Yokitha (front row, second from left) with participants from the first cohort of ‘EmpowerHer’ in Johor Baru. With them is Wong (first row, fourth from left).
SOME 100 women across Johor have embarked on a structured business development programme to turn ideas into sustainable ventures using digital skills and artificial intelligence (AI).
“EmpowerHer” programme coordinator N. Yokitha said the participants included aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners and college students.
“They joined to strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset and digital literacy, improve branding and gain practical exposure to business validation and pitching,” she said in a media statement.
The Johor edition of the programme, themed “Empowering Women Entrepreneurship Mindset with AI Concepts”, was launched in August in Iskandar Puteri.
Yokitha said the fully funded programme was designed as a long-term journey rather than a one-off event.
“This is not just a one-day seminar. It is a journey of empowerment that guides women from idea to execution and growth.
“Johor is only the beginning as we continue strengthening the programme for Malaysian women entrepreneurs,” she said.
The launch also introduced the E3 Empowers Fellowship Programme, a year-long mentorship and incubation platform that equips women with future-ready skills, business development tools and expanded market access opportunities.
The programme was organised by entrepreneurship innovation company E3 and an event management company, with the support of Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan.
Following the launch, Yokitha said the first cohort underwent a 90-day Success Business Development Base Camp focusing on entrepreneurial mindset strengthening, AI integration, branding, digitalisation, business validation and pitching.
The group graduated in December at a ceremony held in Johor Baru.
E3 chairman Prof Andrew Wong said the graduates would continue their journey under deeper mentorship through an E3 base camp.
“This cohort is only the beginning,” he said.
“We are building not just entrepreneurs but future creators, innovators and leaders.”
Tebrau PKR deputy chief Guna Balakrishnan praised the organisers for driving a programme that uplifts communities through entrepreneurship and technology.
“This is more than motivation; it builds a platform for growth.
“Long-term skills-based mentoring is exactly what women need today,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of digital literacy, 42 Iskandar Puteri head of campus Marsha Tan said digital knowledge had become fundamental for women navigating today’s business landscape.
With the success of the Johor chapter, the “EmpowerHer” initiative is set to expand to Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Sabah, strengthening efforts to build a nationwide entrepreneurial ecosystem for women.
The second cohort of “EmpoweHer” is scheduled to start in January. For details, call 019-778 1987 (Yokitha).
