“Strong women are not born from comfort, but from courage, resilience, and the determination to rise above limits.”
This spirit perfectly reflects the journey of Mrs Uma Devi Rengasamy, a woman who continues to inspire by steering not just trains, but also the dreams of many young girls across Malaysia.
Born in Bagan Serai, Perak, she has etched her name in history as the first Malaysian Indian woman LRT transit officer with Prasarana Malaysia Berhad. In simple terms, she is a train driver, a role she carries with immense pride and dedication.
For Uma Devi, driving a train is not merely a profession but a lifelong calling. Her journey into the rail industry began with a deep fascination for trains, and over time, that passion turned into a career that today places her among the few women in a traditionally male-dominated field.
“This achievement means a lot to me. It shows that women can also do jobs that people think are only for men. I feel proud, thankful and responsible to do my work well and inspire others,” she shared.
Her workday begins when most of the city is still asleep. As early as 2am, Uma Devi prepares herself for long and demanding hours behind the controls of the LRT.
“I stay motivated because my job is important. People depend on me to travel safely. My family’s and co-workers’ support, along with my love for my work, give me strength even on very tiring days,” she said.
Before stepping into the driver’s seat, Uma Devi worked in customer service at the KL Monorail. Transitioning from assisting passengers to driving a train was not without challenges.
“The biggest challenge was learning a new role with more responsibility. I felt nervous at first, but I learned step by step, stayed focused and believed in myself until I gained confidence,” she recalled.
Beyond her professional life, Uma Devi is also a devoted mother to two daughters. Balancing motherhood with a demanding career requires sacrifices, especially with work hours that often begin before dawn.
“I had to sacrifice time with my children because of my work hours. What keeps me going is knowing that my daughters see me as a strong mother who never gives up,” she said.
Like many women who step into unconventional careers, Uma Devi also faced doubts and stereotypes early in her journey.
“At the beginning, some people doubted me. I didn’t argue. I focused on doing my job well. Over time, my work showed that women can do this job just as well as men,” she explained.
Today, her journey has become a source of inspiration for many, particularly young girls who may hesitate to dream beyond traditional career paths.
“I feel very happy and touched. If my story helps even one girl believe in herself, then all my hard work is worth it,” she said.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, Uma Devi hopes her story encourages girls to pursue their ambitions without fear.
“Don’t be afraid to try. Every big dream starts with one small step. Believe in yourself and be brave to choose your own path,” she advised.
For Uma Devi, this journey represents more than career success. It is a personal victory over self-doubt and a promise to lead by example for the next generation.
“This journey means I proved to myself that I am stronger than my fears. It is not just about my job, but about believing in myself and being a role model for my daughters,” she said.
This International Women’s Day, her journey stands as a powerful message to women everywhere that no dream is too bold, and no path is beyond reach when passion leads the way. Uma Devi Rengasamy’s story inspires us all to break through barriers and chase our dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.
This is an exclusive story by Astro Ulagam. Any reproduction or adaptation requires prior consent from the interviewee to ensure accuracy. If referencing this article, please provide proper credit to Astro Ulagam along with a backlink in recognition of our editorial efforts.
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