From an early age, Cynthia gleaned from her parents’ generosity and commitment to service, shaping her drive for justice and selflessness. This foundation inspired her to pursue a career in law, leading to her admission as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya. Throughout her journey, Cynthia has remained zealous about being a multi-faceted advocate for change, believing that her capacity to do right and do good is not limited to just one community.
In 2020, she co-founded KauOKTak, a youth-led initiative dedicated to transforming the mental health landscape for teenagers by community building and self-empowerment tactics. KauOKTak provides inclusive and accessible spaces where young people can candidly discuss their mental health while having access to tools that help them take charge of their well-being. Reflecting its intersectional values, KauOKTak became a member of the Southeast Asia Feminist Movement, collaborating with local and regional organisations to bring a mental health perspective to issues of gender and feminism.
Cynthia also found herself drawn to the refugee crisis in Malaysia after volunteering at refugee schools and working on a stint with Tenaganita where she focused on research, policy advocacy, and capacity building to empower refugees. Since then, she has published a research paper advocating for the education rights of refugee children, combining legal advocacy with a community-focused approach. Currently, she works with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Malaysia where she continues to support and advocate for individuals seeking asylum.
Real change happens when we step off the pedestal and work together—impact isn’t about saving someone, but about collaboration and empowerment. True impact is built through connection, not heroism.