THE Penang Women Chamber of Commerce (PWCC) and Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association (Swepa) are jointly organising the Wanita Empowered (WE) Business Mentorship Programme as part of their efforts to help women entrepreneurs to excel in their businesses.
The six-month nationwide mentoring and capacity building programme, which started in November last year, is aimed at equipping women entrepreneurs with skills and resources to further develop themselves and their businesses.
The (WE) Business Mentorship Programme is also a joint collaboration with Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association Sarawak (WEPS) and the United States Embassy.
PWCC president Datuk Annie Chin said the platform is an initiative to empower women entrepreneurs, especially in Sabah, Sarawak and Penang.
“In total, we have 30 mentees involved in the mentorship programme. Out of that number, seven are from Penang while the rest are from other states.
“It has been three months since we launched the programme in November 2020, and the mentees from our members have gained so much insights about business operation improvements through the weekly online training, mentoring and workshops.
“The six-month mentoring programme is expected to end in April and the graduation is set to be held on April 10, where mentees will present their business pitch in conjunction with their graduation to potential investors.
“And we are grateful to be part of this campaign which aims to empower women to become champions of their own development in their respective businesses.
“This is in great sync with our PWCC’s goal to empower, unify and to lead the voice of Penang businesswomen collectively by building a mature business environment. That is to help nurture business opportunities and support women in business and labour force in the state,” she told a press conference after meet and greet session via Zoom today.
Among those who present were state executive councillor for Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Chong Eng, WEPS president Serawa Budol and Swepa president Lai Fui Nar.
Chong Eng also commended PWCC, Swepa and others for their efforts in conducting such a programme to support women’s economic empowerment.
“It is wonderful and great to see that our state is involved in such a significant programme.
“I am confident that this campaign will be able to provide the businesswomen in Penang with the skills and knowledge to equip themselves to the next level.
“After all, I believe that those women entrepreneurs who were chosen for this programme have learned and gained more insights from the workshops and mentoring sessions.
“I am sure that the workshop is a good platform for them to network and to share effective business strategies with each other.
“Thus, I hope and look forward to a continuation of such well-planned programme annually for Penang which will continue to uplift and benefit women in business and to narrow the gap for gender inequality in business and leadership,” she added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Alissala Thian