Asian women entrepreneurs network set up

The Star News : Friday June 19, 2009
TheStarOnline.tv: http://thestaronline.tv/v/3615 More women choose business as career

KUALA LUMPUR: A business network has been established to combine the forces of women entrepreneurs within Asia.

The Asia Women Business Network will help women entrepreneurs get support, networking and access into markets throughout the region.

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha, who is also MCA Technology Development Council chairman, said the network would foster closer collaboration among women entrepreneurs using technology, country-to-country marketing network and entrepreneurial development programmes.

“It is time that you take the opportunity to do business with other countries in Asia as trade liberalisation and technology are breaking down barriers for businesses to go global.

“The network is a good start to expanding your business beyond the shore,” he said when launching the programme at the 1st Asia Women Business Power Conference here yesterday.

Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said the women’s role had evolved and shifted away from the traditional domains of home to areas where they contributed hugely to the country’s economic growth.

“Women are emerging as a significant economic force in the country and today, they are progressively venturing into the small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“About 16% of SME companies, mainly in services, manufacturing and agricultural sectors, are owned by women,” she said, adding that some 60,000 women-owned businesses were registered in Malaysia yearly.

Besides government programmes and grants to encourage women entrepreneurs, Chew said businesswomen could also turn to the Wanita MCA’s Women Development Entre­preneur Centre for help.

The centre located at Wisma MCA here would be in operation soon. Members of the network, which was initiated by the MCA ICT Resource Centre (MiRC), will also have access to services through its Asia Women Business Xchange portal.

For details on the network, visit www.wbx-ap.com.