AS Malaysia marks its 69th year of independence, the Putrajaya parade once again showcases the everyday heroes driving the country forward. This year, Grab Malaysia (Grab) placed women squarely at the centre of that story.
Under Grab’s banner of #WirawatiNegaraku, the company featured its largest female-led parade contingent to date.
100 women partners across six states – Putrajaya, Pahang, Penang, Sabah, Johor and Melaka – will lead the celebrations, highlighting the expanding role of women in the nation’s gig economy.
In Putrajaya, the predominantly women-led marching contingent will feature women and PWD (persons with disabilities) drivers and delivery partners, a woman head of contingent and a woman flagbearer.
The parade will also feature Grab’s EV fleet and EV delivery bikes operated by women.
Breaking barriers on the road
For many women across Malaysia, flexible gig work provides a practical way to support household finances while balancing family life. Through community initiatives like #SisBoleh and dedicated safety tech, more women are turning flexible hours into long-term financial independence.
Grab Malaysia managing director Adelene Foo noted that National Day serves as a meaningful moment to honour these everyday contributions.
"Every Hari Kebangsaan we celebrate the people who make Malaysia what it is. This year, we are proud to put our #WirawatiNegaraku at the heart of our celebrations; the women across our Grab ecosystem who work hard for their families, contribute to their communities and build a better future for themselves and those around them. Their stories remind us that nation-building is not only about the big moments, but also the everyday choices, sacrifices and contributions that keep Malaysia moving," said Foo.
Prioritising safety across the platform
A major driver behind this growing participation is safety. For women to thrive on the road, feeling comfortable – both behind the wheel and inside the app – is essential.
Grab has rolled out targeted safety tools like Audio Protect and Facial Verification to protect both partners and consumers.
As Grab Malaysia regional platform safety head Naomi Say puts it, safety and economic freedom go hand in hand.
"Our innovations aren't just features, but are instead a focus on ensuring that every woman has a safe space to move and earn.
“Through our work in safety, we continue to look at how we can better support women before, during and after every journey. Our #WirawatiNegaraku contingent reflects that spirit, women taking charge of their own paths, providing for their families and building their own futures.”
Real stories of independence
The true impact of these tools is best seen in the lives of the partners themselves.
Syuhainie Shaharuddin, a deaf and non-verbal delivery partner from Port Dickson who also runs her own burger business, has been earning on the platform since 2022.
"My hope is for Malaysians to see deaf individuals for their capabilities and potential. Earning with Grab has given me the financial independence and confidence to support myself," she shared.
"With features like GrabChat, technology makes it easy to connect with customers. We can deliver great service and fulfil our responsibilities just like anyone else. Participating in the Merdeka parade made me feel the true unity of our country, strengthening my patriotic spirit and my sense of purpose as a proud Malaysian."
By bringing together women of all backgrounds, Grab Malaysia’s National Day presence showed that when flexible work is safe and accessible, women don't just participate in the economy – they help move the nation forward.
