The G100 ASEAN Roundtables in collaboration with The Women Economic Forum (WEF) ASEAN 2025, held from 19–21 June 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, brought together over 614 influential women leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, and changemakers from 33 countries.

Themed “Women Leaders Beyond Borders: Shaping the Future of the ASEAN SHEconomy,” this prestigious event served as a vital platform for advancing cross-border collaboration, innovative leadership, and sustainable economic development driven by women across ASEAN and globally.

The forum provided space for bold conversations, meaningful networking, and actionable initiatives aimed at shaping a future where women lead economic transformation and foster inclusive growth.

Held at Dewan Perdana MITI, the event showcased impactful strategies, success stories, and inclusive models highlighting the strength and potential of women-led development in the ASEAN region and beyond.

The forum commenced with inspiring inauguration addresses by eminent leaders.

YABhg. Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Dr. Wan Ismail, spouse of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, graced the forum as Guest of Honour and officially launched the opening ceremony.

YB. Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), represented by his Deputy, YB. Tuan Liew Chin Tong, delivered the keynote address. He expressed confidence that the deliberations and outcomes of the G100 ASEAN Roundtables in collaboration with WEF ASEAN 2025 would catalyse lasting change. He emphasised that the discussions would yield actionable strategies to foster inclusive leadership, accelerate efforts to close the gender gap, and ensure women are at the forefront of ASEAN’s economic transformation.

YBhg. Datin Dr. (h.c) Hartini Osman, President of WEF ASEAN 2025, delivered a powerful and inspiring speech on behalf of the organising committee, Yayasan Bina Kesejahteraan. She celebrated women’s transformative role in driving global economic growth and underscored the significance of cross-border collaboration, leadership, and innovation.

Throughout the event, several distinguished Ministers and Senior Civil Servants addressed the audience, sharing their insights and vision for an inclusive and resilient Sheconomy.

YB. Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, addressed the plenary session and the closing ceremony, reinforcing the importance of women’s leadership at all levels of society.

YBhg. Dato’ Sri Suriani Dato’ Ahmad, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health, delivered valuable insights during the plenary session, emphasising the intersection between women’s leadership and public health.

YBhg. Dato’ Sri TPr Dr. Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, inspired attendees during the plenary session by highlighting the role of inclusive urban governance in fostering women’s empowerment.

YBhg. Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil, Deputy Secretary-General (Investment & Management) at MITI, connected with participants during the Networking Evening Tea session, highlighting Malaysia’s commitment to inclusive economic development.

Other notable speakers included YBrs. Dr. Sugumari S Shanmugam, who shared her expertise in a parallel session, and YB Puan Anfaal Shaari, who participated in an engaging fireside chat session.

The 27 resolutions of the Women Economic Forum ASEAN 2025 are organized across four key dimensions. Dimension 1 focuses on Inner Power, emphasizing the need to empower women through leadership, education, and innovation, enabling them to unlock their full potential. Dimension 2 centers on Inclusion, advocating for equitable and sustainable economic development by ensuring that women have equal access to opportunities and resources. Dimension 3 highlights Integration, promoting cultural, digital, and policy alignment to drive the growth of the Sheconomy through collaboration and systemic support. Dimension 4 addresses Innovation, aiming to strengthen global connectivity, visibility, and accessibility for women in the post-normal era by harnessing technology and forward-thinking strategies.

The forum featured the active participation of Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai, Founder of WEF and G100, alongside a distinguished group of G100 Global Chairs.

The G100 Global Chairs, Presidents Advisory Members, Global Advisory Members, and Country Chairs present included H.E. Dominique Hasler, Presidents Advisory Member, Dr. Meenakshi Arora Dabral, Global Alliances & Alumni Networks, Dr. Coco Wong, Leadership & Entrepreneurial Education, Farzanah Chowdhury, Healthcare, Wellness, Insurance & Risk, Dr. Diah Yusuf, Business Accelerator, Dr. Sirikul Nui Laukaikul, Brand Creation & Marketing, Vanessa Florence Roux, Coaching & Training, Dr. Milan LaBrey, Volunteerism & Values, Mireille Toulekima, Engineering & Energy, Dr. Maricor M. Malitao, Business Chambers & Partnerships, H.E. Dr. Epsy Campbell Barr, International Affairs, Caroline Sack Kendem, Rural Development, Migration & Refugees Resettlement, Agnes Tshibaka Mpemba, Global Advisory, Philanthropy, Business & Poverty Eradication, Marie Paule Niat, Global Advisory, Agriculture, Agritech, Agritourism, Agribusiness, Marie France Kouakou, Côte d’Ivoire, Country Chair First Ladies Outreach, Bory You, Cambodia Country Chair, Leadership & Entrepreneurial Education, Zenda Ng, Malaysia Country Chair, CARE Economy, Disability Inclusiveness & Social Innovation, Rosemarie Rafael, Philippines Country Chair, Business Accelerator, Sylvie IKOO, France Country Chair, Design & Lifestyle.

These influential leaders emphasised the critical role of women in shaping global policies, advancing sustainable development, leading digital transformation, and strengthening economic resilience across borders.

The forum also witnessed the launch of significant publications and entrepreneurial ventures:

ABLE Visionary Leaders Vol.1, authored by Dr. Sarifa Alonto Younes, was launched to inspire future generations of women leaders.

The Ca-Ching Skincare and Wellness Brand, founded by Dr. Coco Wong, was introduced, promoting wellness led by women entrepreneurs.

The Malaysia Women Entrepreneur Chamber of Commerce, spearheaded by Datin Dr. Norli Hj Alias and Avagrace Law, MWECC Collaboration was officially launched to support and empower women entrepreneurs.

MOU Signing Ceremony

A key Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the G100 Wing of Philanthropy, Business & Poverty Eradication, under the leadership of Datin Hartini Osman, G100 Global Chair, and the following strategic partners:

African Women Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP)

VR Universe

This agreement will facilitate women’s leadership training programmes and entrepreneurial development across West and Central Africa, ASEAN, and specifically the Philippines. Initiatives will commence in Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo DRC, Ivory Coast, and select ASEAN nations, supporting inclusive economic growth and women-led enterprises.

Wawasanita and Malaysia Women Entrepreneur Chamber of Commerce (MWECC), represented by Datin Norly Hj Alias and Avagrace Law

With

Philippines Muslim Women Council, represented by Bai Norhata Alonto, President

Women’s Business Council Philippines, represented by Rhoda Castro Caliwara, President

Cultural Immersion & Shared Experiences

A hallmark of the G100 ASEAN Roundtables in collaboration with WEF ASEAN 2025 was the celebration of Malaysia’s multicultural heritage and inclusive spirit.

The Gala Dinner was a memorable evening filled with music, traditional performances, and culinary delights, showcasing unity in diversity. An awards session in four segments recognised 97 awardees at the:

Inaugural session

Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai Keynote Address

Networking Tea

Gala Dinner

Participants also experienced a heartfelt visit to the Yayasan Basmi Kemiskinan orphanage homes Asrama Kasih ybk in Serendah followed by a private tour to PNB 118 Second Tallest building in the World.

The forum concluded with a scenic Hop-On Hop-Off Night Tour of Kuala Lumpur, fostering cross-cultural connections and shared experiences.

The G100 ASEAN Roundtables in collaboration with The Women Economic Forum (WEF) ASEAN 2025 underscored a powerful collective vision to build an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable Sheconomy.

The event reaffirmed our shared responsibility to dismantle systemic barriers and elevate women not only as beneficiaries but as architects of global economic and societal transformation.

We call upon governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society to take bold, coordinated action to advance women’s leadership, economic participation, and influence across ASEAN and globally.

The 100 Days Connect & Collaborate Roundtable will also mark the launch of the YBCARE web app, which will serve as the central platform for communication among all Global Chairs. The app will feature the 35-year journey of YBK, along with links to their upcoming programs and community initiatives.

We have successfully engaged with 77 Global Chairs and 23 ASEAN leaders, along with the Secretariat of WEF, YBK, and the YBCARE team, in preparation for this important launch and the launch of the web app www.YBCAREmalaysia.com, featuring the 100 Days Meet and YBK Eradicating Poverty Ecosystem shared with the world.

Datin Hartini Binti Osman, G100 Global Chair, Philanthropy, Business & Poverty Eradication Wing