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You know that woman who seems to carry the weight of the world with grace, grit, and a planner full of to-do lists? Dr Datin Norli Hj Alias is that woman. But she is also on a mission to make sure no other woman has to carry hers alone. She’s been in boardrooms and on the ground and worked with high-flying CEOs and hawker stall owners. She’s led with her head, but always, always with her heart. And for the last decade, she’s channelled all of it—her PhD, her banking experience, and her lived motherhood—to build a platform that tells every woman: you belong here too. From Banker to Believer Image credit: Women Economic Forum ASEAN “I never imagined this would be my life’s work,” she said, reflecting on her early days in banking. “We gave out loans, chased payments, and blacklisted names. But everything changed when I was called to serve micro-entrepreneurs. It broke something in me. I realised I wasn’t doing my part.” That shift wasn’t just professional. It was personal. Dr Norli speaks openly about the emotional toll many women faced during the pandemic, including rising suicide cases among struggling entrepreneurs. “I realised I hadn’t done my fardu kifayah, my duty to help,” she shared. “So, I changed my path.” The Woman Behind Wawasanita Image credit: Women Economic Forum ASEAN At 52, Dr Norli wears many hats: mother, mentor and policymaker. But her proudest title? Servant of women. Through Wawasanita Malaysia, she leads a network of over 18,000 businesses, helping women formalise their ventures and build sustainable futures. “Some women come to us without an SSM license, without a current account. We walk with them, step by step, bringing in banks, getting them Halal-certified, and helping them go legal.” And it’s not just talk. Under her leadership, Wawasanita has organised up to 104 self-funded events in a single year, proving that when women support each other, the results are extraordinary. Why Acknowledgement Matters Image credit: Women Economic Forum ASEAN What do women need most? “Acknowledgement,” she said simply. “A ‘thank you’, a ‘you’re doing great’”. These small things go a long way, especially for single mothers, OKU mums, or those carrying everything on their backs. We don’t need grand gestures—just to be seen.” That message, she insists, starts at home. “Say ‘thank you’ to your kids. Let them know they are your strength. That’s how we build the next generation—with love, not just discipline.” The Power of Halal for All A certified JAKIM Halal officer herself, Dr Norli explains Halal as more than a certification—it’s a way of life, and it is not just religious. “Halal means clean, safe, and ethical. It’s not just for food; it’s for how we speak, how we run our businesses, and how we live.” Her team supports women across industries, from beauty to fashion and F&B, to applying for Halal certification, often helping those who’ve been misled or overcharged by unscrupulous agents. “At Wawasanita, we bring the right people to the table, JAKIM, banks and MARA—to make the process safe and accessible.” From Hawker Stall to Global Market Image credit: Women Economic Forum ASEAN One of her proudest moments? Transforming informal hawkers into registered entrepreneurs. “We brought SSM and the banks directly to the streets. With just RM70, these women got registered, opened business accounts, and finally felt secure in their work. That’s what we mean by empowerment.” It’s these hands-on initiatives that earned her the ‘Women of the Decade’ award and a seat as an honorary advisor in MPKK. Her Message to Every Woman Reading This Image credit: Women Economic Forum ASEAN “There is no challenge too big. The moment you believe it’s impossible, you’ve already given up 80% of your chances. Instead, say, ‘I can do it. I will find a way.’ And trust me, the right people will appear.” Listen to Dr Datin Norli Hj Alias's full podcast with Motherhood.com.my here and discover how one woman’s fierce compassion turned into a nationwide sisterhood: https://youtu.be/OQwBp2mcgVA?siKrnI3xHUYr1mD7bh For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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