On Tuesday, 10th March 2026, the Horizon Banquet Hall at Menara BAC was transformed into a vibrant hub of inspiration and advocacy for TrailblazHERs 2.0: Defy Limits, Build Legacies. Organised by the BAC Counselling Unit in honour of International Women’s Day, the event drew a diverse crowd of 246 attendees, including students, NGOs, staff and members of the public, all united by a shared vision of gender equity and collective progress.

The morning kicked off with a high-energy forum titled “Breaking the Narrative: Societal Gender Roles.” This wasn’t just another panel; it was a powerful dialogue led by the next generation of changemakers.

Moderated by Ashvini Rajakumar (Strategic Integration Leader & STEM-Sustainability Advocate), the panel featured four formidable student leaders:

• Chandra Kate: Winner of Huawei XMage Global 2024
• Senuji Pudara: Director of Moots, BAC Moot Society
• Jaslyn Kaur: President of the Student Representative Council 2025/2026, UNIMY
• Vilashini Murali: Representative of BAC’s Women’s Legal Rights Club

Together, they dismantled outdated stereotypes and discussed the evolving landscape of leadership, emphasising that the “legacy” of the future is built on the shared responsibility of all genders today.

Following an evocative performance by Shaberyy (UOL student), the stage was graced by three powerhouse figures who have redefined what it means to lead in Malaysia and beyond:

1. Dr. Jasmine Begum: Senior Legal Counsel & Regional Director at Microsoft ASEAN, who shared insights into the intersection of technology, policy and gender
2. Datuk (Dr) Hafsah Hashim: Chairman & Founder of the Women Leadership Foundation, who spoke on the economic necessity of women’s participation in leadership
3. Alleena Abdullah: Founder of Yellow Tree Malaysia, who offered a poignant look at entrepreneurship and building social impact

Adding an artistic and deeply personal layer to the day, Wani Ardy—a TEDx speaker, author and President of MRKH Malaysia—delivered a special performance and sharing session that moved the audience with its raw honesty and call to action.

The event was anchored by a bustling exhibition space, proving that empowerment is a community effort. Attendees engaged with various NGOs and social enterprises, including:

• Health & Rights: National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA) and Reproductive Rights Advocacy Alliance Malaysia (RRAAM)
• Social Impact: Autism Cafe Project, Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) and IBUPRENEUR
• Entrepreneurship: Zuralicious Homebakers, The Sandwishes and Julie’s Pink Spatula

The day concluded with a heartfelt closing speech by Ms. Lara, Head of the Student Counselling Unit, followed by a token-giving ceremony. Every participant walked away not just with a custom certificate of participation and an exclusive event-specific button badge, but with a renewed sense of purpose.

TrailblazHERs 2.0 proved that when we defy limits, we don’t just change our own lives—we build legacies that pave the way for everyone.