Best Experience Ever

I was thrilled to be nominated as one of the finalists for the Women of the Future Award - Asia. The experience itself was nothing short of extraordinary and gave me a profound sense of validation.

Receiving the nomination for the Women of the Future Awards was a moment I will cherish forever. Being chosen as a finalist felt like the culmination of my journey. Growing up, I often faced skepticism when I expressed my desire to pursue a career in the arts. There was a prevailing notion that choosing such a path would inevitably lead to instability and disappointment.

Despite the well-meaning advice to seek a "safer" career, I made the conscious choice to follow my passion for visual artists. After completing my degree, I dove headfirst into freelancing, eagerly accepting projects from friends and ultimately collaborating with prominent companies in the industry.

Using the arts to uplift others with disabilities

One of my core motivations has always been to uplift others who may feel disheartened by their aspirations. Nominations like this signify recognition in a world where young dreamers, especially those with SMA or other disabilities, often feel overlooked and undervalued. I can't help but think about that little girl who held fast to her dreams; she will always have a significant place in my heart. I genuinely appreciate the support that reminds me I'm on the right path.

The inspiration of a diverse group of talented women

Though it was bittersweet not to win the award, the experience of being surrounded by incredibly talented women was inspiring in itself. Engaging with such a diverse group, each with their own unique stories, created an overwhelming sense of belonging. Together, we focused on fostering differences, equity, diversity, and inclusion, reminding each other of the purpose behind our passions.

Approaching the awards ceremony with low expectations turned out to be a liberating experience. I was genuinely surprised to discover the myriad of pre- and post-events associated with the Women of the Future Award.

I was particularly excited about attending the welcoming reception at Eden Hall, the British High Commissioner's Residence. It felt surreal to connect with phenomenal women from across Southeast Asia; their stories and experiences continuously fuel my inspiration.

Reflecting on the words of the late Dr. Daisaku Ikeda—"The 21st century is the century of Women"—gave me renewed hope and ambition as I prepare to turn 29 in a week. Being shortlisted in the "Arts and Culture" category is an honor, especially as I stand at the threshold of a new decade.

I look forward to contributing more to our communities and addressing the various challenges we strive to empower each other against. I eagerly anticipate reuniting with these remarkable women in the future, sharing even more inspiring stories of progress.

Traveling abroad for the first time

This nomination also marked my first time traveling abroad, a milestone I cherished as I embarked on this adventure with friends. As someone with spinal muscular atrophy, traveling without my parents for the first time was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating.

In anticipation of our trip, we planned extensively to ensure everything went smoothly. I invited my childhood friends from primary and secondary school to join me. Although they hadn’t met before, they were united in their shared excitement and hopes for a successful journey.

Planning for accessibility

An essential part of our preparations was searching for an accessible hotel room. I contacted various hotels and successfully found two that could cater to my specific needs. Since I wasn’t traveling with my flying turtle, I made certain that the bathrooms would accommodate my wheelchair.

Upon arrival, I requested an accessible room. The hotel provided a carpet-free room to facilitate ease of movement, a shower chair for the bathroom, and a lower bed that functioned as an extra bed. Despite a few initial hiccups, the staff managed to fulfill all my requests, making the stay comfortable.

Counting on help from my friends

my friends, I couldn't have asked for more understanding companions. We decided against a strict itinerary for our travels. As Najwa and Eleina so wisely put it, “We don’t want you to get too tired; if you feel like resting, it’s completely fine. We can relax in the room and just order food.”

I truly appreciated having friends who were willing to be flexible and supportive of my needs. They assisted me throughout the trip, helping me transfer from my wheelchair to the bed, from the wheelchair to the shower chair, and eventually to the airplane seat.

Before our journey, my physiotherapist had conducted a demo for my friends to ensure they understood how to properly assist me without risking injury to themselves. I was grateful that everyone managed to stay comfortable throughout the trip; the last thing I wanted was for anyone to suffer a backache because of me.

A positive airline experience

When it came to the airline experience, traveling with Singapore Airlines for the first time was truly exceptional. The service exceeded my expectations. The staff were notably attentive and quickly sensed my nervousness about flying. Their reassuring demeanor, particularly from the stewardess, helped ease my anxiety and made me feel safe.

I was given an orange sticker to indicate that I would need assistance, and the staff exhibited an impressive level of knowledge and understanding. They supported me through the immigration process all the way to the boarding gate, ensuring that my travel experience was as smooth as possible. Kudos to their professionalism and kindness!

This experience has truly been the highlight of my life. Reflecting on it, I realize that without the nomination I received, I would never have had the opportunity to travel abroad with my friends. 

The memories we've created together during this trip are priceless, and I will hold onto them forever. Each moment filled with laughter and adventure will remain etched in my heart for years to come.

Looking forward more trips together,

Ainaa