17 October 2025, Kuala Lumpur – More than 250 mothers were recently brought together for Nicol David Organisation’s first-ever Ibu Legends Summit, one of Malaysia’s largest gathering dedicated to celebrating and uplifting mothers from all walks of life.
“The Ibu Legends Summit is designed to give mothers the space, voice and recognition they truly deserve,” said Mariana de Reyes, CEO and co-founder of the Nicol David Organisation (NDO). “Mothers are the heart of every home, they make everything happen for us. By connecting and celebrating every mother who is a leader, a legend, and a light in her community, we are also honouring their irreplaceable role in shaping families — the building blocks for the future of society.”
The Summit is an extension of NDO’s Ibu Legends programme which provides holistic support to mothers from lower-income communities through mental health workshops, financial literacy training, physical activity, peer support, and access to free health checks. Since its launch, the Ibu Legends programme has helped women regain confidence, rebuild connections and strengthen family relationships in a positive environment.
Together with Little Legends for children, Ibu Legends has created real ripple effects within families — with 81% of mothers reporting they now exercise with their children, and many sharing that they feel more emotionally resilient, socially connected, and hopeful about the future.
“When you are raised in a positive environment, like the one my mom and dad created for me, you naturally want to recreate that for others,” Datuk Nicol David explained. “We wanted to build a similar space within the foundation where mothers and their children could find that positive push. A place where our kids can truly feel they have no barriers and that they can achieve anything their heart desires. That is the incredible gift my parents gave me and we want to foster through NDO,” Datuk Nicol said.
“The biggest takeaway that I took from the session was that we have to appreciate myself before we think of others,” said Syahadataini bt Mohd Sukari (NDO) 35 Years old, Ibu Legends since 2024
“This is the first time I’ve ever attended a mothers-only summit. The sessions were meaningful and inspirational as I learned more about courage, leadership and compassion in a supportive environment,” echoed Jocelyn Tai, 43 years old, who has been in the Ibu Legend programme since 2024 while her 11 year old son has been in the Little Legends programme since 2021.
The event on 8 October 2025 featured an inspiring lineup of speakers including Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki, Managing Director of Yayasan Hasanah; Datuk Nicol David, World Champion athlete and advocate for youth and women’s empowerment; Dr. Jezamine Lim, medical professional and entrepreneur; and Thanuja Ananthan, actress, human rights advocate and former Miss World Malaysia.
The Summit also featured two workshops and a special art exhibition which showcased 43 pieces by mothers reflecting the theme: “Motherhood Through a Mother’s Eyes”. Three winners received Watsons vouchers totalling RM1,000.
Participants from organisations such as Nicol David Organisation, Thrive Well, Yayasan Sime Darby, Teach For Malaysia, Women of Will, and the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) joined in support of this growing movement to empower mothers and strengthen families through community connection.
The Ibu Legends Summit was made possible with the support of Yayasan Hasanah, an impact-based foundation of Khazanah Nasional under the Ministry of Finance, alongside partners Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Cartier, and Watsons.