ALLOW us to introduce our esteemed panellists and moderator for our webinar today, in support of International Women’s Day 2021:
PANELLIST: Nurul Izzah Anwar
Nurul Izzah began her political career in 1999 with PKR. Since then, she has established herself as a progressive reformer, one who has the people’s best interest at heart, and represents a very important demographic in Parliament.
She holds the position of honorary treasurer on behalf of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Malaysia, is a board member for the Centre of Reform, Democracy and Social Initiatives, and has founded Akademi Manusiawi, a training centre for future activists and politicians.
Having been an advocate for a number of agencies and institutes, she believes that gender equality can be attained by cultivating an inclusive and compassionate society.
PANELLIST: Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Mohd Radzi
Ras Adiba, the first woman to be appointed chairman of Benama, is also a director, producer and Malaysian Paralympic shooting athlete.
Having pushed her wheelchair from Johor Baru to Putrajaya in just 10 days, she entered the Malaysia Book of Records for the 490km feat. She was also named Tokoh Srikandi Negara in 2014, and was appointed senator last year, representing differently abled people.
PANELLIST: Heidy Quah
For Quah, founder and executive director of non-profit organisation Refuge for the Refugees, equality means having a seat at the table and the opportunity to be heard, regardless of age or gender.
Having a heart for those who have left their native land for a chance at a better life, the former accountant goes above and beyond to raise support and awareness on the pressing conditions of refugees in the country.
Along with her command of the Burmese and Chin languages, penchant for Muay Thai, and offbeat personality, it is her social work that truly defines who she is.
PANELLIST: Ariff Farhan Doss
Ariff Farhan is well-versed in both the corporate and governmental spheres. He started his career as deputy principal at Olympia College, and is currently chief operating officer of the Human Resources Development Fund.
He believes in equal opportunities at the workplace, and is also active in social organisations, such as the Malaysian Social Media Chambers and the Malaysia Interfaith Network.
MODERATOR: Shazmin Shamsuddin
Last but not least is Shazmin, a popular radio personality with almost two decades of on-air experience, and also our very own culture and lifestyle editor.
Known for her bubbly voice on Lite FM, Shazmin will raise the hard questions during our Vibeinar and crack the proverbial whip should the panellists go overboard with their discussion.
For her, gender equality begins at home, by instilling the right values in our sons and daughters.
With our panellists and moderator all lined up and ready to go today, from 4pm to 5pm, The Vibes is all set to livestream the answer to the question, “Are Malaysian Women Truly Empowered?” ─ The Vibes, March 5, 2021
