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 as a member of Brunei’s Legislative Council (LegCo) in 2023. She serves on the board of the ASEAN Young Women Entrepreneurs Club, is the vice president of the Young Entrepreneur Association of Brunei, and is also a member of her local Village Committee. Queenie participated in discussions with peers from other AIPA member countries, exchanging ideas and best practices as representatives from Brunei, alongside her LegCo members Safiah Sheikh Abdul Salam. They also joined side events, including the WAIPA Project Workshop 2.0 and the Women Political Leaders Forum. On February 16, 2024, Queenie emphasized 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 emphasized the importance of mastering electronic instruments in preparation for a future dominated by technology.

Peace Journey 

“While I may not have direct initiatives targeting peace and security in the traditional sense, much of my 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, I witnessed firsthand the struggles of women, including my mother, who was a single mother in an environment that undervalued women’s contributions. These experiences motivated me to work toward changing these dynamics.

“I began by mentoring my female cousins, sharing knowledge on how to protect themselves and encouraging them to pursue education and independence. I even introduced them to solo travel as a means of building confidence and self-reliance. As a teacher, I 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 my commitment to challenging these limiting beliefs.

“In my role as a YB, I’ve hosted talks focusing on emerging technologies and have taken on mentorship roles in programs like the IDEALS initiative, which supports women entrepreneurs in developing their digital skills to grow their businesses. My 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

“Women’s involvement is essential because they bring unique perspectives and lived experiences that are critical to addressing the challenges faced by women and youth. Having grown up in a traditional environment, I understand firsthand the struggles women face, from societal pressures to lack of support, and I use these insights to advocate for change. For example, by mentoring women in programs like IDEALS, I help equip them with skills that enable them to become independent and self-reliant.

“When women are involved, they challenge outdated norms and inspire others to do the same. For instance, my efforts to mentor female students and entrepreneurs have shown them that it’s 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.

“Ultimately, empowering women creates a ripple effect that benefits families and communities. When women succeed, they uplift those around them, creating a stronger, more equitable society. By advocating for women’s involvement, we can address issues like inequality, education gaps, and societal pressures more effectively and pave the way for future generations to thrive.”