Kuala Lumpur – At the 5th ASEAN PR Excellence Awards held on 7 July 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Nurhayati Subakat, Founder of ParagonCorp, was honored with the prestigious ASEAN Women of Impact Award 2025. The award, presented by the ASEAN Public Relations Network (APRN), recognizes individuals who have significantly influenced the region through visionary communication and purpose-led leadership.
Nurhayati was acknowledged for pioneering inclusive brand communications that embrace diversity and cultural identity—particularly through Wardah, one of Asia’s most prominent halal beauty brands. Under her leadership, ParagonCorp has become a symbol of empowerment for modern, confident, and values-driven Muslim women across Southeast Asia.
“Mrs. Subakat has shown that communication rooted in values can shape markets and touch hearts,” said Dr. (H.C.) Prita Kemal Gani, President of APRN and Chair of the ASEAN PR Excellence Awards. “Her leadership is not only an inspiration in the business world but also reflects the strategic role of Indonesian women within ASEAN.”
The ceremony was part of the KL International PR Conference (KLIP), a biennial forum that brings together communication professionals, industry leaders, academics, and government representatives from across the ASEAN region. The award was accepted on her behalf by Zaireen Ibrahim, Country Director of ParagonCorp Malaysia.
“This award celebrates Ibu Nurhayati’s unwavering vision to lead a company that excels not only in business but in its commitment to inclusion and societal benefit,” Zaireen stated during the event. “We are proud to continue advancing that mission.”
As a pioneer of halal beauty in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, Nurhayati Subakat has long championed the belief that beauty is a right for all. Her leadership philosophy, grounded in values such as Divinity, Compassion, Humility, Resilience, and Innovation, has helped shape ParagonCorp into both a thriving enterprise and a movement—#ParaGoNation—dedicated to empowering individuals to create positive impact.
Now in its 40th year, ParagonCorp’s legacy is deeply intertwined with Nurhayati’s vision. Her recognition as one of the region’s most influential women further solidifies her role in shaping not only an industry, but a generation of purpose-driven leadership in ASEAN.
Her journey continues to inspire women across the region to dream boldly, lead with empathy, and bring meaningful change to their communities and beyond.
