A CONVERSATION WITH TAN SRI RAFIDAH AZIZ

Perdana Leadership Foundation Oral History Series

TAN SRI DATUK SERI RAFIDAH ABDUL AZIZ was Malaysia’s longest serving-Minister of International Trade and Industry, holding the position from 1987 to 2008. As Minister, Tan Sri charted a firm path for Malaysia’s growth as a trading nation within the ASEAN region and internationally. Under her leadership, Malaysia successfully negotiated numerous trade deals and carved concessions from multilateral agreements such as the AFTA. Although retired from politics, Tan Sri is an active corporate leader, chairing the board of AirAsia X.

Tan Sri Rafidah was one of the country’s earliest professional economists, having earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Universiti Malaya. This conversation traces her childhood to her years in academia and subsequently, her entry into politics, highlighting the turning points and events that shaped her leadership style. She also shares her views on trade negotiations, women in leadership, education, and politics. This publication shines a spotlight on one of Malaysia’s most dynamic leaders, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz.