In a male-dominated industry, Julene Pheng’s journey has been nothing short of trailblazing. At 47, Pheng made history as AirAsia’s first-ever female licensed aircraft maintenance engineer, a title that holds great responsibility and sets a new standard for women in aviation. Her achievement is more than just personal success—it represents a significant shift in an industry where women have historically been underrepresented.
Pheng’s fascination with aviation began at a young age in her hometown of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. She was captivated by the question that often arises in the minds of curious children: how could such a massive, heavy machine, weighing over 50,000kg, take off and soar through the skies? This early fascination sparked a lifelong passion for aviation and propelled her towards a career in aircraft maintenance engineering.
Despite the challenges of breaking into a predominantly male field, Pheng remained determined to achieve her dream. Her path to becoming AirAsia’s first female aircraft maintenance engineer was filled with hard work, perseverance, and a deep commitment to her craft. She faced doubts and obstacles along the way but never allowed them to define her.
Pheng’s achievement is a monumental step forward not only for her but also for the aviation industry as a whole. It serves as an inspiration to young women everywhere who aspire to pursue careers in fields traditionally dominated by men. Her story is a reminder that with passion, dedication, and resilience, barriers can be broken, and new paths can be carved.
Today, as a role model, Pheng continues to inspire the next generation of female engineers, showing them that the sky is truly the limit. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of following one’s passion and defying societal expectations.
