Envisioning a better Malaysia for women: a chat with 5 Front & Female Awards winners

In this Front & Female Awards special presented in partnership with BMW Malaysia, we sit down with five award winners who share their hopes for a future that is equitable and beneficial for all women

What defines a woman’s strength? Can we look forward to a future in which women stand stronger together in the face of adversity?

In line with BMW Malaysia’s #BeMoreWoman concept, Tatler threw these questions to the five incredible winners of the inaugural Front & Female Awards 2023, which celebrates the individuals driving the progress of women and girls in Malaysia. From learning what makes them tick to understanding the challenges they’ve overcome, we looked at the vision that drives them to defy expectations and create a better future for women today.

Above In partnership with BMW Malaysia, Tatler threw these questions to the five trailblazing women and the winners of the inaugural Front & Female Awards

The conversation started with Girls4Girls International co-founder Izzana Salleh–a driven yet empathetic young CEO who is dedicated to empowering young women with the necessary skillsets for leadership roles. Family Frontiers president Suriani Kempe also shared insights into the personal values that motivate her to challenge gender inequality in her organisation’s long-standing fight for equal citizenship rights for children born abroad to Malaysian mothers with foreign spouses.

Xin Yu Lim touched on her vision for a fairer and more equitable future for women from all backgrounds. Her social enterprise, The Asli Co, strives to achieve this by equipping orang asli mothers with the tools, resources, and training to produce high-quality handmade artisanal gifts which allow them to earn a profitable side income to support their households.

Above A chat with Girls4Girls International co-founder Izzana Salleh in the backseat of the BMW i7

Women who are encouraged to flourish will take Malaysia to greater heights.

- Izzana Salleh -

Spot founder Siti Aishah Hassan Hasri is not afraid to initiate the tough conversations surrounding sexual health and safety for young girls and women in Malaysia. She provides free comprehensive sexuality education at schools, universities and workplaces through the Spot Community Project.

Above Prof Dr Yin Ling Woo in reclining backseat of the BMW i7

I love this this quote that says, 'A woman who corrects the crown of another without telling the whole world is what we should strive for.'

- Yin Ling Woo -

We also heard from the renowned professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Universiti Malaya, Prof Dr Yin Ling Woo, who has gained global recognition for developing a self-sampling method of cervical screening, Programme Rose, with a goal to eliminate cervical cancer in Malaysia.

Above Xin Yu Lim co-founded The Asli Co to empower orang asli mothers in Malaysia

I envision a world where women support and empower each other, especially those who have been marginalised.

- Xin Yu Lim -

Above Siti Aishah Hassan Hasri, founder of Spot Community Project

I try to constantly engage my sense of agency, always keeping in mind that there’s another way and that obstacles are not the end. Accessing my sense of moral imagination is also important to find gentler, kinder ways to go about things.

- Siti Aishah Hassan Hasri -

Above Suriani Kempe, president of Family Frontiers (Photo: All is Amazing)

Sometimes there are instances where people say 'Why can’t you just accept things as they are?' I've always been curious, questioning the presumption of 'the way things are', especially if they’re unfair.

- Suriani Kempe -

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Credits

Photography

Daniel Adams

Videography

Goh Kwee Jin, Yap Jiun Sheng and Izrul Izelan

Video Editor

Yap Jiun Sheng