KUALA LUMPUR: The inaugural ASEAN Women Economic Summit 2025 (AWES 2025) kicked off today with a firm commitment to place women at the heart of Southeast Asia’s inclusive economic growth and regional integration agenda.
The two-day summit, hosted under Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship, aims to spotlight the vital contributions of women across all sectors and strengthen their role in shaping a resilient, connected, and prosperous ASEAN.
A Platform for Collective Action
Datuk Dr Hafsah Hashim, founder and chairman of the Women Leadership Foundation, emphasised that ASEAN governments are actively investing in rural development, education, and healthcare—key areas for unlocking the full potential of women in the region.
“We have leaders who are passionate and persistent in pushing for women’s contributions to the economy. This enables us to strive for a more energised and prosperous ASEAN,” she said at the AWES 2025 press conference.
She described the summit as a dynamic platform for regional collaboration, leadership development, and cross-border growth opportunities for women entrepreneurs, professionals, and policymakers.
Malaysia’s Commitment to Gender-Inclusive Growth
Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz highlighted that AWES 2025 aligns with Malaysia’s chairmanship theme of Inclusivity and Sustainability. He said the initiative dovetails with the ministry’s ongoing efforts to empower women, youth, and MSMEs.
“With support from all parties, our ministry and the government will ensure AWES continues to receive strong backing year after year,” he said. “We want to uplift women through targeted programmes and open access to new market opportunities via upselling initiatives.”
Elevating Leadership, Inspiring Change
Themed Empowering Women, Energising ASEAN: Pioneering Economic Integration for a Resilient Tomorrow, the summit features high-level sessions including strategic dialogues, leadership labs, mentorship forums, and a gala dinner. Over 700 delegates from across ASEAN’s public, private and civil sectors are in attendance.
The summit aims to position women at the forefront of ASEAN’s transformation, especially amid global trade tensions, digital acceleration, and sustainability challenges.
Private Sector Support
UOB Malaysia CEO Ng Wei Wei stressed that inclusive leadership is crucial to sustainable growth.
“As ASEAN grows in complexity and opportunity, inclusive leadership isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential for long-term prosperity,” she said. “UOB is proud to support AWES 2025 as a strong advocate of inclusive growth across the region.”
UOB Malaysia is the summit’s main sponsor, while Kuok Brothers Sdn Bhd is the official empowerment partner.
— BERNAMA
