Mom’s the Word: A Tribute to Working Mothers in Intel

They say that love is blind and manifests in many forms. But the love of a mother is often clear as day: unmistakable and unwavering. Giving, forgiving, fiercely loyal, tireless, and ever enduring—a mother’s nurturing love knows no bounds, and it is on her shoulder that we blossom and achieve the feats we set our minds upon in life.

In this tribute article, we sit down with two super-moms from Intel Malaysia: Beth Yam and Easvari Pradhaa Rengasamy, long-time Intel employees who have found their own balance between family and a career, as they take time to reflect on their journeys both at work and at home and share some words of wisdom.

Meet Beth and Easvari

Beth’s affinity with chemistry began in high school. Under the tutelage of a beloved chemistry teacher who made it virtually impossible to pass the subject but taught with dedication and care, she not only succeeded in passing with flying colors—she also discovered her vocation. With a PhD in polymer science and years of experience in the field, Beth became Intel Malaysia’s first female principal engineer who is currently in the midst of working on the upcoming Pelican project as a Factory Manager.

As the Asia Recruitment Marketing team head, Easvari has always been a people-person in every way. This energetic and bubbly Kelantan native began her journey in Intel as a bright-eyed 19-year-old operator while waiting for her entrance into University Science Malaysia in Penang. Over the years, Easvari journeyed through various multi-nationals but eventually returned to Intel Malaysia. When not busy with family and work, she is working hard to pursue a doctorate in management.

Balancing motherhood and career in Intel

Having been with the company for over two decades, Beth has witnessed a significant part of Intel Malaysia’s journey and growth. She believes the company has truly come a long way to being a workplace that is both conducive and supportive of working parents.

“I still remember the long walks to the office from the parking lot when I was pregnant. That’s no longer an issue today. Now, get three months’ maternity leave and a host of other benefits and flexibilities for mums. It’s also a much more inclusive workplace now, with much less bias around the capability and availability of women.”

Easvari has fond memories of bringing her son to the office and showing him around her workplace and introducing him to her peers and the work environment. As a person who always puts family first, being with a company that upholds family-centric values matters to her.

“The flexibility that I have as an Intel employee has undoubtedly been priceless. From having to occasionally pick up my son from his school engagements to looking after him when he is unwell, it’s really empowering to know that you have the space to do what you need to do as a mother while delivering at work without being micromanaged. This is something we have always enjoyed, even before the pandemic struck.”

Pause, prioritize and practice self-compassion

Decades of juggling both a career and building a family undoubtedly brings about a host of priceless learnings. It goes without saying, no two journeys are the same given how everyone’s journey is different.

The years have certainly taught Beth that there is ultimately no one-size-fits-all solution in the journey of being a working mother. What matters most is knowing yourself and trusting the process.

“One very crucial lesson for me, which I believe will help younger mothers is this: you can’t have and do everything. There will be a point in time where you need to decide what your priorities are. If you want to start a family, it is okay to slow down at work. And you can pick things up again later when the kids are older.”

Building on this, it’s also important to acknowledge that success is not solely defined by one’s career. Easvari has learnt that family and relationships matter the most at the end of the day, and work should complement rather than take centerstage.

“When I was still a young mom, I didn’t have the time flexibility that I do now with work, and I felt sorry about not having more time to spend with my boy then. But looking back, I realize that I was just starting out in my career. So, the takeaway here is also not to be too hard on yourself; find a balance, communicate openly, prioritize your own wellbeing and that of your loved ones, and enjoy the journey!”

Are you ready to grow your career with Intel? Explore our open opportunities today.