National songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin received the special Lifetime Achievement Award at the Affin Invikta Top 50 Women of Excellence Awards 2025 Gala Night in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday (Nov 26).
The recognition reflects her success of not only in achieving professional excellence as an artiste and entrepreneur but also in inspiring future generations.
"I am grateful for this award... I hope it will inspire women out there because women today are no longer confined to the kitchen, but are at the forefront," she said at the event.
The Affin Invikta Top 50 Women of Excellence Awards is among the country's most influential national platforms honouring high-performing women who have contributed to national development and elevated Malaysia's global reputation.
Another artiste recognised as a recipient of the Top 50 Women of Excellence Awards is singer/actress Bella Astillah.
The 31-year-old names determination and patience as her strengths as she continues to build her career despite being a single mother who's constantly facing various challenges.
Bella, whose real name is Dayang Ara Nabellah Awang Astillah, believes that consistent effort will eventually be rewarded.
"I am truly honoured to be part of this. I’m speechless, it is something I never expected. They said the award is in recognition of what I have achieved so far.
"But the funny thing is, I actually thought this award was a scam at first. I saw all the big names involved and they were all remarkable. I checked the email many times and even asked my (music) label, Universal Music Malaysia, whether it was real,” she told reporters.
The mother of two said the recognition was meaningful because she represents single mothers, and she dedicated the award especially to her own mother.
"As women, we always want to give our best, especially when representing single mothers out there. Just trust the process; patience will, God willing, bring happiness,” she said.
Meanwhile, national women's doubles badminton pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, who have achieved success on the international stage, received the Rising Star Award, a new category introduced this year.
The Affin Invikta Top 50 Women of Excellence Awards also recognises outstanding women across sectors such as finance, science, entrepreneurship, education, public service, and the arts.
Among the awardees are Oscar winner and global activist Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, humanitarian leader and academic Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, and Malaysia's first female Syarie Chief Judge Nenney Shuhaidah Shamsuddin.
The judging process involved three stages: shortlisting 300 candidates by an audit panel, followed by identifying the Top 50 to be announced at the awards ceremony.
Founder and Managing Director of TOP 50 Media Synergy, Kishvin Sirinavin, said the awards are not merely a recognition but also an effort to elevate the role of women in shaping the nation's future.
"It's in line with the National Women's Policy (DWN) and the Women's Development Action Plan (PTPW) 2025-2030, supporting Malaysia's commitment to building a more inclusive, empowered, and progressive society," he said.
Affin Bank Berhad Group President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah said the event aligns with the financial institution's commitment to Responsible Banking with Impact, anchored on the Affin Axelerate 2028 (AX28) Strategic Plan.
"We are honoured to recognise 50 exceptional, amazing, and truly remarkable women, each one a symbol of strength, inspiration, and leadership.
"This celebration comes at a pivotal moment for Malaysia, as women's leadership continues to rise. Women now hold 33.1% of board seats in the top 100 public listed companies and 28% across all listed companies, strengthening governance and shaping corporate direction," he said. – Bernama
