For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved being a storyteller. I started my career as a journalist and eventually stepped into the world of television as a presenter. Over the years, I’ve had the honour of hosting more than a thousand programmes, not just in Malaysia but across other parts of Asia as well. From live talk shows to cultural features, I met people from all walks of life. And through every episode, one silent thread kept tugging at my heart—the quiet strength of women who had dreams but no direction, talent but no tools, and courage yet very few opportunities.
That silent awareness eventually became a calling….
While many assumed I would pursue the typical path of beauty or bridal makeup training, my interest took a different turn. I was drawn to the world of Special Effects (SFX) makeup, deeply inspired by my experience in journalism & television. I wanted to teach something beyond surface-level beauty. Something powerful. Something that told stories through transformation.
As I began training, I realised that most of the women I met weren’t just looking for artistic skills. They were looking for a way to earn. A way to rebuild their lives, contribute to their families, and gain financial independence. Over time, the scope of my training expanded beyond makeup. I began offering hands-on programs in floral arrangement, garland making, baking, cooking, digital marketing, tailoring, aromatherapy, soap making, postnatal confinement care, and basic IT skills.These were not just skills. They were stepping stones. Every new skill gave a woman the power to start something of her own.
But there was another side to this story—one that was harder to witness. I came across many women who had paid large sums of money for so-called training programs, only to walk away with empty certificates and no real knowledge. Some had been misled. Some had lost hope. And some had simply given up.That’s when I knew something had to change.
SHINE was created as a response to that need. It is a platform that offers real, practical, income-generating skills to women at no cost. Our training is fully funded and delivered with sincerity and structure. No gimmicks. No inflated fees. Just genuine learning with heart.We are not here to offer handouts. We are here to offer dignity. We are here to build confidence through skills that actually work in the real world.
Through SHINE, I’ve seen incredible transformations. Women who once hesitated to speak now teach others. Mothers who felt stuck now run their own small businesses from home. Young girls who were told they had no future are now freelancing, earning, and dreaming bigger than ever. This is why SHINE matters.
Every woman deserves the chance to grow, to earn, and to rise. No matter her age, background, or education level, she deserves the space to learn something meaningful and use it to build her own future.
As I write this first blog post, my heart is filled with gratitude and hope. SHINE is still in its early chapters, but it carries the energy of countless stories, voices, and dreams. I believe with all my heart that when one woman is given the right tools, she doesn’t just shine—she lights the way for others too. Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re here to learn, support, collaborate, or simply explore, know that your presence matters.
Let her learn. Let her rise.
Let her SHINE.
—
With love and purpose,
Sushmeetha Morugan
Founder, SHINE Organisation
