Women can make excellence air traffic controllers, but unfortunately, their involvement in the sector is still at low levels.
This according to Yuvernaes Chandrasekaran, 37, the Senior Assistant Director at Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), formerly known as the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA). The deparment falls under the jurisdiction of the Transport Ministry.
Astro Ulagam recently caught up with Yuvernaes, who's recently based in the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) air-traffic control tower.
According to her, she wanted to be a teacher, growing up. Her degree is a Bachelor of Science in Enviromental Studies, majoring in Geology.
Despite her unrelated degree, Yuvernaes decided to take a Public Services Commission (SPA) exam for the job of air-traffic controller, upon completion of her studies.
After sitting for an aptitude test and undergoing an interview, she secured a place in the Malaysian Aviation Academy. Here, Yuvernaes had to sit for various courses and tests, before being posted to the Subang Air Traffic Control centre in 2010. She was eventually posted to KLIA in 2013, where she has been since.
Asked about the biggest challenges in her job, Yuvernaes cited weather conditions as one of it.
"When the weather is bad with high winds and poor visibility, departures and arrivals can get disrupted.
"This could lead to congestion on the aerodrome," she said, adding that situations like these required quick thinking to arrive at solutions.
The situation can also get tense when an emergency happens, such as an engine catching fire, or an aircraft experiencing a burst tyre.
In times like these, Yuvernaes, as the officer in charge of air traffic at the tower, will liaise with the airport authorities to manage the situation.
According to her, air traffic has drastically dropped now, compared to the pre COVID-19 pandemic season.
Asked about how she juggles her hectic schedule between her job and being a mother of two kids, aged 9 and 8, Yuvernaes thanked her mother for helping looking after the children when they were younger.
According to her, women can make excellent air traffic controllers, but there are not many of them in the industry, probably due to the lack of awareness about the job.
"Women tend to be more patient, and are able to think out of the box during stressful situations, so they can make better air traffic controllers than men.
"Unfortunately, the industry is very male-dominated - with an estimated ratio of men to women to 70:30," she said, citing that she was the only Indian woman in her batch at studies.
Yuvernaes assured that women can concentrate on their careers, while juggling their duties as a wife and mother.
"Believe me, more women should give a shot at becoming air traffic controllers. It's a very challenging, yet interesting job.
"Ignore those who question your capabilities and 'soar high' with what you are passionate about," she said.
Yuvernaes' interview is part of a series of thirteen inspirational tales of women that Astro Ulagam will be highlighting in the coming weeks, in collaboration with talk show PENGIRL ROCK, a talk show that premiered on March 19 on Vaanavil HD CH201, and highlights inspiring women.
Photos source: Yuvernaes Chandrasekaran
Wed Apr 14 2021


Boy, 6, Sets Record by Identifying 190 Car Logos in Five Minutes!
Most adults would face issues in identifying car models, let alone recognizing vehicles from their logos. But little L. Raguram is just six, but he has created a national record by identifying a whopping 190 car logos in just five minutes.

N. Elanghovan Creates History & Record as the Oldest Malaysian to Summit Everest
N. Elanghovan, 64, has created history by becoming the oldest Malaysian to summit Mount Everest on May 12. He is also set to be recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records for his impressive feat.

Squash Ace Sivasangari Injured in Car Crash; Out of Commonwealth Games
National No 1 squash player S. Sivasangari has been hospitalized following a car accident at the Maju Expressway yesterday. She reportedly suffered serious head injuries and has awakened after a surgery.

Once Malnourished India is Getting Fatter: Survey
Long known as a country of malnourished, underweight people, India is inching its way into becoming an obese country, a government survey has revealed.

Mechanic's Son Scores 8As in SPM, Needs Funds for Higher Education
Buntong teenager V. Naveenkumar recently scored an impressive 8As and 1B in his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam, but his mechanic father is concerned of the chance of further studies, due to inconsistent income. Here's how you can help...

Standing on One Leg for 10 Seconds Could Tell your Health Condition: Study
The ability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds could indicate your risk of dying in the next decade, a new study has shown.
.jpg?ext=.jpg)
Shocking: 18 People Declared Bankrupt Daily!
An average of 18 people were declared bankrupt daily, in the first five months of 2022, the Insolvency Department has revealed.

Astro Announces Tunku Ali Redhauddin as New Chairman
The Board of Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad (Astro) has announced Tunku Ali Redhauddin Ibni Tuanku Muhriz to succeed Tun Zaki Tun Azmi as the new Chairman effective 23 June 2022.

Johor May Revert to Sat-Sun Off Days; Here's What you Need to Know
Johor may soon have a two-and-a-half day weekend - Friday as half-day to facilitate prayers, and Saturday and Sunday as official days off. Here's what you need to know...

Beware: Signs and Symptoms of Dengue
Dengue cases are reportedly on the rise in the country. Here are some signs and symptoms of the mosquito-borne disease for your information.

Six Kollywood Actresses Who Played Iconic Dual Roles
Let's take a look at six memorable dual-role performances by female actors!

Actor Suriya Was Not the First Choice for 'Rolex' in 'Vikram'
Guess who was the first choice to play 'Rolex' in Lokesh Kanagaraj's 'Vikram'...
.png?ext=.png)
Top South Indian Actresses Who Made it Big in Bollywood
Let's take a look at eight South Indian female actors that have made it big in Bollywood!

Seven Selfies you Should Never Share Online!
Taking a selfie has become a norm nowadays. But steer clear of posting these types of selfies which may cost you your reputation, or even life...

Boy, 6, Sets Record by Identifying 190 Car Logos in Five Minutes!
Most adults would face issues in identifying car models, let alone recognizing vehicles from their logos. But little L. Raguram is just six, but he has created a national record by identifying a whopping 190 car logos in just five minutes.

Actress Meena's Husband Dies From Alleged Lung Infection
It has been reported that actress Meena's husband died from a lung infection on Monday. Our deepest condolences to the actress and her family.

Six Times Vijay Sethupathi Proved He's a Versatile Actor
Vijay Sethupathi is one of the most talented actors in today's Kollywood industry. Here are six movies that he especially made lasting impact with...

N. Elanghovan Creates History & Record as the Oldest Malaysian to Summit Everest
N. Elanghovan, 64, has created history by becoming the oldest Malaysian to summit Mount Everest on May 12. He is also set to be recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records for his impressive feat.

Catch the Antics of the Chidambaram Family on 'Uppuroti Chidambaram', Premiering July 4
Astro customers can look forward to the premiere of Uppuroti Chidambaram, a heart-warming local Tamil family drama series available from 4 July on Astro Vaanavil (Ch 201), Astro GO and On Demand.

Squash Ace Sivasangari Injured in Car Crash; Out of Commonwealth Games
National No 1 squash player S. Sivasangari has been hospitalized following a car accident at the Maju Expressway yesterday. She reportedly suffered serious head injuries and has awakened after a surgery.