The Star, 18 April, 2002

THIRTEEN women were recently chosen as role models based on their deeds, achievements and capabilities in a joint campaign called Tribute to True Beauty between cosmetics brand Shiseido and Clove of The Star.

The year-long event had Clove readers nominating a candidate whom they believe epitomise true inner beauty. Each winner received Shiseido's products and salon services worth RM3,000, Executive Membership from Sweat Club worth RM1,500 and a one-night weekend stay at the Mutiara Hotel Kuala Lumpur. The nominators, meanwhile, received Shiseido's products and salon services worth RM1,500, a RM200 entry pass from Sweat Club and a RM150 dining voucher from Fic's.

Among the winners were retired teacher Sally Jacobs who had served over 20 years with SMK Sultan Abdul Samad.

"As a teacher I learnt that children need someone to listen and talk to. If you can get their attention, children can be changed. It takes a lot of patience but doing things for others keeps you young and energetic!" she said.

Winner, Noorzita Yunus, a college lecturer, said her positive attitude towards life was attributed to her mother who did her proud by successfully raising her six children despite being a single parent.

Another impressive winner was Fione Tan, who at 24 had already co-founded her own Internet trading company.

"Women are stuck in the mentality that they are the weaker sex," she said.

"But it's not a question of sex, rather a question of the person she is. We need to break away from this negative mindset and be willing to take more calculated risks," she added.

Ex-stewardess Yvonne Lee Shu Yee said being a housewife did not mean giving up on an active social life, or letting the mind "go to waste". Lee is also a freelance writer, contributing articles to local magazines and newspapers.

The mother of two said she kept her mind sharp by participating in contests and writing about her experiences in creating a happy home.

"One of the best advice I received before tying the knot was to maintain my appearance even after becoming a wife and mother," she said.

Other winners were model/student Shameela Chandran, marketing manager Angelia Lee, single parents Aida Melly and Anna Mak, pharmacist Leong Ching Ling, manager Rinalia Abdul Rahim, student liaison officer Vicky Ho, Dr Grace Bhundr and teacher and author of childrens' books Bhul Vindar Kaul.

The prize-giving ceremony was held at the Latin-inspired dance club Rouge, Mutiara Hotel Kuala Lumpur.