Kuala lumpur: The Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, today officiated the launch of the inaugural WE2025: Future in Motion: Women in Trade, Investment and Leadership, a regional platform bringing together women leaders in trade, investment, and innovation. The event commenced at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and will run for three days, attracting around 10,000 visitors, 150 exhibitors, 1,000 delegates, and more than 80 speakers who will engage in multiple conference sessions and 15 satellite events.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, WE2025 is anchored on five key pillars: Women Economics, Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, Excellence, and Evolution. The initiative aims to enhance women's participation in the regional economy through policy dialogue, strategic cooperation, and trade and investment opportunities. Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib emphasized in her speech that women's leadership is a strategic need for Malaysia and is a key focus area of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). She stated that the future of Malaysia relies on efforts to unlock the full potential of every citizen, and women must be equipped and empowered to lead.
Richard Teo, executive chairman of Qube Integrated Malaysia and WE2025 co-chairman, highlighted that the platform was established to expand women's leadership and trade networks, aligning with ASEAN's inclusive growth agenda. The ceremony was also graced by the presence of former Kosovo president Atifete Jahjaga, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) deputy chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and Qube Integrated managing director Jessie Tan.
During the event, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of understanding between the BRICS Women's Business Alliance (WBA) and the National Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Malaysia (NAWEM) to establish the BRICS WBA Regional Office in Malaysia. This initiative positions the country as a strategic hub for women's economic cooperation with BRICS member states.
Her Royal Highness also visited the trade exhibition, which featured women's micro-enterprises at the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) booth, showcased at the WE2025 Marketplace. WE2025 is organized by Qube Integrated Malaysia in collaboration with KPWKM and is supported by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, MATRADE, the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), and MITEC, with Bernama as the official media partner.