Women Leaders Beyond Borders: My Journey at WEF ASEAN 2025

In June, I had the incredible honour of joining a powerful gathering of women leaders, visionaries, and changemakers from across the globe at the Women Economic Forum (WEF) ASEAN 2025, held at Dewan Perdana, MITI in Kuala Lumpur. The event unfolded under the vibrant theme: “Women Leaders Beyond Borders: Shaping the Future of the ASEAN Sheconomy.” It wasn’t just a slogan; it represented our collective ability to collaborate across nations, industries, and cultures. The forum showcased how women leaders are driving sustainable development and economic transformation across the ASEAN region.

Among the many unforgettable moments, one that stands out was being presented with the Women of the Decade Award and being appointed to the Advisory Board of WEF ASEAN 2025. This recognition was not just personal; it symbolised the impact of digital marketing entrepreneurship that builds real human connection, drives sustainable growth, and supports empowerment at every level.

The ceremony itself was graced by a distinguished line-up of dignitaries whose presence reflected a strong governmental commitment to women-led progress and systemic change — YABhg. Dato’ Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, YB Tuan Liew Chin Tong, Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry, YB Datuk Seri Dr Noraini binti Ahmad, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, YBhg. Dato’ Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, and Dr Harbeen Arora Rai, the dynamic Founder and President of WEF.

Beyond the formal ceremonies, I had the opportunity to actively contribute to several key sessions. During Parallel Session 8, Women’s Leadership Across Continents, I shared my journey as a digital marketing entrepreneur and spoke about the importance of innovation and long-term vision as essential leadership traits in today’s dynamic Sheconomy. The conversations continued with Workshop 2: Small Branding, Big Impact, where I explored how smaller businesses can achieve significant outcomes through smart digital strategies and authentic storytelling. I also had the pleasure of moderating Round Table 6: Beyond Conventional – How Boss Ladies Are Using Creative Strategies, which brought together bold thinkers reimagining traditional business structures and defining new models of leadership.
 

While those sessions were deeply energising, some of the most impactful moments happened in the conversations between sessions — connecting with peers and leaders from around the world who are driving real change. I had the opportunity to meet H.E. Dominique Hasler, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education, and Sport of the Principality of Liechtenstein, and Dr Harbeen Arora Rai. Our discussions around cross-border collaboration and global leadership reinforced just how interconnected and interdependent our missions are.
 

I also had inspiring conversations with two of Malaysia’s powerhouse business leaders — Datuk Lim Mee Ling, CEO of OGAWA Malaysia, and Zenda Ng, CEO of HWC Coffee Malaysia. These women are leading fast-scaling brands with clarity, resilience, and bold strategy. Our exchange on branding and growth was practical, sharp, and refreshingly candid. 
 

I also had the pleasure of connecting with YB Datuk Seri Dr Noraini binti Ahmad, the Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development. Her vision for supporting entrepreneurship and strengthening the policy landscape for women-led ventures left a lasting impression.

As I reflect on the entire experience, what stays with me is not the spotlight or the awards, but the sheer force of collective purpose. The energy in every room was electric. We weren’t just participants — we were builders, innovators, leaders actively shaping what comes next. The theme, Women Leaders Beyond Borders, wasn’t confined to banners or stage backdrops. It lived in every handshake, every shared idea, every step forward. There was a strong sense of sisterhood — a deep, unspoken understanding that we were in this together, lifting each other while pushing boundaries in our own unique ways.

This moment is not an endpoint — it’s a launchpad. As I continue to scale my ventures, support fellow leaders, and shape inclusive digital strategies, I carry this momentum with me into every decision and direction ahead. To the women of the Sheconomy and beyond — let’s keep pushing boundaries, redefining success, and creating a future led by vision, strategy, and unstoppable drive.