Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz was born in Selama, Perak on 4 November 1943 and her primary, secondary, and tertiary education in various schools in Kuala Lumpur, Kota Bharu and Johor Bharu.
She qualified with BA Degree in Economics in 1966, and Master in Economics in 1970, form the University of Malaya.
She worked as Tutor and as Lecturer in the Faculty of Economics, University of Malaya between 1966 and 1976.
She was appointed as Senator in 1974 and resigned to contest in the General Election in 1978. She served as Member of Parliament from 1978 to 2013 in the Selayang Constituency (1978 to 1982) and Kuala Kangsar Constituency (from 1982-2013).
In 1976 she was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Public Enterprises and in the 1977 promoted to Deputy Minister of Finance.
In 1980 she was made Minister of Public Enterprises a post she held for 7 years. In 1987 she was appointed Minister for Trade and Industry (subsequently redesignated Minister of International Trade and Industry), and served for 21 years up to 2008.
She served in the UMNO Supreme Council for 38 years since winning a seat in the council in 1975.
She has received various award from Federal Government of Malaysia and also from the State of Selangor, Perak, Malacca, Terengganu and Sarawak, as well as Awards from Thailand, Argentina and Chile.
Tan Sri Rafidah also been conferred Honorary Doctorates from University Putra Malaysia, University Utara Malaysia, University Tun Razak Malaysia, University of Malaya (Hon Doctorate in Economics) and Dominican University of California, USA.
She is now serving as Adjunct Professor at College of Business, University Utara Malaysia.
Currently, Tan Sri Rafidah is Chairman of following Companies:
- Air Asia X
- Megasteel Corporation
- Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studio
She is Patron of several NGO's including:
- National Cancer Society of Malaysia
- National Association of Women Entrepreneur (PENIAGAWATI)
- The Pan Pacific and South East Asia Women Associations of Malaysia
Tan Sri Rafidah also advisor to the Sarawak Renewable Energy Corridor (RECODA)