Hafiza Binti Abdul Samath

Hafiza is an independent researcher, youth advocate, and changemaker whose work focuses on human rights, education, and social entrepreneurship. She has published a book on human trafficking, a book documenting survivor stories, amplifying voices often silenced. Her research on child trafficking was featured and awarded both locally and internationally.

She serves as Chair of the Malaysia Chapter and Chair for Youth at Catalyst Now, building a digital ecosystem to empower young leaders globally. Her contributions have earned her international recognition, including being featured in the Successful People in Malaysia Encyclopedia, named among the Top 100 Changemakers globally by Unite 2030, and receiving the Outstanding Leadership Award in Dubai. She was also selected as a fellow of the International Council on Human Rights, Peace and Politics.

She has held governance and advisory roles, including on the Board of Amnesty International Malaysia and with the United Nations Association Youth Platform in the UK. She was awarded the Giving Economy Award by the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia on Sustainable Development (APPGM-SDG) for her impact in youth empowerment across border alongside recognition from the Crowdera Foundation for her global policy influence.

Passionate about creating empathetic and inclusive spaces, Hafiza continues to champion youth empowerment and human rights, working across local and international platforms to drive systemic change.

Impact lies where empathy leads the change, creating spaces that elevate vulnerable communities and voices often unheard. It is where human dignity is protected, and opportunities are opened for those most at risk. Ultimately, it is where equality not only exists but persists.