Four Malaysian women snagged in the 50 Over 50: Asia 2023 list, which honours 50 women in the Asia-Pacific area over the age of 50 who are making waves in their respective fields and serving as role models for the region’s youth.

And, the former president of the Malaysian Bar, Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan is among one of them.

Known as a powerful Malaysian lawyer and human rights activist, Datuk Ambiga is the daughter of V. V. Sreenevasan, a well-known urologist in Malaysia.

The prominent figure began her legal career in England in 1980 after graduating with a law degree from the University of Exeter. She was admitted to the Malaysian Bar in 1981 and subsequently specialized in commercial and business disputes, practicing for three decades.

During her legal career, Ambiga was recognized as one of Malaysia's leading lawyers and became the first woman to be elected as the President of the Malaysian Bar Council in 2007. She was also a member of the Malaysian Advocates and Solicitors Disciplinary Board and served as the chairperson of the National Human Rights Society (HAKAM).

Known for her strong advocacy for human rights and democratic values in Malaysia, she has been involved in various civil society organizations and was a key figure in the "Bersih" movement, a coalition of civil society groups that advocated for free and fair elections in Malaysia.

The powerful woman was awarded the International Women of Courage Award by the United States Department of State in 2009 for her dedication to advancing human rights and democratic values in Malaysia. She received the award from the then-First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a ceremony held in Washington, D.C.

Beh Gaik Lean, Prof. Datuk Dr. Asma binti Ismail, and Karina Robles Bahrin are the rest of the women who paved their way to Forbes 50 Over 50 – Asia 2023.

Congratulations to the four women from Malaysia who made it to the list and all the honorees for their accomplishments and leadership!

Image Credit / Source: FORBES , Malay Mail