Advocacy requires one to first accept that change is going to take time and to be well versed in the subject, said Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, a renowned Malaysian activist and writer who has championed human rights, HIV/AIDS awareness and women’s empowerment for over three decades. She was speaking at the Karim Family Foundation (KFF) Inspiring Women Leadership Lecture Series on 10 October 2025.
Organised by Singapore Management University (SMU) Office of Alumni Relations (OAR), in partnership with the KFF, the inaugural session was hosted on campus at SMU Yong Pung How School of Law. Over 300 participants attended the event, comprising government representatives, industry professionals from multiple sectors as well as SMU alumni, students and staff.
A respected advocate and commentator, Datin Paduka Mahathir has been a defining voice for women’s rights and social change in Malaysia and across the region. During the 75-minute conversation with SMU President, Professor Lily Kong, she delved into a diverse spectrum of topics, including how leadership might be mobilised to drive civic participation, challenge entrenched norms and mobilise action.
Having had a hand in shaping policy and public perception on HIV/AIDs both nationally and globally, Datin Paduk Mahathir drew from her experience as former President of the Malaysian AIDS Council (1993-2006), where she took effort to first gain the knowledge that would enable her to speak convincingly and to garner support for the cause.
“I think the most important thing is to really know your stuff,” commented Datin Paduka Mahathir. “When I started (advocacy) in 1993, I did not know much about HIV at all… it was a lot of pressure to be knowledgeable, and to be able to speak with confidence to convince people that this was a cause that was worth supporting. I had to learn from all my colleagues and most of all, from the people most affected by the disease. For anyone wanting to get into any field, to advocate for any cause at all - the first thing is, you have to be very well versed in the subject.”
With conversations on activism, gender and leadership in Asia gaining urgency, the session offered a rare platform for Datin Paduka Mahathir to share her candid views on influence, authenticity, women leadership and what it takes to lead with conviction and empathy today.
Underscoring the importance of sincere advocacy that benefits communities, rather than for personal glory, Datin Paduka Mahathir said: “I knew who my constituents were – they were the people I served. I wasn't serving the government. I was serving the people who really needed me to speak for them, and I made sure that I was only the conduit. I had a way of getting my foot in the door, but I was not representing just me. I was representing a lot of people who could not speak for themselves, who could not advocate for themselves, and so I always kept that in mind.”
In celebration of SMU’s 25th Anniversary, this series was conceived with a bold vision to create a platform that amplifies the voices of women who have redefined leadership in their fields, who lead with courage, resilience, and imagination – those who challenge norms and inspire change. The goal of the series is not only to celebrate women’s achievements but also to catalyse meaningful conversations that address systemic barriers, expand opportunities, and cultivate allyship across genders.
The Karim Family Foundation is an endeavour by the family of Bachtiar Karim and Dewi Sukwanto to formalise the family’s efforts to give back to society. Together with their children and fellow Foundation principals Cindy Karim (BBM 2014), Chayadi Karim (BBM 2015) and Chai Karim, the family has been actively involved in philanthropy as a way of driving awareness to causes and charities dear to them and encouraging others to also contribute to society in their own unique ways.
The Foundation focuses on four pillars of impact, namely sports development, arts and culture, mental health, and education and is committed to contributing to various communities, starting in Singapore and Indonesia.
Photo credit: SMU OAR
