KOTA KINABALU: Women across Asean have been called upon to chart a 20-year framework and action plan to develop a more inclusive, innovative, competitive, and people-centred venture capital (VC) ecosystem, in line with the Asean VC Strategic Plan 2045.
Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said 2025 marks a pivotal moment, marking the midway point of the Asean Community 2025 and the beginning of efforts toward achieving the Asean Community Vision 2045.
As Chair of Asean this year, Malaysia has adopted “Inclusivity and Sustainability” as the core theme of its leadership, she said during the Asean Women Conference on Best Practice (AWCOBP) 2025, held on Saturday.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});“The unity of women across the bloc is a source of strength. Since the formation of Asean over five decades ago, women have been instrumental in sectors such as education, health, digital economy, and even diplomacy,” said Hanifah.
However, she acknowledged that barriers persist, including stereotypes, patriarchal norms, and limited access to opportunities. “Empowering women through stronger regional synergy is key to overcoming these challenges,” she added.
Hanifah highlighted that national policies already empower women in strategic areas including AI, semiconductors, renewable energy, halal and orange economies, and quality tourism.
She said digital upskilling, green tech adaptation, and social entrepreneurship would continue to be crucial for advancing women’s roles in the economy.
Under the National Women’s Policy 2025–2030, Malaysia aims to achieve 60 per cent female labour force participation, one million registered women entrepreneurs, 30 per cent of decision-making roles held by women, and 10 per cent female representation in defence and security sectors.
“Women currently make up nearly half of Asean’s population, yet only 26 per cent hold senior management roles, and 22 per cent are represented in parliaments, according to the Women’s Economic Summit 2025,” she said.
Hanifah also pointed to the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), tabled on July 31, which emphasises women and youth empowerment through TVET and digital training.
The government is integrating existing initiatives like Wanita Bangkit, MyKasih Capital, WeJANA, and WeBridge into a cohesive framework to meet its 2030 goals.
“With collective action, no woman will be left behind in development. By empowering women, Asean will become a fairer, more resilient, and competitive region,” she concluded.
The one-day conference, hosted by the Sabah Bumiputera Women SME Entrepreneurs Association (IKSNITA) in collaboration with UiTM Sabah, drew nearly 400 participants from Southeast Asia.
Datuk Seri Juliah Salag, wife of the Chief Minister, officiated the opening, while the closing featured a forum on “Best Practices in Women’s Empowerment.”
Delegates from Brunei, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia exchanged experiences in entrepreneurship, education, digitalisation, leadership, and cultural development under the theme “Together We Accelerate Action.”
Also present were IKSNITA Sabah President Datuk Dg Khatijah Datu Bachtiyal, Brunei Consul-General Dayang Fauzana Octavia Alli, and UiTM Sabah Rector Rozita Uji Mohammed.
