Trailblazing Women are Celebrated for their Achievements at the Prestigious Regional Event.
Singapore, 28 November 2024 – The Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia 2024, hosted at Voco Orchard Singapore, celebrated outstanding female leaders making significant strides across various industries. The awards brought together 60 finalists from across the ASEAN region, recognising achievements in 12 distinct categories. Among the evening’s highlights was 22-year-old Harsha Ravindran, who became the youngest Malaysian to win the Social Entrepreneur Award.
Harsha Ravindran’s Inspiring Journey
Harsha’s entrepreneurial journey began at just 13 years old when she co-founded Ascendance alongside Sanadtkumar Ganesan, Mathura Kannan, and her sister, Heerraa Ravindran. Over the past nine years, Ascendance has grown into a global organisation championing the voice of Gen Z, impacting over 55,000 students across 26 countries through its grassroots entrepreneurship programmes.
Now an undergraduate at the University of Pennsylvania, Harsha has extended her impact with the establishment of the NextGen Entrepreneurship Network (NGEN), a New York-based non-profit uniting collegiate entrepreneurs to drive innovation and collaboration across the United States.
The gala evening also spotlighted Harsha’s sister, Heerraa, an international award-winning singer-songwriter, who was a finalist in the Arts & Culture category.
Malaysia’s Success at the Awards
Malaysia achieved notable success, winning three awards at the event:
- Social Entrepreneur Award – Harsha Ravindran for her outstanding work with Ascendance and NGEN.
- Community Spirit & Public Service Award – Rachel Siew Suet Li for her advocacy and empowerment initiatives for people with disabilities. Rachel, who lives with Mucopolysaccharidosis IVA, has inspired many through her book, Little Book, BIG Secrets.
- Property, Infrastructure & Construction Award – Jojo Wei Gwee for her leadership in sustainable township development and innovative marketing strategies in the construction sector.
These remarkable women exemplify Malaysia’s growing influence in leadership and innovation across Southeast Asia.
A Night of Inspiration and Celebration
The awards ceremony, graced by notable figures including British High Commissioner to Singapore, Nik Mehta, served as a platform to showcase inspiring stories of resilience and achievement. Reflecting on the nominees’ journeys, Mehta remarked on the profound emotional impact of their stories, which highlight the transformative power of female leadership.
The event not only recognised individual achievements but also underscored the importance of collaboration and diversity in driving regional progress.
Paving the Way for Future Leaders
The Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia continues to empower and inspire the next generation of female leaders, celebrating trailblazers who are breaking barriers in their respective fields. With a focus on fostering collaboration and community, the awards provide a platform for women to connect, share ideas, and further their impact.
For more details about the Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia 2024 and the full list of winners and finalists, visit [https://awards.womenofthefuture.co.uk/seasia/].
