Tina Shines as Perak’s Iconic Woman, beyond her father’s legacy

by Aida Aziz

Being the daughter of Tajuddin is not an easy ticket for this dedicated woman to achieve the success she has now attained in various fields.

Her efforts and perseverance have also led to her being appointed as the Perak’s Iconic Woman for a two-year term.

However, Tina Tajuddin, 49, admits that some believe her excellence in driving the education and entrepreneurship sectors is due to the support of her father, the renowned political figure, Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman.

Appointed as the Perak’s Iconic Woman last July, Tina said there are many agendas and missions she aims to accomplish, particularly in education and welfare.

Operating in a field predominantly dominated by men, she acknowledges that it can be challenging, and she must be smart in presenting herself and convincing others that women are also capable of leading areas they are skilled in.

Tina shares the story of how she became the founder and Executive Chairman of Taj International College (TIC) 20 years ago.

“I used to live in Kuala Lumpur and was a housewife for almost six years.

“I am a graduate in Law from the University of Leeds, UK, and hold a Masters of Business Administration from UWE England.

“Previously, TIC was under the responsibility of my eldest brother, but due to health issues, he couldn’t focus on managing the college.

“I volunteered to take over, as at that time, my father had decided to sell the college.

“There was a condition when I took on this responsibility, although it was a family business, I did not accept any financial investment or assistance from my father,” she explained.

She added that for nearly two years, she commuted daily by bus from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh to manage TIC.

Meanwhile, talking about her role as the Perak’s Iconic Woman, she said she would be more aggressive in conducting outreach to rural schools in Perak.

“I will definitely bring the issue of education for all age groups. We don’t want these children to fall behind in their studies and miss taking the SPM.

“We will collaborate with the State Education Department and other strategic partners. I will conduct motivational tours for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) in 60 schools across 12 districts in Perak,” she said.

Previously, she has been involved in various corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, women’s empowerment initiatives, and assisting with sending institutions of higher learning (IPT) students during COVID-19.

One of her goals for the coming years is to establish her own foundation called Yayasan Ibu Tina.

“This foundation will focus on education and the welfare of orphaned children. “I want to ensure that the welfare of these orphaned children, particularly in education, is taken care of from a young age to guarantee their future,” she said.