At sixteen, Datin Hartini assumed the roles of wife and mother at a time when most people her age were still discovering themselves. Life moved quickly, not by choice, but by responsibility. She made each decision not for the sake of comfort but rather for commitment.
Can you imagine navigating adulthood while still in your teenage years?
Over the next twenty-five years, she provided care for a total of nine children. Each child had their own unique requirements, aspirations and daily challenges. There were no time-outs, no pauses. She demonstrated immense determination in the face of seemingly endless demands.
Have you ever felt like the world expected you to be everything all at once?
Datin Hartini's role as a mother of nine children was a full-time job in itself, and she continued to work hard beyond the usual family commitments. As her children grew, so did her vision. She assumed the role of CEO at the Prihatin Group while successfully managing both corporate meetings and childcare responsibilities. Even after childbirth, she was able to resume her professional duties within days, demonstrating that true strength lies not in grand proclamations but in unwavering consistency.
Her long-term dedication has earned her recognition from all those around her. In 2022, she was awarded an honoris causa, a prestigious accolade that recognised both her professional achievements and her personal sacrifices. It is not just a question of leadership but also of love.
Today, she is a respected figure in philanthropy and leadership, as well as a proud mother of nine and grandmother to eleven. Her long-lasting influence on corporate environments and family life, as well as the people she has mentored, demonstrates that ambition and motherhood can coexist harmoniously.
Do you believe women have to choose between career and family—or can they, like Datin Hartini, truly have it all?
Her story is not just about titles or achievements. It's about resilience, compassion, and the quiet power of showing up every single day.