1. Background and Early Life
Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah's early life was shaped by her royal lineage and a comprehensive education, laying the foundation for her later roles and contributions.
1.1. Childhood and Education
Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah was born on Friday, 5 August 1960, at Istana Bukit Stulang in Johor Bahru, Johor. She is the third daughter and princess of the late Sultan Iskandar of Johor and his first wife, Enche' Besar Hajah Khalsom binti Abdullah (née Josephine Ruby Trevorrow). Her lineage includes both Malay and English heritage. Her elder brother is the current Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim.
Her early education began at Sekolah Taman Kanak-Kanak Tunku Ampuan Mariam in Johor Bahru, where she studied from 1962 to 1966. She continued her primary education at Sekolah Perempuan Rendah Sultan Ibrahim, Johor Bahru, and completed her secondary education at Sekolah Tun Fatimah, also in Johor Bahru, from 1973 to 1979. From 1980 to 1986, she pursued various courses, including studies at Maktab Perguruan Temenggong Ibrahim in Johor Bahru and Political Science and Sociology at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
1.2. Family
Tunku Azizah's personal life is deeply intertwined with the royal families of Pahang and Johor, marked by her marriage and the upbringing of her children.
1.2.1. Marriage
Tunku Azizah married the then Crown Prince of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah (later Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah), on 6 March 1986. Tengku Abdullah is the fourth child and eldest son of Sultan Ahmad Shah and his first wife, Tengku Ampuan Afzan. The royal couple first met when Tunku Azizah was 12 and Tengku Abdullah was 13. The solemnization ceremony took place at the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque in Johor Bahru, followed by the 'Istiadat Membatalkan Air Sembahyang' ceremony at Istana Bukit Serene. Following her marriage, Tunku Azizah was proclaimed the Tengku Puan (Crown Princess) of Pahang. She is the first wife of Al-Sultan Abdullah; his second wife is actress Julia Rais.
1.2.2. Children
Tunku Azizah and Al-Sultan Abdullah have four sons and two daughters. Early in their marriage, Tunku Azizah faced challenges with fertility, experiencing multiple miscarriages. However, through persistent efforts, including In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), she successfully conceived. This personal experience later inspired her to establish the Tunku Azizah Fertility Foundation (TAFF).
Their children are:
- Tengku Ahmad Iskandar Shah, born and died on 24 July 1990.
- Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, the Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Pahang, born at Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital, Kuantan, on 17 September 1995. He pursued higher education at the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations in Switzerland, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England, and is currently undertaking postgraduate studies at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.
- Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri'ayatuddin Shah, the Tengku Arif Bendahara, born on 3 August 1997. He is an alumnus of Oxford Brookes University in England.
- Tengku Ahmad Ismail Muadzam Shah, the Tengku Panglima Perang, born on 11 September 2000. He is a twin with his sister Tengku Puteri Afzan and studied Sociology and Criminology at Royal Holloway, University of London in England. He is also pursuing studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
- Tengku Puteri Afzan Aminah Hafidzatullah, born on 11 September 2000. She is a twin with her brother Tengku Ahmad and studied Management and Accounting at Royal Holloway, University of London in England.
- Tengku Puteri Jihan Azizah 'Athiyatullah, born on 27 April 2002. She is currently studying at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, England.
In 1987, Tunku Azizah also adopted a son, Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah, who is a cousin of Al-Sultan Abdullah. Born on 25 August 1986, Tengku Amir is the youngest son of Tengku Arif Bendahara Tengku Ibrahim and his third wife, Czarina binti Abdullah. He is married to Puteri Suraiya Afzan, a granddaughter of Sultan Ahmad Shah.
2. Royal Roles and Activities
Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah is highly active in various fields, demonstrating a strong commitment to cultural preservation, social welfare, and women's empowerment.
2.1. Craft and Cultural Preservation Activities
Tunku Azizah has a profound interest in traditional craftwork, particularly needlework and weaving. She has been instrumental in revitalizing and popularizing Tenun Pahang, elevating it to Tenun Pahang Diraja (Royal Pahang Woven Fabric). The development of this art form is closely supervised by the Badan Penasihat Pembangunan Tenun Pahang Diraja (Tenun Pahang Diraja Advisory Body).
To further promote and preserve this craft, she established the Institut Kemahiran Tenun Pahang Diraja Tengku Ampuan Besar Meriam (Royal Pahang Weaving Skills Institute Tengku Ampuan Besar Meriam) in 2010. Located at the Cultural and Craft Complex of Pulau Keladi, Pekan, Pahang, the institute trains young individuals in the art of royal Pahang weaving. She also founded the Yayasan Tenun Pahang Diraja (Tenun Pahang Diraja Foundation). Her initiatives extend to the Tenun Pahang Diraja project at Penor Prison, Pahang, providing inmates with vocational skills. Furthermore, she established CHEMINAHSAYANG, a company dedicated to producing and selling woven fabrics.
Her personal skills in needlework, knitting, cross-stitch, and embroidery have inspired many women. In the early 1990s, she generously shared her expertise by establishing sewing clubs in Kuantan to teach advanced needlework techniques. In 2006, her initiative led to the creation of a needlework center through the Pertubuhan Perkumpulan Perempuan (Women's Institute), offering women opportunities to generate income through their craft.
2.2. Culinary Activities
Known for her exceptional culinary skills, Tunku Azizah has transformed her passion for cooking into significant public contributions. She established the Sekolah Masak Tunku Azizah (Tunku Azizah Cooking School) under the Women's Institute of Pahang. Her culinary expertise is also showcased in her published recipe books: "Air Tangan Tengku Puan Pahang" (2005), and two additional volumes, "Air Tangan Tengku Puan Pahang - Masakan Tradisional Pahang" and "Air Tangan Tengku Puan Pahang - Manisan Tradisional Pahang" (both 2018). These books are now collectively known as "Air Tangan Tengku Ampuan Pahang." She also serves as the Royal Patron of the Persatuan Jurumasak Pantai Timur dan Malaysia (East Coast and Malaysian Chefs Association). Her dedication to cooking extends to personally preparing meals for flood victims in Pahang.
2.3. Social and Charitable Activities
Tunku Azizah actively champions social welfare, women's empowerment, and support for vulnerable groups through various organizations and initiatives.
2.3.1. Girl Guides Activities
Tunku Azizah has held several prominent positions within the Girl Guides Association, both nationally and internationally. She served as the President of the Girl Guides Association of Malaysia, Pahang Branch, and as the Deputy President of the Girl Guides Association of Malaysia from 1999 to 2011. In 2005, she was appointed Royal Patron of the Friends of Asia Pacific WAGGGS (FAPW), an organization encompassing 27 countries in the Asia Pacific region. As a Board Member of the Olave Baden-Powell Society, a renowned international women's organization, she is committed to fostering the potential of young girls and women through girl guiding on a global scale.
2.3.2. Women's Organization Activities
In 1989, Tunku Azizah was appointed President of the Women's Institute of Pahang, the first women's organization established in Malaysia. Under her leadership, the association gained international recognition by registering with the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW), a United Nations-affiliated organization with 10 million members across 70 countries worldwide. As the Regional President and Deputy President of the ACWW United Nations Committee, she attended five world conferences in Tasmania, Australia; Arkansas, United States; Finland; India; and the United Kingdom, in addition to several regional conferences. She was nominated as a candidate for the post of President of the ACWW at the 2019 conference in Melbourne, Australia, but withdrew due to her existing commitments and responsibilities. From 2010 to 2016, she served as the Regional President for Southeast Asia and the Far East for the International Rural Women's Association, having previously been its Deputy President from 2007 to 2010.
2.3.3. Fertility Support
Driven by her personal experiences, Tunku Azizah established the Tunku Azizah Fertility Foundation (TAFF) in 2004 (some sources state 2005) to assist couples facing fertility challenges. The foundation provides fully sponsored fertility treatments, and as of recent reports, 493 couples have benefited, resulting in the successful delivery of 115 babies. TAFF is recognized as the only fertility foundation in Malaysia dedicated to helping couples achieve parenthood.
2.4. Patronage Activities
Tunku Azizah serves as a royal patron for numerous cultural, educational, and social organizations, demonstrating her commitment to various sectors. Her patronages include:
- Patron of the Girl Guides Association of Malaysia
- President of the Girl Guides Association of Pahang
- Chairman of the Women's Institute of Pahang
- Lifetime Chairman of the Tunku Azizah Fertility Foundation (TAFF)
- Rector of International Islamic University Malaysia
- Rector of University College Yayasan Pahang
3. Titles, Styles, and Honours
Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah has received numerous royal titles, styles, and honours throughout her life, reflecting her esteemed position within the Malaysian and international royal communities.
3.1. Royal Titles and Styles
- 5 August 1960 - 11 May 1981: Her Highness (Yang Amat Mulia) Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Tunku Mahmud Iskandar
- 11 May 1981 - 6 March 1986: Her Highness (Yang Amat Mulia) Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj
- 6 March 1986 - 22 January 2010: Her Royal Highness (Kebawah Duli Yang Teramat Mulia) Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj
- 22 January 2010 - 29 January 2019: Her Royal Highness (Kebawah Duli Yang Teramat Mulia) Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Almarhum Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj
- 29 January 2019 - 31 January 2019: Her Royal Highness (Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia) Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Almarhum Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj
- 31 January 2019 - 30 January 2024: Her Majesty (Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda) Raja Permaisuri Agong XVI Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Almarhum Baginda Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj
- 31 January 2024 - 13 March 2024: Her Royal Highness (Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia) Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Almarhum Baginda Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj
- 14 March 2024 - Present: Her Royal Highness (Kebawah Duli Paduka Baginda) Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj
Her full style and title in Malay is: Kebawah Duli Paduka Baginda Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj, D.K., D.M.N., S.A.A.S., S.S.A.P., S.I.M.P., D.K. (Johor), S.P.M.J., D.K. (Brunei), D.K. (Selangor)Malay.
In English, her full style and title is: Her Royal Highness Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj, D.K., D.M.N., S.A.A.S., S.S.A.P., S.I.M.P., D.K. (Johor), S.P.M.J., D.K. (Brunei), D.K. (Selangor), Tengku Ampuan of Pahang.
3.2. Honours and Awards
Tunku Azizah has been conferred with numerous honours and awards from Pahang, other Malaysian states, the Malaysian Federation, and foreign countries.
3.2.1. Pahang Royal Honours
Member 1st Class of the Family Order of the Crown of Indra of Pahang (DK I)
Member 2nd Class of the Family Order of the Crown of Indra of Pahang (DK II), conferred on 24 October 1989.
Knight Grand Companion of the Order of Al-Sultan Abdullah of Pahang (SAAS) - Dato' Sri Setia, conferred on 30 July 2024.
Grand Knight of the Order of Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang (SSAP) - Dato' Sri.
Grand Knight of the Order of the Crown of Pahang (SIMP) - Dato' Indera.
Recipient of the Sultan Ahmad Shah Silver Jubilee Medal (1999).
3.2.2. Malaysian Federal and State Honours
Recipient of the Order of the Crown of the Realm (DMN), conferred on 11 July 2019.
Recipient of the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal, conferred on 30 July 2019.
Recipient of the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal, conferred on 24 April 2017.
Recipient of the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal, conferred on 11 April 2012.
Recipient of the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal, conferred on 25 April 2002.
Recipient of the 10th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal, conferred on 22 September 1994.
Recipient of the 9th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal, conferred on 18 September 1989.
Recipient of the 8th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal, conferred on 15 November 1984.
First Class of the Royal Family Order of Johor (DK I), conferred on 8 December 2023.
Second Class of the Royal Family Order of Johor (DK II), conferred on 15 April 1996.
Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Johor (SPMJ) - Datin Paduka, conferred in 1983.
First Class of the Royal Family Order of Selangor (DK I), conferred on 11 December 2023.
Recipient of the Sultan Sharafuddin Coronation Medal, conferred on 8 March 2003.
3.2.3. Foreign Honours
Senior (Laila Utama) of the Family Order of Laila Utama (DK) - Dato Laila Utama, conferred in 2019.
3.3. Honorary Degrees
- Honorary Ph.D. degree in Creative Arts from Universiti Teknologi Mara (2024).
- Honorary Ph.D. degree in Management from Multimedia University (2024).
4. Genealogy and Lineage
Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah's lineage traces back through prominent royal houses of Malaysia. She is the daughter of Sultan Iskandar of Johor and Josephine Ruby Trevorrow (Enche' Besar Hajah Khalsom binti Abdullah). Her paternal grandparents were Sultan Ismail of Johor and Sultanah Ungku Tun Amina. Through Sultan Ismail, her ancestry extends to Sultan Ibrahim of Johor and Sultanah Ungku Maimuna binti Abdul Majid. Her maternal grandparents were Reginald George Trevorrow and Ruby May Alderman.
5. Eponyms
Several public facilities and institutions have been named in honour of Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, recognizing her contributions and stature. These include:
- Sekolah Kebangsaan Tunku Azizah, a national school in Kuantan, Pahang.
- Hospital Tunku Azizah, a hospital located in Kuala Lumpur.
- Masjid Tunku Azizah Iskandar, a mosque in Bentong, Pahang.