Bella Astillah Among Recipients Of Affin Invikta Top 50 Women Of Excellence Awards

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- Determination and patience have been singer/actress Bella Astillah’s strength as she continues to build her career despite being a single mother and constantly facing various challenges.

Bella, 31, whose real name is Dayang Ara Nabellah Awang Astillah, believes that consistent effort will eventually be rewarded. Her belief proved true when she was announced as a recipient of the AFFIN INVIKTA Top 50 Women of Excellence Awards last night.

“I am truly honoured to be part of this. I’m speechless, it is something I never expected. They said the award is in recognition of what I have achieved so far.

“But the funny thing is, I actually thought this award was a scam at first. I saw all the big names involved and they were all remarkable. I checked the email many times and even asked my (music) label, Universal Music Malaysia, whether it was real,” she told reporters.

The mother of two said the recognition was meaningful because she represents single mothers, and she dedicated the award especially to her own mother.

“As women, we always want to give our best, especially when representing single mothers out there. Just trust the process; patience will, God willing, bring happiness,” she said.

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Also receiving the award was Manjeet Kaur, founder and president of Pertubuhan Pembangunan Insan Sarawak (PPIS).

She described the award as motivation to continue the work her organisation has been doing to help communities throughout Sarawak.

“This award is very meaningful to me and also for the communities that I work with. It actually inspires me to do better,” she said, adding that PPIS is a non-governmental organisation that carries out a lot of outreach programmes, including distributing B40 food baskets and recently establishing the first teenage pregnancy shelter in Sarawak.

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Malaysia’s first female Syariah High Court judge Nenney Shuhaidah Shamsuddin, who was also a recipient of the AFFIN INVIKTA Top 50 Women of Excellence Awards, said the recognition is a sign that women’s contributions in the field of syariah are gaining greater attention.

“I am deeply honoured because I come from the syariah and religious sector. When our presence is acknowledged, we in the syariah legal fraternity are truly grateful to God,” she said, describing the award as a platform that elevates the role of women in national development.

Nenney Shuhaidah, who also serves as Selangor Syarie Chief Judge, added: “This is a meaningful award because it recognises women’s contributions in any field. Whether in syariah, welfare, politics or education, all are important.”

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The AFFIN INVIKTA Top 50 Women of Excellence Awards is organised by Top 50 Media Synergy Sdn Bhd in strategic collaboration with AFFIN INVIKTA and supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

This prestigious national programme honours 50 outstanding women across various sectors, including finance, science, entrepreneurship, education, public service and the arts, celebrating high-impact individuals who contribute to national progress and elevate Malaysia’s global standing.

Among the other recipients were singer Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award; Oscar-winning actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh; legendary music icon Datuk Sheila Majid; and Olympic athlete Datuk Pandelela Rinong.

-- BERNAMA