In the bustling heart of Kuching, Sarawak, on the island of Borneo, Freda Liu was born into a culturally rich Malaysian-Chinese family that emphasized hard work, humility, and the value of education. Surrounded by the vibrant diversity of her homeland and raised during a time of rapid economic transformation in Malaysia, Freda developed an early fascination with how ideas could spark movements and how businesses could be more than just profit-driven machines.
Her childhood was marked by curiosity and creativity. A natural communicator from a young age, Freda loved books, public speaking, and the power of storytelling. As a teenager, she devoured business magazines while her peers were lost in pop culture, already dreaming of a future where she could combine media with meaning. These formative years laid the groundwork for a career that would see her become one of Southeast Asia’s most recognized voices in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Freda’s professional turning point came when she joined BFM 89.9, Malaysia’s leading business radio station. There, she didn’t just report on business; she humanized it. Through shows like Enterprise and HerVantage, she showcased entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and changemakers, making complex ideas accessible and inspiring a generation of listeners. Her interviews weren’t just informative. They were transformative. She gave voice to underrepresented entrepreneurs, especially women and social impact leaders, helping to reshape the narrative of what success looks like in Asia.
Her journey, however, was not without hurdles. Entering the male-dominated business and broadcasting sectors, Freda often had to prove herself in rooms where few looked or thought like her. Balancing career ambitions with personal challenges, including the expectations placed on women in traditional societies, demanded resilience, clarity of purpose, and an unshakable belief in the value of meaningful work.
Freda has since authored several books, including PR Yourself and Bursting Fixed Mindsets, and become a sought-after speaker, mentor, and moderator across global business stages. Beyond her media presence, she has nurtured startup ecosystems, championed sustainability, and supported women-led businesses through mentoring and advocacy.
Today, Freda Liu’s legacy is not just in the stories she has told. It is also in the countless lives she has influenced through them. She represents a new breed of business leader who sees entrepreneurship not as a race to the top, but as a platform for impact, innovation, and inclusion. With her warm voice and sharp mind, Freda continues to inspire a new generation to lead with purpose and speak with conviction.