Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, is a beloved figure known for her warmth, empathy, and dedication to education, charity, and the well-being of her people. Born in Perak in 1959, she is the daughter of the late Sultan of Perak and Raja Perempuan Muzwin Almarhum Raja Ariff Shah. Her early education in Kuala Kangsar laid the foundation for her academic pursuits, which eventually led her to Cheltenham Ladies’ College in England and the University of Oxford, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Studies.
Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah is not only fluent in multiple languages, including Mandarin, French, and Italian, but she is also a talented writer and illustrator. Her creative works have been showcased in various art exhibitions, highlighting her passion for the arts. Additionally, she has authored four children’s books, showcasing her commitment to education and literacy.
In 1982, Raja Zarith Sofiah married Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, with whom she has six children. Tragically, one of their sons, Tunku Abdul Jalil, passed away in 2015 due to liver cancer. Following Sultan Ibrahim’s ascension to the throne in 2015, Raja Zarith Sofiah was bestowed with the title Permaisuri of Johor, a role she has embraced with grace and dedication.
Beyond her ceremonial duties, Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah is a dedicated patron of charitable organizations and a strong advocate for education. In 2012, she founded Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah Negeri Johor, an organization that supports educational and social welfare initiatives. She also serves as the Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and has been recognized internationally for her efforts to enhance the quality of life within the community.
Her Majesty’s involvement in charity work extends to health advocacy as well. As the Royal Adviser to the Malaysian Red Crescent Society and the chairman of the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation, she works tirelessly to promote cancer research, awareness, diagnosis, and treatment. Inspired by her late son, Tunku Abdul Jalil, the foundation aims to advance the fight against cancer and support those affected by the disease.
Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah’s commitment to the well-being of her people is evident in her various initiatives, such as the “Because We Care” Chancellor’s Fund for UTM students from the B40 group and the “TinDak” campaign launched in collaboration with the Johor Women’s League (Jewel) to protect children from abuse. She also works with the Johor Corporation to improve healthcare facilities, such as the haematology ward at Sultanah Aminah Hospital.
On the world stage, Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah has been invited to deliver speeches and keynote addresses at academic conferences, promoting peace, unity, and multiculturalism. Her involvement in forums and conferences reflects her commitment to addressing global challenges and fostering understanding among diverse communities.
In conclusion, Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, is a compassionate and dedicated leader who has made significant contributions to education, charity, and health advocacy. Her commitment to the well-being of her people, both locally and internationally, has earned her the love and respect of many. Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah’s legacy of compassion and service continues to inspire others to make a positive impact in their communities.