‘Overcoming failure is part of the journey’

KUALA LUMPUR: In a candid session, three Asean women shared reflections on failure, resilience and the road ahead for women in leadership.

The panel, part of the Global Power Hour: Women Pioneering Change Across Continents”, featured Cambodian Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul, Indonesia’s Vice-Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri and UOB Malaysia CEO Ng Wei Wei.

Moderated by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, the conversation underscored not just policy or progress, but personal truths and hard-earned insights from them navigating different terrains across South-East Asia.

In a heartfelt reminder to women, Cham said “don’t blame yourself” while urging women to stop internalising guilt in the face of setbacks.

“There are already many others who want to blame us for many things, but when that blame comes from within, it hits the hardest. Don’t do that to yourself,” she said.

Dyah Roro spoke of the generational challenge of instant gratification, particularly among youth in the digital age. 

“Many young people today project their identity through platforms that reward them instantly, but life doesn’t work that way. Failure is not the end, it’s just part of the journey,” she said. 

Echoing the theme, Ng emphasised on staying the course despite setbacks. 

“If you want to make a difference, passion and energy alone aren’t enough. You need grit, agility and the ability to bounce back even when it’s uncomfortable.”