since she first entered the control tower. Today, women are increasingly visible in various roles within the industry, from pilots to engineers and air traffic controllers.
She says this transformation is due in no small part to trailblazers like herself and others who dared to dream and persevered against the odds.
In the control tower, a new generation of air traffic controllers — men and women — guide planes safely through Malaysian skies, taking on a responsibility that with each day, elevates the aviation industry to greater heights.
This article first appeared in the Selangor Journal October 2024 special edition, published on October 12, 2024, titled ‘Blazing trails for women’.
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