In an inspiring and soul-stirring fireside chat titled Beauty Beyond Ageism, four dynamic women from the worlds of media, pageantry, and regenerative wellness came together to challenge outdated norms and reframe how society defines beauty — at every stage of life.
Hosted under the banner of EMPOWER, a platform created by award-winning journalist and media maven Ethel Da Costa, the conversation marked a bold and necessary step towards dismantling age-related stereotypes in the beauty and wellness industries.
The session featured:
- Lira Jamaluddin, Digital Editor of The Highlighter, and a passionate advocate for diversity in beauty media
- Malveen Kaur Gill, Miss Globe Malaysia 2021 and Miss Face of Humanity Malaysia 2023, and a celebrated model mentor and coach
- Dato’ Choi Wei Yee, Founder and Managing Director of TDOX Asia, a pioneer in preventive and regenerative wellness
- And Ethel Da Costa herself, the visionary behind the EMPOWER initiative
“We’ve come a long way, but the beauty industry still has work to do in representing women at every life stage,” shared Lira Jamaluddin. “Real inclusivity means seeing mature women not as exceptions or token campaigns, but as a natural, vital part of the beauty narrative.”
Malveen Kaur Gill, who’s mentored dozens of young women in the pageant circuit, added: “Beauty isn’t about age — it’s about self-belief. When a woman truly embraces who she is, with all her lived experience, that’s when she’s most powerful.”
Dato’ Choi Wei Yee, whose work in regenerative wellness has empowered countless individuals to age with confidence, shared: “We need to shift the conversation from reversing age to embracing it. Regenerative wellness isn’t about chasing youth — it’s about sustaining vitality, being pro-age and feeling good in your skin, no matter your age.”
Capping the session was a powerful message from Ethel Da Costa, who’s long championed women’s voices in lifestyle, media, and empowerment: “Age is not a limitation. It’s a badge of honour. With EMPOWER, I wanted to create a space where women could own their narrative — not through the lens of youth or approval, but through authenticity, strength, and lived glory. We are not our age, we are our energy.”
The fireside chat was met with euphoric positivity with guests calling it “transformative,” “liberating,” and “long overdue.” A Lucky Spinning Wheel had participants winning wellness experiences at TDOX Asia whilst some also shared `note to my 20-year-old self’ on life that is meant to be lived fully during the Q&A interaction.
How can Media change this narrative? Watch Lira Jamaluddin, Digital Editor of The Highlighter, share her thoughts: https://youtu.be/Nn5FnyBKSzM
With Beauty Beyond Ageism, a new narrative has begun — one where age is not something to conceal, but something to celebrate.
Look forward to seeing you at our next EMPOWER.
EMPOWER BEAUTY BEYOND AGEISM by Think Geek Media was supported by TDOX Asia, Reyoung, The Highlighter.
