The Conference Aims to Emphasise on Empowering Women Entrepreneurs through Innovation and Collaboration.
Kuala Lumpur, 18 October 2024 – The East & Southeast Asia Women Entrepreneur Conference 2024 brought together an inspiring assembly of women leaders, policymakers, and innovators from across the region to promote inclusive growth, digital empowerment, and leadership in business.
Held with the support of key figures such as YB Nicole Tan Lee Koon, State Exco of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Committee of Negeri Sembilan, and hosted by the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC), the event highlighted the crucial role of women in driving regional economic progress.
Celebrating Success and Breaking Barriers
The conference spotlighted trailblazing women who have made remarkable contributions to business and leadership, such as Malaysia’s own Neelofa of Naelofar Hijab and Padzilah Enda Sulaiman of Siti Khadijah. These pioneers exemplify how women entrepreneurs have successfully leveraged digital tools to build sustainable brands, transform industries, and stimulate job creation.
Recent successes were also recognised with Malaysia’s strong representation on Fortune’s 2024 Most Powerful Women Asia list, featuring leaders such as Joanne Rodrigues (Affin Bank), Jennifer Wong (Maxis), Vivienne Cheng (Berjaya), and Khalijah Ismail (Maybank). Moreover, the country leads the region in gender diversity on corporate boards, with women making up 28.5% of directors.
YB Nicole Tan shared her own journey towards gender inclusion in governance, noting her historic achievement of 45% female representation on the Johor state committee. Her HerLead programme, aimed at developing young women leaders, underscores the importance of fostering female participation in politics, business, and leadership.
“We stand at the forefront of change,” said Nicole Tan. “By promoting digital literacy and creating access to leadership training, we are empowering a new generation of women to navigate the complexities of the entrepreneurial world.”
Building a Digital Future for Women Entrepreneurs
The conference also showcased the impact of government-backed initiatives such as the Women Entrepreneur Financing Program by SME Corp Malaysia and digital skills training by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). With over 1,000 women trained in business pitching, financial management, and product development in 2024 alone, these programmes ensure that women are well-prepared to seize opportunities in the digital economy.
The Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL) further reinforces this agenda by promoting digital transformation and market access for women-led enterprises.
The event also emphasised the importance of collaboration to sustain momentum. The conference is not just a celebration but a platform for meaningful connections and action to unite stakeholders while fostering a more inclusive and prosperous future.
The two-day event concludes with masterclasses led by industry experts, networking opportunities, and showcases of products by women entrepreneurs, demonstrating the breadth of innovation across the region.
As participants prepare to depart, the East & Southeast Asia Women Entrepreneur Conference 2024 serves as a powerful reminder that the future of business lies in the hands of women leaders determined to reshape the world through innovation, resilience, and unity.
