Women In Charge

Poon Li-wei Speaks to Four Visionaries, Who Are Spearheading the Change They Would Like to See in a Society Run on Technology.

- Poon Li-Wei

Nadira Yusoff is all about creating opportunities – and not just for herself. Although, as the founder of Nadi-Ayu, a group of companies in various business lines with a core focus on manufacturing products that run on Microsoft software, she’s certainly got a knack for making the best of what comes her way.

GETTING OFF THE GROUND

Having started the company in 2001 with a merry band of four, she confesses that while she doesn’t possess business acumen, she does have a passion for technology. “After I graduated, I only knew I wanted to build computers, being a hardcore gamer myself,” she says. Luckily, the government was also pushing the ‘one home, one PC’ policy at the time, allowing a conducive environment for pursuing her dream of creating a “national brand that could go global”. “When we first started, we knew we couldn’t compete with the likes of Dell and HP, so we went into rural areas. That market does not believe in computers, but we were selling the lifestyle – a hope or something more,” she elaborates. This is why you won’t see them peddling their wares at computer shops; the team is far too busy engaging with their target market and have even created payment packages to ensure that prices remain affordable, yet quality is never compromised.

“Nation-building happens from home – developing your children and creating opportunities for them to make sure they become responsible citizens. The younger generation needs to hear real stories on the struggles and successes of women.”

GIVING BACK