An interview with Dr Laila Rani Binti Dato' Dr Haji Raja Mohamad, Chairman Association of Muslim World Business Malaysia

As the CEO of Ramcel Media and Editor in-Chief of OIC TODAY magazine, you play a significant role in disseminating business news and investment opportunities in the Muslim world. How do you believe media platforms can further empower women by showcasing their achievements and contributions?

 Dr Laila Rani Binti Dato’ Dr Haji Raja Mohamad: Media platforms hold immense potential to empower women by showcasing their achievements and contributions. In my role as the CEO of Ramcel Media and Editor-in-Chief of OIC TODAY magazine, I recognize the transformative power of media in shaping perceptions and driving change. By featuring success stories, accomplishments, and insights of women leaders across various sectors, we can inspire a new generation of women to pursue their aspirations and make meaningful contributions.

Through our platforms, we aim to highlight the diverse talents and accomplishments of women, breaking stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive narrative. By amplifying the voices of women who have excelled in business, academia, and other fields, we not only provide role models for aspiring individuals but also foster a supportive environment that encourages women’s participation and leadership.

I believe that media serves as a powerful tool to showcase the achievements and contributions of women, paving the way for increased representation, recognition, and opportunities. It’s our responsibility to use these platforms to uplift and celebrate the remarkable women who are shaping the future of the Muslim world and beyond.

Your initiatives, such as the Muslim World Women’s Summit and the Muslim World Rania Award, aim to empower women in Islamic countries. What inspired you to undertake these initiatives, and how do you see them making a positive impact on women’s development?

 Dr Laila Rani Binti Dato’ Dr Haji Raja Mohamad: The inspiration behind initiatives like the Muslim World Women’s Summit and the Muslim World Rania Award is deeply rooted in the belief that empowering women is not just a goal, but a fundamental necessity for the progress of our societies. My vision has been shaped by personal experiences, observations, and a strong desire to contribute to positive change.

 I was fortunate to have a father who instilled in me the value of business and leadership from a young age. His discussions about daily deliberations and business meetings ignited my passion for making a difference through empowerment. This upbringing, coupled with my role in media and business, exposed me to the incredible potential and untapped talents of women across the Muslim world.

 The Muslim World Women’s Summit and the Muslim World Rania Award are our responses to the need for dedicated platforms that recognize, celebrate, and support women’s achievements. These initiatives provide a space for women to network, collaborate, and share insights, ultimately enabling them to play more active roles in various sectors.

These initiatives contribute to the broader goals of economic growth and sustainable development. Empowered women drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and social progress. By creating pathways for women’s involvement in business, leadership, and policy-making, we uplift entire communities and pave the way for more inclusive and resilient societies.

The summit’s main goal is to uplift the Islamic economy through cooperation between stakeholders. How can women’s leadership and entrepreneurship contribute to achieving this objective and fostering economic growth in the Muslim world?

Dr Laila Rani Binti Dato’ Dr Haji Raja Mohamad: Women’s leadership and entrepreneurship play a pivotal role in achieving the main goal of uplifting the Islamic economy through cooperation between stakeholders. Their contributions are integral to fostering economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development in the Muslim world.

 Firstly, women’s leadership brings diverse perspectives and approaches to decisionmaking processes. Inclusive leadership, characterized by a mix of viewpoints, often leads to more well-rounded and effective strategies. By actively involving women in leadership roles, we tap into a wealth of insights and ideas that can drive business innovation and enhance overall economic performance.

 Secondly, women entrepreneurs are a driving force for job creation and economic empowerment. When women are given the tools, resources, and opportunities to start and grow businesses, they not only contribute to their own financial independence but also stimulate local economies. By supporting women entrepreneurs, we encourage investment, stimulate consumer demand, and ultimately contribute to economic growth.

Moreover, women-led businesses tend to have a positive impact on social and environmental sustainability. Many women entrepreneurs prioritize ethical business practices, community engagement, and environmentally responsible approaches. Their businesses often focus on addressing societal challenges, which can lead to the development of innovative solutions that benefit both local communities and the broader economy.

Your success as a young leader and your strong relationships with business leaders and influencers have paved the way for partnerships. How do you encourage and support other women in breaking barriers and establishing themselves as influential leaders in their respective fields?

Dr Laila Rani Binti Dato’ Dr Haji Raja Mohamad: Encouraging and supporting other women in breaking barriers and establishing themselves as influential leaders is a core aspect of my mission. My own journey as a young leader has shown me the importance of mentorship, networking, and creating a supportive ecosystem for aspiring women. Here are some points that demonstrate how I strive to facilitate this empowerment:

Networking Opportunities: Building strong relationships is crucial for career advancement. I organize networking events and platforms where women can connect with experienced professionals, potential mentors, and like-minded peers. Networking fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the creation of valuable partnerships that can open doors to new opportunities.

 Skills Development: Empowerment goes hand in hand with skill-building. I organize workshops, training programs, and skill development sessions tailored to women’s needs. These programs equip women with the tools to excel in their fields and take on leadership roles with confidence.

Celebrating Achievements: Acknowledging and celebrating milestones is crucial for boosting confidence. I make sure to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women leaders through various platforms, motivating them to continue striving for excellence.

Advocating for Change: I use my influence to advocate for policies that support gender equality, diversity, and inclusivity. By working towards systemic changes, we create an environment where women have equal access to opportunities and resources.

In brief, supporting and empowering women to break barriers and become influential leaders involves a multifaceted approach. Through mentorship, networking, skills development, visibility, advocacy, and a nurturing environment, I strive to pave the way for other women to succeed and make their mark in their respective fields.

The ‘Women’s Summit of 2024’ brings together policymakers, business professionals, and academicians to deliberate over important issues. From your perspective, what are the key challenges that women entrepreneurs and professionals face in the Muslim world, and how can these challenges be addressed collectively?

Dr Laila Rani Binti Dato’ Dr Haji Raja Mohamad: The ‘Women’s Summit of 2024’ serves as a critical platform that unites policymakers, business professionals, and academicians to engage in meaningful discourse on vital issues. From my perspective, women entrepreneurs and professionals in the Muslim world encounter a range of challenges that necessitate collective attention and action.

Gender bias and cultural stereotypes persist as significant barriers. Preconceived notions about women’s capabilities can hinder their progress in various sectors. Collective initiatives must focus on changing societal perceptions through education, awareness campaigns, and mentorship programs. Encouraging men and women alike to challenge biases and promote equal opportunities is crucial.

Work-life balance remains a persistent challenge for women professionals, particularly in societies where traditional gender roles are deeply entrenched. By advocating for flexible work arrangements, parental leave policies, and affordable childcare options, we can create an environment that supports women in balancing their personal and professional responsibilities.

Another critical issue is access to quality education and skill development. Collaborative projects between educational institutions, governments, and private sectors can create targeted training programs, scholarships, and internships that equip women with the skills needed to excel in a rapidly evolving job market.

 In think that the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and professionals in the Muslim world are diverse and complex. Through collective efforts, we can address these challenges by advocating for equitable access to capital, challenging biases, promoting work-life balance, enhancing representation, improving education and skill development, and fostering a supportive network. The ‘Women’s Summit of 2024’ provides an ideal platform to unite diverse stakeholders and collaboratively pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for women in the Muslim world.

The Muslim World Women’s Summit spans across nations, highlighting the immense potential and resources of Muslim-majority countries. In your view, how can international collaborations and partnerships further enhance women’s roles and contributions in the global economy?

Dr Laila Rani Binti Dato’ Dr Haji Raja Mohamad: The Muslim World Women’s Summit stands as a testament to the rich potential and resources present across Muslim-majority nations. Embracing international collaborations and partnerships is instrumental in magnifying the impact of women’s roles and contributions in the global economy

International collaborations foster cross-cultural exchanges of knowledge, ideas, and best practices. By connecting women from different countries, we create opportunities for learning and growth, enabling them to tap into diverse perspectives and innovative approaches. This shared experience empowers women to adopt global standards of excellence and adapt them to their local contexts, ultimately elevating their contributions to the broader economy.

Global partnerships enable women to access resources, technology, and expertise that might not be readily available within their own countries.

This influx of resources can accelerate the development of women-led businesses, promote innovation, and contribute to economic advancement. Moreover, international collaborations can lead to the exchange of skills and knowledge, fostering capacity-building and empowering women to take on leadership roles in emerging industries.

 Collectively, international collaborations and partnerships create a virtuous cycle of empowerment. As women become more influential in the global economy, they inspire future generations of women to aspire to leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to their communities. By uniting across borders, women can harness their collective potential to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and shape a more equitable and prosperous world.

Your early exposure to business discussions through your late father (Dato’ Dr. Raja Mohamad Abdullah) must have greatly influenced your passion for entrepreneurship. What advice would you give to young women who aspire to pursue their passions and succeed in the business world?

Dr Laila Rani Binti Dato’ Dr Haji Raja Mohamad: My early exposure to business discussions through my late father, Dato’ Dr. Raja Mohamad Abdullah, indeed greatly influenced my passion for entrepreneurship. To young women aspiring to succeed in the business world, I offer this advice: Believe in yourself and your unique abilities. Set clear goals, continuously learn, and adapt to changes. Network, seek mentors, and embrace failure as a stepping stone. Take calculated risks, maintain work-life balance, and prioritize self-care. Welcome feedback, be adaptable, and pay it forward by supporting others. Success stems from determination, resilience, and continuous learning. Embrace challenges, seize opportunities, and remain true to your passions. By doing so, you can forge your own path to success and leave a meaningful mark in the business arena. These are some of the important lessons I learnt from my father:

Believe in Yourself: Confidence is the cornerstone of success. Embrace your unique strengths, talents, and ideas. Believe in your abilities to overcome challenges and make a meaningful impact. Remember that your perspective and contributions are valuable.

Continuous Learning: The business landscape is dynamic and ever-evolving. Commit to lifelong learning by staying informed about industry trends, market changes, and emerging technologies. Seek out opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Network and Build Relationships: Forge genuine connections with mentors, peers, and professionals in your field. Networking not only opens doors to opportunities but also provides a support system for advice, guidance, and collaboration.

 Giving back to the Community: As you progress in your journey, remember to give back to your community and support other aspiring women. Mentorship and support systems are invaluable for collective growth.

The summit aims to maximize benefits for Muslim women. How do you envision leveraging technology and digital platforms to create more opportunities and connect women entrepreneurs with global markets?

Dr Laila Rani Binti Dato’ Dr Haji Raja Mohamad: Leveraging technology and digital platforms is instrumental in maximizing opportunities and connecting women entrepreneurs with global markets, a vision aligned with the goals of the summit. The digital era presents unprecedented avenues for women to expand their businesses and access international markets.

E-commerce and online marketplaces offer women entrepreneurs a borderless storefront, enabling them to showcase their products and services to a global audience. By providing training and resources on digital marketing and e-commerce strategies, we can empower women to harness the reach of the internet to grow their businesses beyond geographical limitations.

Virtual networking events, webinars, and online forums serve as powerful tools for knowledge-sharing and collaboration. The summit can host digital platforms that facilitate connections between women entrepreneurs and potential partners, investors, and customers from around the world. These digital interactions can lead to new joint ventures, strategic alliances, and business expansion.

In a nutshell, by harnessing the potential of technology and digital platforms, the summit can create a global ecosystem where women entrepreneurs are empowered to scale their businesses, access international markets, and contribute to the global economy. Through strategic utilization of digital tools, we can build a future where opportunities know no boundaries and women’s economic potential is fully realized.

The Muslim World Rania Award recognizes outstanding contributions made by women. In your opinion, how can such recognition and acknowledgment motivate more women to take on leadership roles and drive positive change within their communities?

Dr Laila Rani Binti Dato’ Dr Haji Raja Mohamad: The Muslim World Rania Award holds immense potential to inspire and catalyze a wave of change by recognizing exceptional contributions made by women. This acknowledgment serves as a beacon of encouragement, motivating more women to step into leadership roles and effect transformative change within their communities.

Firstly, the award shines a spotlight on women who have achieved remarkable feats, demonstrating that their efforts are not only noticed but also celebrated. This recognition validates their endeavors and fosters a sense of pride, boosting their confidence and self-esteem. When women see their peers being acknowledged, it fuels their aspirations and propels them to strive for similar levels of excellence.

Secondly, the award showcases diverse role models across various sectors, illustrating that leadership is attainable for women from all walks of life. These stories resonate with aspiring women, breaking down barriers and dispelling misconceptions about what is achievable. When women witness others breaking ground, it ignites a belief in their own potential and emboldens them to overcome challenges.

Additionally, the recognition garnered through the award can facilitate greater access to resources, networks, and opportunities. As awardees gain visibility, they are more likely to attract support, partnerships, and investment for their initiatives. This amplifies their capacity to make a tangible difference within their communities and beyond.

The Muslim World Rania Award creates a ripple effect of inspiration. The acknowledgment of women’s achievements generates a culture of appreciation, motivating more women to embrace leadership roles, pursue ambitious goals, and drive impactful change within their communities. As these women rise, they inspire others to follow suit, fostering a cycle of progress and empowerment that resonates far beyond individual accomplishments.