Throughout history, society has always perceived men as the stronger ones…
Despite the many struggles women have endured through the years, it’s no question that most of us had to work hard for our titles as strong, independent women of today.
Photo via Astro Awani / The Walt Disney Company / New Straits Times
This International Women’s Day, we want to recognize these amazing women in Malaysia, who have left their mark not only on us, but the world, as well. We hope that this will inspire you to go out there and chase your dreams!
#1 Datuk Nicol Ann David
At just 15-years-old, Datuk Nicol Ann David won the Women’s World Junior Squash Championships and from there, she continued to dominate the world of squash, winning more and more tournaments, including 18 Professional Squash Association (PSA) titles.
Recognised as the greatest squash player of all-time, she also bagged the world’s number one spot for 112 consecutive months from 2006 to 2015.
Now retired from the sport, Nicol is actively involved in the Nicol David Foundation that empowers young, disadvantaged children through sports. In February 2021, she was also voted as the World Games’ Greatest Athlete of All Time!
#2 Yuna
Yuna, the Malaysian songbird who is also a songwriter and businesswoman, has been making the country proud!
From an independent artist that started off on MySpace, this hijabi queen is now a world-class performer and has collaborated with a number of big names like Usher, Pharell Williams, and Jhene Aiko.
In 2012, Yuna received the National Young Icon Award for the exceptional achievements in arts, and was also nominated for Best Southeast Asian Act in the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2014 and 2016.
#3 Kiki Poh
This Malaysian is one of the people behind the making of Disney’s Cars 3! How amazing!
Kiki Poh is a Shading and Grooming Technical director who also happens to be the first Malaysian to work as a Pixar animation artist!
Photo via Harian Metro
She was first recruited as an intern back in 2010 at Pixar Animation Studios, and since then she has been working on some of Disney’s most popular movies such as Toy Story 3, Monsters University, as well as Inside Out! She’s also the one who mainly worked on the character Doc Hudson in Cars 3
#4 Adele Lim
Currently based in Los Angeles, Adele Lim is a Malaysian and also the co-writer of the romantic comedy-drama film, Crazy Rich Asians.
You’ll also be proud to know that she is the writer behind Disney’s upcoming animated movie, “Raya And The Last Dragon’, which is set to be released this month!
#5 Dr. Farah Shaheera Roslan
Malaysian surgeon-in-training, Dr. Farah Shaheera Roslan and her team made waves in December 2019 when they developed disposable sterile headscarves for staff at the Royal Derby Hospital in the United Kingdom.
She shared her difficulties of going into operating theatres wearing a hijab as the headscarf may cause infection control issue, and the main reason why many other Muslim women choose not to go into operating theatres.
Photo via New Straits Times
These women are not just any women, but they are trail blazers who will inspire you to never give up in reaching your dreams!
Happy International Women’s Day, ladies!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
