Visionary Leader in Business · Trade · Media · Economic Development
Dr. Laila Rani is a distinguished business leader with over 20 years of experience in the outdoor media and advertising industries. As the Chief Executive Officer of Ramcel Media Sdn Bhd, a leading company specializing in out-of-home advertising solutions, Dr. Laila has been instrumental in driving the company’s success by providing innovative and effective advertising strategies to both corporate and government-linked companies (GLCs). Under her leadership, Ramcel Media has become a key player in the industry, catering to diverse sectors with its impactful outdoor advertising solutions.
A passionate entrepreneur with a deep-rooted business acumen, Dr. Laila was inspired by her late father, Dato’ Dr. Haji Raja Mohamad Abdullah, whose influence shaped her early exposure to the world of international trade and business negotiations. This early foundation ignited her drive to pursue a career in business, where she has consistently pushed boundaries and led transformative projects
Dr. Laila’s commitment to advancing trade and economic development extends beyond her work with Ramcel Media. As the Editor-in-Chief of OIC TODAY, an influential publication that covers the latest developments in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states, she plays a key role in analyzing and promoting trade opportunities and investment across the Muslim world. Through her magazine, Dr. Laila has been a driving force behind the promotion of intra-OIC trade—facilitating cross-border dialogue, building networks, and encouraging collaboration among businesses in various sectors.
As the visionary behind the Muslim World Business and Investment Zone (Muslim World Biz), Dr. Laila has created an unparalleled platform for fostering global trade, investment, and cooperation. Muslim World Biz brings together industry leaders, government representatives, and trade experts from across the globe to showcase emerging opportunities and strengthen economic ties between OIC countries and other regions. Dr. Laila has been pivotal in expanding the event’s scope, which now includes:
Dr. Laila’s focus on international trade is evident in her leadership of initiatives that promote global partnerships. Her work emphasizes trade diversification and infrastructure development as crucial components for building sustainable economies, particularly within emerging markets across the Muslim world. The Muslim World Biz serves as a powerful platform to explore innovative trade agreements, investment partnerships, and business-to-business collaboration that enhance economic integration between OIC nations and non-OIC partners.
In addition to her efforts in fostering trade within the OIC region, Dr. Laila is also committed to creating avenues for women’s empowerment through economic participation. She is the founder of the Muslim World Women’s Summit and the Muslim World Rania Award, which recognize and honor the role of women in driving economic growth and facilitating trade relationships. These initiatives aim to amplify the contributions of women entrepreneurs and leaders in the Islamic world, opening doors to new trade opportunities and leadership positions for women across diverse industries.
Dr. Laila’s adept leadership, combined with her extensive network and strategic vision, has led to significant progress in advancing trade-related initiatives within the Muslim world. Her ability to create high-impact partnerships, foster diplomatic dialogue, and advocate for policies that encourage sustainable trade practices positions her as a key figure in shaping the future of global commerce.
With a background in medicine, Dr. Laila integrates her health expertise into her business strategies, particularly in the medical tourism sector, where she has advocated for trade exchanges and collaborations that enhance healthcare infrastructure and services across OIC countries. Her multifaceted approach to business development is rooted in her commitment to ethical trade practices and her dedication to advancing the Islamic economy as a driving force for global economic growth.
Dr. Laila’s vision for the Muslim World Biz is to elevate the region’s intra-OIC trade to its highest potential while integrating the Islamic economy as a key player in the global marketplace. Her mission is to create sustainable economic ecosystems that foster cross-border trade, technological innovation, and investment opportunities across multiple industries. Through her leadership, she aims to create a lasting impact on the global economy by promoting fair trade practices, gender equality in business, and collaborative development within the Islamic world.
Dr. Laila Rani’s unparalleled contributions to trade, business development, and women’s empowerment continue to position her as a transformative figure in both the Islamic economy and the global trade landscape.
Founded a women's literacy group in Enugu with 12 members. This small circle grew into a regional movement reaching 5,000 women in two years.
Formally registered the AWR Foundation. Launched first national girls' scholarship program in Nigeria, funding 500 secondary school places in year one.
Appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women. Addressed the General Assembly on SDG 5 — the first African grassroots activist to do so under 35.
"The Price of Silence" talk becomes one of TED's most-viewed talks on gender justice, sparking a global conversation and grassroots pledge campaigns in 80 countries.
Launched global women's entrepreneurship platform in partnership with 40 governments and 120 corporate partners, creating 200,000 jobs in first two years.
Convened 50 heads of state at the inaugural Global Equality Summit, resulting in the Nairobi Declaration on Women's Economic Rights — a landmark international commitment.