Change is the only constant, but support should be a constant just the same. Support can come in various forms and be needed in different ways. It can appear as encouragement for a sister or a friend. It can manifest as
opportunities for colleagues or newcomers. It can reveal itself as standing up for the women in the back, or the girls to come. Whichever it is, that very support can kickstart a change and create a snowball effect.
Hence, the theme 'Embrace Equity' for this year's International Women's Day brings a number of valid questions to the table. Equality means every woman gets the same set of tools. Equity means giving the right tools based on their needs so that everyone is on equal footing for success. Of course, nothing comes easy.
In light of International Women's Day, we partnered with Wanderlust + Co to bring together 15 women of influence from various fields in the local scene for an intimate brunch and sharing session at the Orchid Conservatory of The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection. For these women who started their paths earlier (and some more recent than most), the early days were full of challenges but even in a current era perceived as 'a success', there are still bad days and problems to be solved. But through each vulnerable share, every woman offered empathy, acknowledgement and support.
Here are some of the empowering quotes they've left us with on our fun question cards and we hope they'll inspire you this International Women's Day, and every day. When we support one another, change is the only constant we need not fear.
Hence, the theme 'Embrace Equity' for this year's International Women's Day brings a number of valid questions to the table. Equality means every woman gets the same set of tools. Equity means giving the right tools based on their needs so that everyone is on equal footing for success. Of course, nothing comes easy.
In light of International Women's Day, we partnered with Wanderlust + Co to bring together 15 women of influence from various fields in the local scene for an intimate brunch and sharing session at the Orchid Conservatory of The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection. For these women who started their paths earlier (and some more recent than most), the early days were full of challenges but even in a current era perceived as 'a success', there are still bad days and problems to be solved. But through each vulnerable share, every woman offered empathy, acknowledgement and support.
Here are some of the empowering quotes they've left us with on our fun question cards and we hope they'll inspire you this International Women's Day, and every day. When we support one another, change is the only constant we need not fear.
WHAT'S A QUESTION YOU WISHED YOU WERE ASKED MORE OF AS A WOMAN IN YOUR FIELD?
"I wish we would discuss specifics on how women could support other women at work, as well as how to balance work with personal and mental health. It would be amazing if we could show more within our respective industries, grow together, and celebrate each other whilst working on the work that still lies ahead."
Jenn Low, founder of Wanderlust + Co
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED.
"Always believe in yourself, your dreams and your goals. If you want to be successful, you will go through the worst and people will try to bring you down but if you want it bad enough, you just have to do it."
Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, national athlete
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON COMPETITION IN A WORKPLACE OR WITHIN THE SAME INDUSTRY?
"It's good because it keeps us on our toes—within the same industry, it keeps us moving forward. In a workplace setting, it can be both healthy and unhealthy so you need to be clear on what's important for you in life. Sometimes, you don't need to engage and simply do your own thing."
Anabelle Co-Martinent, CMO of Phuture Foods
DESCRIBE THE MOMENT YOU FELT SUCCESS.
"Success can be defined in so many ways. For me, the first moment I felt exhilaration was receiving feedback from an artisan on how our work has helped her and her family. Little moments of joy that then became a sense of purpose."
Sasibai Kimis, founder of Earth Heir
HOW DO YOU HANDLE IMPOSTER SYNDROME?
"Sitting alongside these amazing female entrepreneurs at the event felt like a dream, but it was also when my Imposter Syndrome kicked in. Receiving this question card was like the universe's way of saying it was time to face my inner demon. To stop downplaying and doubting what I'm capable of because I'm living my dream. I've proven the naysayers wrong and it's time to own up and say I deserve my success."
Kim May Chee, founder of Cocodry
"I wish we would discuss specifics on how women could support other women at work, as well as how to balance work with personal and mental health. It would be amazing if we could show more within our respective industries, grow together, and celebrate each other whilst working on the work that still lies ahead."
Jenn Low, founder of Wanderlust + Co
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED.
"Always believe in yourself, your dreams and your goals. If you want to be successful, you will go through the worst and people will try to bring you down but if you want it bad enough, you just have to do it."
Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, national athlete
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON COMPETITION IN A WORKPLACE OR WITHIN THE SAME INDUSTRY?
"It's good because it keeps us on our toes—within the same industry, it keeps us moving forward. In a workplace setting, it can be both healthy and unhealthy so you need to be clear on what's important for you in life. Sometimes, you don't need to engage and simply do your own thing."
Anabelle Co-Martinent, CMO of Phuture Foods
DESCRIBE THE MOMENT YOU FELT SUCCESS.
"Success can be defined in so many ways. For me, the first moment I felt exhilaration was receiving feedback from an artisan on how our work has helped her and her family. Little moments of joy that then became a sense of purpose."
Sasibai Kimis, founder of Earth Heir
HOW DO YOU HANDLE IMPOSTER SYNDROME?
"Sitting alongside these amazing female entrepreneurs at the event felt like a dream, but it was also when my Imposter Syndrome kicked in. Receiving this question card was like the universe's way of saying it was time to face my inner demon. To stop downplaying and doubting what I'm capable of because I'm living my dream. I've proven the naysayers wrong and it's time to own up and say I deserve my success."
Kim May Chee, founder of Cocodry
WHAT'S A QUESTION YOU WISHED YOU WERE ASKED MORE OF AS A WOMAN IN YOUR FIELD?
"I wish we would discuss specifics on how women could support other women at work, as well as how to balance work with personal and mental health. It would be amazing if we could show more within our respective industries, grow together, and celebrate each other whilst working on the work that still lies ahead."
Jenn Low, founder of Wanderlust + Co
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED.
"Always believe in yourself, your dreams and your goals. If you want to be successful, you will go through the worst and people will try to bring you down but if you want it bad enough, you just have to do it."
Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, national athlete
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON COMPETITION IN A WORKPLACE OR WITHIN THE SAME INDUSTRY?
"It's good because it keeps us on our toes—within the same industry, it keeps us moving forward. In a workplace setting, it can be both healthy and unhealthy so you need to be clear on what's important for you in life. Sometimes, you don't need to engage and simply do your own thing."
Anabelle Co-Martinent, CMO of Phuture Foods
DESCRIBE THE MOMENT YOU FELT SUCCESS.
"Success can be defined in so many ways. For me, the first moment I felt exhilaration was receiving feedback from an artisan on how our work has helped her and her family. Little moments of joy that then became a sense of purpose."
Sasibai Kimis, founder of Earth Heir
HOW DO YOU HANDLE IMPOSTER SYNDROME?
"Sitting alongside these amazing female entrepreneurs at the event felt like a dream, but it was also when my Imposter Syndrome kicked in. Receiving this question card was like the universe's way of saying it was time to face my inner demon. To stop downplaying and doubting what I'm capable of because I'm living my dream. I've proven the naysayers wrong and it's time to own up and say I deserve my success."
Kim May Chee, founder of Cocodry
"I wish we would discuss specifics on how women could support other women at work, as well as how to balance work with personal and mental health. It would be amazing if we could show more within our respective industries, grow together, and celebrate each other whilst working on the work that still lies ahead."
Jenn Low, founder of Wanderlust + Co
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED.
"Always believe in yourself, your dreams and your goals. If you want to be successful, you will go through the worst and people will try to bring you down but if you want it bad enough, you just have to do it."
Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, national athlete
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON COMPETITION IN A WORKPLACE OR WITHIN THE SAME INDUSTRY?
"It's good because it keeps us on our toes—within the same industry, it keeps us moving forward. In a workplace setting, it can be both healthy and unhealthy so you need to be clear on what's important for you in life. Sometimes, you don't need to engage and simply do your own thing."
Anabelle Co-Martinent, CMO of Phuture Foods
DESCRIBE THE MOMENT YOU FELT SUCCESS.
"Success can be defined in so many ways. For me, the first moment I felt exhilaration was receiving feedback from an artisan on how our work has helped her and her family. Little moments of joy that then became a sense of purpose."
Sasibai Kimis, founder of Earth Heir
HOW DO YOU HANDLE IMPOSTER SYNDROME?
"Sitting alongside these amazing female entrepreneurs at the event felt like a dream, but it was also when my Imposter Syndrome kicked in. Receiving this question card was like the universe's way of saying it was time to face my inner demon. To stop downplaying and doubting what I'm capable of because I'm living my dream. I've proven the naysayers wrong and it's time to own up and say I deserve my success."
Kim May Chee, founder of Cocodry
WHAT IS A CONSTANT STRUGGLE THAT ACCOMPANIED YOUR SUCCESS?
"When people see you achieve things and rise, and you keep doing it, it does get tougher and tougher to push and break the glass ceiling. In my 12 years of business, there were many times when I felt stuck and my cup was empty. There's that constant question of 'what's next' whether it's after doing fashion shows, appearing on The Business of Fashion or being on Forbes. It's always 'what's next' to the point where you forget to breathe. Realistically, it happens to all of us when our energy gets drained so sometimes we just need to breathe and be by ourselves. I love to read to cool down, and reading especially biographies helps me stay motivated and learn from others."
Vivy Yusof, co-founder of The FV Group
WHAT'S A COMMON STEREOTYPE THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED AS A WOMAN?
"That our timeline and milestone are fixed. And if we don't meet them, then we'd have failed and we're not good enough. For example, how you should be married by 30, have a child and settle down. I am rewriting the narrative, forging my own path and doing what feels right for me."
Maggy Wang, a multi-hyphenate digital creator
WHAT'S THE BEST THING A WOMAN CAN DO TO SUPPORT ANOTHER WOMAN AT WORK?
"There's a quote by Jim Carrey that goes 'the effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is', so I'd say keep others lifted to make them feel that they have been seen, heard and understood."
Annice Lyn, co-founder of Women Photographers Malaysia
HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED IN WHAT YOU DO?
"By looking to my team, our community and my family! How our business and community flourish and bloom from each other gives me a sense of purpose to continue."
Iman Kamarudin, co-founder of Petit Moi
DESCRIBE A MOMENT THAT INSPIRED YOU.
"I remember that day with mixed feelings—pain, relief and satisfaction—I cycled on a road bike for 90km. The journey of cycling around an island with so many uncertainties created a lot of fear, exhaustion and self-doubt. However, when I finally completed the race, I felt a great sense of achievement and that has helped me to realise that what seems impossible can turn out to be attainable and fascinating if you put your heart to pull through it."
Penny Choo, co-founder of BloomThis
"When people see you achieve things and rise, and you keep doing it, it does get tougher and tougher to push and break the glass ceiling. In my 12 years of business, there were many times when I felt stuck and my cup was empty. There's that constant question of 'what's next' whether it's after doing fashion shows, appearing on The Business of Fashion or being on Forbes. It's always 'what's next' to the point where you forget to breathe. Realistically, it happens to all of us when our energy gets drained so sometimes we just need to breathe and be by ourselves. I love to read to cool down, and reading especially biographies helps me stay motivated and learn from others."
Vivy Yusof, co-founder of The FV Group
WHAT'S A COMMON STEREOTYPE THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED AS A WOMAN?
"That our timeline and milestone are fixed. And if we don't meet them, then we'd have failed and we're not good enough. For example, how you should be married by 30, have a child and settle down. I am rewriting the narrative, forging my own path and doing what feels right for me."
Maggy Wang, a multi-hyphenate digital creator
WHAT'S THE BEST THING A WOMAN CAN DO TO SUPPORT ANOTHER WOMAN AT WORK?
"There's a quote by Jim Carrey that goes 'the effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is', so I'd say keep others lifted to make them feel that they have been seen, heard and understood."
Annice Lyn, co-founder of Women Photographers Malaysia
HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED IN WHAT YOU DO?
"By looking to my team, our community and my family! How our business and community flourish and bloom from each other gives me a sense of purpose to continue."
Iman Kamarudin, co-founder of Petit Moi
DESCRIBE A MOMENT THAT INSPIRED YOU.
"I remember that day with mixed feelings—pain, relief and satisfaction—I cycled on a road bike for 90km. The journey of cycling around an island with so many uncertainties created a lot of fear, exhaustion and self-doubt. However, when I finally completed the race, I felt a great sense of achievement and that has helped me to realise that what seems impossible can turn out to be attainable and fascinating if you put your heart to pull through it."
Penny Choo, co-founder of BloomThis
WHAT IS A CONSTANT STRUGGLE THAT ACCOMPANIED YOUR SUCCESS?
"When people see you achieve things and rise, and you keep doing it, it does get tougher and tougher to push and break the glass ceiling. In my 12 years of business, there were many times when I felt stuck and my cup was empty. There's that constant question of 'what's next' whether it's after doing fashion shows, appearing on The Business of Fashion or being on Forbes. It's always 'what's next' to the point where you forget to breathe. Realistically, it happens to all of us when our energy gets drained so sometimes we just need to breathe and be by ourselves. I love to read to cool down, and reading especially biographies helps me stay motivated and learn from others."
Vivy Yusof, co-founder of The FV Group
WHAT'S A COMMON STEREOTYPE THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED AS A WOMAN?
"That our timeline and milestone are fixed. And if we don't meet them, then we'd have failed and we're not good enough. For example, how you should be married by 30, have a child and settle down. I am rewriting the narrative, forging my own path and doing what feels right for me."
Maggy Wang, a multi-hyphenate digital creator
WHAT'S THE BEST THING A WOMAN CAN DO TO SUPPORT ANOTHER WOMAN AT WORK?
"There's a quote by Jim Carrey that goes 'the effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is', so I'd say keep others lifted to make them feel that they have been seen, heard and understood."
Annice Lyn, co-founder of Women Photographers Malaysia
HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED IN WHAT YOU DO?
"By looking to my team, our community and my family! How our business and community flourish and bloom from each other gives me a sense of purpose to continue."
Iman Kamarudin, co-founder of Petit Moi
DESCRIBE A MOMENT THAT INSPIRED YOU.
"I remember that day with mixed feelings—pain, relief and satisfaction—I cycled on a road bike for 90km. The journey of cycling around an island with so many uncertainties created a lot of fear, exhaustion and self-doubt. However, when I finally completed the race, I felt a great sense of achievement and that has helped me to realise that what seems impossible can turn out to be attainable and fascinating if you put your heart to pull through it."
Penny Choo, co-founder of BloomThis
"When people see you achieve things and rise, and you keep doing it, it does get tougher and tougher to push and break the glass ceiling. In my 12 years of business, there were many times when I felt stuck and my cup was empty. There's that constant question of 'what's next' whether it's after doing fashion shows, appearing on The Business of Fashion or being on Forbes. It's always 'what's next' to the point where you forget to breathe. Realistically, it happens to all of us when our energy gets drained so sometimes we just need to breathe and be by ourselves. I love to read to cool down, and reading especially biographies helps me stay motivated and learn from others."
Vivy Yusof, co-founder of The FV Group
WHAT'S A COMMON STEREOTYPE THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED AS A WOMAN?
"That our timeline and milestone are fixed. And if we don't meet them, then we'd have failed and we're not good enough. For example, how you should be married by 30, have a child and settle down. I am rewriting the narrative, forging my own path and doing what feels right for me."
Maggy Wang, a multi-hyphenate digital creator
WHAT'S THE BEST THING A WOMAN CAN DO TO SUPPORT ANOTHER WOMAN AT WORK?
"There's a quote by Jim Carrey that goes 'the effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is', so I'd say keep others lifted to make them feel that they have been seen, heard and understood."
Annice Lyn, co-founder of Women Photographers Malaysia
HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED IN WHAT YOU DO?
"By looking to my team, our community and my family! How our business and community flourish and bloom from each other gives me a sense of purpose to continue."
Iman Kamarudin, co-founder of Petit Moi
DESCRIBE A MOMENT THAT INSPIRED YOU.
"I remember that day with mixed feelings—pain, relief and satisfaction—I cycled on a road bike for 90km. The journey of cycling around an island with so many uncertainties created a lot of fear, exhaustion and self-doubt. However, when I finally completed the race, I felt a great sense of achievement and that has helped me to realise that what seems impossible can turn out to be attainable and fascinating if you put your heart to pull through it."
Penny Choo, co-founder of BloomThis
WHAT'S YOUR ADVICE FOR IMPOSTER SYNDROME?
"Remember you deserve the seat at any table as much as the next person. We all have self-doubt. The key is to surround yourself with positive support, and develop the right mind and hard skill set to succeed."
Deborah Henry, co-founder of Fugee School
WHAT DOES #EMBRACEEQUITY MEAN TO YOU?
"That all of us—regardless of gender—do our best (150 per cent!) to ensure that our future generation can live in a truly equal and equitable environment."
Izzana Salleh, co-founder and global president of Project Girls 4 Girls
WHAT ARE SOME STEREOTYPES YOU HAVE BEEN CHALLENGED WITH AS A WOMAN?
"That we can't do dirty, physical work; that farming/farmers are primarily male; that women are naturally good cooks; that women need to always wear high heels and makeup to go to work."
Shao-Lyn Low, co-founder of Eats, Shoots & Roots
WHAT DOES SUCCESS MEAN TO YOU?
"I've always tried to find meaning in all I do. Hence, success means achieving even the smallest goals such as creating products that we love and when they are loved and sold out within launch, I know I'm on the right path. Success means finding purpose in all that I do."
Helen Tan, co-founder of Doublewoot
THE BEST COMPLIMENT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED.
"As an entrepreneur working hard on my brand and products, I appreciate it when my customers tell me, 'I love your Callie masks, thank you for playing a role during the pandemic!'" But as a leader, the best compliment I've received was when my employees acknowledged my effort to listen to their opinions before making a decision."
Kelly Teoh, founder of Rentas Health and Callie
"Remember you deserve the seat at any table as much as the next person. We all have self-doubt. The key is to surround yourself with positive support, and develop the right mind and hard skill set to succeed."
Deborah Henry, co-founder of Fugee School
WHAT DOES #EMBRACEEQUITY MEAN TO YOU?
"That all of us—regardless of gender—do our best (150 per cent!) to ensure that our future generation can live in a truly equal and equitable environment."
Izzana Salleh, co-founder and global president of Project Girls 4 Girls
WHAT ARE SOME STEREOTYPES YOU HAVE BEEN CHALLENGED WITH AS A WOMAN?
"That we can't do dirty, physical work; that farming/farmers are primarily male; that women are naturally good cooks; that women need to always wear high heels and makeup to go to work."
Shao-Lyn Low, co-founder of Eats, Shoots & Roots
WHAT DOES SUCCESS MEAN TO YOU?
"I've always tried to find meaning in all I do. Hence, success means achieving even the smallest goals such as creating products that we love and when they are loved and sold out within launch, I know I'm on the right path. Success means finding purpose in all that I do."
Helen Tan, co-founder of Doublewoot
THE BEST COMPLIMENT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED.
"As an entrepreneur working hard on my brand and products, I appreciate it when my customers tell me, 'I love your Callie masks, thank you for playing a role during the pandemic!'" But as a leader, the best compliment I've received was when my employees acknowledged my effort to listen to their opinions before making a decision."
Kelly Teoh, founder of Rentas Health and Callie
WHAT IS A CONSTANT STRUGGLE THAT ACCOMPANIED YOUR SUCCESS?
"When people see you achieve things and rise, and you keep doing it, it does get tougher and tougher to push and break the glass ceiling. In my 12 years of business, there were many times when I felt stuck and my cup was empty. There's that constant question of 'what's next' whether it's after doing fashion shows, appearing on The Business of Fashion or being on Forbes. It's always 'what's next' to the point where you forget to breathe. Realistically, it happens to all of us when our energy gets drained so sometimes we just need to breathe and be by ourselves. I love to read to cool down, and reading especially biographies helps me stay motivated and learn from others."
Vivy Yusof, co-founder of The FV Group
WHAT'S A COMMON STEREOTYPE THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED AS A WOMAN?
"That our timeline and milestone are fixed. And if we don't meet them, then we'd have failed and we're not good enough. For example, how you should be married by 30, have a child and settle down. I am rewriting the narrative, forging my own path and doing what feels right for me."
Maggy Wang, a multi-hyphenate digital creator
WHAT'S THE BEST THING A WOMAN CAN DO TO SUPPORT ANOTHER WOMAN AT WORK?
"There's a quote by Jim Carrey that goes 'the effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is', so I'd say keep others lifted to make them feel that they have been seen, heard and understood."
Annice Lyn, co-founder of Women Photographers Malaysia
HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED IN WHAT YOU DO?
"By looking to my team, our community and my family! How our business and community flourish and bloom from each other gives me a sense of purpose to continue."
Iman Kamarudin, co-founder of Petit Moi
DESCRIBE A MOMENT THAT INSPIRED YOU.
"I remember that day with mixed feelings—pain, relief and satisfaction—I cycled on a road bike for 90km. The journey of cycling around an island with so many uncertainties created a lot of fear, exhaustion and self-doubt. However, when I finally completed the race, I felt a great sense of achievement and that has helped me to realise that what seems impossible can turn out to be attainable and fascinating if you put your heart to pull through it."
Penny Choo, co-founder of BloomThis
"When people see you achieve things and rise, and you keep doing it, it does get tougher and tougher to push and break the glass ceiling. In my 12 years of business, there were many times when I felt stuck and my cup was empty. There's that constant question of 'what's next' whether it's after doing fashion shows, appearing on The Business of Fashion or being on Forbes. It's always 'what's next' to the point where you forget to breathe. Realistically, it happens to all of us when our energy gets drained so sometimes we just need to breathe and be by ourselves. I love to read to cool down, and reading especially biographies helps me stay motivated and learn from others."
Vivy Yusof, co-founder of The FV Group
WHAT'S A COMMON STEREOTYPE THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED AS A WOMAN?
"That our timeline and milestone are fixed. And if we don't meet them, then we'd have failed and we're not good enough. For example, how you should be married by 30, have a child and settle down. I am rewriting the narrative, forging my own path and doing what feels right for me."
Maggy Wang, a multi-hyphenate digital creator
WHAT'S THE BEST THING A WOMAN CAN DO TO SUPPORT ANOTHER WOMAN AT WORK?
"There's a quote by Jim Carrey that goes 'the effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is', so I'd say keep others lifted to make them feel that they have been seen, heard and understood."
Annice Lyn, co-founder of Women Photographers Malaysia
HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED IN WHAT YOU DO?
"By looking to my team, our community and my family! How our business and community flourish and bloom from each other gives me a sense of purpose to continue."
Iman Kamarudin, co-founder of Petit Moi
DESCRIBE A MOMENT THAT INSPIRED YOU.
"I remember that day with mixed feelings—pain, relief and satisfaction—I cycled on a road bike for 90km. The journey of cycling around an island with so many uncertainties created a lot of fear, exhaustion and self-doubt. However, when I finally completed the race, I felt a great sense of achievement and that has helped me to realise that what seems impossible can turn out to be attainable and fascinating if you put your heart to pull through it."
Penny Choo, co-founder of BloomThis
WATCH: BURO X WANDERLUST + CO
IWD 2023 BRUNCH HIGHLIGHTS
IWD 2023 BRUNCH HIGHLIGHTS
Credits
TEXT | RACHEL AU
layout design | sarah tai
Photography | ALL IS AMAZING
VIDEOGRAPHY | DENNIS KHO
LOCATION | THE ORCHID CONSERVATORY, THE MAJESTIC HOTEL
KUALA LUMPUR, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
layout design | sarah tai
Photography | ALL IS AMAZING
VIDEOGRAPHY | DENNIS KHO
LOCATION | THE ORCHID CONSERVATORY, THE MAJESTIC HOTEL
KUALA LUMPUR, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
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