Every year on Merdeka Day, we honour the leaders who fought for Malaysia’s independence. But many powerful stories, especially those of women, are often left untold.
These women may not always make the headlines or history books, but they have played a huge role in shaping our country. They’ve stood up for what’s right, broken barriers, helped those in need, and made Malaysia better in their own ways.
From fighting poverty to protecting the environment, from championing women’s rights to creating safe spaces for the forgotten, these are women who didn’t wait for change. They made it happen.
This Merdeka, we celebrate seven brave women who walked paths less travelled and left a lasting impact on our nation.
#1: Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood: The fearless doctor who put Malaysia on the global humanitarian map
Born in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood trained in medicine at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, specialised in obstetrics and gynaecology, and later taught and practised in the field[1].
The 1999 Kosovo crisis was her catalyst: seeing the gap in Malaysian-led humanitarian response, she founded MERCY Malaysia that same year. The volunteer outfit quickly scaled into a leading NGO, delivering medical relief across 32+ crises worldwide – including Aceh, Iraq, Myanmar, and Sudan[2].
Her leadership was fearless. In 2003, while on mission in Iraq, she was shot yet performed an emergency caesarean just hours later. Under her watch, MERCY set up clinics in conflict settings, responded to natural disasters, and put Malaysian civil society on the global humanitarian map[3].
Recognised globally, she has received the Gandhi-King-Ikeda Peace Award (2006), Isa Award for Services to Humanity (2013), Merdeka Award (2015), and the ASEAN Prize (2019) – the first Malaysian honouree[4].
Her international roles span Under Secretary General (Partnerships) at the IFRC; Chief of the UN World Humanitarian Summit Secretariat; Chief of the Humanitarian Response Branch at UNFPA; and Special Advisor on Public Health to Malaysia’s Prime Minister during COVID‑19, where she also served on the Economic Action Council[5].
Born in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood trained in medicine at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology before teaching and practising in the field[1].
The 1999 Kosovo crisis became her turning point. Seeing the gap in Malaysian-led humanitarian response, she founded MERCY Malaysia that same year. What began as a volunteer outfit quickly became a leading NGO, delivering medical relief to more than 32 crises worldwide, including in Aceh, Iraq, Myanmar, and Sudan[2].
Her leadership was fearless. In 2003, while on mission in Iraq, she was shot, yet performed an emergency caesarean just hours later. Under her watch, MERCY set up clinics in conflict zones, responded to natural disasters, and placed Malaysian civil society on the global humanitarian map[3].
She has been recognised internationally with awards such as the Gandhi-King-Ikeda Peace Award (2006), the Isa Award for Services to Humanity (2013), the Merdeka Award (2015), and the ASEAN Prize (2019), where she became the first Malaysian recipient[4].
Her global roles include serving as Under Secretary General (Partnerships) at the IFRC, Chief of the UN World Humanitarian Summit Secretariat, Chief of the Humanitarian Response Branch at UNFPA, and Special Advisor on Public Health to Malaysia’s Prime Minister during COVID-19. She also sat on the Economic Action Council.
Reflecting her belief in collective action to tackle global challenges, she said:
We can move some, perhaps at pace. Together, we can do plenty, fast. – Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood
Today, she sits on the boards of Malaysia’s Employees Provident Fund and Roche in Switzerland, and serves as Executive Director of the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health at Sunway University[5].
#2: Dato’ Dr. Faridah Merican: The First Lady of Malaysian Theatre, who turned stories into social change
Widely hailed as the First Lady of Malaysian Theatre, Dato’ Dr Faridah Merican was born in 1939 in Penang. She began her career as a teacher, radio announcer, and TV newscaster before moving into theatre in the 1960s[6].
Her early post-independence roles in Lela Mayang, Tok Perak, Uda dan Dara, and Alang Rentak Seribu cemented her as a pioneering stage presence across languages and audiences.
In 1989, she and her husband Joe Hasham founded The Actors Studio, creating a professional home for local theatre. When their venue was destroyed by floods in 2003, she rebounded by launching the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) in 2005 and later Penangpac in 2011[7].
If you believe in something, you have to roll up your sleeves and be ready to get your hands dirty. – Dato’ Dr Faridah Merican[8]
Over 1,500 productions in English, Malay, Hokkien, and Cantonese later, Faridah has used theatre to confront lived realities, HIV/AIDS, mental health, poverty, trafficking, and to amplify everyday voices through her Life Sdn Bhd documentary-theatre series. Her honours include the BOH Cameronian Lifetime Achievement Award, the Merdeka Award (Education & Community), and numerous state and national recognitions for shaping the performing arts[9, 10].
Now in her 80s, she remains active as Executive Producer at KLPAC and serves as Adjunct Professor and Programme Director at TUTAS, Malaysia’s first performing arts conservatory. Her legacy is one of courage, craft, and an unshakable belief in storytelling’s power to move a nation forward[11].
#3: Toh Puan Dato’ Seri Hajjah Dr. Aishah Ong: The pioneering doctor building healthier, fairer futures for all
Toh Puan Dr Aishah Ong began her medical career in London, qualifying as a doctor in 1969 before returning to serve in Malaysia’s public and private sectors. Her commitment to community was clear from the start; she volunteered weekly at a PERKIM pro bono clinic at Tunku Abdul Rahman’s personal request[12].
Beyond medicine, she became a nation-building force. She chaired University Hospital, served on the University of Malaya Council, and in 2003 became its first female Pro-Chancellor, a role she still holds. She founded Institut Kemajuan Wanita Malaysia (IKWAM) in 1987, championing women’s empowerment ahead of its time.
She also played leading roles in health organisations such as the IJN Foundation and Cancer Research Malaysia, shaping policies on cancer, heart health, mental wellness, and elder care.
Her influence extends to the corporate and non-profit worlds, with board roles at Nestlé Malaysia, leadership in NGOs, and national honours like the Johan Mangku Negara and Tun Fatimah Gold Award[12].
Let this initiative be a reminder that every action counts. By making small, conscious decisions today, we can pave the way for a healthier planet and a brighter future for generations to come. – Toh Puan Dr Aishah Ong[13]
Today, she heads the IJN Foundation, which in 2025 allocated RM4.5 million to help heart patients in need, and remains a trustee for Cancer Research Malaysia, the IMU Foundation, and the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation[13, 14].
#4: Tan Sri Tengku Noor Zakiah Tengku Ismail: The trailblazing stockbroker who broke finance’s glass ceiling
Born in 1926 in Kelantan, Tan Sri Tengku Noor Zakiah grew up with values of education, welfare, and dignity – principles that shaped her groundbreaking journey in finance.
In 1964, she became Malaysia’s first Bumiputera woman licensed stockbroker and the first female member of the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange, claiming her place in a male-dominated industry with vision and resolve[15, 16].
When I began my stockbroking journey, I was driven to challenge the status quo, prove my abilities, and create opportunities for other women – all while reshaping societal perceptions and striving for excellence. – Tan Sri Tengku Noor Zakiah[17]
In 1973, she co-founded K & N Kenanga Sdn Bhd, now Kenanga Investment Bank, Malaysia’s first and largest independent investment bank. Her leadership expanded access to capital markets and strengthened investor confidence. She also established the Association of Stockbroking Companies Malaysia, serving as president for over two decades[17, 18].
Her achievements earned her a place in the Malaysia Book of Records as the first woman to start a stockbroking firm, alongside honours such as the Lady Extraordinaire Award, Top 10 of Asia Outstanding Personality, and the 2024 Brand Icon Leadership Award. Beyond business, she created the Tengku Noor Zakiah Staff Outreach Fund to support employee welfare[19].
Now in her late 90s, she remains Founder Emeritus and Adviser to Kenanga Group, and her memoir Malaysia’s Pioneering Stockbroker stands as a testament to a life defined by courage and innovation[20].
#5: Datuk Marina Chin: The golden girl of Malaysian athletics who never stopped championing youth
Datuk Marina Chin’s athletic journey began unexpectedly at 16, when a casual entry in a school meet launched her into one of Malaysia’s most storied sports careers.
Through the 1970s, she dominated Southeast Asian tracks, winning six SEA Games golds and setting national records in the 100m and 400m hurdles. Twice named Malaysia’s Sportswoman of the Year (1976, 1977), she was a rare female sports icon of her era[21].
Her impact didn’t end at the finish line. After retiring, Marina shaped future champions as principal of Bukit Jalil Sports School and later as Director of Sports at the Ministry of Education.
Athletes have a life after sports, and they should not be limited to careers in sports alone… I had students who excelled in many areas; I had straight‑A students. Why do we want to stop them from becoming doctors, lawyers or even engineers? – Datuk Marina Chin[22]
In 2017, she returned to the SEA Games as Chef de Mission — not as an athlete, but as a mentor and leader. That same year, she chaired a national task force on abuse in sports, driving reforms for athlete safety and accountability. Today, she continues to influence youth sports and coaching development as Chairman of the National Sports Institute (ISN) Board[19, 21, 24].
#6: Tan Sri Shahrizat Jalil: The policy-maker who made gender equality part of the Constitution
Born in Penang in 1953, Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil graduated in law from the University of Malaya in 1976 and co-founded her own legal firm. Her political career began in 1995 as MP for Lembah Pantai, where she focused on social justice and women’s rights[25].
In 2001, she became Malaysia’s first Minister of Women, Family and Community Development. Her landmark achievement was amending Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution to outlaw gender discrimination, paving the way for sweeping legal reforms for women’s rights[26].
As minister and UMNO Wanita Chief, she championed female political participation, economic empowerment, and family welfare. She pushed for 30% women in leadership, job re-entry programmes, and stronger support for survivors of domestic violence and marginalised groups[26, 27].
Today, she leads HAWA and co-chairs the Women in Trade and Industry (WITI) initiative. A staunch advocate of financial independence, her mantra remains:
Every woman must have her own wallet. – Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil[25, 29]
Shahrizat’s legacy is one of gender equality, inclusive policies, and breaking barriers for women in Malaysia.
#7: Meenakshi Raman: The lawyer-activist defending communities and our planet’s future
Trained as a lawyer, Meenakshi Raman chose to fight for communities and the environment. At the Consumers Association of Penang, she defended displaced farmers and led the landmark case that shut down Bukit Merah’s rare-earth plant for health hazards, earning comparisons to Erin Brockovich[30, 31].
Detained for 47 days under the Internal Security Act during Operation Lalang in 1987, she emerged more determined to confront systemic injustice. She co-founded the Environmental Lawyers Alliance Worldwide and became Secretary-General of Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM), tackling issues from hill-slope protection to anti-reclamation campaigns[31].
Meenakshi has led resistance against the Penang South Islands reclamation, filing a legal challenge in 2021 to protect fishermen’s rights. After the fatal 2018 Tanjung Bungah landslide, she pushed for stricter penalties on developers and stronger regulatory frameworks[32, 33].
It is about time we realised that we have reached the limits of what Mother Earth can take, and if we continue to ignore these warning signs and limits, we will face environmental calamities which will be hugely costly in human and economic terms. – Meenakshi Raman[34]
Today, as President of SAM and Head of Programmes at Third World Network, she continues to advocate for climate justice, forest protection, and stronger environmental laws. At the 2025 National Climate Governance Summit, she called for transparency, equity, and meaningful public participation in policymaking[33].
Why Their Stories Matter
These seven women show us that building a better Malaysia doesn’t always happen in the spotlight. It happens in classrooms, kampungs, courtrooms, and communities, wherever someone chooses to speak up, fight back, or care for others.
This Merdeka, let’s remember that freedom also means lifting others up and breaking down barriers. Their stories may not be in textbooks, but they’ve helped shape the Malaysia we know today and the one we hope for tomorrow.
Explore Our Sources
- Atlantic Council. (2025). Tan Sri Dr. Jemilah Mahmood. Link
- MERCY Malaysia. (2025). Who We Are. Link
- SAYS. (2017). The Humanitarian Who Was Shot In The Hip But Continued Saving Lives In War-Torn Iraq. Link
- Planetary Health Alliance. (2022). Tan Sri Dr. Jemilah Mahmood. Link
- Mahmood, J. (2025). Dr. Jemilah Mahmood. LinkedIn. Link
- Sivanantham, D. (2016). Unconventional Malaysian Women Leaders. Leaderonomics. Link
- Tatler Asia. (2021). Faridah Merican. Link
- Happy Go KL. (2021, August 2). “If You Believe In Something, You Have To Roll Up Your Sleeves And Be Ready To Get Your Hands Dirty.” Faridah Merican – KLPAC. Link
- Merdeka Award. (2024). Dato’ Dr. Faridah Merican – 2024. Link
- The Star. (2024, October 4). First lady of Malaysian theatre wins award for pioneering country’s performing arts scene. Link
- The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac). (2025). Our People. Link
- Universiti Malaya. (2024). Toh Puan. Link
- The Star. (2025, January 19). Malaysia’s first sustainable academic health centre in UM. Link
- Shahrizal. (2025, March 21). 30 Years Of Saving Hearts: IJN Foundation Gets RM4.5 Million Boost. BusinessToday. Link
- The Malaysian Reserve. (2019, September 27). Malaysia’s pioneering stockbroker launches autobiography. Link
- iLabur. (2025). Tengku Noor Zakiah Ikon Ekonomi Negara (Pengasas Bank Pelaburan Malaysia Pertama). Link
- Tatler Asia. (2023). Kenanga Investment Bank Co-Founder Tan Sri Tengku Noor Zakiah Career Stockbroker. Link
- BusinessToday. (2019). Malaysia’s First Woman Stockbroker. Link
- Kenanga. (2024, September 11). Kenanga Group Celebrates Dual Triumphs at The BrandLaureate Awards Gala Night. Link
- Kenanga. (2024). Our Founder Emeritus and Advisor Tan Sri. LinkedIn. Link
- The Living History Project. (n.d.). Marina Chin. Link
- Scoop. (n.d.). Let athletes dream beyond the field: Marina Chin calls for broader career options in sports schools. Link
- The Star. (2015, September 11). Marina surprised at chef de mission appointment. Link
- Institut Sukan Negara. (2025). Senarai Ahli Lembaga Institut Penggal Ke-7 Sesi 2023 – 2025. Link
- Tatler Asia. (2024). Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil. Link
- The Straits Times. (2018, June 23). Umno Women’s leader Shahrizat Jalil quits politics. Link
- Malay Mail. (2022). Shahrizat: Over 20 years later, Malaysia still chasing same 30pc quota for women. Link
- Malaysia Gazette. (2023). Shahrizat dilantik Pengerusi Hawa. Link
- Sinar Daily. (2023). The 1975: Muslim spectators of concert urged to seek Allah’s forgiveness. Link
- Free Malaysia Today. (2017). Meet Malaysia’s own irrepressible champion of the common folk. Link
- Aliran. (2022). Meenakshi Raman – taking the road less travelled. Link
- Malay Mail. (2021). Penang groups accuse state government of ignoring rule of law by proceeding. Link
- Eco-Business. (2025) Malaysia must prioritise accountability and equity in environmental policy over short-term profits: veteran climate campaigner. Link
- Daily Express Malaysia. (2022). Environ laws, policies not being respected. Link
