Latest news with #WWEBS
The Star
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Women leading the charge toward a digital, sustainable and inclusive future
KSI deputy chairman Datuk Seri Iqbal Rawther presenting a memento to Nurul Izzah, in the presence of (from left) KSI executive vice chairman Datuk Seri Dr Vaseehar Hassan Abdul Razack, Yeoh, Rusmini and Halimah at the Luncheon of 2025 WWEBS. KUALA LUMPUR: The 2025 World Women Economic and Business Summit (WWEBS) convened over 200 distinguished participants including policymakers, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders and changemakers from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond at the Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Held under the theme 'Transforming Tomorrow: Women Leading in a Digital, Sustainable and Inclusive Future,' the summit celebrated women's leadership in driving inclusive, sustainable and digitally empowered progress. Now in its fourth edition since its launch in 2022, WWEBS has firmly established itself as the premier platform in the region dedicated to advancing women's roles in economic and business leadership. The 2025 summit featured a dynamic mix of plenary discussions, interactive workshops, a fireside chat with women ambassadors and leaders and a special awards ceremony honouring outstanding women in business. The summit opened with welcoming remarks from WWEBS organising committee chair Datuk Halimah Mohd Said, followed by virtual addresses from United Nations under-secretary-general and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) executive secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana and Thailand Foreign Affairs Vice Minister Dr Lalivan Karnchanachari. Both underscored the critical role of women in steering sustainable development and inclusive innovation. A series of high-impact plenary sessions examined women's influence in some of the most pressing global domains. These included: • AI and Digital Leadership, featuring voices such as Dr H.C. Cristina Amor Maclang and Oranuch Lerdsuwankij, which explored how women are shaping the future of technology and responsible digital governance. • Climate Action and the Green Economy, spotlighting the leadership of women in ESG, green business models and renewable energy. • Global Health Security and Crisis Leadership, where speakers like Datuk Zunaidah Idris and Dr Revati Phalkey discussed women's critical roles in responding to global disruptions while maintaining economic resilience. In addition, an interactive session titled 'The Power of Arts in Business', led by Brian Cracknell, encouraged participants to think boldly and creatively about women's leadership across sectors. The afternoon Fireside Chat brought together Nineta Barbulescu, Dr Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed and Chong Chye Neo, offering powerful reflections on diplomacy, business innovation and inclusive policy-making. Moderated by Josephine Romero, the session highlighted the importance of international collaboration and gender-responsive economic ecosystems. A key highlight of the summit was the presentation of the Women Excellence Awards, recognising trailblazing women who have made outstanding contributions to business, entrepreneurship and community development. During the keynote session, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri delivered an inspiring address titled 'Transforming Tomorrow: The Power of Women's Leadership', reaffirming the government's commitment to advancing gender parity in leadership and entrepreneurship. Earlier, Education Ministry deputy director-general (policy and curriculum sector) Dr Rusmini Ku Ahmad, representing the Education Minister, delivered a special luncheon address highlighting the importance of educational pathways for women's economic empowerment. The second address was delivered by PKR deputy president and former special advisor to the Finance Minister Nurul Izzah Anwar, who shared valuable insights on empowering women in the national development agenda. 'This summit is not just a gathering. It is a movement. A movement to amplify women's voices, celebrate their leadership and reimagine a world where innovation, sustainability and inclusivity are driven by the vision of women leaders. 'We must invest more in education, mentorship and opportunities for women across all sectors to ensure that the future we build is fairer, greener and digitally empowered.' said KSI president Tan Sri Michael Yeoh.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Call for decisive action to close gender gap in digital access
KUALA LUMPUR: Governments and businesses must act decisively to close the gender gap in digital access and ensure women are central to the design and governance of emerging technologies, said Thailand's Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs. Dr Lalivan Karnchanachari. 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.
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Women must lead digital shift, says WWEBS Chair
KUALA LUMPUR: Women must be prepared to navigate the challenges of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) to lead effectively and ensure they are not left behind in tackling global issues, said Datuk Halimah Mohd Said, Chair of the World Women Economic & Business Summit (WWEBS) organising committee. Halimah said that women leaders need to demonstrate credibility and the ability to motivate their teams to translate vision into meaningful action. "Although there is often a strong emphasis on vision and goals, what is more important is creating positive change within organisations, having charismatic leadership, leading by example, and inspiring enthusiasm that can drive teams towards meaningful results," she said in her opening speech at WWEBS, here today. "This is because when vision and objectives are communicated clearly and effectively, the team becomes more motivated and capable of delivering extraordinary and holistic outcomes." She also called for leadership transformation at every level to guide organisations with a strong vision and encourage teams to adopt fresh, innovative thinking. The fourth edition of WWEBS this year brings together women leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and changemakers from across the Asia-Pacific under the theme "Transforming Tomorrow: Women Leading in a Digital, Sustainable, and Inclusive Future". The summit underscores the critical role women play in steering transformative change across economies and communities. Among the key attendees are Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and PKR Deputy President Nurul Izzah Anwar. Halimah described WWEBS as a vital platform for sharing ideas, perspectives, and solutions to global challenges through the lens of women's leadership. "You are all part of an important platform for women leaders. Whether you are leading your own team or an organisation, you are already leading—and preparing to lead—in shaping our shared future." In line with the summit's digital theme, Datuk Halimah also highlighted the intersection of technology and creativity, referencing an exhibition of 19 artworks by six female artists, including one who used artificial intelligence and augmented reality to bring her static pieces to life. Thailand Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Lalivan Karnchanachari also delivered a special address that spotlighted Thailand's national initiatives to empower women in the digital economy. "Technology can profoundly transform societies," she said, while also warning of persistent gender disparities—pointing out that women account for less than 30 per cent of online learners in Thailand. She called for collective action from governments, educators and industry to close the digital gender gap and ensure women are central to the design and governance of emerging technologies. "Let us reimagine a health system that truly serves women and girls," Dr Lalivan urged. "And let us build an economy that thrives because it includes and uplifts women at every level."
The Star
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
WOMEN DRIVING SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE PROGRESS
Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia together with recipients of the World Women Excellence and Leadership Awards at the 2024 World Women Economic and Business Summit. AS global economies face converging challenges – ranging from climate volatility to digital disruption – women leaders are stepping forward not only with resilience but with bold vision. At this year's World Women Economic and Business Summit (WWEBS,) to be held at Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur on July 10 and themed 'Transforming Tomorrow: Women Leading in a Digital, Sustainable and Inclusive Future', two Malaysian ministers will take centre stage alongside global diplomats to address urgent issues of sustainability, education and women's economic resilience. Ministerial leadership Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri will deliver the keynote address entitled 'Transforming Tomorrow: The Power of Women's Leadership.' Her speech is expected to spotlight Malaysia's evolving gender-responsive policies and the ministry's agenda for boosting women's leadership in both public and private sectors. From legislative support for caregivers to expanding digital literacy among rural women, Nancy is known for pushing beyond tokenism to achieve systemic change. Complementing her vision is Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, who will deliver a special luncheon address focused on 'Educational Pathways for Women's Economic Empowerment.' Education reform has long been a cornerstone of long-term gender equity and Fadhlina's efforts to embed digital skills, climate awareness and leadership training into Malaysia's education system reflect her commitment to equipping the next generation of women with tools to thrive in a green and digital economy. Diplomatic dialogue The Fireside Chat with Women Ambassadors and High Commissioners is one of the most anticipated sessions. Featuring Maria Angela Abrera Ponce (Philippines), Nineta Barbulescu (Romania), and Dr Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed (Maldives), the dialogue will explore how diplomatic missions are working to integrate women into trade, entrepreneurship and policymaking frameworks. Moderated by Asean economic adviser Josephine Romero, this discussion will unpack the diplomatic and cross-border cooperation required to open access to finance, foster women-led startups and expand trade networks that include women-owned enterprises – particularly in sectors like renewable energy and digital innovation. Systemic renewal Another highlight of WWEBS 2025 is the panel on Global Health Security, Crisis Leadership and Women's Economic Resilience. Featuring speakers from the UN, academia and private sector – including Rupa Chanda (UN ESCAP) and Datuk Zunaidah Idris (Women Leadership Foundation) – the session will explore how women-led organisations responded to pandemic-era disruptions and what adaptive strategies are needed going forward. Importantly, this conversation will examine why women – often overrepresented in vulnerable employment and underrepresented in decision-making – must be central in shaping more shock-proof economies. From rethinking healthcare access to building community-based safety nets, the panel reinforces that resilience is not about recovery alone – it's about redesigning systems. Why WWEBS matters now Since its founding in 2022, WWEBS has become Asia-Pacific's flagship platform for amplifying women's voices in business and economic policy. With over 12 countries represented and topics ranging from AI to green finance, this year's summit doesn't just elevate inspirational stories – it drives action, policy discourse and meaningful cross-sector partnerships. As climate change accelerates and technology reshapes the global workforce, the role of women in steering sustainable and inclusive growth is not aspirational – it is essential.
