MEET THE FOUNDING TEAM
CEO I Co-Founder
JAY ISHAK is a dynamic force in Malaysia’s creative and fashion industries, known for her strategic vision, diplomatic finesse, and unwavering commitment to cultural and community-driven impact. With over two decades of experience in the event management industry, she now champions the integration of fashion, commerce, and cross-cultural collaboration — connecting Malaysian talents with the global stage.
Jay formerly served as President of MODA, Malaysia’s leading association for fashion designers, where she championed unity and growth within the local industry. She brings a wealth of experience as an event consultant and fashion industry relations leader.
Currently, she serves as Co-Chairperson of the TVET Industry Relations Technical Committee (Design) under the Ministry of Education Malaysia, reflecting her dedication to education and industry alignment.
She has proudly represented Malaysia at global platforms including the BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow and the Global Apparel Conference in China, advocating for Malaysian fashion, sustainability, and global collaboration.
With a reputation for mobilising talent and forging meaningful alliances, Jay leads with passion and purpose — making MyFashionChamber not just a platform, but a movement.
Co-Founder I Chairperson
DR. LEENA AL-MUJAHED –
Advocate for Women’s Empowerment, Cultural Diplomacy & Sustainable Fashion
Dr. Leena is a visionary changemaker whose journey spans healthcare, human rights, and sustainable fashion. She holds a Doctor of Medical Laboratory Sciences, an MBA, and an honorary doctorate.
She began her career co-founding national medical associations in Yemen before relocating to Malaysia, where she managed diplomatic portfolios and championed human rights. Her founding of YRWO (Yemeni Refugee Women Organisation) reflects her commitment to empowering women through skill-building, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Founder of Maison de Lina, a luxury modest fashion brand, Dr. Leena is also a published researcher on fashion, heritage, and sustainability. At MyFashionChamber, she supports cross-cultural collaboration, inclusive storytelling, and positioning Malaysia as a globally engaged fashion hub.
She has represented women’s voices at the UN Gender Equality Summit and is recognised as one of the youngest Yemeni women featured in regional media.
Sustainable Fashion Education and Innovation
DATIN Ts. DR. NORSAADAH ZAKARIA, CText FTI is a Chartered Clothing Technologist and Fellow of The Textile Institute (UK), with more than two decades of experience in textiles, clothing technology, and sustainable fashion education. Holding a PhD in clothing technology, she blends academic excellence with industry innovation, focusing on fabric science, product development, garment production, and fashion enterprise management.
Her career spans academia, international consulting, and leadership roles in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), where she has delivered transformative skills training since 2002. As the founder of the Sustainable Clothing Technology and Business Hub, she champions technology-led education for sustainable fashion development.
At MyFashionChamber, Dr. Norsaadah leads efforts to provide targeted education on sustainable fashion for students, trainers, educators, and SMEs. Her programs integrate anthropometry and digital tools to foster efficient, eco-conscious design, production, and consumption. Her vision is to position Malaysia as a global leader in responsible fashion through grassroots awareness, certification programs, and sustainable innovation.
Legal & Retail Advisory
DATIN DR. NIK SARINA HASHIM brings a unique blend of legal acumen and business strategy to MyFashionChamber. Formerly a magistrate and deputy public prosecutor under Malaysia’s judicial service, she later ran her own legal firm before branching into business ownership across e-commerce, cosmetics retail, and human resource training.
At MyFashionChamber, she provides strategic guidance on contracts, legal frameworks, and commercial agreements — ensuring sound governance and professional standards in all partnerships and collaborations. Her practical experience in the retail sector also makes her a valuable advisor on product strategy, development, and positioning for fashion entrepreneurs.
Her cross-sector knowledge and grounded approach provide a critical support system for emerging brands and creative professionals navigating today’s business environment. With her leadership, members gain clarity and confidence in the legal and commercial aspects of the fashion industry.
Image Enhancement & Cross-Cultural Branding
DATIN NORMA NORELL is a pioneer in Malaysia’s image consulting and fashion enhancement industry. She is the founder of Norma Norell (M) Sdn Bhd and the visionary behind NNIED (Norma Norell Image Enhancement & Development), a program dedicated to personal and professional branding across all walks of life.
After training in Germany and the UK, she introduced image consulting to Malaysia, where her name became synonymous with refinement, self-confidence, and cross-cultural presentation.
With over four decades of experience, Datin Norma has shaped the image of public figures, CEOs, creatives, and mega talents. Her styling and branding expertise have left a mark in Malaysia’s entertainment industry, most notably with music legends such as Ramli Sarip and Datuk Sudirman Haji Arshad, whose international image she helped craft. Her work has been featured in TV, radio, and print media.
At MyFashionChamber, she brings her deep industry network, unmatched eye for transformation, and commitment to mentoring talents in image management, branding, and confidence-building — empowering members to shine on both local and global platforms.
Risk Management
SUZANA SHAHRUDIN is a trusted advisor and strategic thinker, dedicated to helping fashion entrepreneurs and brands build resilience, safeguard their creativity, and thrive in a competitive landscape. As an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute (UK) and a Chartered Insurance Broker, she brings extensive expertise in risk management and industry protection.
At MyFashionChamber, Suzana plays a key role in guiding members through the often-overlooked side of business — protecting ideas, assets, and investments. She developed Fashion Protect, a specialized initiative designed to help creatives focus on growth and innovation, without unnecessary risks or setbacks.
Much like a designer approaches a signature piece, Suzana’s methodology is tailored, thoughtful, and precise. Her in-depth knowledge, strong professional network, and strategic mindset make her an invaluable asset to the Chamber and its members.
Through collaboration and mentorship, she empowers brands to navigate challenges confidently and seize new opportunities — ensuring they have the support needed to leave a meaningful mark in the fashion industry.
Media & Communications
ETHEL DA COSTA is an award-winning international lifestyle and fashion journalist, editor, and media entrepreneur with a flair for redefining the world of lifestyle, fashion, and storytelling. As Founder and CEO of Think Geek Media, she brings over 35 years of global experience across India, Dubai, Malaysia, and Bangkok.
Her career spans top-tier publications and high-profile collaborations with fashion icons, including work with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). Ethel's work celebrates bold storytelling, innovative campaigns, and media strategy with impact.
At MyFashionChamber, Ethel leads media and communication strategies, blending glamour, insight, and influence. She is the creative force behind popular digital shows like The Stiletto Foodie Show and Heart 2 Heart with Ethel Da Costa, and has held key roles at Femina, The Times of India, Radio Mirchi, and the International Film Festival of India.
Ethel’s presence in the Chamber brings unmatched expertise in publicity, content creation, and global storytelling — elevating the voices of Malaysia’s fashion ecosystem on the international stage.
Know More: https://etheldacosta.com/about-us/
Fashion Choreography & Talent Development
BETTY ANNE BROHIER is an iconic figure in Malaysia’s fashion and events industry, with over 40 years of experience as a fashion choreographer, model mentor, entrepreneur, and event producer. Crowned Miss Malaysia 1984, she has since dedicated her life to advancing fashion excellence both on and off the runway.
In 1990, she co-founded a modeling agency focused on developing aspiring talents and elevating professionalism in the modeling industry. With her impeccable eye for detail and deep understanding of fashion aesthetics, Betty Anne has choreographed fashion shows for over 35 years — collaborating with top designers, global brands, and major industry events.
Expanding her expertise into event production in 1999, she has successfully curated high-impact fashion and corporate showcases with world-class standards. Her leadership emphasises ethical representation, talent development, and international visibility for Malaysian creatives.
At MyFashionChamber, Betty Anne brings her vast experience in fashion show choreography, mentoring, and talent management to raise event quality, champion local models and designers, and advocate for global recognition of Malaysian fashion.
Strategic Communications & Events
SHASHA MARICAN is a seasoned Strategic Communications Specialist with over two decades of experience delivering high-impact marketing campaigns and managing both local and international fashion events. Her core expertise lies in orchestrating seamless events — from securing media coverage and venues to producing creative content and compelling visual assets.
She has successfully led and executed trade shows and showcases in key fashion capitals, including Paris, Perth, Seoul, and Uzbekistan, bringing global exposure to local brands and associations. Her experience includes consulting for a local fashion designers’ association, where she developed collaborative marketing strategies and forged strategic partnerships to boost visibility and industry reach.
At MyFashionChamber, Shasha plays a key role in event strategy and communications, creating engaging campaigns that connect designers and stakeholders with new opportunities. Her deep understanding of audience engagement and brand storytelling makes her a powerful force in shaping the chamber’s public presence and international momentum.
Heritage and Fashion Empowerment
BKAY NAIR is a prominent figure in Malaysia’s fashion scene – a lawyer by profession, a former model and actress by passion, and a fashion entrepreneur by mission. With over a decade of experience through Bkay Nair Resources, she brings professionalism and purpose into every aspect of her fashion journey.
Her work in fashion is not just about style – it’s about storytelling. Through initiatives like Threads of Heritage and Malaysia Batik Through 6 Yards of Beauty, she has elevated traditional Malaysian textiles such as Batik and songket onto contemporary platforms, reimagining them for the modern world.
As President of the Fashion Business Development Association of Malaysia, Bkay champions upskilling, reskilling, and empowering local designers, artisans, and fashionpreneurs. She believes fashion is a powerful tool – to build confidence, represent identity, and create impact.
As a Founding Member of MyFashionChamber, Bkay plays a pivotal role in promoting heritage, sustainability, and business development, ensuring Malaysian fashion is globally celebrated.
From showcases to speaking engagements, she stands for fashion that uplifts, connects, and transforms. For Bkay, fashion is not just business. It is image. It is identity. It is influence.
Marketing & Social Media
AGATA BAS is a seasoned entrepreneur, creative strategist, and digital innovator with over a decade of experience at the intersection of fashion, tech, and culture. Formerly the Director of Creative Experience & Commerce at Dentsu Malaysia, she also led the Digital Experience team at Zalora, Southeast Asia’s leading fashion e-commerce platform, where she helped shape the region’s online fashion landscape.
Since relocating to Malaysia in 2015, Agata has become a passionate advocate for the local arts and creative economy. She brings deep insight into digital branding, content creation, and consumer engagement — all of which she channels into her role at MyFashionChamber.
At the Chamber, Agata is focused on building a strong digital presence, amplifying member voices, and driving strategic marketing initiatives that elevate Malaysian fashion to global audiences. With her global mindset and creative drive, she plays a key role in nurturing innovation, fostering collaboration, and supporting the growth of local fashion talent.