Love, Bonito, Southeast Asia's leading womenswear brand, marked the beginning of International Women’s Month with its inaugural regional women’s summit, bringing together over 400 attendees for a day of inspiring conversations on resilience, leadership, and redefining success. The event featured a powerhouse lineup of Asian women, including Malaysia’s squash legend Datuk Nicol David, who shared insights on perseverance and the importance of support systems.

EMPOWERING MALAYSIAN WOMEN THROUGH IBU LEGENDS

Datuk Nicol David gracing Love Bonito's women's summit in conjunction with International Women's Month

One of the most impactful moments of the summit was the introduction of Ibu Legends, a programme founded by Datuk Nicol David to support the mothers of young athletes in Malaysia. Inspired by her own journey and the unwavering support of her family, Datuk Nicol recognised the pivotal role that mothers play in shaping the success of future champions. The foundation aims to equip these mothers with the right tools, resources, and a strong community network to guide their children through the demanding world of competitive sports.

Through mentorship programmes, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions, Ibu Legend provides mothers with essential skills in nutrition, mental health support, and career planning for young athletes. The initiative also fosters a sense of belonging among sports families, ensuring that mothers—who are often the backbone of an athlete’s journey—receive the encouragement they need to continue supporting their children’s dreams.

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Reflecting on her journey to becoming a global sports icon, Datuk Nicol shared the pressures of peak performance and the crucial role of a strong support system in her success.

“Beyond sports, I hope to make a positive impact among the younger community by sharing my experiences and encouraging them to believe in themselves. I want to show them that with dedication, resilience, and the right support system, they can overcome any challenges and achieve their dreams”, said Datuk Nicol.

Through her advocacy for young athletes and her unwavering commitment to empowering women, she continues to inspire generations to pursue their goals with courage and determination. Whether through mentorship, educational initiatives, or grassroots programs, Datuk Nicol remains dedicated to creating opportunities for aspiring talents.

Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and community, proving that true success is not just about personal accolades but about uplifting others along the way.

CHAMPIONING MALAYSIA’S SPORTING FUTURE

Left to Right: Maya Kale, Co-founder of Moom Health; Yeo Sha-En, founder of Happiness Scientists; Justin Kim, CEO & Co-Founder of Hupo; and Datuk Nicol David, Former World No.1 and eight-time world squash champion

The session struck a chord with Malaysian attendees, as many resonated with Datuk Nicol David’s emphasis on resilience, self-belief, and the power of community support. She shared anecdotes of growing up in Malaysia, training in local squash courts, and the sacrifices her family made to help her achieve her dreams. Her story served as a reminder that Malaysia has the potential to produce world-class athletes, provided they receive the right guidance and encouragement from a young age.

Love Bonito’s commitment to women’s empowerment through events like this summit aligns with Datuk Nicol David’s mission, creating opportunities for women—whether in sports, careers, or personal growth—to step into their full potential. The collaboration between the brand and the legendary athlete is a testament to the growing movement of women supporting women in Malaysia.

RESILIENCE - THRIVING IN A DEMANDING WORLD

Left to Right: Justin Kim, CEO & Co-Founder of Hupo; Yeo Sha-En, founder of Happiness Scientists; Maya Kale, Co-founder of Moom Health and Datuk Nicol David, Former World No.1 and eight-time world squash champion

The summit concluded with a dynamic panel discussion featuring leaders across industries including Maya Kale, Co-founder of Moom Health; Yeo Sha-En, founder of Happiness Scientists and Justin Kim, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder of Hup alongside Datuk Nicol. Together, they explored the journey of pursuing excellence while maintaining well-being, emphasising the importance of self-check-ins, work-life balance, and recognising the signs of burnout to sustain long-term success and happiness.

Reaffirming the need for collective empowerment, the summit served as a catalyst for inspiring women across Malaysia to embrace resilience, uplift one another, and build communities that nurture success.

The summit also featured a Fireside Chat with Tan Su Shan, incoming Chief Executive Officer of DBS Bank and the first woman to lead Southeast Asia’s largest bank. She stressed the importance of unlearning, relearning, and prioritising impact over titles, reinforcing that success is nonlinear and requires adaptability, courage, and a strong support system. The first panel featured inspiring Asian women sharing their journeys, including Yip Pin Xiu, seven-time Paralympic gold medalist; Kelly Tandiono, model-mentor on Asia’s Next Top Model, and Sahur Saleim, Founder of Sahur’s Art Beauty.

For more information on the conference, moderators and panelists, please visit https://www.lovebonito.com/sg/global/trailblazers

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