Front & Female Awards 2025: 3 female leaders elevating women’s professional and political representation in Malaysia
Meet the inspiring nominees helping to inspire, elevate and advance women in corporate, business or professional fields.
Acclaimed poet and activist Maya Angelou famously said once: “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of sharing the stories of incredible women trailblazers who have both excelled in their chosen industries while sparking long overdue conversations about equality. While some have opened up about their trials and triumphs, many still toil behind-the-scenes with their achievements unseen or known only to a few. It’s time we changed that.
Now in its third year in Malaysia, The Front & Female Awards recognises groundbreaking women who are inspiring progress for women and girls and affecting change for other women through their work and lives.
In December 2024, we opened public nominations for the awards to seek out the individuals who fit this criteria, whether it be advocating for women’s rights or equity, closing gender gaps, driving the female agenda, or blazing a trail and breaking barriers for others to follow.
Presented in partnership with Sime Darby Property, BMW Malaysia, L’Oréal Paris, Lladro and Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, The Front & Female Awards ceremony will take place on March 20 in Kuala Lumpur, where we will announce the six winners from these inspiring nominees, identified with the help of our expert voting committee comprising some the most influential names in finance, sports, healthcare, arts, technology, and more in Malaysia.
Three nominees were shortlisted for this year’s Business Leader category for the Awards—given to an individual helping to inspire, elevate and advance women in corporate, business or professional fields.
We spoke to these inspiring ladies ahead of the Awards to find out what motivates them and the most rewarding aspects of their work.
Front & Female Awards 2025: Aisya Rahman
“Women are leaders, mothers, and breadwinners. When they thrive in faith and finances, they uplift families, transform communities, and create lasting change and impact for generations, building rewards for this world and the hereafter” – Aisya Rahman
A sought-after speaker and certified Islamic financial planner, Aisya Rahman created the Women & Wealth Workshop to give women a safe space to talk about money, turning financial trauma into empowerment.
“The wealthier and more successful you are, the assumption is: you’re fine. But that’s not always the case,” says Aisya. Recognising the need for a non-judgemental space for women to discuss money matters, from financial literacy and preparedness to navigating life crises like layoffs, divorce with no alimony, and health issues, the Women & Wealth Workshop exists to bridge this gap, empowering 130 single mothers, breadwinners, entrepreneurs and stay-at-home mums since 2023. “It’s close to my heart to support Muslim women who are financially illiterate despite thriving in their careers because many of them are silently struggling. Whether they’re single mothers, widows, breadwinners, or daughters supporting parents and siblings, these women lack a safe space to figure out their finances.”
What is most rewarding about your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is witnessing women transform their lives, overcoming fear, thriving in their finances, getting out of debt, pursuing investments, making bold career moves, leaving unhappy marriages, or rekindling broken relationships.
What is the greatest challenge you have overcome?
Surviving and helping my husband rise from his bankruptcy, all while being the sole breadwinner. There were moments of hopelessness, sleepless nights, and a constant weight of uncertainty. But in those dark times, I learned that no matter how heavy the burden, success has its own timing, and what goes around truly comes around.
Through this journey, I discovered the power of working not just hard, but smart; the importance of mastering personal finances and understanding our rights as a married couple.
What advice would you share with other women on becoming change-makers in their own right?
If someone calls you crazy, take it as a sign that you’re on the right path. The journey to becoming a change-maker is never easy, it can be the loneliest, darkest road, especially in the first few years. But while you’re proving your business and chasing your dreams, don’t forget to take care of yourself.
Credit to: Tania Jayatilaka
