Queenie Chong Chin Yee

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Starting Point

Chong Chin Yee (Queenie) is the CEO and co-founder of Memori, an online platform for legacy planning. She was appointed a Brunei Darussalam’s Legislative Council (LegCo) in 2023. She is known to have various roles: member of  the board of the ASEAN Young Women Entrepreneurs Club, the vice president of the Young Entrepreneur Association of Brunei, and a member of her local Village Committee.

Queenie participated in discussions with peers from other ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) member countries, exchanging ideas and best practices as representatives from Brunei Darussalam, alongside her LegCo member, Safiah Sheikh Abdul Salam. They also joined side events, including the WAIPA (Women Parliamentarians of AIPA) Project Workshop 2.0 and the Women Political Leaders Forum. On February 16, 2024, Queenie emphasised the growing importance of women in cybersecurity and technology and the need for robust cybersecurity to safeguard the global digital economy at the Ladies in Cyber event themed ‘Bridging the Gap: Empowering Women In Cybersecurity’. At the April 2024 International Women's Day - Impact the Future event, Queenie emphasised the importance of mastering electronic instruments in preparation for a future dominated by technology.

Peace Journey 

While she may not have direct initiatives targeting peace and security in the traditional sense, much of her life’s work has revolved around empowering women and youth, which indirectly contributes to creating a safer and more equitable society. Growing up in a male-dominated family with traditional values, she witnessed firsthand the struggles of women, including her mother, a single mother in an environment that undervalued women’s contributions. These experiences motivated her to work toward changing these dynamics.

She began by mentoring my female cousins, sharing knowledge on protecting themselves and encouraging them to pursue education and independence. She even introduced them to solo travel as a means of building confidence and self-reliance. As a teacher, she seized opportunities to inspire female students by encouraging them to think beyond traditional roles, question societal norms, and set personal goals. One unforgettable moment was when a female student asked why she should bother studying if her future was just to get married and have children. This question reaffirmed her commitment to challenge these limiting beliefs.

In her role as a Yang Berhormat (YB) or Legislative Council Member, she has hosted talks focusing on emerging technologies. She has taken on mentorship roles in programs like the IDEALS initiative, which supports women entrepreneurs in developing their digital skills to grow their businesses. Her goal in these efforts has been to provide women with the tools and knowledge they need to lead independent, empowered lives, while also challenging societal norms that limit their potential.

Success Stories

She believes that women’s involvement is essential because they bring unique perspectives and lived experiences that are critical to addressing the challenges women and youth face. Having grown up in a traditional environment, she understands challenge women face, from societal pressures to lack of support, and she uses these insights to advocate for change. For example, by mentoring women in programs like IDEALS, she helps equip them with skills that enable them to become independent and self-reliant.

In her view, when women are involved, they challenge outdated norms and inspire others to do the same. For instance, her efforts to mentor female students and entrepreneurs she shows them that it is possible to dream beyond traditional roles and build meaningful, independent lives. Women’s involvement also ensures that policies and initiatives are more inclusive and reflective of the needs of marginalised groups.

She believes that empowering women can ultimately creates a ripple effect that benefits families and communities. Successful women can uplift the condition of those around them, creating a stronger, more equitable society. Advocating for women’s involvement can address issues like inequality, education gaps, and societal pressures, paving the way for future generations to thrive more effectively.