Neelofa whose real name is Noor Neelofa Binti Mohd Noor is a Malaysian actress, model, televission presenter and entrepreneur born on 10th February 1989 in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, Malaysia. She won the Dewi Remaja 2009/10 organised by the Malaysian teen magazine, Remaja. In 2017 she was named as one of the ‘Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia’. Neelofa is of mixed descent as she is of Arab, Pakistani and Malay descent. She won the Miss Teen Malaysia2010 / 2011. She appeared in Kau Yang Terindah as Alisya and is a host of the television programs MeleTOP and Nona. Neelofa is involved in several business ventures including contact lenses Lofalens, health care products Beautea Slim pills and a Muslim women's clothing brand Naelofar Hijab for women. Neelofa was a winner in Dewi Remaja (Miss Teen Malaysia) 2009 / 2010. She appeared in Kau Yang Terindah as Alisya and is a host of the television programs MeleTOP and Nona. Neelofa is involved in several business ventures including: contact lenses Lofalens, health care products Beautea Slim pills and a Muslim women's clothing brand Naelofar Hijab for women
In 2014, she took acting classes at the New York Film Academy. Alongside Nabil Ahmad, Neelofa is also a host for a Malaysian television programme, MeleTOP by Astro. Positive reviews of her were given in the press and from the public for her acting in Lukisan Takdir and Wan Embong. In April 2012, Neelofa alongside Nazim Othman, Fizo Omar, Zoey Rahman, Intan Ladyana and Aiman Hakim Ridza was appointed as the Young Biz Icons for Oxford Centre of Excellence (Oxcell). According to Oxcell, "The appointment of six icons was based on academic success and career development in the arts". Through this program, the celebrity icons will share their experiences throughout involved in the world of business and the arts. In July 2013, the Malaysian private, free-to-air television channel, TV3 appointed Neelofa along with Adi Putra, Nora Danish, Fiza Sabjahan, Amar Asyraf, Nelydia Senrose, Tasha Shilla and Aiman Hakim Ridza as the ambassador for Anugerah Syawal 2013. According to TV3 "The appointment of these celebrities is to promote programs on television and radio throughout the month of Shawwal. On 8 December 2017, AirAsia appoints Neelofa as its new non-executive independent director. Tony Fernandes, the AirAsia Group chief executive officer described Neelofa as "super smart, young and independent". "The board members and I are delighted to welcome Neelofa onboard as non-executive independent director. She is a great addition to the board. Her experience as an entrepreneur, a brand creator and an industry disruptor will be invaluable to AirAsia and she will be able to provide fresh insights into our business as we transform into a digital airline. Her reputation as Malaysia’s leading businesswomen, one of the few Malaysians named by Forbes Asia in their 30 Under 30, and her track record in championing women in business is an inspiration to us. I look forward to working with Neelofa" said Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group chief executive officer.
Neelofa or her full name, Noor Neelofa binti Mohd Noor was born in Pasir Mas, Kelantan to parents Mohd Noor and Noor Kartini. As the third child of nine siblings, she inherits her mother’s beauty, who has Pakistan and Arab blood. She first came to screen when she was awarded Miss Teen Malaysia in 2010/2011. Neelofa studied in Maktab Rendah Sains MARA Langkawi, and achieved excellent results. After graduating, she studied and took A Levels (June 2007 - June 2009) for two years at KDU University College. Her dream was to further her studies in the United States of America, but her family did not approve of her decision. Neelofa then pursued her studies at Sunway University in the field of Bachelor of International Business & Marketing. She did not complete her degree because at the same time, she participated in a beauty queen competition, Dewi Remaja and won the title of Dewi Remaja 2009/10 organised by the Malaysian teen magazine, Remaja.
She received her Bachelor International Trade and Marketing education at Sunway University College. With her background in business study, she then became involved in ventures involving contact lenses, nutritious drinks, and small gigs before Naelofar Hijab was launched. Neelofa took a road less-traveled when she founded Naelofar Hijab as she yearned for something that’s more sustainable. She identified a gap in the modest wear market and came out with a brilliant idea. In 2014, she launched her own line of affordable stylish headscarves catering to women of all ages. Having her own business is a relevant move as she believes life as a celebrity won’t last forever. Being a celebrity in the entertainment industry, it gives her the advantage to market her products and present herself as a brand
Neelofa parents are Mohd Noor (father) and Datin Noor Kartini Noor Mohamed (mother). She also has a step father Dato’ Abdul Halim Khan All Khan Neelofa has nine siblings 3 brothers and six sisters; Mohamed Faliq, Sara Dinna, Noor Nellisa, Noor Nabila, Nur Ameera, Mohd Aqief, Putri Nur Athira,Mohamed Firdaus, Nur Athisha. Noor Neelofa is second last daughter from another father. Television host and actress Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor considers her grandfather’s death a “big loss”, reported Harian Metro.On Instagram, she described Noor Mohamed as the person who had taught her about life, love, kindness and family importance. “Abah, you left us, my heart is broken and a part of me left with you. “You taught me so many things about life, love, kindness, about family, everything. “You were one of the people I look forward to meeting whenever I went back to Kelantan, ” she wrote. Noor Mohamed passed away at 11.20pm in a Kota Baru hospital at the age of 83
In 2004 Neelofa founded and helmed NH Prima Sdn Bhd as its director. “Naelofar Hijab”, her hijab brand, is sold in more than 37 countries including Brunei, Indonesia, Australia, UAE, United Kingdom and Europe. In June 2017 “Naelofar Hijab” collaborated with AirAsia to design hijab for female pilots of AirAsia and AirAsia X. In 2018 in conjuction of her birthday celebration she launched turban range “Be Lofa Turban” at Zouk KL. The turban was sold out in less than 24 hours after launching. She received criticisn from netizens for launching the turban in a nightclub. She issued a public apology on 1st March 2018 saying “I would like to sincerely apologise for causing stress and negative sentiments on the selection of the venue.” Neelofa credits a big part of her success to entering the market at the right time. A Reuters report estimated that Muslim consumers spent $266 billion on clothing and footwear in 2013 and expect this market to account for over 14% of the global fashion market by 2019. But her social media marketing strategy supported by her millions of Instagram fans has also played a big part in expanding the business. Among her handful of lifestyle brands, the "Naelofar hijab" line now sells in 38 countries, including her latest concession in the heart of London's upmarket Chelsea district
Neelofa stated that a big part of her success is by entering the demand market at the right time. It is estimated that Muslim consumers spent billion ringgit on modest clothing and it’s expected this market to account for more than 14% of the global fashion market by 2019. Her business started when the market demand is high and with her hardworking, she manages to sustain the business till today. Indeed, in any success story, there must be the ups and downs. Given her celebrity status, one cannot escape from controversies and backlashes.She learns from the lessons after each controversy or backlash so she knows not to make the same mistake in the future. Neelofa has landed ambassadorship roles with companies like Lancome and Swarovski and was inducted as a director for an airline company, Air Asia
Neelofa who prefers to have a cup of tea and a good book at night for ‘me-time’ hopes to inspire a new generation of female entrepreneurs in Malaysia. A woman should not just make money but also to have good confidence in themselves. Be strong and not necessarily rely on men. Neelofa who was listed on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia 2017 under Retail and E-commerce category wishes to expand her business ventures in the property sector, an industry where woman figure is hard to see