After a five-year hiatus, ZafigoX 2024: Rejuvenation was a celebration of renewed and new connections, amazing women, and growth. It was a space where women came together not just to learn, but to feel seen, heard, and empowered. Here are five lessons ZafigoX 2024 taught us and why we want you to be a part of the upcoming ZafigoX 2025.

The power of learning, growth, and exploration

  • Participants learnt functional movements for self-defence with Cassandra J. Poyong, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) athlete and coach at Hikari Martial Arts.
  • Tan Hong Hong and Noora Ali of Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) giving practical tips and recommendations on places to visit to plan the perfect girls’ trip to Japan.
  • Hanna Razali and Nabilah Nordin of The Powderuum conducting a colour analysis workshop and giving participants tips on building their own capsule wardrobe.

One of the most powerful aspects of ZafigoX 2024 was how it created room for women to pick up new skills and rediscover old passions. The workshops at ZafigoX 2024 became opportunities for women to expand their horizons in a space curated just for them. From self-defence techniques to keep women travellers safe, to travel journalling and creative writing that helped unlock inner stories, every session encouraged participants to embrace their potential.

It was a day of embracing our capacity to learn and grow, and a reminder that exploration, whether of the world, of knowledge, or of ourselves, is a lifelong journey.

Our resilience as women

  • Social activist Suri Kempe speaking on Malaysian women’s rights to pass citizenship to their children.
  • Digital rights activist Noelle Martin highlighting the dangers of deepfake imagery.

Even in the face of unjust laws and cultural limitations, women continue to rise and resist. The lineup of speakers at the ZafigoX 2024 conference was proof of that. Activist Suri Kempe moved the room with her tireless work advocating for Malaysian women’s rights to pass on citizenship to their children.

Dr. Sakia Haque, doctor and founder of Travellettes of Bangladesh, opened our eyes to the social stigma around solo female travel in her country. Through her story, we witnessed the bravery of women challenging deeply rooted norms, daring to explore the world on their own terms. Noelle Martin, a digital rights activist and a survivor of image-based abuse, spoke about the harms of deepfake imagery and the urgent need for better protection for victims of such violations.

All the women who shared their personal stories on stage reminded us of the everyday battles women fight for fairness and dignity.

Our challenges and differences bring us closer

  • January Low’s captivating solo Odissi dance performance.
  • Sheena Baharudin’s powerful spoken word performance.
  • Marina Mahathir, founder of Zafigo (left) and Dr Mona Minkara, blind scientist and traveller (right), sharing an embrace.

ZafigoX 2024 was also a reminder that our diverse experiences can be powerful bridges. Dr. Mona Minkara, a blind traveller and scientist, took us on a journey through her lens, where limitations were reframed as possibilities. Her honesty and humour reminded us that we are all navigating life with unique perspectives, and that’s something to celebrate.

Restaurateur, activist, and award-winning cookbook author Asma Khan led a deeply moving session on how food connects us to each other. She shared how women in her kitchen, often overlooked, become changemakers through the simple act of cooking.

In between the conversations and panels at ZafigoX 2024 were performances that moved us in their own quiet power: January Low’s graceful Odissi dance, Velvet Aduk’s soul-stirring vocals, and Sheena Baharudin’s evocative spoken word poetry. These moments of artistic expression were as impactful as the talks, reminding us of the power of art in building empathy and understanding.

The common thread running through it all? In our differences, we find solidarity. That understanding each other’s struggles brings us closer.

The magic of new friendships and connections

  • Participants of ZafigoX 2024: Rejuvenation having a chat during a scheduled tea break.
  • Participants of the Mastering Phone Photography with Annice Lyn workshop sharing a Xiaomi 14T Series phone sponsored by Xiaomi.
  • Tercia Goh sharing a laugh with participants during her Travel Scrapbooking workshop session.

There was a special kind of energy at ZafigoX that sparked unexpected friendships and genuine connections. Whether it was a post-panel conversation, a moment shared during a coffee break, or an impromptu chat between sessions, the event created space for women to connect on shared dreams, challenges, and passions.

The panels that spanned across topics like sports, storytelling, art, and advocacy highlighted just how diverse and dynamic our voices can be. They also revealed something deeper: that our strength lies in dialogue, in listening to one another, and in lifting each other up. The conversations sparked onstage spilled into the hallways, cafes, and DMs after the event, showing us that we’re all searching for connection and meaning in similar ways.

We are stronger together

  • The PSPK team at ZafigoX 2024 sold eco-friendly and handmade items by women and youth from local and refugee communities.
  • Kartini Ariffin, Emcee for ZafigoX 2024 (left), and Sumitra Selvaraj, PR & Partnerships Manager of the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA), sharing an embrace.
  • Lit Books offering books from our lineup of writers and more.
  • United Airlines showcasing their travel deals at ZafigoX 2024.

ZafigoX 2024 reminded us of something we too often forget: that when women come together, we create powerful ripples. Take the thoughtfully curated booths at ZafigoX 2024, for example.

Lit Books offered a selection of inspiring reads (some authored by our speakers), while the Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia provided free breast exams and awareness. Buttercup was there to break taboos and start conversations around menstrual health with their menstrual cups. These booths extended the spirit of the event, offering knowledge, support, and empowerment. Our partners and sponsors who believed in the spirit of ZafigoX also played a huge role in supporting us through this empowering event.

As we look ahead to ZafigoX 2025, one thing is clear: we’re excited to see where it takes us next. The speakers, workshops and booths mentioned here are just the tip of the iceberg. Check out the past ZafigoX 2024 lineup here.

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Interested in exploring sponsorship opportunities or be a part of ZafigoX 2025? Drop us a line at [email protected], and we’ll be in touch!