Puan Sri Normah binti Hashim is a compassionate changemaker whose dedication to humanitarian causes and advocacy for marginalised communities exemplifies impactful leadership. As a philanthropist, author, and advocate, she has amplified Palestinian voices through her books and established the Hashim Sani Centre for Palestine Studies at the University of Malaya to promote justice and equality. Her commitment spans both locally and internationally, supporting refugees, the blind, and the underprivileged in Malaysia through initiatives like the Refugee Emergency Fund. She is the Founder & Trustee of Al Fitrah Foundation, a foundation dedicated to producing Braille Qurans, books, and Islamic texts for the visually impaired. Under the “Poverty Alleviators” category, her role as a member of the Free Food Society, which provides essential food aid to vulnerable communities including refugees, highlights her direct involvement in addressing food insecurity. Her unwavering drive to create meaningful change and inspire hope makes her a deserving nominee for the 2025 Wiki Impact Top 100 Changemakers.

Making an impact means restoring dignity—whether by feeding a hungry family, giving sight to the blind through Braille texts, or amplifying voices silenced by conflict. Every initiative I pursue is rooted in compassion and the belief that no one should be left behind, regardless of their struggle. True impact is when service becomes structure, and hope becomes action.

Mr. Paniirselvam Jayaraman is a Ecosystem enabler and the Director of the Policy Solutions Department at the Secretariat, All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia on SDGs. He has 20 years of experience and expertise in social work, project management, monitoring & evaluation, coaching, mentoring & training. For the past 3 years, he has dived into policy-related solutions. He is involved in research on community needs, curating solution plans for issues on the ground, and building the capacity of APPGM-SDG partners to take up sustainable solution management targeting grassroots communities. He is the President of the Inspiring Bharathiyar Association (INBHA), an NGO working with teenagers (girls & boys) to create a sustainable human capital among them with the required living skills. Paniir contributed to the Asian Solidarity Economy Council (ASEC) as a member and promotes the establishment of Cooperatives and Social Enterprises among community organisations in Malaysia as part of the Social Solidarity Economy agenda. He also serves in the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRDC) Sectoral Training Committee (STC) on Community Development. He published a number of journal articles & wrote newspaper articles, contributed to a few other publications and contributed in planning & recommendations to National Plans & Policies.

Impact means sustainability and culture. A funder and delivery partner can measure impact of a project while the project is running and immediately after completion but impact is suppose to be the long lasting sustainability in livelihood, income as well as the next generation development of participants. Impact is also about what we do with our participants, patners and community beyond the funding relationship. Impact creating should be a culture.

At just 17 years old, Danya Adriana Feri has emerged as one of Malaysia’s most promising young artists, captivating audiences with her ability to reimagine Malaysian heritage through vibrant abstract art. A self-taught artist, her work reflects a deep appreciation for culture and identity, inviting viewers to experience Malaysian stories through a contemporary lens. Through her creative visual language, Danya bridges tradition and modern expression, making heritage accessible and inspiring to a new generation.

Danya’s artistic journey has reached both local and international audiences. She was featured on WomenpreneurAsia, becoming the youngest podcast guest to share her perspective as an emerging artist and creative entrepreneur. Her passion for cultural storytelling also reached Europe through an article she contributed to Teen World of Arts, Germany, where she introduced Malaysia’s rich heritage to a global art audience.

Beyond exhibitions, Danya has been commissioned to create cultural pieces for a renowned hospitality group and prominent corporations, demonstrating how art can generate income, inspire entrepreneurship, and support youth talent development.

Through her journey, Danya proves that age is never a limit to purpose and impact. Her art stands as a testament to how creativity can connect cultures, spark change, and empower others to dream boldly, no matter where they begin. Beyond her personal success, Danya continues to inspire younger generations through art outreach and creative sharing showing how art can nurture confidence, foster empathy, and open opportunities for growth and economic empowerment. She hopes to encourage more youth to see creativity as a meaningful way to contribute to society and to believe that every small act of expression can make a big difference.

To me, making an impact means using my art to spark inspiration and change. I want my work to encourage others to believe in their creativity and make a difference through their own way.

Juddy Lasius is a proud mother of four children aged 16, 14, 12 and 10. Born and raised in Kg Madsiang, Penampang, Sabah, she is the second of ten siblings. Her father passed away when the youngest was just two years old. Growing up watching her mother’s struggle to raise the family inspired Juddy’s resilience and lifelong mission to uplift rural families.

She founded Moyog Innovation House (MIH) in 2019, a social enterprise empowering rural and indigenous communities. MIH has supported over 300 participants — including farmers, single mothers, youth, and women’s groups — through training in food preservation, herbal product development, sustainable packaging, and business skills. These programs reduce agricultural waste, improve household income, and promote eco-friendly practices.

In 2020, with support from UNDP, UNCDF, PACOS Trust, and Tonibung, Juddy launched Koondos!, a platform connecting rural Orang Asal farmers and artisans to urban and digital markets. Koondos! has since empowered over 60 rural entrepreneurs to increase income, access wider markets, and adopt sustainable production methods.

She also leads Koondos EcoCycle, an initiative that transforms glass waste into paving materials, garden products, and crafts, turning an environmental challenge into livelihood opportunities.

Guided by her belief in “building communities from the ground up”, Juddy continues to dedicate her work to empowering rural families in Sabah, fostering resilience, inclusive growth, and sustainable futures.

For me, making an impact is planting seeds of change that keep growing — empowering families to improve their income, protect the environment, and inspire others.

Lukman Awaluddin, co-founder of Benua Brutti Sdn. Bhd., a passionate social entrepreneur dedicated to environmental sustainability and youth empowerment. Lukman’s belief in the power of collaboration shines through as they work hand in hand with agencies, learning institutes, social businesses, and NGOs to drive meaningful change. Since starting Brutti™ initiative in 2020, they have been awarded by International body, United Nation (UNWomen) and local award such as RISDA, MARA, MTIB and Shell. In this 4 years, they already saved 47 tonnes of pallet wood and upcycling it as furniture, hence saving 600 trees from being cut down.

Making an impact is deeply personal for me because I was once a beneficiary myself. I know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of someone’s belief and support and that changed my life. Today, I see impact not as philanthropy, but as a responsibility to create the same opportunities for others that once gave me a way forward.

Matthew Johnny Kulai, CEO and co-founder of Agridata, leads agricultural transformation in Sabah by blending innovation and collaboration. Born in Keningau, his rural roots fuel his passion for agribusiness. He co-founded Agridata at 22, winning MyHackathon 2020 and earning RM250,000. Further recognition came through Petronas FutureTech 2.0, along with grants such as the Khazanah Impact Innovation Challenge (RM400,000), Cradle CIP Sprint (RM500,000), and the Yayasan Hasanah Social Enterprise Fund 2024 (RM400,000). Together with Sabah Credit Corporation, , Agridata has successfully disbursed over RM1.8 million in 0% interest loans to smallholder farmers, empowering communities across three districts in Sabah and producing more than 100 tonnes of lettuce to date. Matthew’s vision drives Agridata’s mission to support underserved farmers and introduce modern farming methods for a sustainable future.

To me, making an impact means creating lasting change that uplifts rural communities and empowers people to achieve financial and knowledge freedom. Through Agridata, I strive to equip rural communities with access to technology, markets, and knowledge, enabling them to grow sustainably, earn better incomes, and inspire the next generation to see agriculture as a path to success and financial freedom. Ultimately, it’s about helping them gain independence, confidence, and opportunities to build a better future on their own terms.

Sharifah Hani Yasmin’s work centres on bridging opportunity gaps and empowering individuals to achieve economic independence and dignified employment. As an SDG 8 advocate and founder of One Step Closer (OSC), she has built a grassroots initiative dedicated to expanding access to work and opportunity for unemployed jobseekers. Since its founding during the pandemic, OSC has mobilised over 40 HR professionals to mentor more than 1,000 individuals through targeted workshops and personalised guidance.

Sharifah’s expertise in inclusive employment has led to collaborations with TalentCorp, Yayasan Peneraju, and Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman, whilst she also serves as a mentor with Girls4Girls Malaysia and supports Lean In Malaysia’s Career Comeback Programme 2024. With a combined following of over 100,000 across LinkedIn and X, she uses her platforms to share insights on upskilling, employability, and the future of work. Her perspectives on transforming Malaysia’s employment landscape have been featured by CNA and The Star.

Her grassroots experience has increasingly positioned her to influence policy at higher levels. In 2024, she became a Women of the South Speak Out (WOSSO) Fellow, a regional initiative that amplifies voices from the Global South to inform policy. Through this platform, she has introduced alternative pathways to employment for B40 communities, particularly stay-at-home mothers seeking to transition into remote work. She was later invited by the United Nations ESCAP to speak on SDG 8 at the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) in Thailand, and most recently represented Malaysia’s civil society at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in New York in July 2025.

From community mentorship to global advocacy, Sharifah Hani Yasmin continues to champion the belief that everyone deserves access to decent work and the opportunity to build a better future.

Making an impact is an amanah – a sacred trust and shared responsibility carried with purpose. It is about serving with integrity, leading with empathy, and creating opportunities that uplift communities. Real impact happens when inclusive employment opportunities empower people to shape their own futures.

Faizal Ayob is the Co-Founder of REKAYU, a social enterprise that empowers B40 youth and second-chance individuals through woodworking, upcycling, and TVET-based training. He develops structured programs aligned with the JPK certification framework, equipping participants with technical, entrepreneurial, and soft skills for sustainable livelihoods.

Under his leadership, REKAYU has partnered with industry leaders such as Malaysia Timber Council, Malaysia Timber Industry Board, Malaysia Productivity Council, SW Corp Malaysia, and providing project-based learning, apprenticeships, and employment pathways. Faizal also champions circular economy practices, transforming waste wood into functional products while fostering environmental responsibility.

His efforts have earned recognition, including the Star Golden Hearts Award 2025, affirming his commitment to social mobility, skills empowerment, and sustainability.

Impact through REKAYU means building more than furniture — it means building confidence, opportunities, and second chances.

Dr Elaine Pratley is the founder of Peace Kitchen and Peace Inc., initiatives that use food and dialogue to build empathy and understanding across cultural and social divides. A qualified lawyer, Rotary Peace Fellow, Salzburg Global Asia Peace Innovator, and East-West Center Indo-Pacific Futures Fellow, Elaine works with schools, community groups, and organisations to approach conflict constructively and creatively. Her PhD at the University of Melbourne and upcoming book, Hungry for Peace (Edinburgh University Press, 2026), explore how everyday food practices can foster peace. She received the Rotary District 9800 Award for promoting sustainable peace and conflict resolution and is an affiliate of both the University of Melbourne and Monash University.

For me, impact isn’t measured in numbers but in moments of genuine human connection. When people sit together, share food, and truly listen, something shifts: walls turn into bridges, and empathy becomes action. Peace doesn’t begin in grand declarations. Peace begins at the table — in the simple, powerful act of recognising ourselves in one another.

Dr Kua Kia Soong was a director/adviser of SUARAM. He was arrested under the Internal Security Act during “Operation Lalang” in 1987 and detained for 445 days without trial. Upon his release in 1989, he helped to found SUARAM (Suara Rakyat Malaysia), the leading human rights organisation in Malaysia.

Together with other civil rights activists, he joined the Opposition Front in 1990 and was elected Opposition Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya from 1990 to 1995. He was prisoner of conscience for a second time in 1996 when he spent seven days in prison with other activists for organizing the Second Asia Pacific Conference on East Timor which was disrupted by a mob from the ruling coalition.

He was the Principal of the New Era College, a non-profit tertiary-level institution run by the Chinese education movement (2000-2008); Director of Huazi Research Centre set up by the Malaysian Chinese community (1985-90) and Academic Adviser to the Independent Chinese Secondary Schools (1983-85).

Kua received his BA Econ (1975), MA Econ (1976) and PhD in Sociology with a Needham Scholarship (1981) from Manchester University, UK. He was a lecturer in Sociology at the National University of Singapore in 1978-79.

Being able to influence others through example, especially critical and creative solutions, courage and serving the community. Focus on building relationships and finding ways to solve societal problems and improving the lives of others.

Sarah Callista Ng Xue Qi is the Founder and Executive Director of Hope2Kids, a formally registered youth-led non-profit organisation dedicated to inspiring underprivileged children in Malaysia to dream big and gain hope. Through self-discovery workshops, career-immersion experiences, and soft skills training, Hope2Kids empowers children to build confidence and self-worth, cultivate a future-focused mindset and develop skills critical for education, career and life success. Its ‘Letters of Hope’ initiative has united volunteers from over 11 countries worldwide to write heartfelt letters of encouragement, guidance and inspiration to children across Malaysia.

Guided by her belief that every child deserves the chance to dream, Sarah’s mission is for Hope2Kids to serve as a catalyst of hope, helping children turn scarce support and self-doubt into confidence and grit, nurturing future-ready leaders capable of shaping their own paths.

Beyond Hope2Kids, she serves as the Vice President of the Association of Malaysian Economics Undergraduates (AMEU), becoming one of the youngest to hold the role. In 2024, she organised the AMEU Economics Summit themed “The Information Gap: Malaysia’s Hidden Potential,” held at Malaysia’s National Central Bank. Leading a 40-member team across seven departments, she brought together 315 participants and 16 speakers, including government and industry leaders, giving youths a platform to share and explore ways to improve information access and bridge awareness gaps in education and government aid like PADU.

As Deputy Chief Executive of iCUBE International, a global student organisation promoting entrepreneurial spirit, she led the merger of the UK and Malaysian branch, grew the team from 8 to 42 members, and launched IGNITE 2025, a social enterprise pitching competition with over 150 applications, providing mentorship, guidance, and RM36,000 in funding for youths to develop SDG-inspired innovations.

To me, making an impact is helping young minds discover their worth, dream beyond what they can see, and light a path that shines with hope and possibility.

Jismi Johari leads MAHAR (Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief), a prominent Malaysian humanitarian NGO dedicated to providing essential aid and support to vulnerable refugee and migrant populations. Established with a keen focus on addressing the growing needs of displaced people in the region,vMAHAR has prioritized assistance to migrants and Syrian refugees since its founding in 2016.

By 2025, MAHAR has achieved a significant milestone, managing and delivering vital assistance to an estimated 3,000 migrants and Syrian refugees within Malaysia through its ongoing Syrian Migrant Temporary Relocation Program and other relief efforts. This support is multifaceted, moving beyond simple emergency handouts to include sustainable support in critical areas such as essential relief, shelter, education, and healthcare.

Leading National Efforts: Ops Ihsan

Beyond its domestic programs, MAHAR plays a pivotal role in coordinating Malaysia’s response to international crises. Jismi Johari concurrently serves as the Chairman of the Secretariat for Ops Ihsan, a major national strategic collaboration between the Malaysian government, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and over 50 Malaysian NGOs.

Ops Ihsan is the primary channel for Malaysia’s large-scale, coordinated humanitarian aid missions, particularly for the people of Palestine/Gaza. Under Johari’s leadership, MAHAR and the Ops Ihsan secretariat have efficiently managed multiple, high-value aid missions, successfully delivering tons of food, medical supplies, and essential goods via air and sea cargo to critical entry points like the El Arish International Airport in Egypt, for onward distribution into Gaza. This strategic collaboration is instrumental in leveraging the collective resources of Malaysian civil society and government to maximize global impact.

MAHAR’s operations are characterized by a commitment to localized support and dignity-driven aid, supported by a strong network of local volunteers through PPSMS, Mycorps , Ops Ihsan and all national efforts. Looking ahead, MAHAR aims to scale its sustainable livelihood programs for refugees in Malaysia while continuing to lead the complex logistics and coordination required for large-scale international missions through the Ops Ihsan platform.

Impact means two things: elevating lives through sustainable, long-term improvement, and generating a ripple effect that inspires others to serve. Ultimately, my work must act as a force multiplier, improving specific lives while igniting a wider passion for service.

Dato’ Dr. ‘Aliyah Karen is a distinguished leader, activist, and social innovator with over 25 years of experience in healthcare management, strategic planning, branding, and communications. She holds a Doctorate in Management, an MBA in Human Resource Management from Nottingham Trent University (UK), and a qualification in Public Relations from IPRM.

A passionate advocate for humanity, Dato’ Dr. Aliyah has founded and led several non-profits and social enterprises, including Yayasan Health on World, AKRAB, ABA Resources, ALOF, and the Life Synergy Medical Foundation. Guided by her mantra “Don’t do charity, do humanity; it’s a lifestyle” her initiatives have advanced healthcare access and community empowerment.

Recipient of more than 25 national and international awards, including Woman’s Icon Malaysia and Oxford Manager, she currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at UNITAR, COP of UPM, Talent fellow (Talent corp Malaysia) and continues to champion DEI and ESG values through leadership, mentoring, and advocacy.

Impact is humanity in action. When kindness becomes a lifestyle, when leadership empowers others to rise, and when every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a better, more compassionate world.

Nafis Halifin is a courageous youth leader redefining advocacy, mental health, and justice for queer students in Malaysia. As the founder of Pride in Research, he leads one of the country’s first youth-driven initiatives integrating mental health support, legal literacy, and academic research tailored to LGBTQ+ youth—a community too often silenced in Malaysian society.

Growing up in a B40 household, Nafis understands the intersection of economic hardship and identity-based marginalization. He works tirelessly to provide free, trauma-informed mental health support for queer students facing bullying and isolation. Through collaborations with licensed therapists, Pride in Research ensures access to safe, affirming spaces rarely found in schools or clinics.

In 2025, Nafis co-launched OutLoud Support with Legal Dignity—a workshop that offered queer students both emotional refuge and practical legal tools to assert their rights. For many participants, it was the first time they realized they had any.

Beyond direct support, Nafis also leads a nationwide study examining how campus culture, policies, and staff attitudes shape queer students’ well-being and academic success. His goal is to drive data-informed reform in Malaysian higher education.

Rooted in compassion, intersectionality, and evidence-based action, Nafis’s leadership embodies quiet courage. In a country where LGBTQ+ issues are often met with silence, he continues to speak with empathy and purpose—proving that advocacy can be both tender and transformative.

To me, making an impact means transforming awareness into action, creating change that outlives my presence. It’s not about being visible, but about shifting systems so that others, especially those unheard or unseen, can live with dignity, safety, and opportunity. True impact happens when compassion becomes structure.

Aliff Naif brings a distinctive combination of policy insight, parliamentary experience, and grassroots commitment to his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PEACE. A Political Science graduate from the International Islamic University Malaysia, his professional journey spans policy research, national governance, and international democracy work. He has held pivotal roles including Special Officer to a Member of Parliament and Programme and Finance Officer at a UK public body, where he spearheaded national initiatives on inclusive policymaking, parliamentary strengthening, and democratic reform. As CEO of PEACE, Aliff provides strategic leadership to advance the foundation’s mission of promoting equitable and evidence-based policy solutions. His work is anchored in a strong grasp of Malaysia’s institutional frameworks and a principled commitment to economic justice. With expertise in policy analysis and political economy, he is particularly focused on addressing the structural drivers of poverty, inequality, and the political forces that shape economic outcomes. Driven by a vision of resilient and inclusive development, Aliff combines analytical rigor with a grounded understanding of real-world challenges, bridging the gap between high-level policymaking and the lived realities of marginalized communities.

Making an impact, to me, means changing the conditions that create inequality and not just alleviating its symptoms. It’s about building systems that restore dignity and opportunity, especially for those whose struggles are often made invisible by policy or privilege. Real impact is measured in how power and resources are redistributed to make justice possible.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Rahim Kamaluddin is a leading Malaysian criminologist and Professor of Criminology at the Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-Being, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. A pioneer in criminological studies, his work bridges psychology, forensic science, and social reform—advancing national policies, assessment systems, and rehabilitation practices.

He is the Founder and Executive Advisor of the Malaysian Criminological and Correctional Association (MCCA) and served as the Board of Directors and currently Think Tank of the Institute for Youth Research Malaysia (IYRES), Ministry of Youth and Sports. His groundbreaking PhD research profiled 100 convicted murderers across 10 Malaysian prisons, providing the country’s first comprehensive psychological and criminological insight into violent offenders.

Professor Rahim has led major national projects under the Ministry of Home Affairs, including the development of the SPIER psychometric screening system, which revolutionized recruitment and behavioural assessment in enforcement agencies. He has also developed psychosocial rehabilitation modules for inmates and contributed to national frameworks on extremism prevention and crime reduction.

An accomplished academic, he has authored 18 books published by university presses, produced over 100 journal articles, and written 10 policy papers for Malaysian government agencies. His expertise is widely sought by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Royal Malaysia Police, and the Malaysian Prisons Department.

Beyond academia, Professor Rahim is deeply committed to crime awareness advocacy at the community level, particularly through outreach programmes for schools and youth groups nationwide. He has appeared in over 100 television and radio interviews and 25 crime documentaries, sharing expert insights on crime prevention and public safety. Honoured with numerous national awards, including the Anugerah Bitara Kriminologi (KDN, 2019) and the First-Class Commissioner General of Prisons Medal (2023), he continues to champion criminology as a force for safer and more resilient communities.

As a criminologist, making an impact means transforming research into action that uplifts communities and prevents harm before it happens. It is about using science, empathy, and education to build safer societies, address social ills, and empower the vulnerabl, while inspiring the next generation to stand against crime and injustice.

Jernell Tan is the Documentation & Monitoring Coordinator at Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM). Formed in 1989 following the mass detention of human rights activists under the Internal Security Act 1960 in 1987, SUARAM works on a range of human rights issues. These include misuse of security laws, police accountability, deaths and torture in custody, freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly, human rights defender protection. SUARAM also monitors the functioning of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM).

As the Documentation & Monitoring Coordinator, Jernell builds evidence to safeguard civic freedoms and accountability. She monitors media reports, government data, protests, court proceedings and public inquiries—most recently the SUHAKAM Taiping Prison inquiry—to turn field documentation into timely, actionable advocacy with various stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, ministries, international NGOs, and United Nations (UN) actors. An integral part of Jernell’s work is to prepare and compile SUARAM’s Malaysia Human Rights Report—now entering its 26th year since 1999.

Beyond SUARAM, Jernell is co-founder and Advocacy Lead of NYAWA – Mental Health Aid Association, where she spearheaded the Mental Health Policy Case Competition (run three times, 2021–2024) to empower Malaysian youth aged 18 tp 27 in mental health policymaking. Previously, she served as Information & Communications Officer at the All Women’s Action Society (AWAM).

Impact is purpose with stamina—and the tact to navigate power and constraints. It’s also a humbling journey: even as we honour personal agency, we recognise change is incremental, interdependent, and never the work of one—our shared task is to build the scaffolding that lets breakthroughs hold.

Khairul Anwar Mohamad Zaki is the Founder and CEO of Pandai, an award-winning AI-powered education platform on a mission to make quality learning accessible to every child. Khairul’s journey began not in a classroom, but with a personal belief: that education should be fair, inclusive, and empowering for all students. A graduate of Purdue University with a background in engineering, data science, and business, Khairul is a serial entrepreneur driven by a deep passion for transforming education through technology. Launched in 2020, Pandai helps students study, practice, and improve their academic performance through AI-powered learning. Today, the platform has more than 1 million registered learners across Malaysia and Brunei, and is expanding internationally. Under Khairul’s leadership, Pandai has secured backing from global investors including Y Combinator, 500 Global, and Harvard University.
Pandai has earned recognition from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), London School of Economics (LSE), Octava Foundation, and Education Alliance Finland for its social impact. Khairul is an alumnus of Y Combinator and a World Islamic Economic Forum Young Fellow. He has been recognised as Malaysia’s Best Social Entrepreneur and one of Asia’s Top Young Leaders. For Khairul, this recognition isn’t just about technology, it’s about hope. His vision is a future where every child (regardless of background) can learn confidently, discover their potential, and build a better life through education.

For me, making an impact isn’t about scale alone. It’s about changing lives in ways that truly matter. It’s turning bold ideas into real solutions. Solutions that uplift communities, and creating a legacy that inspires others to do the same.

Adib Luqman Mohd Hamizan is the TKM30 Projek Kalsom Director of The Kalsom Movement, one of Malaysia’s longest-running youth-led educational initiatives dedicated to bridging education gaps for underserved students. Through his leadership, Projek Kalsom TKM30 successfully engaged rural students in the state of Pahang, conducting motivational sessions, English proficiency classes, and career readiness workshops aimed at nurturing confidence and ambition among youth from underprivileged backgrounds.

Adib embodies a new generation of changemakers committed to sustaining grassroots educational empowerment. His team efforts have contributed to The Kalsom Movement’s continued recognition by the Ministry of Education Malaysia and UK-based university networks that support the initiative’s mission of youth-driven social impact.

Beyond his work with The Kalsom Movement, Adib has played active roles in several impactful organizations, including the ASEAN Youth Organization Malaysia Chapter, Roots & Shoots Malaysia RASMA 2024, and IDEA Belia. His involvement across these platforms reflects his deep commitment to youth empowerment, civic engagement, environmental advocacy, and policy literacy.

Through these engagements, Adib continues to champion causes that advance education, sustainability, and youth participation in nation-building, demonstrating the potential of young leaders to drive meaningful change in Malaysia and beyond.

For me, making an impact means bringing light into others’ lives because i believe education is the key that unlocks the transformation of a society.

Malaysian youth advocate for education and child rights, with active involvement in NGOs both locally and internationally since the age of 15. At 19, he is the Founder and Secretary-General of EnglishBah, an initiative designed to bring alternative English education to marginalised communities in Sabah and to advocate for education rights for stateless children. He also serves as an English Educator and is an Associate of Cahaya Society, continuing his work in youth-led advocacy and sustainable community programmes. Currently pursuing his studies at the University of Malaya, he brings his parents’ love and motivation everywhere he goes.

Through EnglishBah, he strives to make sure that every child has an equal opportunity to education. Since the English language is used globally, he and his team ensure that these marginalised communities survive in the rapid expansion through learning the language. One of the key things he believes is that education liberates people, it gives a sense of belonging, a strength. Although he is one of the pioneers in this work, he hopes that everyone can stand together, creating the same or bigger impact.

To me, impact means creating a momentum. A force that pushes people to join the movement uplifting the people’s dignity. This way, each empowered person creates another impactful initiative that strengthens the bonds between communities, changing the world into a better place.

Fairuz Alia Jamaluddin (Alia) currently serves as the Head of Education at UNHCR Malaysia, leading efforts to expand access to quality education for refugee and asylum-seeking children.

From 2018 to 2023, she was a Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Specialist at UNICEF Malaysia, where she supported evidence-based programming and policy engagement for children’s rights. Prior to that, she served at the Ministry of Education’s Performance and Delivery Unit (PADU), where she helped implement key initiatives under the Malaysia Education Blueprint (MEB 2013-2025), focusing on strengthening school leadership and teacher training institutes.

In 2015, Alia worked with the Open Learning Exchange (OLE), a US-based social enterprise, implementing These Inspiring Girls Enjoy Reading (TIGER), an after-school reading programme for adolescent girls in the Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan.

Alia is no stranger to UNHCR, having previously served from 2012 to 2015 as a Senior Education Assistant. During that time, she helped implement key education programmes, including teacher training and compensation initiatives that supported refugee learning centres across Malaysia.

Before transitioning to the humanitarian and development sectors, she worked as a Business Analyst for a tech-based company in Malaysia and as a teacher at PERMATA Pintar, the national gifted and talented education centre.

She holds a Master of Education in International Education Policy from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin.

Making an impact means creating opportunities where they don’t yet exist. In my line of work, it means ensuring that every child, including the most marginalized, has the right to education and the support to reach their fullest potential. It’s about changing systems and mindsets so that inclusion becomes the norm, not the exception.

Thashidaran Tharmar is a multi-award-winning youth leader, community builder, and entrepreneur whose work has touched thousands of lives in Malaysia and beyond. He currently serves as Vice President of the Perdana Fellow Alumni Association (PFAA) and the Branch Leader of the Malaysian Indian Youth Council (MIYC) Putrajaya Branch, playing a pivotal role in shaping youth empowerment and policy engagement.
Over the past decade, Thashidaran has led impactful initiatives ranging from grassroots football coaching programs for secondary school students to international humanitarian projects. His efforts include the Cut and Grow social enterprise, clean water projects in Nepal, and volunteer missions in Laos, Japan, and India. Collectively, these initiatives have empowered young people, supported underprivileged communities, and fostered regional solidarity across Asia.
In recognition of his leadership and contributions, Thashi was awarded the Anugerah Perdana Belia Negara (APBN) 2025, Johan Kategori Individu Lelaki, Malaysia’s most prestigious national youth award. He was also named Selangor State Youth Icon 2025, and nominated for the Star Golden Hearts Award 2025, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most dynamic changemakers.
Beyond youth and community development, Thashi is an entrepreneur and strategist. As Managing Director of Global One Logistic (M) Sdn. Bhd., he combines business leadership with social purpose. He is also deeply invested in public policy, planetary health advocacy, and fostering partnerships between government, private sector, and civil society to scale sustainable impact.
Passionate about inspiring the next generation, Thashi continues to champion adaptability, knowledge-sharing, and collaborative leadership believing that empowering youth today is the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive tomorrow.

To me, making an impact means creating lasting, positive change that goes beyond personal success and truly uplifts communities. It is about empowering others especially young people with the tools, opportunities, and confidence to reach their potential, so that the ripple effect continues long after my direct involvement. Ultimately, it is the ability to leave behind a legacy of growth, resilience, and hope.

Siti Rahayu Baharin is a child rights advocate focused on equal access to education and the fight against childhood statelessness in Malaysia. Her work combines grassroots action with national and international advocacy.

She co-founded Buku Jalanan Chow Kit, a community education center for stateless and marginalized children in Kuala Lumpur. She now serves as an advisor to the organization, guiding strategy and leadership.

Her advocacy emphasizes the right to citizenship for all children born and raised in Malaysia. She has worked with coalitions including APPGM-Child Rights and MCRA to engage policymakers and press for reform. She has organized roundtables, lobbied parliamentarians and contributed to national campaigns highlighting the impact of statelessness on children.

Internationally, she spoke at the UNCRC pre-session in Geneva on access to education, urging Malaysia to strengthen commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. She has also been an invited panelist at forums on women in politics, education access, and child protection.

Her skills include policy advocacy, strategic communications, fundraising, organizational leadership, and program design. She is recognized for her ability to connect community realities with systemic change, ensuring that children’s rights are prioritized at every level.

Her work is defined by a consistent focus that every child must have the right to legal identity and the right to quality education.

Cecilia Susai is a Registered Counsellor and mental-health advocate, currently serving at Tun Tan Cheng Lock Nursing College, Assunta Hospital. Dedicated to the well-being of student nurses, she creates safe and compassionate spaces where young people can explore emotions, build resilience, and find hope. Through therapy rooms, stress-relief activities, and group programs, she has transformed counseling into a meaningful and approachable experience. With over 15 years in social work and education, Cecilia previously managed programs at the Educational Welfare and Research Foundation Malaysia, including English for Juniors, while offering counseling support. During the pandemic, she extended her service by providing free tele-counseling to vulnerable communities. As Co-Founder of Pavilius Legacy Education & Training, she has conducted numerous youth and children’s development trainings. From this initiative, she founded Pavilius Little Learners, which delivers fun-learning recovery programs for children who missed preschool during the pandemic. Her advocacy for fun-learning as a post-pandemic solution was further recognized when she published her article “COVID-19: Fun Learning is the Solution” at the APPGM SDG Conference 2024. Cecilia is also active as a speaker and panelist on mental health and education recovery, engaging in community webinars, school workshops, and conferences. She also organizing empowerment camps for youth and women.
Her lifelong mission is to serve communities in need, offering free counseling and developing training materials on emotional intelligence and stress management. Guided by the belief that true happiness comes from giving more, Cecilia embodies the spirit of a changemaker, committed to helping others discover their potential and thrive in both education and life.

To me, making an impact means touching lives in a way that helps people feel seen, supported, and hopeful. Whether through counseling, fun-learning programs, or community initiatives, impact is about empowering children, students, and families to heal, grow, and thrive. It is the joy of seeing someone regain confidence and move forward with strength that defines true impact for me.

Cikgu Kumaresan is a remarkable and visionary Special Education teacher whose dedication and compassion have transformed countless lives since he began his teaching journey in 2010. Guided by the powerful principle *“Building Potential, Creating the Future,”* he believes that every student, regardless of disability, has unique strengths that deserve to be nurtured, celebrated, and developed into lifelong skills.

Through his tireless efforts, he has become a driving force in empowering students with special needs to achieve independence and employment. His teaching philosophy focuses on vocational training, emotional development, and character building — preparing his students not just to learn, but to live with purpose. His classroom is a place where empathy meets opportunity, where students discover confidence and a sense of belonging.

To bridge education with the real world, Cikgu Kumaresan has initiated impactful collaborations with several hotels and hospitality industries. Through these partnerships, his students receive hands-on industrial training and secure meaningful employment in areas such as housekeeping, laundry, and kitchen assistance. This collaboration not only benefits his students but also promotes community awareness about inclusivity and the employability of individuals with disabilities.

His visionary project, the HELLO WORK Centre, further extends his mission. The centre provides structured vocational training and career opportunities for low-functioning special needs students and individuals from Community Rehabilitation Centres (PDK), equipping them with skills that lead to sustainable employment and independence.

Cikgu Kumaresan’s dedication has earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the SENIA World Changer Award (2020), *Anugerah Guru Cemerlang Pendidikan Khas* National Level (2021), Top 5 Finalist for the Malaysia Teacher Prize (2022), and The RISE Educator Award (2023). Each recognition reflects his outstanding contribution to inclusive education and his unwavering belief in his students’ potential.

For him, true success lies not in accolades but in seeing his students thrive — gaining skills, dignity, and confidence to contribute meaningfully to society. His journey continues to inspire educators, communities, and families across Malaysia, proving that with empathy, innovation, and unwavering faith, every learner can shine and change the world.

For me, making an impact means seeing a student with special needs smile proudly after mastering a skill they once thought impossible. It’s about watching them grow — from shy and dependent learners into confident young adults who can work, earn, and live independently. That transformation is the real reward. Making an impact also means breaking barriers — changing how society views individuals with disabilities. Through collaborations with hotels and industries, I strive to create inclusive job opportunities so that my students can contribute meaningfully to the community. Every partnership, every skill taught, and every success story becomes a step toward a more compassionate and inclusive Malaysia. For me, the true measure of impact is not found in awards or recognition, but in the stories of my students — those who now stand on their own feet, with pride and dignity. It’s the joy of parents who see hope for their children’s futures. It’s the moment when a student says, “Cikgu, I can do it.” That’s what making an impact means to me — planting seeds of belief, nurturing growth, and watching them bloom into independence and success. Each small step forward by my students is a victory for all of us who believe that every child can learn, every skill has value, and every life can shine brightly when given the chance.

Davina Anne Rajah understands that education is the stepping stone to change – not only in classrooms but in conversations between people of diverse backgrounds. As a Programmes Associate at the Architects of Diversity (AOD), her lessons are meant to bridge this divide in pursuit of defining unity within a multi-racial and multi-religious landscape.

Her work lives at the intersection of education and empathy. Through AOD’s programmes, such as Sekolah Diversiti and Kampus Advokasi, she curates safe spaces where difficult questions are posed without judgment and inclusion becomes a shared ideal. It is her belief that each camp, workshop, and dialogue holds untapped potential to incite change. Part of Davina’s inspiration stems from her experience as a YSEALI alumna, which encouraged her to reimagine education from being instructional-based to something more creativity-driven.

Her academic journey at the University of Malaya (UM), where she earned a Bachelor of Education in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) with distinction, mirrors her passion for social causes. In 2024, her project Enhancing Climate Education for a Sustainable World earned her a place among UM’s Top 50 Sustainability FYP awardees and the title of Best Presenter at the World Environment Day Symposium. She also co-founded the University of Malaya Book Club to foster discussions about literature that challenge perspectives and connect students.

To Davina, teaching is not merely about what people learn – it is about who they become. She hopes her work leaves others more compassionate, empowered, and prepared to build the world her lessons inspire them to envision.

Impact, to me, is when learning changes how people see one another. It happens in those small, honest moments — when you catch the spark in someone’s eyes as understanding turns into empathy, and empathy turns into action. That’s where real change begins.

Ida Shahira is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Solidariti Pendidikan, a youth-led organisation she co-founded shortly after SPM to empower students to speak up on the education issues that affect them. The organisation advocates for equitable access to quality education and student well-being, fostering a generation of young Malaysians who are informed, empathetic, and unafraid to lead change in their communities.

Under her leadership, Solidariti Pendidikan has launched impactful initiatives such as #DaruratBanjir, which mobilised over 120 volunteers and raised RM37,000 in education aid for students and schools affected by the 2021 floods. The organisation also runs StuCo (Student Council), a civic education and leadership programme that equips secondary school students with the tools to identify issues in their schools, advocate for change, and engage meaningfully with stakeholders. Solidariti Pendidikan also drives social media campaigns that raise awareness on students’ rights, mental health, and the need for education reform — amplifying young voices in national conversations.

Previously, Ida led Projek Anak Malaysia, a rural education initiative in Sabah, for two years and continues to serve as an advisor supporting its growth.

Currently pursuing a degree in Economics at Universiti Malaya, Ida is passionate about public policy, social justice, and youth empowerment, and aspires to build Solidariti Pendidikan into a sustainable, nationwide network of students and teachers championing a more equitable and human-centred education system.

To me, making an impact means paying forward the opportunities I’ve been given while creating space for others to grow and thrive. It’s about bringing people along the journey by learning, leading, and evolving together as a team and community. True impact, to me, comes from putting the community first and practising humility in service of something larger than myself.

Surita Mogan is the Founder and President of the Endometriosis Association of Malaysia (MyEndosis), a registered association since 2014. She was also appointed in June 2024 to the 9-member Steering Committee (SC) of the World Endometriosis Organization (WEO). As an endometriosis patient, her passion is addressing misinformation on menstrual pain. With big hopes and dreams for better awareness, education, healthcare and support for women with endometriosis and their family, her advocacy goes below the patients and medical doctors. As the founder of MyEndosis, the association’s primary goal is to reduce the stigma surrounding endometriosis, thereby facilitating a comprehensive diagnosis, high-quality medical care, and essential peer support for women and girls.

Additionally, she had 20 years of experience as a senior lecturer at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). She is currently pursuing her PhD in health communication on endometriosis. On June 15, 2021, she was awarded a Silver Medal for her “Empathy in Healthcare” topic in a competition organized by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). She is also a member of the Asia Pacific Expert Panel team, and the result of her work is a journal article titled “Improving the diagnosis of endometriosis in Asia-Pacific: Consensus from the Asia-Pacific Endometriosis Expert Panel for Endometriosis” published in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics (2023). In addition, she has contributed journal articles to the Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, International Journal of Nursing Practice, Asian Women, and a book chapter titled “An Intersectional Case Study Analysis of Malaysian Indian Women with Endometriosis: Coping with Discrimination.”

To me, making an impact means breaking the silence on endometriosis and ensuring women’s pain is acknowledged and validated. It is about bringing patients and healthcare professionals together, creating conversations grounded in empathy and understanding. Most of all, it means knowing that even one woman feels less alone and more supported because of the work we do at MyEndosis

Born in Lahad Datu, Sabah, and raised in Teluk Intan, Perak, he comes from a humble family and is the eldest of two siblings. He is married and blessed with three children. He completed his schooling at St. Anthony’s School, Teluk Intan, and is currently pursuing his studies in Counseling and Psychology at the University of Malaya (UMCCED), which he is expected to complete early next year.

Having lived experience in substance use, he went through a personal journey of recovery that completely transformed his life. After receiving treatment, he realized the importance of helping others who are struggling. He decided to dedicate his life to serving those in need, believing that if he could change, others could too.

He currently serves as the Facility Manager at PENGASIH Malaysia’s Headquarters and works as a Recovery Coach. He is also an HRDC-accredited trainer, the Secretary of Persatuan PENGASIH Malaysia (Federal Territory, Kuala Lumpur), and the Vice President of Kumpulan Sokongan Bantu Satu Malaysia, a national support group NGO.

His work involves managing rehabilitation operations, conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, running relapse prevention and continuum care programs, and providing individual and family coaching. He is also actively involved in advocacy for drug policy reform in Malaysia, promoting compassion, understanding, and hope for people in recovery.

To me, making an impact means using my experiences and knowledge to create positive change in the lives of others. It’s about inspiring hope, guiding people toward recovery, and showing that transformation is possible no matter how broken the past may be. True impact is when someone’s life becomes better because I cared enough to help.

A government doctor by profession, he brings together a passion for healthcare advocacy, social responsibility, and functional fitness through various leadership roles at both national and community levels. As Chairman of SCHOMOS, the government doctors’ division of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), he works to advance the welfare, career development, and working conditions of Malaysia’s medical workforce. In parallel, he serves as Treasurer of the Malaysian Orthopaedic Association (MOA), contributing to the stewardship and strategic growth of the country’s orthopaedic surgeon community. He also leads as President of Persatuan Ortopedik Sandakan, strengthening orthopaedic services and outreach in Sabah.

His commitment extends beyond clinical and professional spheres into the promotion of fitness and community health. As Founder and President of the Sabah Functional Fitness Association, he helped incorporate Functional Fitness into the Sports Development Act of Malaysia, supporting competitions and grassroots growth across the country. He also established the Elopura Marathon Sandakan, an annual race that celebrates the city’s cultural and natural heritage while inspiring thousands to embrace healthier, more active lifestyles. In addition, Sepeda Amal Borneo, a charity cycling initiative he founded, has raised over RM1 million in support of cancer and palliative care patients.

Each role, whether in healthcare policy, professional associations, or sporting events, provides him with a platform to drive positive change, showing that advocacy and action can go hand in hand in shaping a healthier future for all.

Bridging medicine, advocacy, and fitness, my work is driven by the belief that healthier doctors create healthier communities. Through professional leadership and grassroots initiatives, I aim to advance patient care, safeguard the wellbeing of the medical workforce, and build stronger, more resilient communities.

Dr. Syazana Ali is a Family Medicine Specialist and the Head of Klinik Kesihatan Bidor, Perak. A member of the Irish College of General Practitioners (MICGP), she earned her medical degree from Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD), Indonesia, and completed her postgraduate training in Family Medicine at the prestigious Irish College of General Practitioners.

With extensive experience across hospital, primary care, and community health settings, Dr. Syazana is deeply passionate about improving access to equitable healthcare, especially among marginalized and rural populations. Her leadership and empathy shine through her clinical work, preventive health initiatives, and community-based programs focusing on women’s health, elderly care, and mental wellbeing.

As the Founder and President of NobleDr, a non-profit organization established in 2021, Dr. Syazana has led numerous humanitarian and public health initiatives — including refugee maternal health support, cervical cancer screening campaigns, flood relief missions, and #beMINDful mental health campaign (2023–2025), supported by Malaysia’s Ministry of Health, MITRA, and Yayasan Hasanah.

Her exceptional contributions to healthcare and community service earned her the Women of the Future Award Southeast Asia 2022 (Profession Category). Beyond her medical achievements, she is an active panelist and speaker on youth mental health, suicide prevention, and social change, with recent appearances at the IYRES Youth ASEAN Conference 2025 and National Suicide Prevention Day Forum 2025.

An adventurer and certified PADI Rescue Diver, Dr. Syazana finds balance in photography, fitness, and nature exploration — passions that reflect her compassionate eye and commitment to life’s meaningful details. Guided by her belief that “healthcare is every person’s birthright,” she continues to serve with purpose, empathy, and excellence.

To me, impact means being able to shift mindsets, challenge stigma, and create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported. It’s about lighting a spark that not only changes individual lives, but also sets off a ripple effect—one that continues beyond my direct reach.

As Technical Advisor at Wild Asia, Peter Chang leads the WAGS BIO initiative, a regenerative agriculture scheme that helps smallholder oil palm farmers restore soil health using biochar, compost, and bio-enzyme methods. His solutions have been scaled across Malaysian, Thai and Indonesian smallholders especially in Oil Palm Farms through Wild Asia’s SPIRAL network, contributing to sustainable yields and carbon sequestration goals .

To me, making an impact means creating real, measurable change that improves both livelihoods and the environment. It’s about empowering smallholders with practical and affordable solutions that restore the land, enhance resilience, and leave a legacy of sustainability that continues beyond any single project.

Dashania Elvira Gregory also known as Shania Gregory, is a climate and sustainability advocate from Malaysia’s Kristang Portuguese Serani community. She currently serves as the Global Ambassador for Malaysia at Youth4Nature and is the co-founder of GreenRoots Narratives, a youth-led initiative empowering Southeast Asian youth to champion sustainable soil and water management through digital storytelling and traditional ecological knowledge. Shania is passionate about advancing youth leadership in nature-based solutions and ecosystem restoration, contributing to global platforms such as the World Economic Forum’s Generation Restoration Youth Hub and The World Bank Group’s 2025 Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador program. She is an alumna of the Young Southeast Asia Leadership Initiative (YSEALI) and the Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative. Her research experience with National Geographic and The Nature Conservancy in Washington DC led to her selection as one of nine global finalists, representing Malaysia among 47 international researchers.

Making an impact starts with stories—growing up, they shaped how I understood the world and my role in it. I see impact as planting seeds in mangrove soil: slow to sprout, but deeply rooted and resilient. Our stories leave traces that nourish generations to come.

Saila Saidie is the founder of LJD Corporation, an accredited social enterprise based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, dedicated to transforming plastic and other waste materials into meaningful, high-value tourism products. Before venturing full-time into social entrepreneurship, she spent eight years as a journalist, developing a deep understanding of community issues, environmental challenges, and the power of storytelling to drive change.

Through LJD Corporation’s Recycling and Upcycling Centre in Kampung Kepayan Baru, the enterprise pioneers a village-based model that empowers eight surrounding communities, collaborates with refugee waste collectors at the Kayu Madang landfill, and uplifts women and youths through skills training and income generation.

The organisation’s work goes beyond recycling — it’s about creating livelihoods, preserving cultural identity through design, and inspiring environmental responsibility. By blending innovation, traditional craftsmanship, and community empowerment, LJD Corporation reimagines waste as a valuable resource, turning local challenges into sustainable opportunities.

To me, making an impact means creating lasting change that uplifts both people and the environment. At LJD, this means transforming waste into economic opportunities, equipping communities with the skills to build sustainable livelihoods, and inspiring others to take part in protecting our shared future. It’s about empowerment, resilience, and collective action toward a better tomorrow.

As a youth climate advocate, Athirah Azlan is one of four Malaysian representatives of UNICEF East Asia and Pacific’s Regional Young People’s Action Team (YPAT), granting her the mantle to deliver her voice on the local and international stage.

Athirah obtained her Bachelor’s of Science (Hons) in Economics from the University of Nottingham Malaysia in 2023 and her Master’s in Sustainability Science from Universiti Malaya in 2025. In 2024, Athirah co-founded SEAmply Sustainable, a youth-led non-governmental organisation built upon the foundation of sustainability awareness, education and participation for Southeast Asian youths, touching base in three Southeast Asian nations (Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia) from its annual SEA Youth Sustainability Summit.

Grounded in meaningful participation and intersectionality with environmental justice, Athirah is presently the Youth Participation and Advocacy Coordinator (Climate and Environment) at UNICEF Malaysia to help children and youth become co-architects of a future that is just, resilient, and theirs. As a Justice in Frames Fellow by UNDP’s Business and Human Rights Agents of Change initiative, she challenges corporate environmental narratives through content creation and digital storytelling.

Looking forward, Athirah hopes to continue her goal in amplifying young narratives to ensure their voices are heard, and building the capacity of the youth to lead inclusive, community-driven climate action that shapes the policies of tomorrow.

Impact, to me, is about building inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcomed, heard, and empowered to contribute meaningfully. It is about ensuring that participation is accessible to all, that individuals are equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and capacity to shape the very systems that affect their lives. True impact happens when inclusivity becomes not just a principle, but a practice that enables collective ownership of change.

Zalina Abdul Rahim is the founding force behind Ekar Lui® Farm School, located in Sungai Lui, Hulu Langat, Selangor. She left her corporate job to pursue her aspiration to transform a family farm into an eco-educational space where children experience nature, sustainability, and farm life through hands-on programs like Farm Day, planting classes, and sensory play. Her mission: ignite environmental consciousness and STEM-based learning in young minds.

At our farm school, making an impact means creating real, lasting change for young learners to embrace nature and live sustainably.
It’s not just about farm learning, but about nurturing awareness, responsibility, and connection as future earth caretaker.

Nur Izhar Idham is an inspiring entrepreneur and content creator dedicated to raising awareness about accessibility, inclusive travel, and the empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWD). Using his platform to amplify real stories and advocate for greater inclusion, Izhar has become a powerful voice for change within Malaysia’s digital space.

In 2024, he was honored with the TikTok Changemaker of the Year Award, recognizing his impact in promoting a more inclusive and compassionate society. Through his creative storytelling and advocacy, Izhar continues to prove that limitations are only as real as we allow them to be.

Guided by his life philosophy “It won’t always be easy, but always try to do what’s right,” he remains committed to breaking barriers and inspiring others to live boldly, without limits.

To me, making an impact means using my voice and experiences to create real change, especially for those who often go unheard. It’s about inspiring others to see possibilities beyond limitations and helping build a world where accessibility and inclusion are a norm, not an exception.

The Helmis, comprising sisters Heliza Helmi and Hazwani Helmi, are Malaysian humanitarian activists, motivators, and advocates for global peace and compassion. Recognised for their unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes — particularly in Palestine, Syria, and Gaza — The Helmis have become prominent symbols of faith-driven activism and female empowerment in Malaysia and beyond.

Nalisa Alia Amin is a pioneering Malaysian plus-size model and social advocate redefining beauty standards across Southeast Asia. In 2018, she made history as the first curvy model to open Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week which marked a turning point for body inclusivity on the Malaysian runway.

Her career began in media, but her personal story of resilience pushed her into the public eye. After facing body shaming early in life and online scrutiny that went viral, Nalisa turned pain into purpose. Instead of retreating, she chose visibility, using her platform to challenge stereotypes about size, beauty, and confidence.

One of Malaysia’s most recognized voices in body acceptance. Her presence in fashion campaigns, interviews and social platforms reflects a mission far bigger than modelling: to make space for every body, every story, and every kind of beauty.

Known for her unapologetic style and candor, Nalisa uses fashion as a form of activism, a way to resist invisibility and reclaim narratives around women’s bodies and rights. Her work continues to inspire a generation to stand taller in their own skin and believe that confidence, not conformity, is the most powerful thing a woman can wear.

Making an impact means alchemizing your own pain into purpose. Using your story to make others feel seen, heard and less alone. It’s about leaving behind a shift in how people see themselves, not just how they see you.

Vatsala Nair Manoharan is a Malaysian social entrepreneur devoted to empowering women and advancing a gender-responsive circular economy. A survivor of domestic violence, she transformed her personal journey of healing into purpose by founding Moms Village Asia Sdn Bhd — a digital ecosystem where women can access crisis support, rebuild confidence, and gain entrepreneurship and skill-based training to rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.

Moms Village bridges essential resources, networks, and income pathways, ensuring every woman , regardless of her starting point, can rise on her own terms. Through campaigns like #RingARing4Roses, Vatsala advocates for bystander intervention and collective action against domestic violence, while her #10Ringgit movement inspires women to retain financial independence as a symbol of strength, security, and self-worth.

To sustain this mission and create flexible livelihood opportunities, Vatsala launched Magic Seed, an eco-centric brand rooted in circular economy principles. Magic Seed transforms post-consumer waste into plantable seed paper products, merging environmental regeneration with economic empowerment. Each handmade creation , from corporate collaterals to wedding invitations which is biodegradable and embedded with GMO-free seeds, reflecting her philosophy of “Paper to Plate”, where waste grows into new life , both , a plant and for feeding the single household incomed survivors and her children.

To date, Magic Seed has repurposed over 1.2 tons of waste paper, created 4 full-time jobs, and engaged 31 part-time women beneficiaries in flexible, project-based work. Alongside co-founder Roselin Das, Vatsala co-champions the Homepreneur Empowerment Network, a 15,000-strong community that uplifts and recognizes 55 women entrepreneurs, collectively working to close the gender and pay gap.

“I believe that when women heal, the earth heals with them. Every seed we plant and every life we empower is an act of hope, growth, and regeneration.”

To me, making an impact means ensuring no woman ever feels silenced, unseen, or trapped in her pain. It’s about breaking cycles of fear and voicelessness, and lighting a path toward safety, dignity, and hope. True impact is born when a woman rediscovers her worth & realizes she is not just surviving, but worthy of living fully, freely, and with courage , and in doing so, extends her hand to another woman, guiding her on the journey of healing and rebuilding, just as I once did.

Youth advocate championing gender equality and legal reform, particularly focused on the criminalization of marital rape in Malaysia. As Deputy Chairman Women Commission of the Malaysian Indian Youth Council (MIYC), she has represented Malaysia on regional platforms, spoken on national television, and continuously pushes for young women’s empowerment and policy change.

Making an impact means driving meaningful change that uplifts communities and challenges systems of inequality. It is about empowering voices that are often overlooked, creating opportunities for young people especially women to lead with dignity and strength, and inspiring others to continue the cycle of progress. True impact is transformation that lasts beyond the individual and shapes a better future for all.

Mohamed Abdi is the Founder and Director of Youth Empowerment Support (YES), a youth-led community-based organization dedicated to empowering refugee youth and communities in Malaysia through education, leadership, and social inclusion. Originally from Somalia, Mohamed’s personal journey as a refugee has shaped his deep commitment to building hope, resilience, and opportunity for others facing displacement and hardship.

YES operates under five key focus streams:
1️⃣ Children and Youth Education – improving access to quality education and leadership opportunities.
2️⃣ Women and Girls – promoting gender equality, equal opportunities, and empowerment.
3️⃣ Well-being and Empowerment – supporting mental health, awareness, and personal development.
4️⃣ Community Support – enhancing integration and social cohesion among refugees and locals.
5️⃣ Marginalized Group Protection & Empowerment – advocating inclusivity, dignity, and equal rights for all vulnerable and minority groups.

Beyond refugee initiatives, YES also supports local Malaysian B40 communities, extending assistance during emergencies such as floods, fires, and other crises. The organization continues to stand with all who face hardship, regardless of background or status.

Under Mohamed’s leadership, YES has led impactful programs that empower women, youth, and children through education, skill-building, leadership training, and awareness on health, gender-based violence, and climate change. Through collaboration with nonprofit organizations, local communities, and refugee-led community-based organizations (CBOs), YES creates safe, inclusive spaces that foster learning, unity, and empowerment.

Mohamed deeply values the kindness and solidarity of local Malaysian friends and volunteers, whose continuous support strengthens YES’s mission. A strong advocate for gender equality, youth participation, and social justice, Mohamed believes in empowering every individual to become a leader of change and compassion in their community.

To me, making an impact means creating real, lasting change that improves lives and uplifts communities. It’s about empowering others with knowledge, opportunity, and hope so they can lead their own transformation. True impact happens when change continues even after we step back when people feel inspired, capable, and connected to build a better future together.

Dr. Wan Ahmad Hazman Bin Wan Daud has dedicated his career to inspiring youth to become changemakers and active contributors to national development. As the Executive Director of Yayasan Sukarelawan Siswa (YSS) under the Ministry of National Unity, he has been instrumental in building sustainable platforms that empower young Malaysians to volunteer, serve communities and lead with purpose.

With over a decade of experience in youth development and volunteerism, Dr. Wan has led numerous national and international missions that integrate higher education, social responsibility and unity. His visionary leadership has strengthened Malaysia’s ecosystem for student volunteerism, aligning local initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the national unity agenda.

Beyond YSS, Dr. Wan also contributes his expertise internationally as a Board Member of the International Forum for Volunteering in Development (Forum), representing Malaysia on the global stage of volunteer leadership. His passion for empowering young people extends to his active participation as a speaker and panellist at prestigious platforms including the International Volunteer Cooperation Organisations (IVCO) and ASEAN Youth Leadership Conference .

Academically, Dr. Wan holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Land Administration and Development) from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), where he previously served as Student Council President and President for National Student Consultative Council. Dr. Wan has also received several awards for his achievements and contributions, including the Royal Education Award and National Varsity Icon.

Driven by the belief that volunteerism is a catalyst for unity and nation-building, Dr. Wan continues to champion a generation of youth who are compassionate, resilient and globally minded. His work embodies the spirit of collaboration, demonstrating that empowering one young person can transform entire communities.

To me, making an impact means creating meaningful and lasting change that improves lives and strengthens communities. It is about empowering others especially youth to realise their potential and take collective action for the common good. True impact is not measured by recognition, but by the ripple effect it creates in inspiring others to do the same.

Graduated in Law from both Malaysia and the Netherlands, Nurul Ashiqin Shamsuri is the founder of Project Fearless Malaysia, established in 2016 – an initiative dedicated to empowering women and youth through leadership, communication, and digital skills development.

Her outstanding contributions to youth development have earned her two international awards from Switzerland, recognizing Project Fearless as one of Malaysia’s most impactful social movements. Since its inception, Project Fearless has toured across Malaysia, reaching thousands of participants and inspiring a new generation of confident, purpose-driven individuals. In 2025, Project Fearless won an international grant from the World Public Assembly in Moscow, further affirming its role in advancing global youth and women empowerment.

Her notable projects include the World Communication Forum Davos – Kuala Lumpur and the Kuala Lumpur Global Youth Summit, both of which brought together thought leaders and changemakers from around the world to share insights on leadership, communication, and social impact. She previously served as a Global Advisory Board Member of the World Communication Forum in Davos, strengthening Malaysia’s voice within the global dialogue on media, leadership, and inclusive development.

Over the years, Ashiqin has led nationwide training programs in collaboration with ministries, government agencies, NGOs, universities, and private companies — championing education, empowerment, and sustainable growth. Her vast international network continues to open doors for cross-border collaboration, knowledge sharing, and opportunities for emerging leaders in Malaysia and beyond.

Guided by the belief that real change begins with courage, she continues to build platforms that help others rise, lead, and make a difference – fearlessly.

Making an impact means making a real difference in someone’s life, no matter how small. It’s about helping people see their own potential and take that one step that changes everything. Real impact doesn’t need to be loud – it just needs to be lasting.

Ariff is a passionate advocate for climate justice and youth empowerment. He serves as the Advocacy Director for Youth United for Earth (YUFE), leading YUFE’s agenda for climate justice, organizing workshops and focus groups, engaging young people across the ASEAN region, and promoting human-centred, youth-led climate solutions. Ariff is also a former member and a mentor for UNICEF-EAPRO’s Young People’s Action Team, where he provided input on key UN documents like the CRC General Comment 27.0 and advanced youth-led initiatives for climate resilience in the region. His involvement extends to UNICEF Malaysia’s Young Leaders Program fellowship, where he previously worked on governance, climate action, and education—developing an English communication toolkit for low-income students. He previously advised former Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability as part of the NRES Climate Change Consultative Panel Youth Cluster, contributing to documents like the National Climate Change Act and Malaysia’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. With speaking engagements that have spanned from private entities like Microsoft to international bodies like UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, COP29, Regional Business and Human Rights Forum, etc. ‘Ariff continues championing progressive climate justice and youth participation on national and global levels. He is currently continuing his studies at the University of Melbourne.

For me, making an impact means building bridges. Change does not come instantly and it doesn’t happen through one person alone, so it’s incredibly vital to make sure we work together rather than in silos. Even if it’s just getting your family members to change their stance on plastics, that’s one step in a collective effort to achieve a more just and equitable future.

Jesyka is an active community builder in Malaysia’s tech, startups and entrepreneurs ecosystem. She spearheads a B2B network community, START and female focused platforms, HERizon and FFMYSEA to amplify visibility, access and business support across the SEA region.

With 8+ years in tech-driven startup environments, Jesyka has a proven track record in building early-stage ventures, leading cross-functional initiatives and driving market expansion. Coupled with grassroots agility, she brings fresh perspectives and a strong ability to connect the dots for growth opportunities, shaped by her diverse background spanning PR, MICE, blockchain and FinTech.

Believing in Personal Social Responsibility (PSR), Jesyka led Sabah Caremongers during the pandemic, impacting 9,800+ individuals across underserved communities. She is also a 2025 YSEALI PFP Fellow (Malaysia) under the Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Economic Empowerment institute theme.

Making an impact doesn’t need to be loud, rage and public. Sometimes it’s happening quietly behind the scenes – tireless, nitty gritty work and plenty of blood, sweat and tears. For me, impact means making the invisible visible and ensuring voices TURNS actions.

Redza Shahid Ridzuan is Assistant Director at the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) at Asia School of Business, where he stewards ASBhive’s impact-focused programming, including workshops and incubators that support student startups with social missions. He also serves as President of CSED (Chamber of Social Entrepreneur Development), advocating for social entrepreneurs at national and community levels.

To me, making an impact means creating opportunities for others to live better and succeed. I believe our purpose in this world is to give back and to lift others up so that together, we build a world filled with love, hope, and shared success.

Zaim Zulkifli is a student activist and political advocate serving as Vice Chairperson of the Malaysian People’s Advocacy Collective (HARAM). He co-founded HARAM with several well-known young activists to rally student and youth movements from East and West Malaysia. Through HARAM, he helped coordinate movements to spread awareness on the issue of statelessness in Sabah, organise student-led protests, actively participate in anti-corruption movements, frequently speaking out at national forums and media channels, hold political education and literacy initiatives, giving out memorandums, and rebel against government intimidations towards other student activists. He has been featured prominently in national coverage, speaks on key platforms such as the “Himpunan Rakyat Benci Rasuah 1.0 and 2.0” rallies, and recently appeared on a podcast with Rafizi Ramli and Caprice to defend the students’ rights for freedom of assembly and expression. Under his lead coordination, Himpunan Rakyat Benci Rasuah 1.0 managed to push the government to amend the Peaceful Amendment Act (PAA) 2012 to make it easier for the public to hold any peaceful gathering in the country.

I believe that impact is about delivering positive changes to the society no matter small or indirect they are to the livelihood of the rakyat. Impacts must be secured through means that ensure the rakyat can always be alleviated from its current status quo, whether from bad to good or decent to better. Moreover, the best of impacts is centred around educating the people about positive values, worldviews, and moral compasses, especially those that are derived by the students/educated youth of our nation.

Jasmine Ong Yue Lin is a Malaysian youth leader and environmental advocate passionate about amplifying youth voices in policymaking, sustainability, and volunteerism. Within the ASEAN Youth Organization (Malaysia Chapter), she supports regional youth-led initiatives that bridge communication, advocacy, and research — first as an Economic Research Officer and now as part of the MarCom Team, amplifying stories of youth impact across ASEAN.

Currently a third-year Economics student at the University of Malaya, Jasmine also serves as a Student Representative under the Kesatuan Mahasiswa Universiti Malaya (KMUM), where she advocates for student welfare, gender safety, and sustainability on campus. Her policy involvement extends nationally as a Minister-Appointed Member of the Majlis Perundingan Belia Negara (National Youth Consultative Council), where she contributes youth perspectives to national policy discussions.

Her commitment to policymaking deepened through her internship at the Parliament of Malaysia, where she drafted speeches, conducted research, and engaged with grassroots communities to connect public voices with legislative agendas. Beyond policy, Jasmine dedicates her time to volunteering with the Tzu Chi Foundation and the Malaysian Youth Delegation (MYD), where she focuses on humanitarian outreach, climate advocacy, and environmental education. She also serves as an eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN (eYAA) volunteer, co-developing community-based sustainability and education projects in Vietnam.

Since 2023, Jasmine has represented Malaysia and ASEAN youth in numerous international platforms including the Global Youth Summit 2023 (Valedictorian), ASEAN Foundation Model ASEAN Meeting Plus Australia 2024 (Best Diplomatic Award), ASEAN-India Youth Summit 2025 (Delegate and Speaker), and the One Earth Next Generation Leaders Summit 2025. In 2025, she also won third place at the Sustainability Expo Thailand Youth Speech Competition and was named a Top 10 Winner at Huawei’s Seeds for the Future Asia-Pacific Tech Competition.

Recognised with The Body Shop Malaysia Changemakers Award in 2023, Jasmine continues to champion sustainability, youth empowerment, and inclusive policymaking. All-rounded in her pursuits—from diplomacy and policy research to volunteering and education—she focuses on connecting the dots between policy and people, proving that leadership begins with empathy, and impact begins with action.

To me, making an impact means bridging people and policies through empathy, collaboration, and purposeful action. It’s about ensuring that youth voices not only influence regional policymaking but also inspire on-the-ground change that drives a more inclusive and sustainable nation & Southeast Asia.

As a youth climate advocate, Athirah Azlan is one of four Malaysian representatives of UNICEF East Asia and Pacific’s Regional Young People’s Action Team (YPAT), granting her the mantle to deliver her voice on the local and international stage.

Athirah obtained her Bachelor’s of Science (Hons) in Economics from the University of Nottingham Malaysia in 2023 and her Master’s in Sustainability Science from Universiti Malaya in 2025. In 2024, Athirah co-founded SEAmply Sustainable, a youth-led non-governmental organisation built upon the foundation of sustainability awareness, education and participation for Southeast Asian youths, touching base in three Southeast Asian nations (Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia) from its annual SEA Youth Sustainability Summit.

Grounded in meaningful participation and intersectionality with environmental justice, Athirah is presently the Youth Participation and Advocacy Coordinator (Climate and Environment) at UNICEF Malaysia to help children and youth become co-architects of a future that is just, resilient, and theirs. As a Justice in Frames Fellow by UNDP’s Business and Human Rights Agents of Change initiative, she challenges corporate environmental narratives through content creation and digital storytelling.

Looking forward, Athirah hopes to continue her goal in amplifying young narratives to ensure their voices are heard, and building the capacity of the youth to lead inclusive, community-driven climate action that shapes the policies of tomorrow.

Impact, to me, is about building inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcomed, heard, and empowered to contribute meaningfully. It is about ensuring that participation is accessible to all, that individuals are equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and capacity to shape the very systems that affect their lives. True impact happens when inclusivity becomes not just a principle, but a practice that enables collective ownership of change.

Shan is the founder of Woofmyroof, a project focused on helping stray dogs in Malaysia, particularly in the Klang Valley area. Woofmyroof began as a passion project on Instagram @woofmyroof, merely to share her journey of building shelters and feeding the strays, while juggling a full time job. Shan designs, builds, and tests mobile shelters from recycled materials for homeless dogs to keep them safe, especially from the unpredictable weather. Woofmyroof also runs “build-a-shelter” workshops for participants to learn carpentry skills through making a shelter. These shelters are distributed across Klang Valley for stray animals in need.

She also feeds over 80 dogs daily and has spayed/neutered over 150 dogs by practicing T-N-R (trap-neuter-release), a humane method of controlling the stray dog population. To date, she has rehomed more than 60 dogs and a handful of cats, giving them a second chance at life. She believes that “she can’t change the world, but she can change their world”.

Making an impact is changing one stray animal’s life at a time. All animals matter.

Mahendran Balakrishnan is a purpose-driven innovator shaping sustainable and inclusive solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges. A Chevening scholar with a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Aberdeen, Mahendran was among core founding members of SEEd.Lab, Malaysia’s first-of-its-kind social innovation hub powered by PETRONAS and TCS.

Through SEEd.Lab, he has championed a new model of social entrepreneurship that transforms national challenges into opportunities for impact. The initiative has so far nurtured over 136 changemakers and launched 14 social enterprises, collectively improving the lives of more than 33,000 Malaysians across various domains such as youth employment, food security, education, health, and climate resilience.

Beyond his corporate leadership, Mahendran was a co-founder of YellowHouse KL, a grassroots NGO dedicated to uplifting marginalised and vulnerable communities. His work uniquely bridges the worlds of corporate innovation, public policy, and grassroots action—advancing a more equitable and sustainable future for Southeast Asia.

Recognised internationally for his contribution to social innovation, Mahendran was a finalist in the Study UK Alumni Awards 2021 (Social Impact category). He also serves on the Industrial Advisory Panel of the APU School of Business, mentoring the next generation of changemakers driving purpose-led transformation.

Impact is about empowerment — when people find the courage, tools, and purpose to solve their own challenges. That’s where meaningful and lasting change truly begins.

He grew up in a rubber estate where his father worked. It was there that he developed a love for creating toys using whatever materials he could find, condensed milk boxes as car cabins, round tree trunks as tires, and for smaller vehicles, matchboxes, cigarette boxes, and soda pop crowns.

After completing his Senior Cambridge Examination, he began his career in manufacturing. His longest experience was as a Process Engineer in a consumer electronics manufacturing company, where he learned about the workings of electronic circuits and their components. This knowledge became an added advantage for him when repairing electronic toys.

His grandchildren often brought their broken toys to him for repair, and seeing the joy in their eyes when they received their fixed toys inspired him to extend his service to the wider community. He later came across RePlay Toy Hub at Da Men Mall and volunteered to repair toys there, as the hub received many donated toys from the community to be given to underprivileged groups such as residents of PPR flats, orphanages, children’s homes, and Orang Asli communities.

It was at RePlay that the owner, Datin Wong, bestowed upon him the title “Toy Doctor.” After the closure of RePlay Toy Hub, he was recommended to EPIC at The PARC, which had initiated the Repair, Reuse, Recycle, and Zero Waste Program. Since then, many members of the community — including mothers, fathers, children, and even the elderly — around the Subang area have brought their toys to him for repair. Some elderly individuals brought their cherished toys, filled with nostalgia and sentimental value, reminiscent of their past days.

Just as a medical doctor saves lives, he believes that as a Toy Doctor, he saves the “lives” of toys from being thrown into landfills, contributing instead to a better environment for the nation.

As a senior himself, he has benefited in many ways from this work. He enjoys discovering toys he has never seen before. With the increasing use of mobile phones and USB chargers, he has also developed a method to bypass the need for batteries by connecting 5-volt USB wires directly to the positive and negative terminals of toys. This innovation allows for longer playtime, especially for stationary toys such as educational, sound, and musical ones. He considers this one of his most treasured achievements after repairing countless toys as the Toy Doctor.

Making an impact, to me, means that by repairing toys, I am giving their owners, young and old alike, the hope and joy of reconnecting with their favorite memories. I believe this can uplift their emotional well-being.

It also creates an impact on me personally, as I continue to learn and gain knowledge through this work. Even at my age, this ongoing learning keeps my mind active and helps prevent the onset of dementia and other emotional challenges often faced by older individuals.

Zien, the founder of Sebijihub, grew up in a traditional Chinese family where his mother taught him poetry from the age of four. One of the poems, Sympathise with the Farmer, carried a lesson that stayed with him: “Who knows that the meal on our plates, every grain comes with toil and pain.” It taught him gratitude and respect for food, and for the people who grow it.

His path in agriculture began in Sekinchan during his biotechnology studies, listening to farmers describe their long hours, thin margins, and cash-flow gaps. Later, his experience in an agri-startup revealed how operations and markets truly work. These experiences shaped a simple belief: the farmers who put food on our tables shouldn’t have to worry about their next meal.

When COVID-19 hit, Zien turned to various exchange and social entrepreneurship programs to sharpen his skills. He began with a Kickstarter-style pilot — Sebijihub — raising RM9,000 from over 50 backers to help three new farmers launch hydroponics in Johor, now supplying more than 70 families. Despite the pilot’s success, the team realised the model wasn’t sustainable in the long term; not everyone wanted large quantities of vegetables or was interested in workshops tied to fixed-tier rewards. Reliance on pledgers’ altruism, rather than creating real value or suitable products, inevitably reduced ongoing support.

Today, Sebijihub runs a Rent-a-Farm platform that transforms active farms into seasonal, rentable plots, offering flexible packages tailored to different needs and each farmer’s capacity.

• Experience-based: guided visit days and learning opportunities, with harvests taken home or donated.

• Farmer-managed produce: outcome-focused packages, with take-home produce or optional sell-back where available.

Sebijihub’s goal is straightforward: to ensure that farmers are supported, celebrated, and never forgotten — while reconnecting people with the source of their food. The platform provides a repeatable way to uplift livelihoods, offer meaningful hands-on experiences, and strengthen the local food system season by season — one farm and one farmer at a time.

To me, making an impact means creating real, lasting positive change in people’s lives—not just a one-off initiative or a short burst of help, donating ceremony and taking pictures . It’s about building something sustainable and uplifting, where communities continue to benefit long after the project ends, stand on their own feed and proud of their work.

Dr. Madiha Fuad is a Malaysian entrepreneur, international speaker, and founder of PlusVibes, a mental health and well-being platform that connects individuals to resources, professional help, and peer support. Celebrated for transforming personal challenges into impactful solutions, she has been recognized as one of Malaysia’s Top 30 Women of Excellence (2024) and Global 50 Rising Stars in ESG. Her work focuses on bridging the gaps in mental health accessibility through technology, empathy, and innovative community-driven solutions.

Making an impact is about empowering people to live with more hope, resilience, and kindness. It’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow into their best selves. So, true impact is really measured by the hearts we touch and the lives we help improve.

Sophia Aliza Jamal is the Co-founder of Pinkcollar Employment Agency, Malaysia’s pioneering ethical recruitment agency transforming the high-risk domestic work sector through a proprietary worker–employer matching model, innovative post-placement, and market-redefining ethical operations. Since its founding in 2019, Pinkcollar has placed over 750 workers through fair and transparent processes, eliminated illegal recruitment debt amounting to RM700,000, and raised industry standards for ethical hiring across the region.

For her work, Sophia was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia – Social Impact List (2022) and received the UN Women’s Women’s Empowerment Principles Award as Malaysia’s National Champion in the Gender-Responsive Marketplace category and Asia-Pacific 1st Runner-Up.

She graduated magna cum laude from Duke University with a degree in Public Policy Studies and a Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Before co-founding Pinkcollar, she worked as a Strategy Associate at Khazanah Nasional Berhad, focusing on responsible investment.

Sophia is driven by a belief that organisations can be powerful tools for change and is committed to shaping systems that uplift women, challenge inequality, and expand opportunity across communities in Asia.

To me, making an impact means being intentional about the kind of change your work creates in the world, and ensuring that the value you bring goes beyond profit or growth. It’s about building organisations and designing business models that ease human suffering, protect our planet for future generations, and bring us closer to a fairer, more equitable world.

Izan Satrina Mohd Sallehuddin is a leading advocate of Malaysia’s creative economy. As Senior Director at Think City, an impact focused organisation under Khazanah Nasional Berhad, she leads the Partnerships and Creative Sector portfolio— advancing sustainable and liveable urban spaces through culture and creativity. She also oversees Think City’s work on Warisan KL, a national initiative that reimagines Kuala Lumpur’s historic core as a thriving, inclusive, and globally recognised creative and cultural destination.

Making an impact mean to drive and supports catalytic projects, articulating a cultural strategy in collaboration with national and city stakeholders, and developing cross-sector partnerships that integrate heritage, innovation and creative industries into urban revitalisation for the people.

Malar Sinnadurai is an art educator and founder of HUGEart, a global initiative that empowers young, underprivileged, orphaned, and special needs artists through art education, mentorship, and creative opportunities. With over 18 years of teaching experience — including her years at The Children’s Art Studio — Malar has dedicated her career to nurturing artistic confidence and emotional growth in children of all abilities.

Her work focuses on using art as a bridge for inclusion, healing, and self-expression. Through HUGEart, she is developing an innovative platform that connects young artists with buyers worldwide — promoting financial literacy, independence, and recognition for neurodivergent and disadvantaged children.

Malar’s passion extends beyond the classroom. She actively organizes exhibitions, workshops, and art therapy programs that showcase the talents of special needs children and foster public awareness about neurodiversity. Encouraged by positive feedback from parents, Malar is now committed to training and sharing her teaching methods with fellow art educators, equipping them with practical tools to better support children with special needs through creativity and empathy.

Her belief that “every child deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated” continues to inspire parents, educators, and communities to view art as a powerful tool for empowerment. Recently featured in initiatives such as CIMB’s Art & Soul and various media platforms, Malar remains devoted to her mission — to create a world where art is not only a form of expression but also a source of hope and opportunity for every child.

Making an impact means touching lives in ways that inspire change and growth. For me, it’s about empowering children—especially those with special needs or from underprivileged backgrounds—to find confidence and purpose through art. When their creativity is seen, valued, and celebrated, that’s when true impact happens.

June Tan is a producer, scriptwriter and member of the arts collective Five Arts Centre, based in KL. She studied Biology at Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine and worked in the corporate world while stage-managing, tour-managing and producing numerous performing arts projects, including Fragments of Tuah which premiered in KL and just returned from Kyoto Experiment in Japan. From 2018-2020 June was Director for TPAM in Yokohama, an arts platform in Japan reflecting contemporary thinking in Asia. She is active in ReformARTsi, a grassroots coalition seeking arts policy change and also in environmental activism with Gabungan Darurat Iklim Malaysia.

June has also been writing scripts for film and TV for over 10 years and uses her diverse background to help create the varied characters in her scripts. Since 2018 she has led as Head Writer for numerous Writers’ Room. She has written for local and all the major Southeast Asian platforms including Netflix Asia, iflix (now WeTV), Viu Malaysia, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Astro, RTM and Mediacorp in Singapore. In 2022, she won Best Screenplay for Spilt Gravy on Rice (2015) at Pesta Filem Malaysia.

Recently in 2023, she began producing films based on the scripts she wrote, including Budak Flat (2023), Housekeeping (2024) and Mikael (2026).

Making an impact means finding out what needs to be done, and doing it, to ensure people and collective causes can achieve more with their goals and inclinations.

Amanda Nell Eu is a filmmaker based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Her debut feature film TIGER STRIPES was the Grand Prize winner of Semaine de la Critique in the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. The film was also the official Malaysian submission for the Academy Awards that year. Amanda is an alumna of Berlinale Talents, Tokyo Talents and Locarno Filmmakers Academy. Her short film IT’S EASIER TO RAISE CATTLE premiered in competition at the Venice International Film Festival and received a Special Mention at the International Short Film Festival Clermont-Ferrand. She has also served as a jury member in various film festivals and mentored film workshops within Southeast Asia.

To be able to exist openly as your true authentic self and to express your voice with total freedom.

Sarah Lois Dorai is a Sarawakian filmmaker and book publisher based in Kuala Lumpur. With deep Kelabit roots, she brings Indigenous and underrepresented stories to life through film and literature. She is the founder of Sceptre Seven Press, an independent publishing and media house focused on cultural preservation and multilingual storytelling.

Her notable directorial works include the award-winning documentary Songs of The Highlands (2025) a documentary on the role of music in preserving language & identity, as well as music video Warrior Spirit (2021) featuring Alena Murang.

Sarah’s filmography is recognised for its powerful themes of identity, and cultural continuity. Her works have been featured in both local and international festivals, including the Academy Award accredited film festival Hawaiian International Film Festival. As of 2025, she continues to direct, and mentor creatives through public speaking engagements and part time lecturing to foster understanding and inspire the next generation of storytellers.

To me, making an impact means to leave the spaces we occupy in a better state than when we first entered into it. Not for ourselves but for the future generations that will inherit it after us.

Eleanor D.Goroh is an artist & cultural worker from Sabah. She is a Dusun native – the indigenous peoples living surrounding Mount Kinabalu the tallest mountain on Borneo island. Inspired by the rich heritage of Borneo – she creates art works with traditional mediums for sound, tattoos & beads – embodying the interrelated indigenous artforms.

The seeds & roots turned into beads.
Adornment of natural world in material forms.

The Ironwood trees turned into tattoo sticks
Marking the rainforest stories in solidarity.

The palm reeds, bamboo pipes, gourd chambers, rattan strings and beeswax from the black stingless bee – combined to be the mouth organs, flutes and jaw harp from the ancient rainforest melodies .

She is the founder of Magic Borneo Beads – documenting the living archive project since 2012. Her workshops/talks/performance/exhibits have travelled to New York, across Europe and Southeast Asia. She is currently still traveling in 2025 – researching the traditional instruments & artforms shared between East & West Malaysia.

To be able to continue research into practice and practice into teachings.

Reja Eshraghian is a tattoo artist based in Kuching, Sarawak, and the founder of Rakta Dhatu Studio, a space built around calm energy, conversation, and the shared experience of art on skin. With over a decade of tattooing experience, his journey has been about finding balance between heritage and innovation, between the ancient rhythm of Borneo’s tribal traditions and the evolving language of modern artistry.

His style draws from tribal and neo-traditional influences, reimagining cultural roots through a contemporary lens. For Reja, tattooing is not only an art form but also a dialogue, a way to connect stories, identity, and belonging. Every piece he creates carries a quiet weight of intention, shaped by trust and the shared moment between artist and client.

Through Rakta Dhatu, Reja built a studio that feels both classy and comfortable, where creativity flows as naturally as conversation. That same spirit extends to the Bunga Terong Project, an initiative born from the tattooing community to give back to the villages that inspired their art. The project gathers support and crowdfunding to help complete the construction of a longhouse, symbolizing how tattoo culture can bridge artistry and solidarity.

Each tattoo, project, and collaboration reminds him that art has the power to connect — to carry forward what was, while shaping what comes next.

For me, making an impact is about using my craft to uplift others, to connect, give back, and create change that reaches beyond the skin.

Martiana Chia is a creative entrepreneur and founder of three ventures rooted in culture, creativity, and community.

She is the founder of Sangon & Co., a handmade jewellery brand that celebrates the beauty of Sarawak, Borneo. Inspired by nature and crafted with natural materials such as pearls, shells, and stones, each Sangon piece reflects a deep connection to heritage and self-expression. What began as a university design project has since evolved into a meaningful brand that bridges tradition with contemporary design.

Together with her grandmother, Martiana also co-founded The Rasa, a home-brewed tuak (Sarawak rice wine) business built on a family tradition spanning over 150 years. The Rasa not only preserves this heritage craft but also introduces it to modern audiences through tuak bar services and cocktails made with locally sourced ingredients — offering a taste of Sarawak’s cultural richness.

In addition, Martiana leads The Bright Folks alongside her two other partners, a creative marketing agency that helps brands shine through storytelling and digital solutions. With expertise in design, photography, videography, and social media, The Bright Folks empowers businesses to connect with their audiences in authentic and impactful ways.

Across all her ventures, Martiana champions creative entrepreneurship as a means of preserving heritage, empowering communities, and driving sustainable growth. Her work celebrates stories, culture, and craftsmanship — inspiring others to embrace creativity as a force for connection and change.

Making an impact means creating something that leaves people, places, or communities feeling better than before. It’s about using creativity and purpose to spark change, even in small ways that ripples to inspire someone to do the same.

At just 17 years old, Danya Adriana Feri has emerged as one of Malaysia’s most promising young artists, captivating audiences with her ability to reimagine Malaysian heritage through vibrant abstract art. A self-taught artist, her work reflects a deep appreciation for culture and identity, inviting viewers to experience Malaysian stories through a contemporary lens. By transforming her creative curiosity into a powerful visual language, Danya bridges tradition and modern expression, making heritage accessible and inspiring to a new generation.

Danya’s artistic journey has reached both local and international audiences. She was featured on WomenpreneurAsia, becoming the youngest podcast guest to share her perspective as an emerging artist and creative entrepreneur. Her passion for cultural storytelling also reached global through an article she contributed to Teen World of Arts, Germany, where she introduced Malaysia’s rich heritage to a global art audience.

Through her journey, Danya proves that age is never a limit to purpose and impact. Her art stands as a testament to how creativity can connect cultures, spark change, and empower others to dream boldly, no matter where they begin. Beyond her personal success, Danya continues to inspire younger generations through art outreach and creative sharing, showing how art can nurture confidence, foster empathy, and open opportunities for growth and economically. She hopes to encourage more youth to see creativity as a meaningful way to contribute to society and to believe that every small act of expression can make a big difference.