Harper’s Bazaar (Malaysia)

WHY DON’T YOU...?

The benevolent chairman of Breast Cancer Foundation shares her thoughts on empowering others through compassion­ate acts.

- BY DATO’ AZREEN ABDULLAH

... BE DARING TO MAKE A BOLD MOVE WHEN NECESSARY?

Two months back in August, we celebrated our 12th anniversar­y with a change of name. Pride Foundation is now known as Breast Cancer Foundation, and this was a process that we’ve been working on for almost a year. The “Pride” name holds so much sentiment to me, but the name change is about making an impact in reaching out to more breast cancer patients throughout Malaysia, and getting them to join us on this powerful journey.

... KEEP YOUR EARS AND EYES PEELED WHEN TRAVELLING?

What inspires me are the stories that I hear when I’m travelling. I pride myself as a good listener, and meeting interestin­g people in different countries is such an inspiring experience. People from different cultures have been through varied tribulatio­ns in their lives, and it helps me do a better job as a person when I learn about how they were able to fight challenges and get to where they are.

... BE EMPOWERED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Women empowermen­t shouldn’t be seen from a gender perspectiv­e. It is the same, whether you are a man, or a woman. For me, empowermen­t means to have the inspiratio­n, persistenc­e, and courage to live your life by your values and truths.

... TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF?

I love doing yoga and walking, as well as exploring new restaurant­s and cafés. I like to believe I am quite adventurou­s with food.

... PICK UP A GOOD READ AMID THE CHAOS OF DAILY LIFE?

Reading gives me the opportunit­y to sit back and reflect on everything that is happening aside from my daily routine. I am big fan of Tony Robbins, an author and personal coach whose passion is to help people transform their lives. Money: Master The Game has taught me what money really means to a person and how one should learn to manage it better across different stages in life. www.breastcanc­erfoundati­on.org.my

... STRIKE A CHORD WITH OTHER WOMEN IN MALAYSIA?

As the chairman of Breast Cancer Foundation, and more importantl­y a woman, I am proud of the impact that I’ve been able to make in people’s lives. Running the Breast Cancer Foundation over the last 12 years hasn’t always been easy, but the journey of being part of something bigger has made me a stronger and more persistent person.

 ??  ?? Dato’ Azreen Abdullah
Dato’ Azreen Abdullah

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