Cover Here are the moments you missed at the Front & Female Awards dinner ceremony at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur this month (Photo: Amru Shakir)
Here are the moments you missed at the Front & Female Awards dinner ceremony at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur this month (Photo: Amru Shakir)
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It was an evening themed around the ‘Unstoppable’ power of women. From a stirring fireside chat on menopause with experts Dr Premitha Damodaran and Dr Bharathi Vengadasalam, to the excitement of the winners’ reveal, these are the moments you missed at the Front & Female Awards 2026 dinner at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur
The Front & Female Awards in Malaysia commenced this month with an elegant dinner ceremony held on March 12, 2026, at The Garden Room of the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur.
Among a prestigious shortlist of 17 outstanding nominees, six individuals were honoured for their remarkable efforts to enhance opportunities for women and girls in Malaysia. Their contributions varied, from self-taught entrepreneurs to innovative tech leaders utilising digital resources to uplift marginalised and underserved communities.
Read more: Meet the six winners of the Front & Female Awards 2026, who are shaping a more equitable future
This event recognised those who are making strides for women and girls, fostering significant change across Malaysia, and highlighting stories of creativity, determination and leadership.
Fildzah Zulkifli, HY Tan, Lily Sim, Cheryl Loo, Ellice Ng, Fiona Tan and Sharon Simon
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Attended by an intimate group of 60 individuals, including founder of the Nicol David Organisation, Datuk Nicol David, Malaysian film director Amanda Nell Eu and Front & Female 2025 winners, including financial literacy advocate Aisya Rahman, self-taught woodworker Aida Ihsani, Heartworks Solution founder Fiona Tan, Orangeleaf Consulting CEO Ellice Ng and Ibuprener co-founder Aida Zunaidi. The Front & Female Awards Malaysia 2026 were presented in partnership with official car partner Chery, Sime Darby Property, Cartier and Lladró and Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur.
See also: Front & Female Awards 2026: Meet 3 powerhouse women championing leadership, equity and impact
Unbridled joy: Lily Li Hong Sim, founder of Strive and co-founder of Female Founders Malaysia and Southeast Asia (FFMYSEA) arrived in a Chery T7 PHEV
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Chauffeured in the Chery Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 PHEV cars, recently launched plug-in hybrid SUVs from Chery’s Super Hybrid (CSH) lineup, six remarkable women arrived in style.
Highlighted arrivals included Ain Husniza, founder of the youth-led organisation Pocket of Pink; Natasha Alias, assistant vice president of Wanita MyWira; Dr Premitha Damodaran, obstetrician-gynaecologist at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Front & Female 2025 winner; Natalie Loi, co-founder and head of technology at UnBound Malaysia; Prof Dr Sushila K Chang, vice-chancellor and CEO of Asian Women’s Leadership University College; and Lily Li Hong Sim, founder of Strive and co-founder of Female Founders Malaysia and Southeast Asia (FFMYSEA).
Above Sim Wie Boon, general manager delivered warm words in his welcome address
Above Managing editor at Tatler Malaysia, Emma Chong moderated the fireside chat on menopause
Sim Wie Boon, general manager delivered warm words in his welcome address
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Sim Wie Boon, general manager and Emma Chong, managing editor at Tatler Malaysia, delivered warm words of welcome ahead of guests settling into a beautifully curated three-course Buka Puasa dinner by the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur team as the room grew warmer with conversation and connection.
Dr Premitha Damodaran and Dr Bharathi Vengadasalam offered balanced perspectives on the impact of menopause both physically and mentally
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Dr Premitha Damodaran, a leading voice in women’s health and chair of the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia's Menopause and Midlife Health sub-committee, delivered a thought-provoking talk about menopause and its social stigma. She was accompanied by her colleague Dr Bharathi Vengadasalam, an experienced voice in women’s mental health alongside Emma Chong, who was moderator of the chat.
See also: Front & Female Awards 2026: Meet 3 young changemakers empowering women and girls across Malaysia
Damodaran described menopause as a period of rebirth and an opportunity for women to redefine themselves. While emphasising that it is an experience that all women will go through without exception, the pair also shed light on the lack of awareness about the difficulties that many face at this stage of life, particularly within the workplace, inspiring the audience to give themselves grace and support each other.
Shahliza Rafiq accepts the Lladró trophy from Tatler Malaysia general manager, Sim Wie Boon on behalf of Business Leadership Award winner, Nurul A’in Abdul Latif
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Across tables all evening, women exchanged stories of challenges faced, milestones reached and the journeys that shaped them, finding both familiarity and inspiration in one another. Some reunited after years apart, while others met for the first time, forming instant bonds that felt long overdue. The night reached a heartfelt high as the six winners were finally revealed.
Don’t miss: Front & Female Awards 2026: Meet 2 pioneers championing women’s health and empowerment in Malaysia
Above Rising Champion Award winner Ain Husniza accepts her Lladró from Tatler Malaysia general manager, Sim Wie Boon
Above Innovation Award winner Natalie Loi accepts her Lladró from Tatler Malaysia general manager, Sim Wie Boon
Rising Champion Award winner Ain Husniza accepts her Lladró from Tatler Malaysia general manager, Sim Wie Boon
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Malaysian youth activist Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam, vice-chancellor and CEO of Asian Women’s Leadership University College Prof Dr Sushila K Chang, social entrepreneur and co‑founder of Komuniti Tukang Jahit (KTJ) Yap Sue Yii and co-founder and head of technology at UnBound Malaysia, Natalie Loi Yoke Kei took to the stage to receive their Lladró trophies. PwC representative Shahliza Rafiq also accepted the award on behalf of PwC Malaysia’s first female executive chair and equity champion, Nurul A’in Abdul Latif, while Natasha Meera Riduan received the trophy on behalf of winner Viviantie Sarjuni, CEO of Malaysia’s National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN).
Above Wellbeing Award winner Prof Dr Sushila K Chang accepts her Lladró from Tatler Malaysia general manager, Sim Wie Boon
Above Founder’s Award winner Yap Sue Yii accepts her Lladró from Tatler Malaysia general manager, Sim Wie Boon
Wellbeing Award winner Prof Dr Sushila K Chang accepts her Lladró from Tatler Malaysia general manager, Sim Wie Boon
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The evening came to a close with a lively performance by Samantha Diana featuring empowering anthems celebrating womanhood, as guests lingered over dessert and drinks, in no rush to leave.
Guests left with thoughtfully curated door gifts from Chery Malaysia, along with a complimentary copy of Tatler Malaysia’s March 2026 issue. Also tucked inside was a preview of Sime Darby Property’s upcoming ‘The Mekar Raya’ event at their latest development, KLGCC and free vouchers to Harborland Malaysia.
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Photography: Amru Shakir
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