馬華婦女組推出《新年溫情計劃》

(pic: Wanita MCA)

星洲互動‧2010.01.12
（吉隆坡）馬華婦女組婦女企業發展中心推出《新年溫情計劃》，讓有意在新年前賺取額外收入的女性及單親父母參與推銷婦女組親手烘培的愛心餅幹及年貨。

馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，為了推廣宣傳，婦女企業發展中心將於1月17日上午9時在聯辦單位優美西果店位於皇后鎮的店鋪舉行推介禮，與出席者共同參與製作及包裝糕點。

她今日（週二，1月12日）在一項新聞發佈會上指出，除了以兩種精美包裝推出杏仁、巧克力、黑芝麻、海藻、南瓜等8種口味的愛心餅乾之外，她們也提供各種新年臘味、肉乾、臘腸、肉鬆等供推銷。

工委會主席施明玉指出，愛心餅乾將從即日起至2月5日，接受公眾訂購；有興趣參與推銷者，可即日起致電03-21641811或017-2068816或親臨推介禮登記及索取資料。

马华妇女组新年温情计划 助单亲父母推销爱心饼干

2010/01/12 6:20:59 PM ●南洋商报
（吉隆坡12日讯）马华妇女组妇女企业发展中心推出“新年温情计划”，协助需要帮助妇女及单亲父母，在新年前赚取收入。马华妇女组主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬透露，有关计划得到优美西饼店有限公司协助，饼干会根据优美西饼店老板程文桃的食谱烩制。

“此活动号召姐妹烘焙与推销爱心饼干，并会推广至全国各州。”其他出席者还包括：马华妇女组总秘书王赛芝、甲州妇女组主席拿督江雪霞、登州联委会妇女组主席施明玉及妇女组总财政周淑媛。

周美芬表示，主办单位推出两种包装的杏仁、巧克力、黑芝麻、海藻及南瓜等8种口味爱心饼干，同时马华妇组也提供各种新年腊味，包括肉干、腊肠及肉松等供推销。该单位即日起将开始接收订单，截止日期是2月5日。

当局也订于本月17日，上午9时在优美西饼店有限公司举行爱心饼烘焙及推介礼，公众欲知详情，可拨打马华妇女组秘书处电话03-2161 8044，或妇女企业展中心03-2164 1811。

Chinese classics in paintings and calligraphy

(pic: Wanita MCA)

The Star News: Saturday January 9, 2010 http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/1/9/central/5430079&sec=central

Lovers of Chinese classical stories will have an opportunity to view paintings and calligraphy based on the novels when the exhibition comes to town next week.

The Chinese Four Great Classical Novels Chinese Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition is based on The Water Margin, The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Journey to the West and The Red Chamber, the most popular novels in the history of Chinese culture, Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said.

It would be a rare opportunity for the public to view the works, she said.

“Whether you love stories and know them through novels, drama series or comics, you should come and see how the artists present their own interpretations,” she said.

The works were produced by well-known artists from China, Indonesia, the United States and Malaysia.

It is the first time the artists have collaborated on such an exhibition, according to Chew.

There would be 160 paintings on display and the works would include the heroes and heroines as well as famous quotations and words of wisdom in calligraphic art, Chew said at a press conference recently.

Among the heroes painted are Guang Gong, Zhu Ge Liang, Zhang Fei and Liu Pei.
The exhibition had toured China and Indonesia and will be in Malaysia from Jan 14 to 17.

It will be held at the MCA Exhibition Hall in Wisma MCA at Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, and may be viewed from 10am to 8pm daily.

In conjunction with the exhibition, Spring Calligraphy Scrolls for the Chinese New Year will also be sold at RM5 a pair to raise funds for the Women Enterpreneur Development Centre.

光明日報‧2010.01.07

中國4大名著書畫聯展‧春聯義賣籌婦女企業基金

（吉隆坡）婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，中國四大名著四國書畫聯展將於1月14日至17日，在馬華大廈13樓展廳隆重舉行，並展出逾200張來自中國、印尼，大馬及美國藝術家作品。

她說，中國4大名著《三國演義》、《西遊記》、《水滸傳》及《紅樓夢》是跨越中國多個朝代的著作，也是全人類共同擁有的寶貴文化遺產。

“中華文化博大精深，這些名著在作者的描寫下栩栩如生，甚至成了電腦、連續劇或漫畫筆下的人物，家喻戶曉。”

含中華文化內涵精神
她披露，這4大名著事實上已包含了中華文化的內涵精神和精粹，因此，藉著這項書畫聯展，通過畫家書畫表達，從另外的角度認識名著中的人物，也直接間接推動華族的文化，促進四國文化的交流。

周美芬也是馬華婦女組主席，她今日（週四，1月7日）在“中國四大名著四國書畫聯展”暨“春聯”義賣為馬華婦女企業發展中心籌募活動基金的記者會上，這麼指出。

她說，這項活動也獲得馬來西亞國際現代書畫聯盟、思源美術館、印尼書藝協會、雅藝書畫研究會、中國文化藝術研究中心、美中文化藝術中心、中國致公畫院、慧文化藝術中心協助聯辦這2項有意義的傳統文化活動。

會上，大馬國際現代書畫展聯盟總會長符永剛博士指出，這項書畫展覽是巡迴展，已在印尼、中國展出，在大馬展出後，最後一站將在美國展出。

4國畫家展不同風格
“這次我們以中國4大名著通過書畫文化形象方式，來加強公眾對4大名著的印象與宣傳，有各地的書畫風格和各有各的詮釋，例如中國對名著人物的書畫較為傳統，海外方面因為沒有歷史包袱，較開放，不同的筆法表現人物不同的氣質。”

這項活動籌委會主席蔡鳳玲指出，這項中國4大著名4國書畫聯展的時間，是從上午10時至下午8時。16日下午2時將舉辦中國書畫座談，中美印尼及大馬的書畫的鑑賞與收藏。歡迎公眾免費前往觀賞。

“為配合書畫家的到來，馬華婦女企業發展中心屆時也將推出兩幅春聯義賣的活動，並由符永剛博士及印尼雅加達文化藝術中心創始人蔡劍聲主筆揮毫的對聯。”

如有意訂購一套兩幅春聯為10令吉，可聯絡馬華婦女企業發展中心03-21641811/21641812或婦女組秘書處21618044。

周美芬：擬設馬華女婦女企業發展中心

星洲互動‧2010.01.08

（吉打‧亞羅士打）婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬決意打造新一代女性企業家，除了通過部門幫助女性創業，也在擬策設立馬華女婦女企業發展中心，以期更專業、更有效帶動女性創業，進而栽培為成功、傑出的企業家。

她說，這一單位（馬華婦女企業發展中心）仍未正式推介，實際工作卻已逐步展開，最重要的是趕在正式操作之前，確保三大重點即培訓計劃、金融貸款、企業伙伴皆成形，否則中心成立之後也無法服務有這方面需要的婦女。

她是今日（週五，1月8日）與吉打婦女領袖交流後向記者發言。

她說，婦女、家庭及社會發展部去年已經成功栽培約700名女性企業家，今年起更在政府關鍵績效指標下，擬定2010年塑造4000女性企業家之工作方案，而且為此排定逐年栽培人數時間表，即2010年1000人、2011年1000人、2012年1500人等。

“中国四大名著四国书画联展”暨“春联”义卖筹款

主办： 马华妇女企业发展中心（WEDC）
协办： 马来西亚国际现代书画联盟、思源美术馆、印尼书艺协会、雅艺书画研究会、中国文化艺术研究中心、美中文化艺术中心、中国致公画院、慧文化艺术中心

画展日期： 14-17/01/2010（星期四至星期日）
开放时间： 上午10时-晚上8时
展览地点： 马华总部13楼活动中心

入场免费

讲座会：书画鉴赏和收藏

日期：16/01/2010 （星期六）

时间：下午2时

地点: 马华总部13楼活动中心

入场免费

"中国四大名著四国书画联展”暨“春联”义卖筹款活动是为了协助马华妇女企业发展中心筹募活动基金，并得到了由马来西亚国际现代书画联盟、思源美术馆、印尼书艺协会、雅艺书画研究会、中国文化艺术研究中心、美中文化艺术中心、中国致公画院、慧文化艺术中心协助举办此二项有意义的传统文化活动。

“中国四大名著四国书画联展”将于2010年1月14-17日（星期四至星期日），假马华总部13楼活动中心举办。期间，书画联展将展览出共约160幅油画及书画。

为了配合书画家的到来，马华妇女企业发展中心也同时举办“春联“义卖筹款活动，届时也推出了两幅春联义卖活动。这是由马来西亚国际现代书画联盟总会长符永刚博士及印尼雅加达文化艺术中心创始人蔡剑声先生所主笔挥毫的对联。符永刚博士曾于2003年获美国 Inter America University颁发艺术哲学博士，举办过无数个人画展及参与国家艺术馆主办之海内外书画展及巡回展等。而蔡剑声先生也是雅艺书画研究会会长，他所带领的雅加达文化艺术中心曾于思源美术馆及印尼书艺协会联合主办过这《中国四大名著四国书画联展》。

符永刚博士创作春联如下：
一帆风顺全家福
万事如心满堂春

蔡剑声先生创作春联如下：
金牛辞岁千仓满
玉虎迎春百业新

以上两幅春联是为一套，共销售马币十零吉。有关义卖筹款活动所得收益，将尽数充作马华妇女企业发展中心活动基金。妇女企业发展中心的使命是协助和确保女性中小企业家学习和持续学习，灵活和外向型，让他们能克服全球性挑战，提高竞争力和提升价值链。

如有意订购者，可联系马华妇女企业发展中心 03-2164 1811/2164 1812或马华妇女组秘书处 03-21618044。

促參加馬華技職訓練‧周美芬鼓勵女性創業

星洲日報‧2009.08.15

馬華婦女企業發展中心與精明伙伴英培計劃將為女性們提供技職訓練、創業及就業機會。前排右5：周美芬及右6：周淑媛。（圖：星洲日報）

星洲日報‧2009.08.16
（吉隆坡）婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長的周美芬鼓勵女性，通過馬華婦女企業發展中心與其合作伙伴主辦的技職訓練、創業及就業課程，加入企業界，讓女性在經濟上更獨立。

她表示，在這項計劃下，來自3大領域的合作伙伴們，將讓各族女性，特別是單親媽媽及家庭主婦們學習一技之長，或協助女性們創業，擁有自己的事業，或在更具彈性的工作時間下，讓家庭主婦兼顧家庭及賺取額外的收入。

她是於週六（8月15日）出席馬華婦女企業發展中心與精明伙伴英培計劃諒解備忘錄簽署儀式時指出，政府已通過數項特別計劃，加強女性在企業上的發展及參與，並協助女性獲得貸款及創業資金。這些計劃包括女企業家特別經濟支援、為貧窮主婦提供小型貸款的大馬策略基金、由創業集團商業基金（TEKUN）提供的金融與貸款計劃等。

“截至今年3月為止，女企業家特別經濟支援就發放了高達1億1683萬令吉的款額給創業的女性。”

出席週六活動者包括馬華婦女企業發展中心董事周淑媛、黃妙霞及籌委會主席梁湘棱等人。
欲知詳情，可聯絡03-21618044。

週內上門援助顏國勇家人
周美芬將於下週親自帶同福利局官員上門探訪，並提供援助於因救人而不幸喪命的顏國勇遺霜曾寶倩及母親。

她表示，只要每月家庭收入低於720令吉，就會獲援助。以對方這種情況，凡18歲以下的孩子，每名可獲福利部發出每月100令吉，即3個孩子共300令吉的援助金，直至他們經濟獨立為止。
她說，若顏國勇的母親年齡超過60歲，也可申領每月300令吉的老人福利金。不過其母親鄭玉桂今年只有54歲。

馬華婦女組力挺馬華總會長拿督斯里翁詩傑到底。

馬華婦女組主席拿汀峇都卡周美芬強調，總會長是為了追查巴生港口自由區醜聞的真相，捍衛真理，給人民一個交代而作出犧牲，相信人民不但會諒解，最後也會尊敬總會長的作法。
她表示，婦女組將全力支持總會長對抗惡勢力，堅持找出巴生港口自由區醜聞的真相，給人民一個交待。

她是於今日（週六，8月15日）在出席馬華婦女企業發展中心與精明伙伴英培計劃諒解備忘錄簽署儀式後，針對國陣後座議員理事會主席拿督斯里張慶信指翁詩傑收取1000萬令吉政治獻金一事，發表上述談話。

一次過解決問題
“一些事不處理並不代表它不存在，與其讓它如鬼魅般如影隨形，不如下定決心一次過把問題解決，否則馬華將永遠被此事（PKFZ醜聞）牽累。”她表示將出席週日（8月16日）中午12時在馬華總部召開、由三機構領袖出席的緊急匯報會。

詢及她是否相信總會長收取1000萬令吉政治獻金的指責，她表示身為總會長他有權利調配黨基金及撥款，她看不出來總會長有甚麼理由要收取這1000萬令吉。

MOU Signing & Launching of “IMPACT PROGRAMME” of WEDC & COWAY

(photo by CFL)

OPENING REMARKS BY Y.B. DATIN PADUKA CHEW MEI FUN

National Chairman of Wanita MCA

On behalf of WEDC, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Woongjin Coway for working with us to offer job opportunities to women through the implementation of this “Impact Programme”.

I am indeed very happy that such a large and reputable corporation like Woongjin Coway has chosen to fulfil its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with a programme targeted specially for women.

Today Women Entrepreneur Development Centre (WEDC), an initiative of Wanita MCA and Woongjin Coway (M) Sdn Bhd (Coway) has come together today in partnership to recruit more Malaysian Women into the service support industry under the Coway CODY Recruitment Project. The CODY Recruitment Program will be part of WEDC’s “Impact Programme”, a programme that acts as a bridge to encourage women into entrepreneurship programmes in particular amongst those who have less access to existing social nets including single mothers.

Under the stewardship of WEDC ‘Impact Programme’ - the Coway’s CODY Recruitment Project provides a platform to enhance Malaysian women’s professional development. WEDC serves as the channel for Malaysian women to apply as a CODY (Coway Lady), at the same time enabling Coway to concentrate on the training program and cultivation for Malaysian women to be a professional CODY. As such, this collective effort between Coway and WEDC can in effect contribute to the development of Malaysian women in the economy.

(photo by CFL)

Ladies and gentlemen, This “Impact Programme” aims to encourage women into entrepreneurship programmes and introduce an alternative or additional household income solution with flexible working hours. This initiative could not be introduced in a better time. During this time of economic downturn, women face greater challenge to survive economically and to sustain their family financially. It is of utmost importance that every woman regardless of their education level, economic status and location amongst others to be financially savvy.

This is in line with the endeavour of The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development which focuses on the three main areas namely

i. Economic empowerment activities as first and foremost;

ii. Followed by Capacity building programmes; and

iii. finally Enhancing the quality of life.In addition, the Ministry has conducted over 200 training programmes to educate women on financial management and to encourage women to practise good financial management both for their personal and of their families.

Ladies and gentlemen, In today’s fast-paced world, it can be clearly seen that women have progressed, made inroads and earned recognition in many fields. Women of today are holding senior positions; they are owner of companies and professionals even in the fields that were previously dominated by men.

With the rapid urbanisation that the country is undergoing, women who make up almost half of the total population of Malaysia at 49.1% are not only playing a major role at home, but also contributing their skills and knowledge at the workplace and in the country to sustain the nation’s economy growth. This is especially so when women’s education level is on the rise with 61.7 percent of the enrolment to Higher Learning Institutions is female students.

Participation of women in the nation’s economic activities is no longer an option, but a prerequisite to boost Malaysia’s competitiveness. There are 45.7 percent women in the labour force in 2008; however a drop compared to 47.3 percent in year 2004. The Ministry is currently addressing the declining proportion of women in labour workforce and strategising to increase the participation rate of women in labour force particularly in income generating activities.

(photo by CFL)

Ladies and gentlemen, These programmes are being carried out with the aim to equip women with the knowledge and skills that can be utilized for them to start their own income generating activities.

Eliminating gender disparity is one of the key visions of my Ministry in promoting equal opportunities for both women and men at work. Hence, Woongjin Coway’s efforts assisting women in Malaysia particularly through this programme is highly commendable and should serve as a benchmark and role model to other private sector corporations. Thus, we would like to invite Coway to be part of the Jalinan Niaga which stands for Business Matching, an integral part of the Jalinan Rakyat from BN Wanita.

Ladies and gentlemen, As such, I hope that this “Impact Programme” will achieve its objectives and once again I would like to thank Woongjin Coway for providing this great opportunity to women from all over Malaysia. I hope Malaysian women would not miss this great opportunity to improve their financial status especially without having to interrupt their daily routine with flexi-work arrangements in addition to attractive remuneration packages.

Last but not least, I wish Woongjin Coway all the best in your future endeavours and with that, I launch the “Impact Programme”. Thank you.

星洲互動‧2009.07.28

周美芬：單身應做好晚年規劃

（吉隆坡）婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬提醒任何欲選擇單身的人士，做好老年的生活規劃，以免晚年生活受到影響。

她說，如果政府或私人領域等方面認為目前的情況不理想，就有必要想方設法，協助人民度過幸福的晚年。

“入住社會福利局老人院的老人，有相當部份是單身，任何人選擇單身，都應該做好老年規劃，以免晚年生活受到影響。”

也是馬華婦女組主席的周美芬今日（週二，7月28日）見證大馬Woongjin Coway私人有限公司與馬華婦女組婦女企業發展中心簽署推出CODY徵員計劃的諒解備忘錄後說，老人遭遺棄的課題，當然不僅是只有貧窮的一群遺棄自己的父母，一些不孝的子女，也是會這麼做，但婦女部目前還未討論到立法懲罰遺棄父母的子女。

她指出，如果立法懲罰，就等於承認大馬人不孝，而孝順父母理應發自內心。

她說，無論本身的財務狀況如何，為人子女的，都不應該遺棄自己的父母，在這方面，部門已做好準備協助貧窮的子女奉養父母。

她指出，生活在貧窮線下的老人若符合資格，每月可獲300令吉的福利金，至於家中有殘疾、不能自理的親屬，且收入在3000令吉以下，也能申請每月300令吉的福利金。

光华日报：二零零九年七月二十八日 下午五时十五分
周美芬：立法惩罚遗弃父母者 等于承认大马人不孝

（吉隆坡28日讯）妇女、家庭及社会发展部副部长拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，立法惩罚遗弃父母者，等于承认大马人民不孝。

她说，该部将召开内部策划会议，讨论如何协助贫穷人士改善财务状况，减低遗弃父母的社会问题。

周美芬也是马华妇女组主席。她今日见证马华妇女企业发展中心与WoongJin Coway签署CODY谅解备忘录后，受媒体询问时这么说。

报章早前报导，去年有539名老人被遗弃在各政府医院。
她举例，马华曾大力推动阅读《弟子规》运动，灌输人民孝道精神，这种发自内心的孝心，远比立法惩罚不孝子有效。

她认为，为人子女不应遗弃父母，因为下一代会有样学样，遗弃父母者日后也将落得相同下场。

另外，她说，政府为残疾人士及生活在贫穷线下乐龄人士，提供每月300令吉的福利金。

“只要家庭收入低于3000令吉，便可向福利局提出申请。”

尽管如此，她鼓励单身者做好晚年规划。

基于不少乐龄人士是单身，因此，她建议政府与私人界合作，让这些单身的乐龄人士能受到援助，安享晚年。

Project to allow women flexi working hours

The Star News : Saturday July 25, 2009

KUALA LUMPUR: A project offering jobs with flexible working hours for women will begin next week.

The partnership between Wanita MCA’s women entrepreneur development centre with a South Korean company will kick-start at 10am at Wisma MCA on Tuesday.

Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said the target group was women below 40.

“They can earn up to RM2,000 a month,” she told reporters after chairing the wing’s central committee meeting yesterday.

“It is for those who need to spend time with their family, but also need to generate income to help support them.”

Between 200 and 250 women are expected to benefit from this programme, as it aims to create jobs and business opportunities, she said.

She added that the centre and its partners would offer job placement, soft skills training and entrepreneurship guidance.

The centre would sign a memorandum of understanding with another company next month to offer similar opportunities.

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.

Makin Ramai Wanita Malaysia Pilih Keusahawanan Sebagai Kerjaya - Chew

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 Jun (Bernama)

Semakin ramai wanita di Malaysia memilih keusahawanan untuk kerjaya sekalipun menghadapi pelbagai cabaran seperti kekurangan sokongan kewangan dan persaingan di pasaran, kata Timbalan Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun Khamis.

Beliau berkata kerajaan mengambil berat tentang cabaran ini dan kementerian-kementerian berkenaan telah ditugaskan mengenal pasti faktor-faktor yang menghalang seseorang itu dari maju dalam perniagaan.

Chew berkata 99 peratus dari syarikat-syarikat kecil dan sederhana (SME) di negara ini terlibat dalam sektor perkhidmatan, pembuatan dan pertanian dan wanita memiliki 16 peratus daripadanya, yang kebanyakannya dalam sektor perkhidmatan.

"Usahawan wanita Malaysia juga semakin diiktiraf sebagai pemain utama dalam ekonomi, khususnya SME, malah ada yang mendapat pengiktirafan dalam pelbagai bidang oleh kerana mereka sekarang mengetuai beberapa syarikat multi-nasional yang biasanya didominasi oleh lelaki," katanya pada Persidangan pernigaan berjudul "First Asia Women Business Power" di Taman Teknologi Malaysia, di sini.

Beliau berkata, wanita kini boleh mendapat pelbagai geran dan dana kerajaan, termasuk skim bantuan khas menerusi Perbadanan Pembangunan Industri Kecil dan Sederhana (Smidec).-- BERNAMA

More Malaysian Women Choosing Entepreneurship As Career - Chew

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama)

More women in Malaysia are choosing entrepreneurship for a career despite the various challenges they face such as lack of financial support and competitiveness in the market, Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said Thurasday.

She said the government was concerned about these challenges and the relevant ministries had been tasked to identify the factors which impeded one from progressing in business.

Chew said 99 per cent of the small and medium enterprise (SME) companies in the country were involved in the services, manufacturing and agricultural sectors and women owned 16 per cent of the companies, primarily in the services sector.

"Malaysian women entrepreneurs are also increasingly recognised as key players in the economy, in particular SMEs, and even earned recognition in many fields as they now headed several multi-national companies which used to be dominated by men," she said at the First Asia Women Business Power Conference at Technology Park Malaysia, here.

She said women could now gain access to various government grants and funds, including special assistance schemes through the Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (Smidec).

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said approval of entrepreneurship loans were easily granted to women than men."Women are always loving, reliable and emotional. These qualities have made them excel in business, especially in the services sector where women's participation is 89.5 per cent," he said when opening the conference.He said there was a change in the trend in society in the modern era and many family businesses were taken over by daughters instead of sons.Kong, who is also an MCA vice-president, said that in good or bad times, there was always the risk when it came to doing business on one's own and, as such, there was a need for passion and determination in order to succeed in business.
-- BERNAMA

Speech on 1st Asia Women Business Power Conference 2009

INAUGURAL ADDRESS BY YANG BERHORMAT DATIN PADUKA CHEW MEI FUN DEPUTY MINISTER OF WOMEN, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

1st Asia Women Business Power Conference 2009
18th June 2009, Technology Park Malaysia


speech:
Salam sejahtera and a very good morning. It is a great honour to be here with successful and aspiring women entrepreneurs and all of you who have taken the initiative to be part of this inaugural event.

Firstly, I wish to take this opportunity to thank YB Dato’ Seri Kong Cho Ha , Mr Andrew Wong , the MCA ICT Resource Centre (MIRC), MIRC Incubator Sdn Bhd, National Incubation Network Association (NINA), Technology Park Malaysia (TPM), and Vtalent Corporation Sdn. Bhd for giving MCA’s Women Entrepreneur Development Centre (WEDC) a chance to be part of this very meaningful event for women even before WEDC is officially launched. I am confident that this event will be fruitful especially for women entrepreneurs and aspiring women entrepreneurs.

Ladies and gentlemen, Entrepreneurship is increasingly gaining grounds and widely acknowledged as a catalyst for economic development globally and locally. Women are emerging as a significant economic force which no one nation could afford to ignore. Women’s capacity and contribution in entrepreneurship is undoubtedly recognised given that women’s share in businesses worldwide is growing. Statistics reveal that women constitute one third of new ventures founders and make up between 40 to 50 percent of 73 million active entrepreneurs across 34 nations.

In Malaysia, SMEs account for 99 percent of companies involved in services, manufacturing and agricultural sectors. Women own approximately 16 percent of the SMEs companies, primarily in the services sector followed by manufacturing and agricultural sectors. As such, Malaysian women entrepreneurs are increasingly recognized as a key player in the economy in particular to the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

In the age of globalisation, modernisation, industrialisation and rapid urbanisation, women’s role have evolved and shifted away of the traditional domains of home to the public sphere contributing to the nation’s economic growth. Women have not only made inroads but even earned recognition in many fields. Women of today are in senior positions, owner of companies and professionals in fields which used to be dominated by men.

In Malaysia, women’s involvement in entrepreneurship has not only progressed but also evolved. During our mother’s time, women were more involved in cooperative movements. In recent years, we see more women registered as sole proprietor or partners in business enterprises and to top it off, women are now progressively venturing the small medium enterprises (SMEs). Some 60,000 women-owned businesses are registered each year.

Although there is an increasing trend where women consider and opt for entrepreneurship as their career choice; however women entrepreneurs still face challenges on several fronts. The lack of financial support is one of the key challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. Competitiveness of women entrepreneurs in the mass market is another issue in question.

The Malaysian government is mindful of the value in promoting the development of women entrepreneurship in the country towards achieving Malaysia’s national development objectives including economic development and growth. Thus, relevant ministries have now been tasked to identify factors which impede one from progressing in business. Such ministries have initiated programmes and schemes to encourage greater participation of women in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Various government grants and funds can be accessed by women entrepreneurs through agencies such as the Special Assistance Schemes through the Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC).

The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development recognises the importance of empowering women economically and thus has always been supportive of women in business. The Ministry has its focus on three main areas namely economic empowerment, capacity building and enhancing quality of life of women. The Ministry through the Department of Women’s Development (JPW) conducts various programmes aimed at economically empowering women and single mothers. The “Inkubator Kemahiran Ibu Tunggal” or I-KIT (Intensive Skills Training for Single Mothers) is a special project under the Ninth Malaysia Plan aimed at eradicating poverty among women, especially single mothers. I-KIT offers intensive courses in various fields such as beauty therapy, cooking, sewing, handicraft, child care and tourism. In 2008, 349 single mothers from eleven states all over Malaysia benefited through the I-KIT programme. 85 single mothers from the I-KIT programme have ventured into micro enterprise immediately upon completion of the course. Based from the very positive outcome of the programme, the I-KIT programme started venturing into entrepreneurial training this year. In addition, various training programmes are also conducted to educate women on financial management.

Ladies and gentlemen,Efforts to facilitate and ensure growth of women entrepreneurs no longer rest on the public sector alone. The public and corporate sectors also play a prominent role in supporting the development and growth of women entrepreneurs in Malaysia.

The Wanita MCA women’s wing of MCA, a component party in the ruling coalition take great interest in issues which affect the economic and social well being of all irrespective of gender, ethnicity or nationality. Our programmes include providing a platform to women to develop their full potential to empowering women through knowledge and skills building to advocacy in promoting quality of life for all Malaysians and in particular advocacy for the promotion and protection of women’s human rights.

Thus, the MCA Women Development Entrepreneur Centre (WEDC) was conceptualised and will be in operation soon. It was primarily mooted to empower women towards economic self-sufficiency and financial independence; develop and nurture more women entrepreneurs to participate in the Malaysia’s economic development; promote Women SMEs in growth sectors; position women businesses towards the Global Market through networking, skill development and market access and ensure access to financing for women businesses to expand.

Once WEDC operates officially, its target group will encompass four categories. Firstly, home-based business, which is premised on traditional businesses such as catering, handicrafts etc. Secondly, new Businesses involving high impact sectors such as ICT, Biotech, Franchising etc. Would-be or aspiring Entrepreneurs falls into the third category. Finally, the fourth category is for economically or financially challenged families which include single parents, those who are retrenched and physically challenged.

In short, WEDC aims to assist women in two ways namely facilitating women to enrol into skill enhancement courses, business development and incubation programmes; and secondly reaching out to deserving women to disseminate information on mentoring, skill development and availability of grants.

Women make up half of the world’s population and in Malaysia it’s no different with the nation’s population of 27 million. Malaysian women represent almost half of the total workforce in 2008. With the estimated 8.47 million women between the ages of 15 to 64 years old, just imagine the impact they could bring if such a powerful force of women were to be fully utilized. As such, the participation of women in the nation’s economic activities is no longer an option, but a prerequisite to boost Malaysia’s competitiveness.

From the broad areas which will be discussed and deliberated in today’s conference, it is my fervent hope that all of us here will benefit from key learnings shared by the invited speakers and experts. Also, I hope that this conference will also serve as a platform for our women entrepreneur to start networking, and establish closer ties among women entrepreneurs throughout the region.

I am hopeful that today’s conference will facilitate in the discovery of a new you in the entrepreneur sector and inspire more women to become entrepreneurs.

Last but not least, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Thank you.

女性企業家一樣棒‧《星洲日報》18日聯辦研會分享經驗

星洲日報‧2009.06.08

周美芬（右五）為婦女企業發展中心標誌主持推介；左起為梁湘棱、黎美君、蔡岳州、謝念芳、尤綽韜、蔡鳳玲（右起）、葉琰明、江雪霞和周淑媛。（圖：星洲日報）

（吉隆坡）由馬華婦女組婦女企業發展中心與星洲日報聯辦，第一屆亞洲女性企業研討會將於6月18日在大馬工藝園舉辦。

研討會將邀請來自各國的成功女性企業家分享經驗，其中包括星洲媒體集團執行董事沈賽芬。

馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬在新聞發佈會上說，婦女組將於8月推出婦女企業發展中心，這項研討會的舉辦將促進大馬婦女企業家的發展。

討論創業市場營銷
她感激《星洲日報》的支持與協助，為女性企業家提供交流機會，並提高他們的才能和競爭力。
“研討會將討論企業創業、市場營銷、社會企業家精神和資訊工藝等，讓人們掌握企業竅門。”
她補充，研討會以英語進行，歡迎各界人士參與，而有興趣的男性也可報名參加。

另外，周美芬也為婦女企業發展中心標誌主持推介，並希望此中心能成就更多女企業家和協助女性在財務方面的獨立。

出席者包括，星洲日報總經理（業務促進）謝念芳、馬華婦女組署理主席拿督尤綽韜、總財政周淑媛、士布爹區會婦女組主席蔡岳州、中委拿督江雪霞、葉琰明、蔡鳳玲、女青年局代表黎美君和梁湘棱。

《星洲日報》讀者優惠價報名
馬華資訊工藝培訓中心首席營運員馮煜儀說，第一屆亞洲女性企業研討會的報名費為每人200令吉，而附上2張星洲日報6月份報頭的讀者，則可以優惠價100令吉報名。有興趣參與者，可聯絡：03-21611618；遊覽：http://wbx-ap.com/

Conference for women entrepreneurs

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/6/9/nation/4074235&sec=nation
Tuesday June 9, 2009

KUALA LUMPUR: The first Asia Women Business Power Conference targeted at female entrepreneurs will be held on June 18.

This marks the first collaboration between Wanita MCA and the MCA ICT Resource Centre (MIRC).

“We are catering to women who are interested in getting involved in or starting new businesses,” said Wanita MCA chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.

The event, which will provide a platform for participants to network and be inspired, will be held at Technology Park Malaysia .

“We accept the fact that in the business world, you need a joint effort from men and women to make a business work. Therefore, we encourage men to join as well so that they can have a better understanding and hopefully, a good partnership with women,” she told a press conference yesterday.

Also present was MIRC Incubator Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Alice Foong. For information and the conference fee, please call 03-2161 1618 or visit http://www.wbx-ap.com/.

Wanita MCA to hold seminar on managing corporate finances

The Star News Tuesday June 2, 2009

KUALA LUMPUR: Wanita MCA is organising a seminar to educate the public on how to manage their corporate finances during the current economic slowdown.

The June 25 to 28 seminar on “Threats and Opportunities After The Global Credit Crisis” will be conducted by Taiwanese financial expert Prof Wang Yun Jang in Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Johor.

Wanita MCA chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said the talk, to be presented in Mandarin, is open to all races and is the third programme co-organised by the newly-set up women entrepreneur development centre and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia.

“The talk will focus on financial management, how to evaluate and diagnose a company’s financial status and manage corporate capital costs during challenging times,” she said at Wisma MCA yesterday.

Chew, who is also the centre’s chairman, said the seminar was timely because many businessmen were concerned about the impact of the economic slowdown and wanted to know if there was any chance for their businesses bouncing back.

The centre, to be launched in August, will act as a bridge between the public, the Government and financial institutions to assist people in applying for loans and to offer advice on their businesses.

For information on the seminar, log on to wanita.mca.org.my or call Wanita MCA at 03-2161 8044.

Admission fee is RM50 for the seminars in Kuala Lumpur and Johor while the talk in Penang which includes dinner, is RM80 for each participant.