The cosmetics mogul, whose real name is Hasmiza Othman, also questioned Malaysia’s standing in the international arena.
“Is Malaysia too small? Is Malaysia too backward to have a Malaysian woman in the top 100 most powerful women’s list?
“I could be the one,” she said to FMT.
Vida advised those from the younger generation not to just focus on their studies, but to prove that they can survive and earn their own living.
“From my experience, I just did it myself. I worked and carried out my business and whatever I could to survive.
“If you want to be like me, you have to work and conduct your business while you are studying.
“If you think you are good enough, prove that your academic performance can excel while you are earning a living.”
Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and activist Marina Mahathir also commented on the lack of Malaysians on the Forbes list, with Kok saying it did not surprise her.
The DAP vice-chairperson said the country’s reputation meant that women have fewer opportunities to be recognised at the international level.
“Malaysia used to have a strong figure in Zeti Akhtar Aziz, who was the Bank Negara Malaysia governor from 2000 to 2016.
“But our country has become more and more insignificant in the eyes of the international community,” she said.
Marina, too, said she was not surprised by the results.
“I don’t know what criteria were used, but it’s obvious that no Malaysian women have any influence or power within the country or internationally.
“There isn’t much I can say.”