ParagonCorp Launches Expanded Scholarship for Muslim Women Leaders on International Youth Day

ParagonCorp Expands Opportunities for Young Women Leaders

On August 12, recognized globally as International Youth Day, ParagonCorp, a prominent consumer goods enterprise from Southeast Asia, unveiled an expansion of its scholarship program aimed at empowering Muslim women leaders worldwide. This initiative, in collaboration with the Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women, is part of the ongoing Ri'aya Young Adult Stewardship Program. It addresses the pressing need for effective leadership in the face of an evolving global landscape shaped by technology and cross-cultural connectivity.

This year’s announcement emphasizes the significant challenges youth face, with over 1.2 billion individuals aged between 15 and 24 influencing approximately 16% of the global population, according to United Nations statistics. The urgency to equip these young people with the skills necessary for future employment and civic engagement has never been greater. Notably, youth unemployment rates are three times higher than those of adults in various regions, highlighting the need for proactive measures.

The World Economic Forum reports that by 2030, a staggering 39% of core skills will evolve, making leadership, analytical thinking, adaptability, and digital literacy essential. Sari Chairunnisa, Deputy CEO of ParagonCorp, stated that the investment in youth transcends social responsibilities and taps into economic necessities. “An organization or even a nation can only ever be as big as the people within it,” she asserted, emphasizing the importance of supporting talented youth who will drive change in their communities.

The Ri'aya Program offers a two-week, immersive leadership experience hosted in Doha, Qatar, from August 9 to 23, 2026. This program gathers aspiring Muslim women leaders aged 17 to 22 for a rich interdisciplinary learning environment focused on faith-based leadership, digital innovation, sustainability, and ethical decision-making. Building on the success of its initial session in 2025, ParagonCorp continues its commitment by sponsoring participants through the Wardah Open Scholarship, which covers travel and accommodation costs for eligible candidates, extending even to those from varied financial backgrounds globally.

With a diverse cohort of participants, including exceptionally talented young women from various countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia, the program promises to enrich discussions and collaboration. Participants include Callista Aldenia, a fashion designer focused on sustainable practices; Amira Puji Hastuti, founder of an international youth organization prioritizing health; and Syahirah Mohd Zaki, interested in technology and data analytics with a focus on social good. Such a variety illustrates the program’s emphasis on inclusivity and comprehensive learning.

Dr. Sohaira Siddiqui, the Executive Director of Al-Mujadilah Center, commented, “Programs like the Ri'aya Young Adult Stewardship Program are vital for uniting young women across cultures. They equip participants with diverse perspectives essential for shaping a sustainable and inclusive future.” The impact of this initiative is already evident, as alumni from the 2025 program have successfully initiated projects in health education and intercultural dialogue, applying their experiences to address local community challenges.

ParagonCorp’s initiatives, including the Ri'aya program, signify a broader commitment to youth education and development. To date, the company has awarded scholarships to over 9,142 recipients and assisted more than 36,000 educators through programs like Wardah Inspiring Teacher and Inspiring Lecturer initiatives, thereby cementing its role as a catalyst for social growth.

Founded in 1985, ParagonCorp stands as one of Indonesia's leading fast-moving consumer goods companies, servicing diverse markets with notable brands, including the halal beauty pioneer, Wardah. The company's socio-economic ethos is exemplified through its continued investment in women’s empowerment and community support, demonstrating that the pathway to inclusive growth is paved with education, mentorship, and opportunity.

As we celebrate this International Youth Day, ParagonCorp and the Al-Mujadilah Center convey a shared vision for cultivating a new wave of Muslim women leaders capable of influencing sectors such as education, public service, and civil society globally, embodying a commitment to creating a more equitable future.

For further inquiries or additional information, please reach out to ParagonCorp Global Communications.