Meet the Voices of ZafigoX 2025

Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam is a 21-year-old Malaysian activist and founder of Pocket of Pink (POP). Through its flagship programme, Express to Empower, POP uses art and creativity to advance comprehensive sexual education. At 17, she launched the #MakeSchoolASaferPlace movement against rape culture in schools, which reached over 21 million people. Ain is a Progressive Malaysia Fellow leading Altorithm, a project researching how AI and algorithms shape gender polarisation in digital spaces. In 2025, Ain is working to build a stronger social impact ecosystem—uniting youth movements into a shared network where young people are positioned as key drivers of global change.

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 at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. It is the first female-directed Malaysian film to premiere there, and the first Malaysian film to win a top Cannes prize. It was also Malaysia’s official submission for the 2023 Academy Awards. Amanda is an alumna of the London Film School (MA in Filmmaking), Berlinale Talents, Tokyo Talents, and Locarno Filmmakers Academy. She has served as a juror at various film festivals and mentored film workshops in Southeast Asia.

Elaha Soroor’s bold participation in the Afghan Star 2008 catapulted her into the national spotlight. Her advocacy for women’s rights drew admiration and threats, forcing her into exile. Elaha moved to the UK as a refugee in 2012, opening new avenues for her as a singer-songwriter and composer. Overcoming displacement and identity challenges, she found her voice as an artist in storytelling and advocacy through music. Fusing traditional Afghan music with contemporary sounds and her bold activism, Elaha’s various collaborations, achievements, and compositions continue to challenge oppression, celebrate Afghanistan’s heritage, and inspire women to reclaim their voices.

Dr Elaine Pratley is the founder of Peace Kitchen and Peace Inc., two Australian initiatives that use food and dialogue to build bridges across cultural and societal divides. As an advocate for peace, Elaine transforms shared meals into spaces for connection, where differences are not erased but embraced. She is a qualified lawyer in Australia and New Zealand, a Rotary Peace Fellow, an Asian Peace Innovator with Salzburg Global, and an Indo-Pacific Futures Fellow with the East-West Center. Elaine holds a PhD in food and peacebuilding, is an affiliate of the Monash Global Peace and Security Centre, and facilitates intercultural and interfaith dialogue across the Asia-Pacific.

Jac SM Kee is a feminist activist, writer, and organiser working at the intersections of technology, gender, and social justice. She co-founded Take Back the Tech!, a global campaign to end online gender-based violence, and helped shape the Feminist Principles of the Internet. In Malaysia, she co-founded the Malaysia Design Archive, while globally she co-founded the Numun Fund, the first dedicated fund for feminist tech. Jac continues to champion more equitable and feminist digital futures.

As a Cambridge Molecular Biology graduate, Sadaf Saaz currently leads EskeGen, a pioneering biotech company advancing clinical trials in Bangladesh. She is also the driving force behind Dhaka Lit Fest, one of South Asia’s leading literary platforms. Through her company Jatrik Productions and creative space The Junction, Sadaf produces literary and performing arts initiatives that spark dialogue and change. An active member of Naripokkho, a key women’s activist organisation in Bangladesh, Sadaf also serves on the Board of Trustees of Brac University and the governing body of the JNI Research Centre for Mathematical and Physical Science at the University of Chittagong.

As the co-founder of Sheneller, a boutique travel content platform, Shenelle Rodrigo is a leading voice in showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich culture, landscapes, and resilience to a global audience. Her work fuels not only tourism, but also spotlights grassroots charities and humanitarian causes. Shenelle has actively supported fundraisers and non-profit initiatives, using her voice as a megaphone for the good being done across Sri Lanka. She served as the Social Media Ambassador for the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (2023-2024), was awarded the Youth Contribution to Tourism Award (2024), and was named International Alumni of the Year by Edith Cowan University of Western Australia in 2024.

Yee I-Lann is a contemporary artist based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, recognised for her photomedia-based practice. Her work delves into the evolving intersection of power, colonialism, and neo-colonialism in Southeast Asia. Yee has exhibited in museums in Asia, Europe, Australia, and the United States. Her most recent solo exhibition in Singapore Art Museum, Yee I-Lann: Mansau-Ansau (2024), travelled to Kunstmuseum Thun in Switzerland (2025), Yee’s first solo exhibition in Europe. Centring counter-narratives or ‘histories from below’, she recently began collaborative work with sea-based and land-based communities, as well as indigenous mediums in Sabah.

Zainah Anwar is the co-founder of Sisters in Islam and Musawah, two women’s groups engaging with Islam from a rights perspective to promote equality and justice for women living in Muslim contexts. She has written two books and numerous articles, and given talks on Islam and women’s rights, political Islam, Malaysian politics, and race relations. Zainah has received several awards, including the 2019 United Nations Malaysia Award for advancing Human Rights, and Fundamental Freedoms, the 2018 Harvard Law School award as one of the top 25 “Women Inspiring Change” globally in the areas of law and policy.

Melizarani T.Selva is a Malaysian spoken word poet, writer, and playwright whose works have been published by Penguin and Mekong Review, and presented at the Singapore Art Museum. Her debut poetry collection, Taboo, interrogates the Malaysian Indian identity. She co-edited The Second Link anthology and co-published When I Say Spoken, You Say Word!. Her plays, including Kudumbam and Kathi, have been staged in Malaysia and Singapore. She is currently developing new work with Wild Rice Theatre’s New and Now programme in Singapore.

With over 13 years of experience in the events and entertainment industry, Munirih Jebeni has performed at numerous prestigious events, earned multiple accolades, and proudly represented Malaysia on international stages. She has led performance teams and managed productions from concept to completion. Currently based in Kuala Lumpur, as a Sea Dayak woman from Kuching, Sarawak, Munirih is the founder of Talent Fluent Enterprise, specialising in Sarawak dances, music, and fire act performances. She passionately showcases the rich heritage of Borneo through her work, whether that’s through her original Sape’ compositions, choreography, or collaborations with various Malaysian artists.

The Wayang Women is an all-female, multinational ensemble of artists from across Southeast Asia and beyond. Uniting puppetry, poetry, music, and movement, they breathe new life into the ancient tradition of wayang kulit. Their performances blend traditional instruments with electronic sounds, vinyl, and contemporary storytelling, crafting a dynamic cultural dialogue between past and present. With members spanning diverse disciplines—from puppetry and poetry to composition, DJing, and dance—the collective challenges conventions and celebrates the power of women reclaiming space in a historically male-dominated artform.

VIONA is the solo project of Takahara Suiko (Taka), a lyricist, composer, and producer whose work blends storytelling and sound. Since 2009, they’ve released over 200 songs and two albums under The Venopian Solitude and VIONA. Their music has featured in Netflix’s Shirkers, the film Suatu Ketika, and the award-winning short Ralat the Musical. Collaborations include scoring theatre and film projects such as Pohlithik and Mentega Terbang. Most recently, they released Himpunan Lagu Rakyat, a conceptual album inspired by Malay proverbs.

Aida Ihsani is a seasoned entrepreneur with over eight years of experience and the founder of Malaysia’s First Women’s Woodworking Workshop. Her passion for empowerment led her to cultivate a women’s community, uniting women of different backgrounds to learn, grow, and explore together. She guides them in life-changing journeys through travel and mountain climbing. With every adventure, Aida inspires them to discover their strengths, embrace challenges, and see the world and themselves in a new light. In 2025, she received the Founder’s Award at Tatler Front & Female Awards for her entrepreneurial journey and mission to help women break free from societal expectations and limiting beliefs.

Andriyana Mohd Ghazali, known as “ChuChu” in the esports scene, is a medical graduate from Mansoura University. She was active in DOTA 2 amateur and semi-professional tournaments from 2008 to 2016, before shifting her focus to Mobile Legends Bang Bang in 2018 as a streamer and a MPL competitor. ChuChu organised tournaments across the Middle East and European regions for Malaysian students up until 2016, and has been a commentator for DOTA 2 since 2010. Upon returning to Malaysia in 2018, she did professional commentaries for MLBB and PUBG Mobile and has since covered various game genres and titles. As recently as 2022, ChuChu expanded her skills as a Master of Ceremonies (MC).

Anita Yusof is the first Muslim woman to motorcycle solo across all seven continents, and the first Malaysian inducted into the Asia Book of Records for the longest solo ride around the world by a woman. Beginning her first Global Dream Ride in 2015, she covered 65,369 km across 40 countries in just one year. A former sports science lecturer turned adventurer, she is also an author and sought-after speaker. Currently on her second Global Dream Ride, Anita continues to inspire as a pioneer in long-distance solo riding, proving that grit and courage know no limits.

Charis Loke is an illustrator and comics editor who makes images to understand the world and connect with others. A former teacher trained as a scientist, she now tells visual stories with publishers and nonprofits. She has documented protests and market communities, designed community arts workshops for youth, and illustrated award-winning books by authors like Fonda Lee, R. F. Kuang, and Hannah Whitten. Formerly Comics and Illustrations Editor at New Naratif, Charis has worked with over 85 artists and continues to champion stories that weave art with place, politics, and people.

Farah Irdina’s journey began in the competitive world of equestrian sports. In June 2023, she traded reins for racing suits, stepping into the male-dominated world of motorsports under the mentorship of former Formula 1 driver, Alex Yoong. Farah currently works alongside Redline Rising. This non-profit organisation aims to build visibility, mentorship, and education pathways for young Asian women in motorsports through representation in racing and community engagement.

Florentyna Leow is a writer, translator, and private tour guide based in Tokyo. She serves as Editorial Director at sankaku, a Japan-based print publication highlighting people and craft. Her debut essay collection, How Kyoto Breaks Your Heart, was published by the Emma Press in 2023. Her writing spans food, travel, and culture, with work appearing in publications such as Atmos, FARE, Gastro Obscura, Urchin’s Home, Lucky Peach, and the Japan Times. She also works as a travel consultant, creating immersive experiences that connect visitors with Japan’s stories and traditions.

Having travelled to over 60 countries worldwide, Jacinta Lim wanted to create a travel company that made a difference. She left her job as a corporate lawyer in London and, in 2018, started Seek Sophie. With no tech background, she taught herself to code and built the platform from her living room. Since then, she’s bootstrapped it into an eight-figure business across seven Asian countries. Working with local conservationists and small family businesses, Seek Sophie helps travellers discover hidden gems while supporting local communities and the environment.

In 2010, Jenn Low established Wanderlust + Co in Melbourne, Australia after identifying a gap in the market for affordable, designer-quality jewellery. Initially operating from her apartment with a startup capital of RM10,000, Jenn’s focus on quality and design quickly garnered attention, propelling Wanderlust + Co from a small online store into a global brand. In 2011, Jenn relocated the company’s headquarters to Kuala Lumpur, allowing her to be closer to production partners and to better manage the brand’s growth. Despite initial challenges in rebuilding the business, Jenn’s resilience and strategic vision ensured Wanderlust + Co’s continued ascent in the fashion industry.

Lesley Lim is a partner at MahWengKwai & Associates and a sports law advocate. She is also a dragon boat captain for the KL Barbarians team and a coach at CrossFit Pahlawan, melding her career in law with her love for sports.

Miranda Yeoh is the co-founder of Paolo Paolo Gelato, an artisanal Malaysian gelato brand celebrated for its handcrafted flavours, creative collaborations, and authentic, organic marketing. With a background in media, PR, and social media marketing for regional F&B and beauty brands, Miranda has honed the skill of strategic brand thinking. She and her team enjoy exploring underutilised Malaysian ingredients, drawing on cultural heritage while introducing new taste experiences for her audience. As a hands-on creator and business leader, she champions storytelling, collaboration, and authenticity in building brands that leave a lasting impression.

Hailing from Penang, Malaysia, Prestine Davekhaw is a documentary photographer committed to a 10-year journey of capturing Disappearing Cultures across the Asian continent since 2022. Her work highlights everyday life, rituals, and ancestral wisdom – shared through social media to bring these stories to a wider audience. Outside of photography, she runs MalaysianPAYGAP, a HR media platform advocating for salary transparency in the region. Follow her journey on social @disappearingcultures and @missprestine.

Alleena Abdullah founded Yellow Tree Malaysia to train and consult corporations, MSMEs, and underserved communities (women, refugees, and indigenous). She is also the co-founder of Merawan, a boutique consultancy focused on people development and technology. Having spent a decade in Nestlé, Alleena developed extensive strategic knowledge in brand, marketing, and business management. She has worked with numerous international and local consumer brands, elevating people through simple, strategic, and actionable solutions. Alleena is an NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming) and Time Line Therapy® Practitioner, an area that strengthens her skills in human communication and behaviour.

Devina Sivagurunathan is the Executive Director of MABECS, Malaysia’s most experienced UK education agency. She has 20 years of student recruitment experience in Malaysia and the UK. Devina was an International Officer at The University of Warwick and SOAS, University of London. She then spent two years as the Head of International Recruitment at the University of the Arts London before deciding it was time to move to warmer climes to helm MABECS. In addition to her contributions in the field of education, Devina co-founded the Sivagurunathan & Chua Literary Agency (SCLA), showcasing her multifaceted interests and entrepreneurial spirit.

Edleen Ismail has been a sportscaster and sports reporter for over 15 years, beginning with ESPN SportsCenter Malaysia in 2007. She pursued this journey further in 2010 when she joined Astro Arena, a 24-hour local sports channel. In her years as a sportscaster and reporter, she had the privilege of covering the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the 2016 Rio Olympics, the 2018 Asian Games and many other sporting events. Edleen was also a sportscaster for 13 years on Nadi Arena, a sports news program. As of 2023, she decided on a career change and is now working behind the scenes, managing Astro Sports talents and various community outreach programmes.

Marina Mahathir is a writer and activist for women’s rights and HIV/AIDS. She currently chairs Musawah and is a member of Sisters in Islam. In 2014, she set up a travel website for women called Zafigo.com. She writes and speaks regularly on issues relating to gender and human rights, and has authored five books. Marina served as the President of the Malaysian AIDS Council from 1993 to 2005. In 2016, the French government awarded her the Legion d’Honneur for her achievements in HIV/AIDS and human rights. In 2010, Marina was named the UN Person of the Year by the United Nations in Malaysia. She has received several honorary degrees, including one from her alma mater, the University of Sussex.