Social Welfare Leaders

From our 300 List, we round up the biggest names involved in charity and humanitarian causes whether their fields lie with the poor, the ill or the oppressed.

Our renowned 300 List carries some of the biggest  names across a myriad of industries. Among them are some social welfare champions with hearts of gold who are always ready to go out of their ways to help the underprivileged, the sick and the oppressed. 

We round up some of the biggest names involved in charity and humanitarian causes whether their fields lie with the poor, the ill or the prejudiced. 


Zainah Anwar

The founder and now former executive director of Sisters in Islam was recently listed as one of the most influential Muslim women by the San Francisco-based International Museum of Women for voicing out against gender inequality in the Islamic faith. Currently helming Musawah, a global movement advocating justice in the Muslim family, she was awarded the Chevalier de la Legion D’Honneur title from the French government.


Ratna Osman

Ratna Osman is the executive director of Sisters in Islam, a non-profit organisation protecting the rights of Muslim women. Prior to that, Ratna was handling the professional insurance scheme at an international brokerage house. When she decided to get back into the working field, she applied for a managerial position at SIS and it was one of the best decisions she has ever made.


Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir

Her prominence in society has little to do with her famous father. She has carved her own name and is largely known for her interest in the country’s social issues from speaking out against racism and sexism to marginalisation of the HIV-afflicted community. A loving wife to photographer Tara Sosrowardoyo, she gives the downtrodden a chance to be heard.


 Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam

The loving wife of Tan Sri G Gnanalingam is a passionate woman who is focused on ensuring success in any projects or causes she commits herself to. She is the president of the Soroptimist International South West Pacific, a global volunteer movement working together to transform the lives of women and girls, and is actively involved in the Women’s Institute of Management.


Dato' Ruby Khong

Dato’ Ruby Khong was the president of Kechara Soup Kitchen, a community action group that helps the homeless and urban poor in Malaysia. Though she has officially retired from Kechara Soup Kitchen as of September 2015, helping the underprivileged is still a cause she holds close to heart, and something she intends to pursue on a more international level following a short sabbatical. 


 Datin Mina Cheah-Foong

This kindred spirit is the managing director of The Body Shop. The brand has been widely known for its efforts and campaigns to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS, championing women and children’s rights and rainforest conservation efforts. She also contributes to charities such as the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, Sisters in Islam, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia and the Malaysian Nature Society. 


 Prof Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman

As the winner of Malaysia Tatler’s Force for Good Award, she is recognised in the medical fraternity and for her endless fight against HIV/AIDS. A regular speaker at numerous conferences, she is respected for her contribution and work as the chairman of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation out side of her day job as the dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Malaya.


Datin Suliana Shamsuddin

Most may know her for being the supportive wife of political maverick Datuk Zaid Ibrahim but for the disabled, she is their beacon of hope as she strives to make a difference in their lives. The chairperson and executive director of Yayasan Orang Kurang Upaya Kelantan, has long dedicated herself to the welfare of the physically and mentally challenged. 


 Prof Dr Teo Soo Hwang

This warm-hearted professor is a dedicated scientist and the CEO of non-profit cancer research organisation CARIF, the first of its kind in Malaysia when it launched in 2002. She spends a large part of her time identifying and researching areas in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. 


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