19-year-old changemaker, Qistina Izahan, founded The Quack Movement from her love of arts and craft. What started as a personal goal to become financially independent became part of a larger desire to create an economically-resilient business operation for lower-income communities to generate supplementary income.
To date, the crafting initiative has provided work for survivors of domestic violence with wages totalling RM650 within three months. Furthermore, it has earned Qistina the Champion title at the prestigious Youth Leadership Academy in 2023.
In addition to her social enterprise, Qistina is also the founder of PasarKraf, an all-in-one platform for artists which focuses on streamlining the art industry while addressing crucial Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PasarKraf has already secured RM25,000 in seed funding, marking a significant milestone in Qistina’s entrepreneurial journey. The platform aims to be a digital space that supports artists and artisans, providing them with the visibility and tools they need to thrive in a competitive marketplace.
Having achieved so much at her age with sheer passion and grit, Qistina is a role model to all Malaysian youths. Her journey in enacting social change, economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and community growth can be found on her podcast “What Now? Jom Ah Lepak!!”.
To me, making an impact means creating lasting, meaningful change that empowers people and transforms communities. It’s about using my skills and resources to uplift underrepresented voices, while building sustainable solutions that address real societal challenges. Every step I take should leave a positive footprint that goes beyond myself.