Overview
Women entrepreneurs are a growing force in driving economic growth. Advancing women’s equality could potentially inject 12 trillion USD or 11 percent in the global GDP by 2025 (McKinsey Global Institute, 2015). Across the ASEAN region, women-owned businesses constitute about 61.3 millions of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) or 9.8% of the overall regional population (GEM 2016). This figure highlights the vital role women play in the economic landscape, contributing to job creation and sustainable economic development. Conversely, women’s participation in entrepreneurship in Japan is relatively low, with over 600,000 female company presidents according to a national survey in 2023 (Tokyo Shoko Research 2023). This disparity highlights a crucial opportunity for collaboration between ASEAN and Japan to support and empower women entrepreneurs and reap the impact of gender equality in the two regions’ economic development. Against this backdrop, the ASEAN-Japan Centre, in collaboration with the ASEAN Youth Organization, the ASEAN Coordinating Committee for MSMEs, and the Women Leadership Foundation Malaysia, and with the support of ASEAN Secretariat, will organize the ASEAN-Japan Women Entrepreneurs Summit in Kuala Lumpur, in support of Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship. This Summit will bring together 100 women entrepreneurs and business ecosystem players from ten ASEAN member states and Japan to explore under the theme: digital inclusion and innovation, and sustainable businesses for women-led enterprises and MSMEs in ASEAN and Japan.
The Summit caps off the ASEAN-Japan Centre’s 2024 series of activities supporting women entrepreneurs, including a webinar in September, a two-day roundtable with 35 women entrepreneurs in Lao PDR in November, and research findings on innovation and sustainability challenges for women entrepreneurs in ASEAN and Japan. The Summit will provide fresh insights into the challenges and opportunities women entrepreneurs face, fostering economic resilience and sustainable development across ASEAN.
References:
- McKinsey Global Institute (2015).
The Power of Parity: How Advancing Women’s Equality Can Add $12 Trillion to Global Growth. McKinsey & Company. [Accessed 11 January 2025]. - Tokyo Shoko Research (2023).
“女性社長が61万2,224人、初めて60万人を超える『女性人口10万人当たり』の社長数 近畿がトップ(612,224 Female Presidents Exceeds 600,000 for the First Time)”. [online]: Available at https://www.tsr-net.co.jp/data/detail/1197991_1527.html. [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024]. - Xavier, S.R., Sidin, S.M., Guelich, U., and Nawangpalupi, C. (2016).
Global Entrepreneurship Monitor ASEAN Regional Entrepreneurship Report 2015/2016. ASEAN Entrepreneurship: The Context, Impact and Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs and Startups; Key Pivots for Growth and Sustainability. Kuala Lumpur: Universiti Tun Abdul Razak. [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
Event details
Date: Thursday February 13, 2025
Location: Renaissance Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia / Online webinar (Zoom)
Language: English *The event will be no spontaneous interpretation available in Malaysian and Japanese.
Onsite Registration Link: http://aseanyouth.net/ajwes
Online Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C8Pzvg_RQM64PRq7B-JfoQ#/registration
Concept Note
1. Project Background
The Summit will convene about 100 women entrepreneurs and business ecosystem players from 10 ASEAN member states (AMS) and Japan to discuss: How can public and private sectors effectively support digital inclusion, innovation, and sustainable businesses for women-led enterprises and MSMEs in ASEAN and Japan? The ASEAN-Japan Centre’s study on innovation and sustainability challenges and needs of women entrepreneurs in the region will be launched during the Summit.
2. Project Objectives
- – To provide a platform for female entrepreneurs and business ecosystem players to engage with other women entrepreneurs in other AMS and Japan.
- – To foster economic resilience and sustainable development of women-owned enterprises in ASEAN and Japan.
Programme
*as of 23, January 2025
Time (GMT8) | |
08:30 -09:00 | Onsite registration / Online participants standby |
09:00 -09:05 | Opening Remarks (TBC) Speaker: A senior representative from Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) |
09:10 -09:15 | Welcome Remarks (Video message) Speaker: H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary General, ASEAN |
09:15 -09:20 | Message Supporting Women Entrepreneurs as Part of Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship Speaker: H.E.YB Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister, Malaysia Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (TBC) |
09:20 -09:40 | Keynote Speech Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in ASEAN and Japan in the Age of AI, Innovation and Sustainability Drawing from the remarkable 30-year journey of high-level consulting on business digital transformation and change management, and through her leadership of Women in Technology under the PIKOM (National ICT Association of Malaysia), Dato’ Dr. Munirah Looi talk’s will feature the transformative power of innovation in creating opportunities for women in business. She will provide valuable insights into breaking the glass gender ceiling, leveraging technology for growth and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. Speaker: Dato’ Dr. Munirah Looi, Deputy Chair for the Women in Technology Chapter, PIKOM; and Founder and CEO of Brandt International, Malaysia |
09:40 -09:55 | Presentation of the Findings of the Roundtable Discussion on the Challenges on Innovation and Sustainability of Women Entrepreneurs in ASEAN and Japan Speaker: Dr. Kunihiko Hirabayashi, MD, Secretary General, ASEAN-Japan Centre |
09:55 -10:45 | Panel Session 1: Harnessing AI and Digital Skills for Women-Owned Enterprises How can AI and digital tools revolutionize women-owned businesses to thrive in the modern business landscape? This session will discuss practical strategies for integrating AI into business operations, ensuring cybersecurity, enhancing digital literacy, and leveraging technology to drive growth and innovation. The speakers will bring insights into overcoming common challenges, accessing resources, and creating sustainable, tech-driven enterprises. Moderator: Dr. Heather L. Taylor-Straus, Economist, UNESCAP Panelists: Ms. Oranuch Lerdsuwankij, Co-founder and CEO, Techsauce, Thailand Dr. Jasmine Begum, Director of Legal, Corporate and Government Affairs for ASEAN and New Markets, Microsoft Dato’ Dr. Munirah Looi, Deputy Chair for the Women in Technology Chapter, PIKOM; and Founder and CEO of Brandt International, Malaysia Ms. Lennise Ng, CEO of Borong, Malaysia |
10:45 -11:00 | Q&A |
10:45 -11:00 | Coffee break |
11:15 -12:05 | Panel Session 2: Strategic Access to Finance and Gender-Smart Investments This session will delve into the critical role of financial access and gender-smart investments in empowering women entrepreneurs. The panelists will share insights on innovative financing solutions, the importance of gender-lens investing, and practical steps to secure funding for women-owned businesses. The discussion will include the latest trends in inclusive finance, hear success stories, and explore how targeted investments can drive economic growth and gender equality. Moderator: Ms. Fai Wechayachai, Head of Asia Market Development, GSG Impact, Thailand Panelists: Dr. Melissa Foo, CEO, Malaysia Impact Alliance Ms. Noor Amy Ismail, Board of Directors, Wahed Ventures, Malaysia Ms.Naoko Ueda, Head of Tokyo Centre, OECD 4. Ms. Priya Thachadi, Co-Founder and CEO, Villgro Philippines |
12:05 -12:20 | Q&A |
12:20 -12:25 | Wrap up of morning session |
12:30 -14:00 | Lunch Buffet |
14:00 -14:50 | Panel Session 3: Easing Women’s Burden: Innovations in the Care Economy This session will explore innovations in the care economy aimed at reducing the burdens traditionally shouldered by women. The panelists will discuss innovative technologies and new business models that support caregiving responsibilities and promote more equity in caregiving roles in society. The discussion will provide insights into the transformative potential of technology and how it can improve work-life balance, enhance economic opportunities for women, and create more inclusive communities. Moderator: Dr. Kunihiko Hirabayashi, MD, Secretary General, ASEAN-Japan Centre Panelists: Ms. Nadira Yusoff, Founder and CEO, Kiddocare Malaysia, and Focal Point for ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN), Malaysia Dr. Gengpong Tangaroonsanti, MD, President of Thai Elderly Health Trade and Service Association; Hospital CEO of Chersery Home International, Thailand Ms. Sylwin Ang, General Manager, Ageing Asia, Singapore Mr. Jason Leong, CEO, Better Dads Malaysia, Malaysia |
14:50 -15:05 | Q&A |
15:05 -15:20 | Coffee break |
15:20 -16:10 | Panel session 4: Leveraging Sustainability for Growth and Impact Can businesses be profitable and sustainable at the same time? This session will highlight how integrating sustainability into business practices can drive business growth and create significant positive impact in society. The panelists will share insights on how to integrate sustainable strategies that enhance business resilience, attract ethical investments, and open new market opportunities. The discussion will explore successful business cases, accessing sustainable and impact funds, and how sustainability can be a powerful catalyst for business success and societal change. Moderator: Ms. Nozomi Mizuno Witherspoon, Director of Sustainability Relations, Coca Cola Bottlers Japan Panelists: Ms. Ayaka Matsuno, Director of Social Innovation, Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan Ms. Katrina Inandia, Head of Impact and Sustainability, Amartha, Indonesia Ms. Mylene Abiva, Corporate Secretary and Co-Chairperson of International Affairs, Women’s Business Council Philippines Ms. Sopheak Lar, Secretary General, ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs’ Network (AWEN) |
16:10 -16:25 | Q&A |
16:25 -17:20 | Panel Session 5: Closing the Gender Divide and Enabling Women-owned Enterprises to Scale This session will focus on strategies to bridge the gender divide and support the growth of women-owned enterprises. The panelists will discuss the challenges women entrepreneurs face, share successful case studies, and explore policies and initiatives that promote gender equality in business. Moderator: Datuk (Dr.) Hafsah Hashim, Founder and Chairman of Women Leadership Foundation, Malaysia Panelists: Ms. Jukhee Hong, Executive Director, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia Dr. Jezamine Lim, Co-founder and CEO, Cell Biotherapeutics Resources, Malaysia Ms. Anne Abraham, Founder and Chairperson, LeadWomen, Malaysia Ms. Sue Yii Yap, CEO, Komuniti Tukang Jahit (KTJ), Malaysia |
17:20 -17:35 | Q&A |
17:35 -17:40 | Key Takeaways and Wrap Up |
17:40 -17:45 | Closing Remarks Speaker: Mr. Senjaya Mulia, Founder, ASEAN Youth Organization |
17:45 -18:00 | End of Summit Photo session |
18:00 -20:00 | Dinner Banquet and Networking Session Selected speakers and guests of honor (35 persons) Dinner Toast ASEAN Coordinating Committee on MSMEs Representative (TBC) Message from the Founder and Chairman of Women Leaders Foundation, Malaysia Speaker: Datuk (Dr.) Hafsah Hashim Message from Minister, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan in Malaysia Speaker: Mr. Atsushi Karimata Message from the Secretary General of Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Speaker: YBhg. Dato’ Sri Khairul Dzaimee bin Daud Message from the Chairman of ASEAN Business Advisory Council Malaysia Speaker: H.E. Tan Sri Nazir Razak (TBC) Special Performances |
Contact
Research & Policy Advocacy Team
ASEAN-Japan Centre