Six women honoured with ‘Tokoh Wanita Sarawak’ awards for contributions in innovation, leadership

KUCHING (Aug 11): Six women in Sarawak were honoured with the ‘Tokoh Wanita Sarawak’ awards for their outstanding contributions during the state-level Women’s Day celebration in Sibu yesterday.

In line with this year’s theme, ‘Sarawak Women in Innovation and Technology’, a special award – the Sarawak Premier Special Achievement Award (Innovation & Technology) – was introduced and bestowed upon Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Siti Kudnie Sahari.

A lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Siti Kudnie has made significant strides in sustainable energy through her research.

She successfully generated electricity using microbial fuel cells and utilised sago waste to produce electronic materials for electric vehicles.

A new category introduced this year – the Sarawak Premier Young Leader Award – was awarded to Hannah Toh Hong Na.

Born in Johor Bahru and now residing in Sibu, Toh began her education at SJKC Tung Hua and later emerged as the top student in the science stream for Form 4 at SMK Tung Hua.

Her leadership skills and achievements have inspired young people to balance academics and extracurricular activities, creating a competitive generation.

Her active involvement in sports and the Girl Guides has earned her numerous award, the highest being the Queen’s Guide Award this year.

Another exemplary leader, Umang Nangku Jabu, received the Sarawak Premier Women’s Leadership Award.

Born in Kuching, Umang pursued her education at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, earning a Bachelor of Business (Information Systems) with distinction in 2009 and a Master of Finance in 2023.

After serving as the director of Ginger & Coconut Development Sdn Bhd, Umang continued her career as the director of SEDC Premix (Betong) Sdn Bhd, a position she holds to this day.

Lim Hii Ching from Dalat was honoured with the Sarawak Premier Women Entrepreneur Award.

As the marketing manager at Sweet Food Convenience Store since 2006, overseeing five airport locations across Sarawak, Lim has received numerous business awards, including Best Business Supporting Partner from Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd (MAHB).

Recently, she contributed to fire victims in Kampung Haji Baki and made donations to frontline workers.

The Sarawak Premier Social Activist Award was presented to Datin Sultan Patimah SKS Ismail from Bintulu.

Born on June 16, 1950, Datin Sultan Patimah has been actively involved in the Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation (Perkim) and various women’s associations.

She also serves as the chairperson of the Community-Based Rehabilitation Centre (PPDK) in Bintulu.

Meanwhile, Destiny For Children Sibu received the Sarawak Premier Outstanding Organisation Award.

This NGO was established to help street children, stateless children, and those who have dropped out of school regain their confidence in continuing their education, fostering positive thinking and behaviour.

Founded in Oct 2013 with the involvement of 20 students and volunteer teachers, the organisation now supports 123 students and employs 12 staff members.

Each recipient received a trophy, a certificate of appreciation, and a cash prize presented by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.