JEIWA Brings Malaysian Women’s Voices To Expo 2025 Osaka

KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 (Bernama) -- A special edition Tiffin Jeiwa design, created by a deaf and mute artist known as Farahin, has become one of the proudest achievements of the Johor Empowerment of Intellectual Women Association (JEIWA), after being selected as an official participant for the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan.

The artwork, titled Osaka, features the hibiscus flower symbolising the strength of women, a butterfly representing transformation and a green background signifying hope.

JEIWA founder Nor Fadilah Mohamed Nizar said the design was officially accepted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) as a symbol of courage, resilience, and the spirit of Malaysian women echoing on the global stage.

“Through this exposure at the Expo, JEIWA hopes that more people will not only see our work but understand the stories and struggles behind each design. JEIWA’s journey to this point has not been easy.

“This Expo is not merely a platform to showcase products. It is a medium for us to share hope and build futures — one artwork at a time,” she said in a statement today.

She added that behind every brushstroke and handcrafted piece lies a story of hope expressed through colour, strength born from art, and the voices of women finally given a space to be heard.

“Through Expo 2025 Osaka, the world is now not only witnessing the beauty of Malaysian handmade products but also hearing the heartbeat of a once-marginalised women’s community that is now rising with hope, spirit, and confidence,” she said.

Explaining further, Nor Fadilah said that as an organisation operating at the intersection between a non-governmental organisation (NGO) and a social enterprise, JEIWA continually seeks a balance between serving the community and maintaining sustainable operations.

“But our principle is clear — every project we undertake must generate returns for the community,” she said.

Nor Fadilah, more affectionately known as Ina, said JEIWA aims to use Expo 2025 Osaka not merely to exhibit products, but to amplify the voices of Malaysian women.

She shared that founded in 2015, JEIWA was born from the belief that every woman possesses valuable potential and talent — they simply need space, trust and love to grow.

She said initiatives such as the Power House in Johor and now the Tiffin Jeiwa Gallery at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex have become meeting points for tourists, corporates and stakeholders interested in supporting women’s social missions, in addition to being centres for sales and art demonstrations.

With support from various government agencies and corporate brands, including Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), EXIM Bank and international hotels such as Grand Hyatt and Four Seasons, JEIWA has successfully strengthened its brand.

Through these collaborations, Tiffin Jeiwa has been elevated as an official souvenir at prestigious events such as the ASEAN Summit and the International Maritime Conference in London — proving that social products can stand on par with global luxury brands.

Sharing further, she said that behind those achievements, JEIWA also faced its own challenges, including public perception of women’s capabilities, financial constraints and differing ecosystems after relocating operations from Johor to Kuala Lumpur.

Speaking about her biggest dream, Nor Fadilah expressed her wish to establish a “Women’s Sanctuary Beachfront” — a space for recovery and reflection for women.

“Here, they can create, undergo art therapy, and rebuild emotional and spiritual strength in a naturally soothing environment. Imagine a place where women can rest, share their stories, and heal,” she said.

-- BERNAMA