Sarawak entrepreneur Law recognised for leadership excellence

KUALA LUMPUR: Esteemed Sarawak entrepreneur Esther Law Lee Poh, founder and chairlady of YAST Group, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘2024 World Outstanding Women Leadership Excellence Award’ at the 2024 Annual World Women Economic and Business Summit.

Held on Sept 26 at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel here, the award ceremony was a key highlight of the summit, which carried the theme ‘Champion Women, Ignite Progress.

Law (second left) poses for a photo with Nancy.

The summit’s opening ceremony was officiated by Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, while the Queen of Malaysia, Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, graced the event as the Royal Guest-of-Honour, delivering a special address during the Royal Luncheon.

Law was one of 26 distinguished women to be recognised for their exceptional contributions and leadership.

Other notable recipients included Universiti Tun Abdul Razak Vice-Chancellor Professor Datin Paduka Dr Samsinar Md Sidin, who received the ‘World Distinguished Women Leader Lifetime Achievement Award,’ Affin Bank Group chief financial officer Jonna Rodrigues who was honoured with the ‘2024 World Outstanding Women in Finance Excellence Award,’ and general manager of Sabah Electricity Berhad Lisa Wan who received the ‘World Women Excellence Award.’

YAST Group in a statement said that the World Women Leadership Excellence Awards pay tribute to exceptional female leaders whose contributions have significantly impacted the well-being of Malaysia and the global community. These awards celebrate entrepreneurial success, business acumen, and dynamic leadership across various sectors.

It added that these recipients have demonstrated excellence in managing corporations, driving corporate transformations, and showcasing resilient and visionary leadership that has created positive societal impacts.

Their achievements continue to inspire and motivate the youth and uplift the lives of many.

The summit was jointly organised by the World Digital Chamber (WDC), the Economic Club of Kuala Lumpur (ECKL), and the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, with support from the World Business Chamber (WBC), the Women’s Institute of Management (WIM), the National Council of Women’s Organizations (NCWO), the National Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Malaysia (NAWEM), and the ASEAN Economic Club (AEC).

More than 30 prominent speakers, including business leaders, thought leaders, and ambassadors from various sectors such as government, private, and academics, were invited to share their insights and participate as dialogue partners during the summit.

“Women play a crucial and strategic role in shaping the future of industries, economy and employment.

“With the growing focus on gender inclusivity, it harmonises society
and enhances human development in all aspects,” the statement added.