The 2025 edition of Options’ International Women’s Day Forum was held at The International Gallery of the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club Resort (Photo: Patrick Goh/ The Edge)
There is nothing more heartening than to be in a room full of positive energy and good intent. And that spirit was definitely palpable on March 24 when 150 people — although it must be said, predominantly of the fairer sex — came together to celebrate International Women’s Month.
Observed throughout March, what started out as a single day has now grown to a full month of celebrating women’s achievements while highlighting the fact that gender inequality continues to persist and more work needs to be done to mobilise action for a more inclusive world. Taking these things into consideration, Options kick-started what has now become an annual event with a strong and targeted local focus.
From championing small women-led initiatives and enterprises to pooling together key success stories to uplift and inspire others, the 2025 edition of Options’ International Women’s Day Forum, held at The International Gallery of the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club Resort, began with a strong and rousing keynote address by guest of honour Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, KL’s 15th mayor and, after 50 years, the first woman to hold the position of what is normally termed “CEO of KL” — the first settlement in Malaysia to be granted city status on Feb 1, 1972.
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“It took 50 years but better late than never,” she said jauntily. A panel discussion between the Datuk Bandar, architect Lillian Tay, vice president of Veritas Design Group, and Chung Chai Yin, head of Sime Darby Property’s Business Unit 6, followed on the topic, “How to make Kuala Lumpur more liveable and lovable”. It was moderated by Au Foong Yee, editor emeritus at The Edge Malaysia.
The pertinent topic of burnout and cultivating good mental health was addressed next by Melissa Tan, founder of Atas Mindset, who spoke candidly and honestly about how women are expected to do it all — excel at work, raise children, manage the home and somehow still find time to take care of themselves. This was followed by the topics of female empowerment and financial independence, which saw sports icon Datuk Nicol David and Cyrene Kong, chief digital officer of RHB Banking Group, take part in a fireside chat hosted by Freda Liu, one of the most well-known and sought-after masters of ceremonies about town.
And just when it seemed as if everyone in the room was in need of a mental break given the heaviness of some of the topics, respite was offered in the form of a guided terrarium workshop led by Jan Zainal, founder and proprietor of popular plant boutique Taman Hati. Guests got to work with their hands, enjoy a small dalliance with Mother Nature and make something that aids well-being — not to mention being aesthetically pleasing yet low maintenance — to take home.
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Before the buka puasa reception which brought the event to a close, guests took the opportunity to browse and shop at all the women-owned and led businesses and initiatives that set up small booths in the spirit of a Ramadan bazaar. Many of the invitees also gladly had their corporate headshots taken by Grace Tan, founder and senior photographer of Stories, a photography and video production studio that now counts 17 successful years since its establishment.
There is an old adage that says behind every successful man, there is a woman. But as the day clearly showed, behind every successful woman, there is always another person invested in her growth and well-being. The women in the room that afternoon paid tribute not only to their mothers, but also their spouses, fathers, grandparents, siblings, friends and mentors. May we all strive to be that person to the people in our lives.
Freda Liu (right) hosted the fireside chat with Datuk Nicol David (left) and RHB’s Cyrene Kong (Photo: Patrick Goh/ The Edge)
This article first appeared on Apr 7, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
