Cover Here are the key moments you missed at the Front & Female Awards dinner ceremony at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur this month (Photo: Fady Younis)
Here are the key moments you missed at the Front & Female Awards dinner ceremony at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur this month (Photo: Fady Younis)
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From a riveting keynote speech by Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan to the big winners’ reveal—here are the key moments you missed at the Front & Female Awards dinner ceremony at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur this month
Back for its third year in Kuala Lumpur, the Front & Female Awards in Malaysia kicked off this month in a lively dinner ceremony on March 20, 2025, at The Garden Room of the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur.
Out of a list of 20 inspiring women, six winners were honoured at this event for their work to drive the progress of women and girls in Malaysia, from self-taught entrepreneurs to visionary techpreneurs who are using digital tools to empower overlooked and underserved communities.
Attended by an intimate group of 60 individuals, including activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, Paratus Energy board chairperson Chow Mei Mei, BFM Radio founder Malek Ali, and renowned human rights lawyer and activist, Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan, the Front & Female Awards Malaysia 2025 are presented in partnership with Sime Darby Property, BMW Malaysia, L’Oréal Paris, Lladro and Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur.
Dato’ Jacqueline Foong and Datin Sri Annie Fong
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Above Fiona Tan with her Lladro trophy
Above Aisya Rahman with her Lladro trophy
Fiona Tan with her Lladro trophy
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BMW Malaysia provided a premium touch to the evening affair by chauffeuring six inspiring ladies—award winning actress Susan Lankester, financial literacy advocate Aisya Rahman, academic Professor Dr Chong Pei Pei, women’s health specialist Dr Premitha Damodaran, self-taught woodworker Aida Ihsani, and NGO leader Dinie Fadil—directly to the hotel lobby in the latest BMW electric vehicle (EV) models.
Esteemed nominees shortlisted for this year’s Awards such as Datuk Nicol David, Dr Ho Weang Kee, and Dato’ Jacqueline Fong wasted no time snapping photos at the rose-adorned photo wall while the talented vocals of Clinton Jerome Chua and Ryan Pynam kept the merriment high with female-empowerment anthems that had everyone clapping in applause.
Aisya Rahman chauffeured to the Awards in a BMW i4
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A highlight of the evening was when our keynote speaker, Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan delivered a moving speech, recalling her experiences driving policy reform in the nation and fighting for women’s rights—emphasising the importance of lifting other women as one rises. Her words served as a poignant reminder to all the nominees to continue their exceptional efforts in elevating the progress of women and girls in Malaysia.
See also: Front & Female Awards Hong Kong 2024: Meet the winners
Doorgifts by L’Oreal Paris Malaysia for all our guests
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Guests later sat down to a hearty four-course meal by Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur team while mingling with new acquaintances and reuniting with familiar faces. The event provided a unique opportunity for several nominees to reunite after many years apart, while others formed valuable first-time friendships that night. The evening came to its highpoint as the six winners were finally announced.
Above Aida Zunaidi going on-stage to receive her award
Aida Zunaidi going on-stage to receive her award
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Ibuprener co-founder Aida Zunaidi, Heartworks Solution founder Fiona Tan, Aisya Rahman, Aida Ihsani, Dr Premitha Damodaran, Orangeleaf Consulting CEO Ellice Ng were subsequently invited on stage as well to receive their beautiful Lladro trophies, to several rounds of applause from the crowd.
The evening closed with another power-packed performance by Jerome Clinton Chua and Ryan Pynam as guests mingled over dessert and drinks before adjourning for the night. They also took home exclusive door gifts from L’Oréal Paris Malaysia, filled with beauty and hair products. In addition to receiving a complimentary Tatler Malaysia March 2025 issue, guests had a chance to learn more about Sime Darby Property’s latest Kuala Lumpur luxury development, The Reya KL East in the information pamphlet in their door gifts.
Be sure to watch this space for the upcoming Front & Female Awards x L’Oréal Paris Malaysia collaboration this year!
Credits
Photography: Fady Younis
Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
