Her education began at Central Primary School before she moved on to Malapoa College, where she completed her secondary education and graduated in Year 13. In 2008, she was awarded a New Zealand Scholarship to study in Fiji for three years.

There, she earned her undergraduate degree in Accounting and Economics.

Upon her return to Vanuatu in 2010, Malas applied for work and was accepted at URA that same September.

“I had no idea what that institution was for when I first arrived,” she admits. “I didn’t understand the roles and functions, but out of interest and curiosity, I stayed.”

Malas began her career as an Analysis Officer, a position she held from 2010 until 2017. That year, she resigned to pursue further studies at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand under another New Zealand scholarship, completing a Master’s in Professional Economics over three years.

By 2019, she had returned to Vanuatu and began applying for job openings. While she managed part-time and holiday jobs, her first full-time post was again with URA. In 2020, when a vacancy for a Manager’s position opened, she applied and was successfully appointed.

Established in 2008 under the URA Act, the institution regulates electricity and water services across Vanuatu. It sets maximum prices for companies that supply these utilities, oversees performance standards, and addresses customer complaints.

As a Manager, Malas sees her role as a privilege. She helps set utility prices for electricity and water, liaises with customers and regulators, manages legal aspects, and collects data on utilities and sustainability. Despite limited human resources in the field, she feels fortunate and passionate about her work.

The work culture at URA, she explains, is a male-dominated environment with a blend of officers from diverse qualifications and expertise. Still, Malas finds joy in her job, valuing both the challenges and the opportunities to share her knowledge with others while also learning from new colleagues.

On the question of experience versus qualification, Malas believes both are equally necessary.

“I’m an Accountant and Economist, but I understand how electricity is generated—from generation to retail. The experience you gain over the years is important because it builds your network and exposure. Education equips you with the required knowledge, but it comes down to your personal drive. Some people are educated but lazy, while others without formal education are highly skilled and experienced.”

Her best work ethic, she says, is the ability to teach and advise colleagues. She refuses to keep knowledge to herself and makes a conscious effort to explain complex ideas in ways that grassroots communities can understand.

“At the end of the day, I’m working to sustain myself as well as my family.”

Though trained in Economics and Accounting, she is proud that her role at URA has allowed her to learn about legal and engineering work. She has also built valuable regional networks through partnerships with regulators across the Pacific.

Public speaking was once her greatest fear, especially in front of expatriate staff who dominated the organisation in earlier years. But over time, Malas built confidence and now speaks freely in workshops and regional conferences.

“It took me a while to get out of that shell, but it was all worth it.”

Over the years, URA has reduced its reliance on expatriates, with only 11 Ni-Van staff, including Malas, remaining after structural changes. For her, resilience is key: “Even little efforts matter—like waking up when you’re physically and mentally tired. You just have to push yourself to keep going.”

Her motivation also comes from her personal investments. With her wages, she has built and grown a rental business, including houses under her name, to sustain her after retirement.

“I’m struggling, but I’m also walking forward. That’s where I draw my strength from.”

Looking ahead, Malas hopes to eventually work with regional regulatory offices while expanding her private business. Her role models are her late father and her mother, who instilled in her financial discipline, resilience, and healthy living.

She lives by the words: “Just be you and do what you love. Stay on the course.”

As a leader, Malas believes in work plans, clear priorities, and open communication.

“A leader should never neglect her team. Even if you’re busy, you must communicate and keep your team grounded.”

For stress management, she values small joys: a drive with good music, a favorite snack, or simply taking comfort in little things that brighten her mood. She also ensures she separates work and personal life, reserving weekends for rest and time with her nuclear family.

Being a woman in a male-dominated sector has not been easy. “Sometimes when we express opinions, we’re not taken seriously. But if a man says the same thing, they’ll listen. Over time, by continuing to speak out, we can change this dynamic. Women must be confident and strong-willed.”

Her proudest accomplishments are her education, career, and rental business. She believes true professionalism is reflected in how you carry yourself:

“We should not boast about our work, but let others be the mouthpiece of your accomplishments.”

To women, her message is clear: “Don’t let anyone dictate your life. Be confident, stand tall, and speak with truth. Every challenge is temporary—don’t give up.”

And if today were her last day?

She would spend it with her closest family and friends, thanking them for everything—just as her late father once did.

This feature story is part of a 13-week series presenting 26 Vanuatu women who serve on boards and were profiled in Balance of Power’s book Nation Builders III.

The series is the outcome of a six-month partnership between Balance of Power and the Vanuatu Daily Post to publicly recognise women leaders, build awareness of women’s leadership in Vanuatu, and encourage wider acknowledgement of their contributions across development and decision-making spaces.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST