Dr. Jacinta Jayaratnam Has bagged Outstanding Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award

A big hello to all the members of Woman Icon Awards. I am most honored to be able to talk about my journey here as a woman who has striven to accomplish all the best there is in life. I come from a family of six siblings where I was the third child in the family. My dad was a lecturer and my mom was an ex midwife. It was a strict environment where I grew up with a lot of discipline. 

Growing up was tough during our years but it was fun. Reality struck after school life when I had to go to work which I started as a clerk in an Audit firm in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. After that life took a big turn for me as I ventured into another construction firm in an admin position. I started my typewriting classes and finished my intermediate certificate. I met my husband Selvaraja Raju and got married at the age of 22 and had my first son at the age of 23. During this time I was working as an Accounts Assistant and later promoted to Accounts Supervisor in SGS (M) Sdn Bhd Klang, Selangor, a cargo inspection/survey company which I worked for 6 years, and it was during this time that I completed my Diploma in Secretarial and Administration under a UK program.

My bosses during my tenure were very encouraging and supportive towards my growth. I have learned a lot from them and believe they have been a big part in my success today. My husband Raja was also a very supportive person and has always been there to encourage and never stop me from achieving my dreams. 

After 6 years of serving in the company, I moved on to another organization which was Jardine Shipping Services, Klang, Selangor. It was here that my career took a big turn. From being a Secretary to the Port Agencies Manager, I worked my way up to being the Asst Port Agencies Manager for about 10 years. The job itself was very challenging and there were very limited women in this position. After 10 years of serving the company in 2010,  I took my next step to a more challenging and rewarding career which was Port Agencies Manager in Meridian Port Agencies. I have been in the organization for more than 13 years now and was also appointed as a Director in 2018. I oversee the whole of Malaysia together with my team who has been a family to me all these years. 

While working I also managed to complete my Master in Business Administration in 2019 and Doctorate in Business Administration (Global Logistics Management) in 2022. I had my paper published in the Ascent International Conference in 2019 which was a huge achievement for me. 

I also completed my IRCA Lead Auditor Course in 2008, HSSE training and Registered Customs Agent. 

All these challenges over the years have taught me to be a disciplined, responsible and organized person. I love singing and have a passion for nonfiction books. 

My strength is my family especially my husband (Raja), Mum (Priscilla), Siblings (Jessica, John, James, Jasen), my four boys (Kashvyin, Sashvvyin, Krisvyin, Mahishvyin) and my friends from all paths in life. They have been very supportive and were always there for me to encourage me to never give up. 

A big thank you to Woman Icon powered by Times World for this opportunity and it’s a big honor to be part of this award. I hope more women are recognized for their sacrifices and achievement. This award is a huge breakthrough for all the women who have never given up and have striven to become who they are today.  For me this award means my hard work, dedication and success has been recognized by Woman Icon in a most prestigious way. Thank you again Woman Icon powered by Times World!