Lifetime achievements: (Starting second from left) Ngiam, Ramlah (sitting), Empiang, Rahim and Chin with their awards at the Life Begins at 50 Seniors Festival at Tropicana Gardens Mall. With them are Amazing Seniors co-founders Datin Jasmin Amirul Ghani (right) and Penny Low (left) and sponsor Raja Singham, managing director of BAC Education. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Hard work will always be recognised, as your best efforts will never go unnoticed, says Datin Linda Ngiam.
She shared these thoughts after receiving the Timeless Inspiration Award at the Life Begins at 50 Seniors Festival held at Tropicana Gardens Mall.
The award honours seniors for their lifetime achievements and contributions to society.
Ngiam, who retired as group managing director and chief executive officer of Star Media Group in 2011, spoke of her resilience throughout her corporate career.
She most recently retired last year as an independent non- executive director at Heineken Malaysia Bhd.
Now, she dedicates her time to charity work as the board chair of Make-A-Wish Malaysia and a Yayasan Sin Chew board trustee.
“I was surprised to learn that I would receive the award. It is an inspiring recognition because when I reflect on my life, my parents came from humble beginnings, especially my mother, who spoke only one dialect.
“The wisdom I want to impart is that nothing comes without hard work and sacrifice. Real diligence is key. Even those without privilege can succeed if they persevere. This is why I say your best work will not go unnoticed or unrecognised, as there are no short cuts to success,” she said.
She credits much of her success to her mother who, despite her disadvantaged position, managed to raise four children and even repair things around the house.
After her retirement, Ngiam felt it was time to give back to society.
She attributed her desire to help others to the values she developed while working at Star Media Group, which instilled in her a drive to support people and raise funds for charity.
Four others also received the Timeless Inspiration Award – the first Dayak woman senator in the Dewan Negara, Tan Sri Empiang Jabu; sports commentator and actor/screenwriter Datuk Abdul Rahim Razali; former national athlete Datuk Marina Chin; and educator Ramlah Md Jalee, who was born with a congenital lower limb deficiency.
They serve as beacons of inspiration, showing that life after 50 can be fulfilling and full of opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society.
Empiang is the first Dayak Iban woman to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University, New Zealand, and she later earned a Diploma in Teaching from Epsom Teacher’s College.She has tirelessly advocated for the welfare of women, particularly indigenous tribes in Sarawak, and worked as an educator from 1969 to 1984.
“I believe senior citizens should work with the younger generation. We want to mentor them as they are our future leaders. While the younger generation has technology, gadgets and artificial intelligence, the older generation has a wealth of experience.
“The idea that life begins at 50 is interesting because it encourages retirees to re-engage with their communities rather than staying at home,” she added.
The Life Begins at 50 Seniors Festival runs from Sept 27-29. The three-day event includes the first-ever family “walkabreakfasthon”, a senior talent quest and World Heart Day celebrations.
