Woman from Kampar, Perak Owns Leading Electronics Firm in the United States

It is a source of pride that a female engineer from Kampar, Perak, became the majority owner of a leading electronics firm in the United States, at the very least by the end of 2018.

SoPark Corporation is an electronics contract manufacturer that provides services to companies requiring high technology, including in the fields of motion, telecommunications, computers, and the medical industry. They are based on South Park Ave, Buffalo, New York. SoPark Corporation was founded by Robert Stevenson in 1981, and today, this female engineer from Kampar, Perak, serves as the president and chief operating officer of SoPark Corporation. Born in Kampar, Perak, Rupa Shanmugam is the daughter of a physics teacher, and it was her father who greatly encouraged her to pursue a career in electrical engineering.

For your information, Rupa Shanmugam is also one of the first and earliest Malaysian women to become a female engineer while also serving as a manager in her chosen field. Rupa Shanmugam began her journey in electronics engineering when she obtained her diploma from the Federal Institute of Technology in Kuala Lumpur. At that time, she was the only woman in her class throughout the three-year duration of her studies.

Within 5 years of completing her studies, Rupa Shanmugam went on to work as an engineer in Singapore. Among the companies she was involved with were Thomson Consumer Electronics, Western Digital, and later Carsem in Malaysia. At that time, she did not encounter any other female engineers; she was the only one working in the electronics engineering sector within those large companies. Like others with a thirst for knowledge, Rupa Shanmugam continued her studies at Trine University, Indiana, United States, where she graduated with distinction and earned a degree in electrical engineering. Today, Rupa Shanmugam also serves on the United Way Board of Directors and the Women United Advisory Board. Additionally, she is a member of the Employ Buffalo Executive Committee, the BNP Manufacturers Council Executive Committee, and a committee member for UB Women in STEM.

Furthermore, her performance, which makes Malaysians proud, includes her role in establishing the world's first chapter of Engineering in Medicine and Biology at the University at Buffalo. Not many Malaysians succeed in making a name for themselves abroad, and it is clear that they are exceptional and can serve as an inspiration to the youth in Malaysia.