Front & Female Awards 2025: 3 female leaders elevating women’s professional and political representation in Malaysia

A sought-after speaker and certified Islamic financial planner, Aisya Rahman created the Women & Wealth Workshop to give women a safe space to talk about money, turning financial trauma into empowerment. 

“The wealthier and more successful you are, the assumption is: you’re fine. But that’s not always the case,” says Aisya. Recognising the need for a non-judgemental space for women to discuss money matters, from financial literacy and preparedness to navigating life crises like layoffs, divorce with no alimony, and health issues, the Women & Wealth Workshop exists to bridge this gap, empowering 130 single mothers, breadwinners, entrepreneurs and stay-at-home mums since 2023. “It’s close to my heart to support Muslim women who are financially illiterate despite thriving in their careers because many of them are silently struggling. Whether they’re single mothers, widows, breadwinners, or daughters supporting parents and siblings, these women lack a safe space to figure out their finances.” 

What is most rewarding about your work? 

The most rewarding part of my work is witnessing women transform their lives, overcoming fear, thriving in their finances, getting out of debt, pursuing investments, making bold career moves, leaving unhappy marriages, or rekindling broken relationships.

What is the greatest challenge you have overcome?

Surviving and helping my husband rise from his bankruptcy, all while being the sole breadwinner. There were moments of hopelessness, sleepless nights, and a constant weight of uncertainty. But in those dark times, I learned that no matter how heavy the burden, success has its own timing, and what goes around truly comes around.

Through this journey, I discovered the power of working not just hard, but smart; the importance of mastering personal finances and understanding our rights as a married couple.

What advice would you share with other women on becoming change-makers in their own right?   

If someone calls you crazy, take it as a sign that you’re on the right path. The journey to becoming a change-maker is never easy, it can be the loneliest, darkest road, especially in the first few years. But while you’re proving your business and chasing your dreams, don’t forget to take care of yourself.

Imagine a group of women who dare to reimagine the workplace for working mothers, where earning an income and growing professionally is balanced by a healthy and flexible work environment and a desire to empower other women.

Kimberly Lee, as managing editor of award-winning parenting platform Makchic, has not only helmed Makchic’s mission to support and uplift mothers and families to parent well, learn well and live well. She has also been instrumental in leading initiatives like the Makchic Returnship Programme, which helps mothers re-enter the workforce, boasting an 80 per cent success rate in securing permanent roles.  

“Our Returnship Programme underwent its third iteration last year, helping women and mothers rebuild their confidence, upskill in the digital media landscape through meaningful on-the-job training, and bridge career gaps before re-entering the workforce,” Lee says. “As a team of women and mothers, we at Makchic know all too well the unique challenges women face. We understand the immense weight of the mental load that many parents are under, and what it can feel like to lose the anchor that is our identity when we take on the mantle of motherhood. We also know what it feels like as women to struggle against stereotypes; to have to work doubly hard in order to prove our worth, to fear for our safety and to constantly hold our boundaries.” 

Lee herself recalls being part of makchic’s inaugural Returnship Programme cohort, reflecting on coming full circle first as a participant to a fully-fledged member of the team. 

Who inspires you and why? 

They say an organisation is only as good as its leader, and Makchic’s owner and publisher, Laych Koh, has been instrumental in setting the direction for our company’s culture of support by modelling leadership with love. The mighty women I work with, my fellow Makchic team members, have also been wonderful sources of inspiration and encouragement.

What are your philosophies about work and life? 

My husband shared this thought with me years ago: “Don’t trade what is unique for what is common.” The things that we have that are unique to us—our family, our relationships, our health, our wellbeing—these should be the priority and not the exception when it comes to work.

Work will always be there, but it should never be at the expense of the things in our lives that are irreplaceable and most precious. At Makchic, we recognise the importance of striking this balance, and that’s something I’m entirely grateful to be a part of.

Former Petaling Jaya member of parliament Maria Chin Abdullah has never been one to toe the line. Her NGO, Martabat Untuk Semua Petaling Jaya, trains women and girls, especially those with lower income and access, to claim their rights and gain confidence so that they can advocate for changes that matter in their lived realities. A pioneer in electoral and gender reform, Chin is in it for the long run to shape Malaysia’s political landscape.

Determined to prepare future leaders for the realities of political leadership in Malaysia and increase women’s participation and representation, Chin is also a senior mentor at the Selangor Women’s Leadership Academy, helping to build a pipeline of female leaders in Malaysian politics and social work. 

“Women’s participation and representation are the foundation towards building inclusive and diverse perspectives on peace, security and equality for all,” says the former chairperson of Malaysia’s Bersih 2.0 movement. “Women and young girls’ plight have to be heard, recognised and acted upon at all levels of the decision-making processes.”

What drives you to do what you do?

I work for the protection of human rights for all people; to help empower people to realise their rights; and to assist those responsible for upholding such rights to protect and implement the rights of the people.

What is most rewarding about your work? 

I have been involved in the women’s movement, Joint Action Group for Gender Equality, for more than 40 years and there are a few outstanding rewards though obtained at extremely slow rate. That includes the enactment or amendments of laws to prevent violence against women, such as laws related to rape (a 30-year campaign with multiple amendments); Domestic Violence Act (eight years and still amending); Sexual Harassment Act (32 years); cyber laws against online violence against women (10 years and counting); Anti-Stalking Bill (7-8 years); and more.

Where human rights are concerned, the Peaceful Assembly Act was significant as it was enacted in response to the people’s demand for their rights. It was the people at the Bersih rallies who partially contributed, making the government rethink the right to assembly and expression. It’s people standing up for themselves that made my day in activism.

What is the greatest challenge you have overcome?

My 11-day arrest under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 where I was kept in solitary confinement and interrogated daily. Not a great experience, but I believe that it was the people who actually sped up my release through their night vigils and various protest actions. I am totally indebted to their confidence and support for me.

What impact do you want to make in the next five years? 

I want to focus on young girls and boys so that together they can help build a better Malaysia and understand the need to have mutual respect, accept diversity in views and that everyone has a place in Malaysia. 

Be sure to check out the other nominees shortlisted for the Front & Female Awards 2025:

• The trailblazers championing women’s health and well-being
• The inspiring young leaders under 30 who are fighting for a better Malaysia for women
• The female founders elevating women and girls in Malaysia
• The mavericks advancing the female agenda, from sports to the big screen
• The inspiring change-makers championing women’s equality and rights 

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