PHNOM PENH: In a major move aimed at boosting women’s entrepreneurship and preserving cultural heritage, Cambodian and Filipino women entrepreneurs have entered into a groundbreaking partnership aimed at advancing women’s economic empowerment across the Asean region.
The signing ceremony was presided over by Eng Lykuong, chairperson of the Cambodia Women Entrepreneurs Network (CamWEN), and Rosemarie Rafael, chairperson of the Women’s Business Council Philippines (WomenBizPH), with the ceremony attended by distinguished business leaders and government officials from both countries.
“This collaboration strengthens the bridge between Cambodian and Filipino women entrepreneurs, showcasing how creativity and innovation can drive sustainable development,” said Lykuong.
CamWEN is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to promoting innovation, sustainability and women’s leadership in Cambodia.
WomenBizPH is the private-sector partner of the Philippine government in women’s economic empowerment and the official representative to Asean and Apec women’s business forums.
At the heart of this collaboration is the promotion of indigenous weaving – a traditional craft that carries immense cultural value in Cambodia and the broader Asean region.
Lykuong noted that Cambodia’s weaving communities carry cultural value, yet they face challenges in visibility, market access and sustainable income.
“In Cambodia, handwoven textiles are worn with pride during major events and ceremonies, representing the nation’s rich cultural identity,” she told The Post.
By providing a platform for artisans and connecting them with Asean networks, she explained, they aim to ensure these are recognized as viable drivers of sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment.
Through this partnership, CamWEN and WomenBizPH aim to provide a platform for artisans, enabling them to reach wider markets and secure sustainable livelihoods.
One of the key initiatives that will help achieve these goals is the Asean Amazing Weaves Competition 2026.
The competition will highlight the region’s rich weaving traditions, foster creativity and promote the economic potential of indigenous weavings.
The competition aligns with the Philippines’ Asean chairmanship priorities for 2026, focusing on cultural diplomacy, women’s economic empowerment and the development of the creative economy.
“We are still finalising the criteria for the competition, but it will definitely be aligned with the Asean 2026 priorities of cultural diplomacy, women’s economic empowerment and creative economy development,” said Lykuong.
To support the growth of this initiative, the partnership also incorporates the Apdec (Amazing Philippines Digital Economic Corporation) platform, which will serve as a digital marketplace for artisans.
“Apdec will offer marketing support and help facilitate coordination across partner organisations, creating a seamless way for weavers to showcase their products and connect with markets in both Cambodia and the Philippines,” said a press release.
The digital platform’s cross-border engagement will also help ensure that women artisans have access to wider regional opportunities.
It will allow weavers to reach audiences and potential customers in Asean markets, boosting the visibility and traction of their handmade products.
Looking forward, through this partnership, CamWEN and WomenBizPH are focused on achieving both reach and tangible impact.
According to Lykuong, success will be measured by the number of participants engaged in the initiative, the visibility of the products on regional and international platforms, and the sustainable income generated for women entrepreneurs.
The long-term vision for the partnership is to see Cambodia, and by extension, Asean’s creative industries, recognised as significant contributors to women’s economic empowerment.
“We hope this partnership will create lasting opportunities for women entrepreneurs to thrive in both local and international markets,” Lykuong added.
The MoU signing marked a pivotal moment in the growing cooperation between Cambodia and the Philippines, demonstrating their commitment to expanding opportunities for women-led enterprises and enhancing regional collaboration. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
