Call for decisive action to close gender gap in digital access
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 World Women Economic and Business Summit (WWEBS) today, Lalivan said inclusive participation is critical to unlocking the full economic potential of digital transformation.
'Technology can fundamentally reshape economies, but women must be included from the start,' she said.
'In Thailand, women account for less than 30% of online learners, a clear signal that access and engagement remain unequal.'
She called for strategic collaboration between governments, the private sector and academia to address barriers to participation and develop policies that support women in the digital economy.
This year's WWEBS gathers more than 500 delegates from across the Asia-Pacific, including women leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers. The summit, now in its fourth year, carries the theme 'Transforming Tomorrow: Women Leading in a Digital, Sustainable and Inclusive Future'.
The event aims to strengthen women's leadership in high-impact areas such as digital innovation, sustainability and inclusive business growth.
WWEBS organising committee chair Datuk Halimah Mohd Said said women leaders must be ready to navigate the disruptive forces of artificial intelligence (AI), climate adaptation and evolving workforce demands.
'To lead effectively in today's economy, credibility, vision and execution are crucial,' she said in her opening address.
'Leadership is not just about setting goals, but inspiring action that drives measurable results.'
Halimah also emphasised the need for leadership renewal across industries, saying that digital transformation requires a shift in mindset, not just tools. 'Companies need leaders who are agile, innovative, and capable of aligning teams with a forward-looking strategy.'
WWEBS, she added, serves as a strategic platform for cross-sector collaboration, enabling businesses and institutions to exchange insights and scale gender-inclusive solutions.
In line with the summit's digital theme, an on-site exhibition showcased 19 artworks by six female artists, including a featured piece that integrated AI and augmented reality, underscoring how creative and tech sectors are converging.
Among the distinguished guests were Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and former special adviser to the finance minister Nurul Izzah Anwar, both of whom stressed the importance of creating ecosystems that support women-led ventures.
The summit also honoured leading entrepreneurs and executives through its annual Business Excellence Awards and Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Awards, recognising trailblazers driving transformation across industries.
As businesses worldwide embrace automation, environmental, social and governance standards and borderless markets, WWEBS positions itself as a regional anchor point for developing inclusive economic strategies led by women.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Sarawak premier pays tribute to late wife on Women's Day
KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today paid tribute to his late wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, during the state's 2025 Women's Day celebration. He said her quiet wisdom and graceful presence had left a lasting impact on his life and leadership. Abang Johari shared that Juma'ani played a key role behind the scenes, often offering subtle but meaningful advice that shaped him over the years. "She was never one to correct me in public. If she had something to say, she would wait until we were alone—usually in the car on the way home," he said. He recalled a moment after a formal dinner when she gently reminded him about proper etiquette. "In the car, she told me, 'Bang (referring to Abang Johari), next time don't stand up so quickly. "Look to your left and right first. We've already had our dessert, but others are just being served. "When we get up, everyone else follows, and they might miss their dessert." He said they were frequently invited to official functions, particularly dinners, and on that occasion, his early departure had unintentionally triggered others to follow suit. The celebration, held at the new state assembly complex, recognised the vital role of women in Sarawak's development. Abang Johari said women play a significant part across all sectors—including government administration, the economy and society. "They are not only mothers but are also raising children who will one day take on important roles," he said. He said that many senior positions in state departments and agencies are now held by women and expressed his appreciation for their readiness to embrace technological change. Also present at the event was Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, who said Women's Day is a recognition of the important contributions women have made in shaping culture, society and the future. "It reminds us of the powerful role of women in nation-building and the creation of lasting legacies for future generations," she said. She added that this year's theme—"Diversity, Equality, Equity and Inclusivity"—was chosen to reflect Sarawak's human development agenda, which emphasises equality in diversity, regardless of geography, gender, race, religion or ability. Later, the premier presented the Premier Appreciation Awards to outstanding women and organisations for their achievements. Among the recipients were: -Nur Aleesya Dayana Mohamad Salim, who received the Young Women Leadership Award -The Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group, which received the Excellence NGO Award -Sarawak Energy Bhd, which received the Responsive Diversity, Equality, Equity and Inclusivity Award Businesswoman Mastika Jamali and Datin Catherine Kelo, who were also honoured for their leadership contributions Also in attendance were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Asfia Awang Nasar, and Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
From Bekenu to the books: Porwosujarwati's legacy recognised in ‘Sarawak Women Book'
Porwosujarwati receiving the Sarawak Women Book from Fatimah in Kuching on July 31, 2025.. MIRI (Aug 2): Being featured in the 'Sarawak Women Book 2025 – Sarawak Women Creating Legacies' is something that local entrepreneur Porwosujarwati Suhaimi hails as 'a dream coming true'. The 12th edition of the book was launched in conjunction with the Women's Day 2025 celebration on Thursday by State Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah in Kuching. Porwosujarwati was among 27 outstanding women representing diverse professional backgrounds such as education, sports, public service and entrepreneurship. The 40-year-old entrepreneur runs a successful duck farming and vegetable cultivation venture under the brand 'Watiza Agrofarm', based at Jalan Kampung Opak in Bekenu, Sibuti near here. Watiza Agrofarm is among the notable Bumiputera-owned enterprises producing and distributing salted eggs that meet growing market demands in Bekenu and Miri. In addition to duck farming, Porwosujarwati's operations include cultivating a wide range of vegetables and herbs including chillies, eggplants, okras, cucumbers, pumpkins, baby corns, jackfruit, lemongrass, turmeric, galangal, and also taro. Among her key achievements this year was winning a business grant under the Rural Business Challenge (RBC) 2.0, where she was the sole recipient from Sarawak to be awarded the grant by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW). 'I would like to share this joy with everyone who has stood by me through the ups and downs,' said Porwosujarwati, hailing the award as 'a testament to what determination, hard work, and support could achieve'. 'This award proves that with effort, prayer, and support, nothing is impossible. Don't be afraid to dream big. 'Hard work is essential to achieving those dreams,' she said. entrepreneur Porwosujarwati Suhaimi Sarawak Women Book 2025
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Lawas set to become key livestock hub with innovative buffalo, corn projects
Rohani (seated centre) listens to a briefing by project officers during her field visit. LAWAS (Aug 1): Two agricultural projects under the Integrated Village Economic Development Project (Prospek) are expected to transform Lawas into a key livestock producer in Sarawak, according to advisor to the Sarawak Premier's Office for the Rural Projects and Programmes Monitoring Division, Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim. The projects — buffalo farming in Kampung Long Tuan and corn cultivation in Kampung Long Kachu — are part of efforts to establish the Limbang Division as a producer for iconic livestock. During a site visit to Ulu Trusan on Thursday, Rohani highlighted the innovative approach of the buffalo farming project, which features Malaysia's first buffalo pen constructed with concrete pillars. 'This is a buffalo farming project, and we are seeing a new site being opened with pens made from concrete. If implemented, it would be the first of its kind in Malaysia,' she said during the visit, which followed a briefing held at Seri Malaysia Lawas Hotel. Rohani was accompanied by Lawas MP Dato Henry Sum Agong during the visit to the Prospek sites. On the corn cultivation project, Rohani noted that 13 participants from Kampung Long Kachu are involved in planting activities spanning 13 acres. The corn serves a dual purpose: export to foreign markets and livestock feed for the Lawas area. 'The participants have applied for additional allocations, as their corn crops support both export sales and livestock feeding needs,' she explained. Rohani, a former Minister of Women, Family and Community Development and previously Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industries, praised the creativity shown by local participants, describing the projects as highly successful. Encouraged by the positive developments, she pledged to submit a report supporting applications to expand both projects in the Trusan area. 'These projects underscore the government's commitment to sustainable rural economic development through agricultural and community empowerment,' she said. The Prospek projects in Lawas are expected to generate additional income sources for rural communities while contributing to Sarawak's agricultural output and food security. farming Lawas livestock PROSPEK
