Kuala lumpur: A special edition Tiffin Jeiwa design, crafted by a deaf and mute artist known as Farahin, has emerged as one of the crowning achievements of the Johor Empowerment of Intellectual Women Association (JEIWA). This unique artwork has been selected to represent Malaysia at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, within the Malaysia Pavilion.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the artwork, titled Osaka, incorporates the hibiscus flower, symbolizing the strength of women, a butterfly for transformation, and a green background representing hope. JEIWA founder Nor Fadilah Mohamed Nizar announced that the design was officially accepted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) as a representation of courage, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of Malaysian women on a global platform.
Nor Fadilah expressed that the Expo is more than a venue to display products; it is an opportunity to narrate the stories and struggles entwined with each design. She emphasized that behind every piece lies a narrative of hope, conveyed through art, and the voices of women finally being acknowledged.
She elaborated that Expo 2025 Osaka allows the global audience to appreciate the beauty of Malaysian handmade products and to hear the pulse of a once-marginalized women’s community now rising with hope and confidence.
As an NGO and social enterprise, JEIWA strives to balance community service with sustainable operations. Nor Fadilah, affectionately known as Ina, reiterated that all projects undertaken by JEIWA aim to yield benefits for the community.
Founded in 2015, JEIWA was established on the belief that every woman has latent potential and talent that requires space, trust, and nurturing to flourish. Initiatives like the Power House in Johor and the Tiffin Jeiwa Gallery at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex have developed into hubs for tourists, corporates, and stakeholders interested in supporting women’s social missions.
With backing from government agencies and corporate entities such as Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), EXIM Bank, and international hotels, JEIWA has fortified its brand. Tiffin Jeiwa has become an official souvenir at major events like the ASEAN Summit and the International Maritime Conference in London, showcasing that social products can compete globally.
Despite its success, JEIWA has faced challenges, including public perceptions of women’s capabilities, financial limitations, and environmental shifts after moving operations from Johor to Kuala Lumpur.
Nor Fadilah shared her dream of establishing a ‘Women’s Sanctuary Beachfront,’ a tranquil space for women to engage in art therapy and rejuvenate emotionally and spiritually. “Imagine a place where women can rest, share their stories, and heal,” she envisioned.