From Policy to Purpose: Day 1 at Women Economic Forum ASEAN 2025 - October 2026

Day 1 kicked off early at MITI’s plenary hall with eager attendees streaming in to register and grab a coffee before the formal start of the forum. The morning began with a grand inauguration ceremony, complete with opening remarks, cultural performances, and award presentations. One of the first voices to take the stage was YB Tuan Liew Chin Tong, Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry. In a fireside chat that set the tone for the day, he explored how government ministries can move beyond policy documents to actively champion women in leadership and economic transformation. A Tapestry of Stories and Strategies By midday, the forum pulsed with energy. In the Leading Across Borders: The Influence Of Women In Building A Global Sheconomy session, Datin Dr Hasnorliza Abu Hassan, Sigita Gailuma, and others exchanged stories of navigating international markets while staying grounded in local purpose. At the From Headline to Solution: The Global Reach And Impact Of Women In The Sheconomy, voices like Dr Coco Wong urged the room to go beyond visibility, towards impact. Global Impact, Local Innovation: The Role Of Women In The Sheconomy brought together speakers like Dr Marie-Paule Niat and Mellisa Foong, who showed that women don’t just respond to global challenges but they also anticipate them. The Women Leaders and Social Justice: Building a More Inclusive Economy session, leaders like Dr Meenakshi Dabral and Agnes Tshibaka Mpemba challenged us to reimagine business through a lens of equity. From Boardrooms to Grassroots: A Forum with Many Frontlines As the day rolled on, the energy shifted, becoming more reflective, more expansive. Delegates sat in on dialogues about wellness and women’s mental health. Heard startup founders share what it takes to pitch ideas that don’t just sell but solve. By the time the afternoon plenary sessions began, the topics expanded: Women of Influence: Weaving a Global Tapestry of Economic Success and Leadership unpacked leadership patterns across cultures. Women’s Leadership Across Continents: Crafting the Sheconomy’s Future Women reminded us that while our paths differ, our purpose often aligns. Climate Action and Economic Growth: Women Leading the Sheconomy Towards Sustainability sparked urgent reflections on how women-led innovation can save more than economies, it can save ecosystems. And in a standout moment, Dato' Seri TPr (DR) Maimunah binti Mohd Sharif took the stage, grounding economic policy in people-first impact in ASEAN Women Leading Social Change: Integrating Social Goals with Economic Growth in the Sheconomy Stay Connected for More We’ve only just scratched the surface. More podcast episodes, interviews, and real takeaways are coming your way! Some sessions are already up on the Motherhood.com.my Facebook page, with snippets dropping soon on Instagram and TikTok pages. Check out our full recaps of Day 2 and Day 3, plus exclusive feature articles, available only on Mamahood Singapore! For more insightful stories and parenting advice, stay tuned to Mamahood Singapore!

More Stories

Singaporean kids need more sleep!