A businesswoman and the CEO of MN Fuel Solutions Sdn Bhd, Aliaa describes herself as a “petite tudung lady” heading a manufacturing company in the oil and gas industry, a typically male dominated industry. Having her voice taken seriously, by clients, industry players and bankers, was therefore not an easy task. She then realised that the only way to change this narrative was through mastering the technical knowledge of her product and the industry as a whole, while practising effective communication skills. 

“Only then can I gain the attention and respect from the people I deal with.’

“It is double the hard work just to be heard and it is not easy. But, it is what it is and it needs to be done,” says Aliaa.

Aliaa believes that men and women were both created with their own strengths and weaknesses, which should be acknowledged and celebrated. However, women have always shouldered the unseen mental load of nurturing a society. At the same time, women are also expected to take a backseat in terms of opportunities, due to societal norms. The basic human rights that women have today, like voting or being in a position of leadership, are due to the gender equity fight that was sparked by inspirational women centuries ago. While it is important to celebrate women of determination, Aliaa said, “It is also important to celebrate those whose strength and determination are not seen prima facie, as well.” She asserts that no matter the paths a woman chooses to take, “she should be celebrated for making the right choice for herself.”

Aliaa is also proud of the women and girls she has come across. Citing the students she met through her work with Small Changes, she is “proud of their courage to come out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves during the camps”. She is also proud to see women participation in tertiary education and to see women “making the right choice for themselves”. 

Although Malaysia is still far from the targeted 30% women participation in Parliament, Aliaa believes that “Malaysia is going in the right direction when it comes to gender equity”. We had our first women Chief of Justice, Tengku Maimun binti Tuan Mat, and there are currently 30 women Members of Parliament (13.5%). Having women in the right ministries making policies that take into consideration women’s needs gives the right support system for women to flourish and is, as Aliaa puts it, “necessary for the future generation of Malaysia”.