7 Lessons From Malaysian Leaders This International Women's Day

From pioneers who made history to today’s generation of trailblazers, female Malaysian leaders unyieldingly make significant contributions and changes in society.

Even the local government has recognised their pivotal role in the business sectors. Companies have increasingly hired women to fill in managerial positions to promote gender diversity and provide opportunities to showcase their skills and experience in achieving corporate success. While there is still a lot to be done, it is undeniable that Malaysia has come a long way in supporting female representation in the workplace.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day in Malaysia, let us recognise and respect female leaders who made their mark and those who continue to exceed expectations and overcome social, economic, cultural, and political challenges.

Here are seven inspiring female Malaysian leaders and the powerful lessons we can take from them.

1.  Tan Sri Lim Phaik Gan

Tan Sri Lim Phaik Gan, also known as P. G. Lim, is one of Malaysia’s first woman lawyers.

Despite coming from a privileged family, she still experienced gender injustices from obtaining her Master’s Degree to being part of the Straits Settlement Civil Service. But she remained undeterred. She advocated and fought for the underprivileged workers and readily took on controversial cases. According to her, “If I find that something is wrong, I fight… If there is a need I take the case sometimes when no one else will.”

P.G Lim proved that our profession and the opportunities given to us could be an instrument to help others. In any way we can, we should offer support to those in need.

2. Shamsiah Fakeh

If there is one profound lesson we can learn from freedom fighter and feminist Shamsiah Fakeh, it is this: To do whatever it takes to reach what you aim for, not only for yourself, but for others as well.

She also believed that loyalty and love for one’s country can give you the strength you need to survive even the toughest battles. She showed this when she hid and fought alongside guerrillas in the jungle to achieve the country’s independence.

Shamsiah Fakeh was the leader of Malaysia’s first nationalist women’s movement, Angkatan Wanita Sedar (AWAS). And while she knew others disagreed, she stayed true to her ways of fighting for freedom. AWAS, under her leadership, also fought to liberate women from oppression.

“Aku tak menyesal lawan British, tak menyesal masuk hutan.”Having no regrets is another takeaway we can learn from Shamsiah as, despite the most adverse circumstances she experienced, she withstood every single difficult moment as they served as the key to achieving the goal of freedom.

3. Aishah Ghani

Aishah Ghani is also one of the most influential figures in journalism, politics, and advocating for women.

Like Shamsiah Fakeh, she also fought for freedom but chose the path of diplomacy. She started as a journalist and ventured into politics which led her to be the first Malaysian woman Senator and the country’s first woman representative at the United Nations General Assembly. Even after she retired, Aishah Ghani continued to fight for women’s rights and welfare.

"Pemimpin wanita tempatan mempunyai peranan yang sangat penting. Merekalah yang menjadi penghubung Iidah, menyampaikan pesanan-pesanan yang perlu diketahui masyarakat. Pendak kata merekalah yang paling hampir dengan kenyataan."

Aishah Ghani believed in local women leaders’ role in connecting and providing communities with the information they need. She reminds us to acknowledge women’s potential and influence as their presence dramatically makes a difference. With their experience, innate empathy, and nurturing qualities, women can create a well-balanced and thriving environment for all members.

4. Tun Fatimah Hashim

Tun Fatimah Hashim is our inspiration for taking on work challenges and putting her heart into her role. Being the country’s first female Cabinet Minister, she faced opposition and difficulties. But she didn’t let the struggles get the best of her and took on the role without feeling discouraged. Her position also strongly impacted calling for changes and improvements towards women’s role in society.

“As a pioneer for women in this regard, I accepted everything with a sincere heart. I did what I could with the ability I had. Things are more interesting when there are challenges,” she says.

It is easy to be distracted by the negative situations in your work and life, but as a lesson from Tun Fatimah Hashim: do everything you can in your job. Focus on your purpose and do your best to accomplish them. Challenges are part of anybody’s path, and overcoming them makes the victory more fulfilling.

5. Heidy Quah

We all seek to find our true calling in life. Heidy Quah unexpectedly found hers while she was volunteering as a teacher in a Burmese refugee school.

In 2012, Heidy founded Refuge for the Refugees (RFTR), a non-government organisation that seeks to provide education to those without the means to get it. With Heidy’s contribution, she became the only Malaysian who was awarded the Queen’s Young Leaders Award in 2017.

Heidy, along with her co-founder Andrea Prisha, faced many issues during their organisation’s beginning stages. They lacked experience and have to exert twice the effort in preparing all the essentials. Heidy also doubted herself because of disheartening comments from others, but she believed that this is what has God called her for.

“It’s important to know my identity and worth—is it found in the comments of man or what God has called me to do.”

Heidy’s journey shows us that being young and inexperienced will not define what you can achieve. Hardships and sacrifices are part of significant transitions in our lives, including career changes. But holding on to your passion and faith will help attract bigger things. You can defy the odds and push through your calling.

6. Mazlan Othman

There are two main things we can learn from Datuk Mazlan Othman. One is that women can make outstanding contributions to space science and technology. Another is that a woman’s dedication to her profession is key to achieving success.

Mazlan Othman is Malaysia’s first astrophysicist and two-time Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). She also played a vital role in sending the first Malaysian astronaut into space.

What are the essential ingredients in her achievements? Her passion and commitment. She didn’t waver amid the reality of entering an unusual field. But what started as selfish ambitions eventually shifted to dedication to making people realise the beauty and importance of space studies and exploration—that there is more to see and appreciate outside our planet.

“People are more curious about scientific fields that are down-to-earth, like solar energy. I realised that for people to see how beautiful space exploration is, I would have to go on a crusade.”

Mazlan Othman inspires us to stay dedicated and appreciative of our profession. Our career vision can go beyond fulfilling our role, but also encouraging people to recognise its essence.

7. Mother Mangalam

Datin Paduka Mother A Mangalam A/P S Iyaswamy Iyer, also known as the Mother Teresa of Malaysia, has been instrumental in providing a home and caring for orphaned children.

She became part of Pure Life Society, founded by her spiritual mentor, Swami Satyananda. She worked hard to provide children with their basic needs and ensuring they find their purpose in society.

Mother Mangalam teaches us that the road to reaching your goals consists of efforts and participation coming from different people and having the right resources. We need to consistently invest in having the right team so we can continue accomplishing more in the future.

"My achievement? I don't know what it is really. All have contributed to the work, that's all I can say; the environment, people and the children have played a part in what has been achieved thus far. For me, the most important factor is building the right human capital to continue this work in the future, as without it, we cannot achieve anything," she said

Women have been through a lot and have achieved so much. It has not been easy. But these female Malaysian leaders serve as our inspiration who teach us powerful life lessons of being the best version of ourselves, giving our all in anything we do, and that our passion and dedication are strong driving forces that will help overcome setbacks and challenges.

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