Latest news with #HafsahHashim
The Star
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Harnessing AWES-ome female talent
Empowering move: Tengku Zafrul and Women Leadership Foundation founder and chairman Datuk Dr Hafsah Hashim jointly launching the Asean Women Economic Summit 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Asean's first Women's Economic Empowerment Centre (AWES), which will make economic potential and opportunities accessible to all including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), youth and women, will be set up in Kuala Lumpur. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said this aligns with the theme of Malaysia's chairmanship of Asean this year, which is 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. 'In short, as Asean Chair for 2025, we are placing inclusive growth at the heart of South-East Asia's policies,' he said at the Asean Women Economic Summit, Bernama reported. Tengku Zafrul said while challenges facing the association's individual countries are unique, efforts must be made to ensure region-wide solutions. 'This is where AWES can play a stronger role and as Asean Chair, Malaysia looks forward to the centre,' he said. Tengku Zafrul hoped the centre would generate quick wins to create gender-inclusive standards and policies, as well as improve access to finance for the region. 'If we were to create a US$1bil (RM4.24bil) fund for Asean, how should it be governed to ensure broad-based impact, transparency and access for women-led businesses? 'A lot of work lies ahead. One summit alone won't solve all the challenges facing women. But the centre contributes to a worthy cause that has been championed for decades,' he added. Acknowledging that the odds are often stacked against women, he said Asean could reverse this by creating an environment for women to survive, thrive, enter or re-enter the workforce, start or sustain businesses and avoid having to choose between motherhood and a career. 'This is the roadmap for Malaysia and Asean's future prosperity,' he said. Sharing Malaysia's experience, Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia's Madani Economy framework emphasises sustainability, prosperity and inclusivity, and places women's empowerment at the heart of national development. In his own ministry, various concrete measures have been implemented, including introducing gender-responsive provisions in all new trade agreements and establishing a RM200mil fund specifically for women entrepreneurs in high-growth sectors. 'I should also add that in my ministry, women make up around 69% of the top management. Our chief negotiator on US tariffs, and one of our deputy secretary-generals is a lady. 'We also have many others who are highly experienced,' he added.
Malaysian Reserve
24-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
AWES 2025 champions women's role in ASEAN's inclusive growth
THE inaugural ASEAN Women Economic Summit 2025 (AWES 2025) marks a pivotal step in Southeast Asia's pursuit of inclusive economic growth, with a focus on ensuring that every woman in the region plays a role in driving progress and energising ASEAN's future. Women Leadership Foundation founder and chairman Datuk Hafsah Hashim (picture) said the governments of various ASEAN member states are actively working not only to promote rural development but also to champion growth in sectors such as education and healthcare – both essential for unlocking the full potential of women. 'We have leaders who believe in this growth, who are passionate and persistent in pushing for women's contribution to the economy. This enables us to strive for a more energised and prosperous ASEAN,' she told reporters during the AWES 2025 press conference today. She said the summit will serve as a dynamic platform for fostering regional collaboration, leadership excellence, and limitless opportunities for growth, connection, and impact. Meanwhile, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said AWES 2025 is a significant platform under Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship, bringing together multiple stakeholders from across the region. He said the establishment of AWES 2025 aligns with MITI's aim to empower women and youth, as well as micro, small, and medium enterprises, in line with the ASEAN chairmanship theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. 'I believe that with support from all parties, our ministry and the government remain persistent in ensuring continued backing for AWES 2025 year after year. 'Going forward, we want to uplift women through various programmes and expose women entrepreneurs to greater opportunities in new markets through upselling initiatives,' he said. The two-day summit, which begins today, features sessions on global-local dialogue, strategic brainstorming, leadership lab, mentorship connect, and gala dinner, involving over 700 delegates representing government, business, and civil society across ASEAN. The summit theme, 'Empowering Women, Energising ASEAN: Pioneering Economic Integration for a Resilient Tomorrow', reflects the urgent need to position women at the forefront of ASEAN's economic transformation, particularly in addressing current challenges such as global tariff wars, digital transformation, and sustainable development. — BERNAMA
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
AWES 2025 champions women's role in ASEAN's inclusive growth
KUALA LUMPUR: The inaugural ASEAN Women Economic Summit 2025 (AWES 2025) marks a pivotal step in Southeast Asia's pursuit of inclusive economic growth, with a focus on ensuring that every woman in the region plays a role in driving progress and energising ASEAN's future. Women Leadership Foundation founder and chairman Datuk Hafsah Hashim said the governments of various ASEAN member states are actively working not only to promote rural development but also to champion growth in sectors such as education and healthcare– both essential for unlocking the full potential of women. 'We have leaders who believe in this growth, who are passionate and persistent in pushing for women's contribution to the economy. This enables us to strive for a more energised and prosperous ASEAN,' she told reporters during the AWES 2025 press conference today. She said the summit will serve as a dynamic platform for fostering regional collaboration, leadership excellence, and limitless opportunities for growth, connection, and impact. Meanwhile, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said AWES 2025 is a significant platform under Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship, bringing together multiple stakeholders from across the region. He said the establishment of AWES 2025 aligns with MITI's aim to empower women and youth, as well as micro, small, and medium enterprises, in line with the ASEAN chairmanship theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. 'I believe that with support from all parties, our ministry and the government remain persistent in ensuring continued backing for AWES 2025 year after year. 'Going forward, we want to uplift women through various programmes and expose women entrepreneurs to greater opportunities in new markets through upselling initiatives,' he said. The two-day summit, which begins today, features sessions on global-local dialogue, strategic brainstorming, leadership lab, mentorship connect, and gala dinner, involving over 700 delegates representing government, business, and civil society across ASEAN. The summit theme, 'Empowering Women, Energising ASEAN: Pioneering Economic Integration for a Resilient Tomorrow', reflects the urgent need to position women at the forefront of ASEAN's economic transformation, particularly in addressing current challenges such as global tariff wars, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
