Cover Meet Aisya Rahman, Ellice Ng, Premitha Damodaran, Aida Zunaidi, Fiona Tan and Aida Ihsani, the six winners of the third Front & Female Awards in Malyasia
Meet Aisya Rahman, Ellice Ng, Premitha Damodaran, Aida Zunaidi, Fiona Tan and Aida Ihsani, the six winners of the third Front & Female Awards in Malyasia
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Tatler hosted the Front & Female Awards 2025 on March 20 with a dinner ceremony at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, revealing the six winners of the third edition of the awards
On March 20, 2025, we announced the six winners of our third Front & Female Awards Malaysia, which celebrates the individuals championing the progress of women.
Selected with the help of our expert voting committee, which includes some of the most influential leaders in Malaysia, these six women were chosen from a shortlist of 20 inspiring nominees, following a lengthy vetting procedure. After much deliberation and a very difficult decision by our voting committee, six ladies were selected and recognised at a live dinnertime Awards ceremony, presented in partnership with Sime Darby Property, BMW Malaysia, L’Oréal Paris, Lladro and Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur.
From self-taught entrepreneurs to visionary techpreneurs who are using digital tools to empower overlooked and underserved communities, the winners share why their work is so important and what drives them to create a better future for women and girls in Malaysia.
Read more: From filmmakers to fintech leaders, meet the Front & Female Awards Malaysia 2024 winners
Rising Champion Award: Aida Zunaidi
Above Aida Zunaidi is the co-founder and CEO of Ibupreneur
Aida Zunaidi is the co-founder and CEO of Ibupreneur
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Given to an individual aged 30 or under whose work inspires or champions women and girls to drive their advancement
What she does: Aida is the co-founder of Ibupreneur, an award-winning social enterprise that helps women living in urban poverty achieve financial independence and become micro-entrepreneurs through educational opportunities and hands-on projects. Thanks to its educational arm, Ibupreneur Academy, graduates’ average household income increased from RM1,605 to over RM4,000 after completing Ibupreneur Academy’s online and offline programmes. Ibupreneur’s goal? To help these women break the cycle of financial hardship in their households and families.
Why it matters: “There is a strong correlation between single-mother households and women with low access to education to urban poverty,” Aida says. “I often meet women on survival mode. It is so important that we provide an avenue for them to have their basic needs fulfilled, to access knowledge and to have a caring environment to break the cycle from growing further.
“Seeing these women’s lives change for the better—children returning to school after dropping out, mothers having additional savings to treat their children or a family who could move to a safer neighbourhood—they become softer, kinder, and in return, they ensure others in the community feel it too.”
See also: Front & Female Awards 2025: 3 young visionaries who are elevating women’s progress in society
Business Leader Award: Aisya Rahman
Above Aisya Rahman is the founder of Aisya Rahman Advisory
Aisya Rahman is the founder of Aisya Rahman Advisory
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For an individual helping to inspire, elevate and advance women in corporate, business or professional fields
What she does: A sought-after speaker, financial planner and founder of Aisya Rahman Advisory, Aisya Rahman created the Women & Wealth Workshops to give women a safe space to turn financial trauma into empowerment. Recognising the need for a non-judgemental space for women to discuss money matters, from financial 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.
Why it matters: “I believe in the hereafter, where empowering and protecting women is part of our accountability to our Creator,” Aisya says. “Women are leaders, mothers and breadwinners. When they thrive in faith and finances, they uplift families, transform communities and create lasting change and impact for generations.”
Well-Being Award: Dr Premitha Damodaran
Above Women’s health specialist Dr Premitha Damodaran is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Women’s health specialist Dr Premitha Damodaran is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
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For an individual whose work addresses the health and well-being of women and girls, whether physical, mental, social, sexual or financial
What she does: Leading women’s health specialist and menopause advocate Dr Premitha Damodaran is the President of the College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and chair of the Menopause and Midlife Women’s Health Committee in Malaysia. A consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Premitha spearheaded nationwide Menopause & Midlife Health Roadshows in 2024, also sharing practical advice helping women navigate menopause with confidence through her platform ‘Mend-The-Pause’.
Why it matters: “Menopausal changes are often underestimated, yet every woman—regardless of her background—deserves an open conversation with her healthcare provider about this important stage of life,” shares Premitha. “My mission is to break the menopause stigma and empower women with knowledge, support and resources to navigate this transition with confidence and dignity.
“Women play vital roles in their families, workplaces and communities, and when they prioritise their well-being, the positive ripple effect extends to everyone around them.”
Founder Award: Aida Ihsani
Above Self-taught woodworker Aida Ihsani teaches Malaysia’s first women’s woodworking workshop
Self-taught woodworker Aida Ihsani teaches Malaysia’s first women’s woodworking workshop
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Given to an entrepreneur or founder breaking ground and positively impacting women
What she does: Law graduate, entrepreneur, wood-worker and avid hiker—Aida Ihsani’s superpower is not being confined by labels or boxes. This self-taught woodworker is the founder of Aida Ihsani Enterprise and the brains behind Malaysia’s Women’s Woodworking Workshop, a HRDF-certified programme designed to equip women with hands-on woodworking skills. Since 2019, she has trained around 2,000 women from diverse backgrounds, driven by a mission to help women break free from societal expectations and limitations, giving them the autonomy to pursue their creativity, passions and interests without restrictions or repercussions.
Why it matters: “I envision my platform as a safe space for women to prioritise their mental, emotional and physical well-being through activities like hiking, mental health walks and women’s circles,” shares Aida. “I plan to expand my workshops to empower women with essential life skills such as woodworking, car maintenance, electrical work and first aid. I want to inspire women to break free from limitations and choose their own path, inspiring others on their journey of self-discovery.”
Innovation Award: Ellice Ng
Above Ellice Ng is the CEO and co-founder of Orangeleaf Consulting
Ellice Ng is the CEO and co-founder of Orangeleaf Consulting
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For an individual driving progress for women and girls or advancing the female agenda in a particularly innovative way or with a focus on innovation
What she does: Former PR practitioner Ellice Ng is the CEO of low-code firm Orangeleaf Consulting, which launched an app called DoReMi in 2024 aimed at transforming the lives of orphaned children and vulnerable communities by providing mentorship, sponsorship, adoption opportunities, counselling, job opportunities and more in this digital space.
Drawing from her own experiences growing up as an orphan, Ng champions mental well-being and stability for society’s most vulnerable group, making use of digital platforms to provide a space that connects these young people with those who can help them, from mentors and wellness specialists to loving homes, prospective employers and friends-to-be. Ng also empowers youth through low-code training and entrepreneurship as vice president of the Malaysian Young Entrepreneur Association.
Why it matters: “I believe in second chances,” Ng says. “Malaysia is filled with an abundance of talents and I am driven by human potential and a passion for empowering others to achieve their best. Seeing a mentee or colleague gain confidence and achieve their career goals, or seeing projects like the DoReMi Charity App make a real difference in a community—these moments of positive change are incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that I've played a part in someone's growth or contributed to something larger than myself is what truly motivates me.”
Social Impact Award: Fiona Tan
Above Fiona Tan is the founder of Heartworks Solution
Fiona Tan is the founder of Heartworks Solution
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For an individual supporting underserved, overlooked, vulnerable, underprivileged or minority women and girls, and/or seeking to drive human rights and equality
What she does: After losing her job during the pandemic, Fiona Tan founded Heartworks Solution, a startup that upskills women from underserved communities, equipping them with the tools to succeed as virtual professionals. Heartworks Solution has helped several women achieve financial independence on their own terms, from people with disabilities to stay-at-home mums and single mothers.
Why it matters: “Supporting women is not just an act of charity—it’s a strategic investment in Malaysia’s economic future,” Tan says. “As a PWD (person with disabilities) myself, my mission is to survive and be useful while empowering women, particularly those from underserved communities, by offering flexible, remote work opportunities. By creating a platform that supports others, I found a way to turn my challenges into opportunities for growth—both for myself and for those I serve.”
Don’t miss: Front & Female Awards 2025: 4 change-makers championing women’s equality and rights in Malaysia
Credits
Photography: Natalina Zainal
Creative Direction: Noemy Zainal
Hair: Nicole Ng and Angeline Low
Make-Up: Joey Yap and Ler Wan Ning
Topics
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.
