Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah SME Association has launched its Bureau of Women Entrepreneurs, marking a new milestone in strengthening the role of women in the state’s business landscape.
The launch was held in here on Wednesday during the bureau’s inaugural Kick-Start Gathering Dinner, themed Celebrating Vision, Courage and Collaboration.
SME Sabah President Dr Deledda Tan said the creation of the bureau was more than just a structural change within the association.
She described it as a movement designed to unite women entrepreneurs, amplify their voices and expand their opportunities.
“This bureau exists to ensure that women entrepreneurs in Sabah are not only seen, but also heard, recognised, and celebrated,” she said.
Deledda announced that Dr Sally Chen had been appointed as the first Director of the Bureau of Women Entrepreneurs.
She said the appointment reflected her trust and confidence in Sally’s leadership to drive the bureau’s mission forward.
Deledda also unveiled plans for a dedicated mobile application to serve as a networking and information hub for members.
The app will allow entrepreneurs to connect, access updates in real time, and collaborate more effectively.
According to Deledda, the digital tool would strengthen the SME ecosystem and support the transition towards a modern, connected business environment.
In her welcoming speech, Sally expressed gratitude for the responsibility entrusted to her and said the evening was not only a beginning but also a celebration of vision, courage and collaboration.
She told the gathering that women entrepreneurs were not just business leaders but also changemakers, role models and sisters in a growing network of empowerment.
Sally highlighted the bureau’s tagline, “Strength, Style and Success,” and said it captured the qualities that women bring to entrepreneurship.
She explained that strength reflected resilience and determination, style represented innovation and creativity, while success pointed to the broader impact of women in driving families, communities and the nation forward.
“This evening is special because it is about us, the women who dare to dream, who take action, and who create impact in our communities,” she said.
She emphasised that the bureau would ensure women from both urban and rural areas could thrive in business.
Sally outlined upcoming programmes designed to support women entrepreneurs, including business showcases, leadership development, digital transformation initiatives, mentorship and international exchanges.
She said these initiatives would open new opportunities for growth and position women entrepreneurs to compete at higher levels.
The programmes will also strengthen capacity building, enhance professional branding and encourage collaboration across borders.
Sally added that the ultimate aim was to build a vibrant, respected and resilient network of women entrepreneurs in Sabah.
She reminded participants that the gathering was more than a dinner, as it aimed to build friendships, share opportunities and spark collaborations that could shape the future of women in business.
Deledda, in her remarks, called on women entrepreneurs to seize the momentum created by the bureau and the network it represents.
“This is your moment to step forward, take your place, and let us rise together,” she said.
She also revealed that SME Sabah had set up another bureau known as NuGen Connexion, focusing on youth entrepreneurs and headed by Council Member Norman Ng.
The NuGen Connexion event will be held on Oct 9 and is expected to provide a platform for young entrepreneurs to grow their potential.
Deledda said both the Women Entrepreneurs Bureau and NuGen Connexion reflected SME Sabah’s broader commitment to inclusivity in business development.
She stressed that the association was determined to empower women and youth as the next growth drivers of Sabah’s SME sector.
The twin initiatives are expected to strengthen Sabah’s position in the wider SME community and highlight the contributions of diverse groups to economic growth.
The event was also attended by the bureau’s honorary advisors, legal advisors, council members and fellow entrepreneurs.
