Media Release

South Korea, Feb 23: Geeta Kamath, wife of commander (retd) Giridhara Mallya from Kinnigoli, Mangalore, has been elected as the first ever president of SHI (Samsung Heavy Industries, part of Samsung Conglomerate of Korea) International Employee Spouse Community.

In the inaugural ceremony held in SHI on Friday February 22, at SHI Geoje Shipyard in South Korea, the board of members of the community presided by Kamath took office.

This community aims in bringing together the SHI international employee spouse's who are from several countries with diverse language , culture and races together under a common umbrella to share their thoughts and also get exposure to life in Korea, Korean culture , food and language and also assist local community through volunteer activities in orphanages, old age homes etc. There are over 150 international employees in SHI Geoje shipyard including a large number from India. SHI is world's second largest shipyard and builds hi-tech ships like ultra deep drill ships, FPSO, LNG carriers and also builds Wind turbines and employees more than 15,000 people directly in Geoje Island.

Geeta Kamath graduated from Mumbai University and worked for Taj group of Hotels in their Delhi and Mumbai properties as well as DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurgaon , Haryana.

In her inaugural address, Kamath exhorted the spouse’s community to contribute to the local society, learn about Korean way of life and lead a happy and contented life in their second home, South Korea.

She is married for last 24 years to commander Mallya who is working in SHI since June 2007 and presently is general manager, machinery design. They have been living in South Korea for more than five-and-a-half years. They have a son who is a Master's student in University of Illinois Urbana Campaign.

Commander (retd) Mallya is a regular contributor to Daijiworld through his articles on his travels, travelogues etc.