Every year on the 8th of March we celebrate International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. There are hundreds of inspiring women around the world, and in Malaysia we do not come short. Whether it’s in sports, arts or entrepreneurship, this list of influential women are the epitome of confidence, strength and breaking the boundaries.
Who’s your favourite?
Anita Yusof
Originally from Ipoh, Anita Yusof (54 years-old) became notable when she became the first Muslim women ever to motorcycle around the world and the first Malaysian to be recorded in the Asian Book of Records for the longest solo ride in 2015.
Anita, who works as a lecturer in the Physical Education Department at IPG Campus Ipoh, began her journey from Putrajaya on September 11, 2015, returning home a year later through Bukit Kayu Hitam on September 16, 2016. Her incredible feat includes riding through 40 Countries over 4 Continents, racking up a total distance of 65,369 kilometres, riding solo with her loyal FZ150i.
She’s also a mother to 2 sons- can you believe it?! In a recent interview, Anita shares that she wishes to inspire other women to confront their fears and step out of their comfort zone.
Tan Hooi Ling
If you’re not sure who Hooi Ling is, well she’s the reason you’re able to have GrabFood and other essentials delivered to you whether you’re working from home or in the office.
Not many know this, but she’s the co-founder of GRAB, the tech company effectively changed the game for mobility, food, package and grocery delivery services, mobile payments, and financial services – making all these services accessible while you lay on your couch.
Nearing her 40s, the Harvard Business School alumni oversees critical pillars of GRAB’s operations, including corporate strategy, technology (product, design, engineering, data science and analytics), customer experience, and people operations.
Vivy Yusof
When we mention influential Malaysian women, how can we not include Vivy Yusof? At just 23 years old, she co-founded FashionValet, Malaysia’s leading omnichannel retailer in modest fashion and is now shifting her focus to developing their in-house brands, dUCk & L I L I T.
She has been listed in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and most recently, joined the Business of Fashion’s BOF 500 list Class of 2022. She also wrote a book called The First Decade where she shares her entrepreneurial ups and downs over the past 10 years (launched in December 2022).
On top of being a successful entrepreneur, fashion mogul and author, Vivy is also a mum of 4 beautiful children, which really makes us wonder- how does she do it all?
Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza
Famously known as Malaysia’s Queen of Pop, her strong influence and presence in the entertainment industry is undeniable, and based on record sales alone, she has sold more than 6 million units.
On top of her singing career, awards and multiple achievements including being the first malaysian to perform at the Royal Albert Hall, she also is an entrepreneur who built 5 companies that she manages together with her family. She also owns her own beauty brand – SimplySiti, which recently exceeded RM 200 Million in sales in 2022.
Till today, Dato’ Siti is also actively involved in charitable and social work, constantly caring for the needy and concerned over women and child abuse not only in Malaysia but the world over. She is also a mother of 2 beautiful children.
Christy Ng
Coming from a poor family, growing up for Christy meant working on the weekends as a waitress in a restaurant. From just RM10,000 of her life savings with no proper work experience or industry knowledge, Christy started a shoe business which has now grown into a well-known brand with 7 stores across Malaysia and an e-Commerce platform which serves a global audience.
Christy hopes to empower women to chase their dreams, regardless of how far fetched or distant they may seem. As she continues to tell her story about her challenges and breaking boundaries, she hopes the shoes and bags that she has created will serve as a reminder of courage and continuously empower women everyday, just as how it has empowered her on her personal journey against the odds.
Neelofa
A household name in Malaysia, actress and TV host, Neelofa’s first claim to fame after winning a local teen beauty contest in 2010. Coming from a family background with strong influence in business, Neelofa launched Naelofar Hijab in 2014, her own line of stylish and affordable head scarves for women when she was just 25.
With multiple roles and successful businesses, the Pasir Mas native made it into Forbes’s 2017 30 under 30 Asia list, making her one of the most influential women in Malaysia and Asia. Now, at 33 years old she owns multiple business including Nunha.co, Nilofa Plus and Markaz Tijaari and is also a mum to a one year old baby boy.
Goh Ai Ching
Goh Ai Ching, CEO and co-founder of Piktochart – a visual communications app that enables users to quickly create expert-caliber infographics using templates, is another female tech leader in the industry, and who is also a mum.
The humble young entrepreneur from Bayan Lepas, Penang, is a role model to aspiring women entrepreneurs in the startup scene. Having been a finalist for MIT’s Technology Review Magazine’s 35 Innovators under 35, her main focus is on the wellbeing of her people.
