IPOH: A single mother of three is one step closer to realising her dream of opening a baking studio after emerging as the champion of the LS Medical Group’s grand ‘Women’s Empowerment Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Project’.
Lee Kam Phooi, 42, who goes by the name Apple, will be taking home RM25,000 in cash and RM25,800 worth of treatments.
"I planned to use the cash prize to open a baking studio and build a more stable future for my family,” she said after the prize-presentation ceremony during the event at the Casuarina Convention Centre Meru here on Sunday (Oct 18).
The cash prize was personally sponsored by LS Medical Group founder Dr Neik Hiong Lee to help with business start-up funding and to pursue entrepreneurial dreams for a better future.
Lee, a full-time baking instructor, said that she learnt about the programme through Dr Neik, whom she had consulted for a treatment.
"I was going through a difficult period with my marriage and had become extremely thin"
"Dr Neik encouraged me to take steps towards improving myself and to regain my confidence.
“He also encouraged me to join the event and work on myself. Having more confidence will also help me in my business,” she added.
Freelance music teacher Vivian Lim, 31, was named first runner-up and received RM13,800 worth of treatments, while housewife Tracy Ng, 44, was named second runner-up and received RM6,300 worth of treatments.
The event, themed 'In the Name of Beauty Women's Transformation Project', aimed to empower women beyond physical beauty by promoting confidence, personal growth and financial independence.
There are 10 women from across the country who were selected for the two-month transformation journey, with LS Medical Group spending six months preparing for the CSR initiative, from auditions and selection to arranging hairstyling, makeup, outfits and aesthetic treatments.
Also present was Sinclair (Singapore & Malaysia) commercial director Karen Chong, who came from Singapore just to attend and present Malaysia's No.1 Ellanse Top User Recognition Award.
Participants received personalised treatments and guidance from medical professionals and the group's holistic care team, with the programme focusing on beauty, confidence, personal growth and women's empowerment
About 1,000 people, including medical professionals, celebrities and invited guests were present during the grand finale.
The guest of honour was Tengku Datuk Dr Hishammuddin Zaizi Tengku Bendahara Azman Shah Alhaj. In his speech, he congratulated Dr Neik and his team for their dedication and commitment to organising the event.
"When we speak about beauty, we often think about physical appearance.
"However, I believe that true beauty goes far beyond what we see in the mirror. True beauty is about confidence," he said.
"There are medical procedures that require proper knowledge, ethical responsibility, professional expertise and informed patient decisions.
"I am therefore encouraged to see LS Medical Group taking the initiative to promote greater awareness of safe and responsible aesthetic medicine in Malaysia," he added.
He also hoped that the event will inspire more healthcare organisations to go beyond their daily business activities and contribute positively to society through education, innovation and community engagement.
"With that, it is my great pleasure to celebrate this meaningful occasion with all of you. May the Name of Beauty 2026 become a memorable milestone and the beginning of even greater legacy for Malaysia," he said.
Also present included Health Ministry medical practice division assistant director Dr Emmy Zuleikha Ismail Hashim, LS Medical brand ambassador and Hong Kong actress Nancy Sit.
Malaysian singer-actress Bella Astillah also signed a brand ambassador agreement with LS Medical Group as its second brand ambassador before performing a song at the event.
Popular Malaysia hip-hop and pop music group 3P also performed.
Earlier, Dr Neik delivered an educational talk on safe, evidence-based aesthetic medicine, covering facial ageing, skin health, sunscreen selection and minimally invasive aesthetic procedures.
He also highlighted the importance of choosing qualified aesthetic medical practitioners registered with the Malaysian Medical Council and ensuring they held a valid Letter of Credentialing and Privileging.
The talk, he said, was aimed at improving public understanding of aesthetic medicine, promoting patient safety, encouraging informed decision-making, realistic expectations and responsible healthcare choices.
LS Medical Group operates in several disciplines, including general healthcare, aesthetics, pediatric, and dental care, with over 30 clinics nationwide.
