Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs for Business Expansion programme, organised by Women in Future Technologies (WiFT), Malaysia Robotics, AI and Automation Association (MYRAS), successfully brought together women entrepreneurs, industry players, strategic partners, and technology communities in an effort to strengthen women-led businesses through digitalisation and innovation.
Held at Yayasan Keluarga Holistik Malaysia (YaKHoM), DaMen USJ, Subang Jaya, the programme focused on strategies to empower women-owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through operational support, digital technologies, e-commerce, financing opportunities, and strategic industry networking.
The event was officiated by Datin Dr. Norli @ Norlaili Hj Alias, President of the Malaysian Women Entrepreneurs Association (WAWASANITA), and featured the soft launch of the FemForward & MYRAS Awards, which will officially take place on 7 August 2026.
The welcoming address was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Jessica Ong Hai Liaw FCILT, Lecturer at the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM), Vice President of MYRAS, and Chairperson of WiFT. According to Dr. Jessica, women today are not only key pillars of families and communities but are also becoming major drivers of the digital economy and future innovation.
“Women entrepreneurs must be empowered not only in traditional business practices, but also through technology, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and digital ecosystems to remain competitive at the global level,” she said.
The programme was also held in conjunction with Mother’s Day 2026 as a tribute to the vital role of women and mothers as the foundation of strong families and a resilient MADANI society.
Among the key highlights was a forum session featuring industry experts discussing opportunities for women-led SMEs in the digital economy, including e-commerce, logistics, alternative financing, digital marketing, and women entrepreneurship development.
Panel speakers included representatives from MamaRai, EasyStore Commerce, ETS Advocates & Solicitors, Tresgo, and Xin Hwa Supply Chain. Also present were Dr. Ishkandar Baharin, President of MYRAS together with MYRAS EXCO members, as well as Avagrace Law, who delivered the closing keynote address.
The programme received strong support from sponsors and strategic partners including CelcomDigi, Fundaztic, Calerie Life, Xin Hwa Supply Chain, Ain Shaaidy, Delima Ain Enterprise, and Yayasan Keluarga Holistik Malaysia (YaKHoM).
Source: The FemForward Forum