LONDON: TUNKU Azizah Maimunah Iskandariah Sultan Iskandar, wife of the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, was conferred the Global Empowerment Award 2012 on 16 May 2012 during this year's 13th Asian Women of Achievement Award.

Tengku Puan Pahang is one of two recipients this year.

Tunku Azizah Maimunah Iskandariah Sultan Iskandar (right) receiving the Global Empowerment Award 2012 in London
Source: http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/tunku-azizah-gets-top-award-1.85386

The other is Farah Pandith, the special representative to Muslim communities for the United States' Department of State. The award honours individuals who inspire economic and social progress across the world as well as outstanding leadership, responsibility and courage.

Tunku Azizah was given recognition for her outstanding work for the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), as well as for her tireless efforts and contributions to help childless couples through the Tunku Azizah Fertility Foundation (TAFF). She is president of Pahang Girl Guides, Royal Patron of Friends of WAGGGS and internationally, a member of the prestigious Baden Powell Society and one of the Global Fund Ambassadors of the world.

The award ceremony was held at the London Hilton Park Lane where women from Asian countries were acknowledged and recognised for their contributions in areas from business, public services, social and humanitarian to media and sports.

Tunku Azizah, who is a firm believer in the adage "Teach a girl, you educate a family", said: "When they mentioned TAFF, I was trembling and I had tears in my eyes. I am so honoured and deeply overwhelmed," after the ceremony attended by British Home Secretary, Theresa May and Cherie Blair who is the patron of the Asian Women of Achievement Award.

Tunku Azizah had helped childless couples to realise their dreams to be parents through TAFF. "It took me 10 years to have a child. After 17 IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) treatments and several miscarriages, I had my first child. "After being blessed with six children, I decided I must give back what Allah has given me. "It is a miracle of Allah," she added. After the award, Tunku Azizah received another piece of good news -- that the 75th TAFF baby was safely delivered in Malaysia. "That's my 75th grandchild," she said, overjoyed with the news.

Winner of the Public Service Award for Asian Women of Achievement Award 2012 was Malaysian-born Lai Mei Sim, founder and principal of LaiPeters & Co and managing director of management and consulting firm LaiPeters Ltd. Lai, who came to the United Kingdom in 1970, said she had been promoting trade with Asian countries, especially Malaysia. Lai is also active in promoting diversity within business for both women and ethnic minorities.

British Red Cross chief executive Sir Nicholas Young, said this year's winners were some of the most impressive and inspiring individuals ever to be honoured in the programme's 13-year history.