Participants, organisers and speakers
The Women Entrepreneurship & Empowerment Forum (WEEF) 2025, organised by the UTAR Alumni Association of Malaysia, Chancellery Office and The Department of Alumni Relations and Placement, brought together aspiring and established women entrepreneurs for an afternoon of inspiration, networking, and knowledge-sharing. Held on 7 March 2025 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, the event served as a dynamic platform for discussions on leadership, business strategies, and industry trends.
UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong said, “At UTAR, we believe education is the foundation of entrepreneurship. Through initiatives such as this forum, we aim to equip our students, alumni, and aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to embrace challenges and turn their ideas into reality. We want to cultivate an environment where women feel empowered to take risks, seize opportunities, and make meaningful contributions to the business world.”
UTAR Alumni Association President Simon Chong Weng Yeap shared, “This forum is my brainchild and it has become a cherished annual tradition in conjunction with International Women’s Day. We celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs and hope that this initiative will inspire a broader movement in recognising and strengthening the role of women in business. Our goal is to empower more women to pursue success and make a lasting impact in their industries.”
Prof Choong (left) and Simon Yeap (right) delivering their speech
Ms Ashley Tan during the sharing session
The forum featured three distinguished speakers who are leaders in their respective fields. Ms Ashley Tan, Vice President of IQI Global with 13 years of experience in real estate, captivated the audience with her journey in the property industry. She highlighted the importance of resilience, leadership, and innovative strategies in navigating the competitive real estate sector. She shared, “Believe you can, you’re halfway there. Do not be afraid of failure and continue to learn wherever you are.”
Ms Gigi Ng sharing her story about finding meaning in what one does
Ms Gigi Ng, Director of Drehtleit Group of Companies, offered an engaging perspective on brand management and sustainability in the F&B industry as she shared her presentation titled Breaking Barriers and Brewing Success: My Unexpected Path to Entrepreneurship. As the manager of international brands such as Giftea, Tea Forte, Bistrote, and Kokuhaku Tea, and a certified tea judge, she emphasised the significance of brand identity and market positioning. She said, “Entrepreneurship isn’t about having all the answers, but about the courage to keep figuring it out. Every challenge is an opportunity to build resilience.”
Datin Wira Kym encouraging women to realise their dreams
Datin Wira Dr Kym Sit May Yin, Group President, Group Executive Director, and Founder of First Pavilion Global Berhad, shared her expertise on blockchain technology and entrepreneurship. She provided valuable insights on harnessing digital transformation and developing effective business growth strategies. She encouraged women to take control of their futures, saying, “Women should step out and be bold and challenge themselves. True freedom and success begin with financial independence., We must encourage women to dream big and turn those dreams into reality. We are leaders, entrepreneurs and game-changers.”
Forum featuring (second from left) Datin Wira Dr Kym, Ms Ashley Tan and Ms Gigi Ng, moderated by Faculty of Accountancy and Management academic Dr Sia Bee Chuan (far left)
Throughout the event, the speakers inspired attendees with their experiences and practical advice on overcoming challenges, seizing opportunities, and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. The forum also facilitated discussions on women’s leadership, financial independence, and business innovation, encouraging participants to engage actively and share their thoughts.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn from industry experts and connect with like-minded individuals. The event reinforced UTAR’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
The organisers extend their heartfelt gratitude to all speakers, participants, and supporters for contributing to the success of WEEF 2025. With such initiatives, UTAR continues to support the growth of women entrepreneurs and future leaders.
Speakers receiving their token of appreciation
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