Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia together with recipients of the World Women Excellence and Leadership Awards at the 2024 World Women Economic and Business Summit.
AS global economies face converging challenges – ranging from climate volatility to digital disruption – women leaders are stepping forward not only with resilience but with bold vision.
At this year’s World Women Economic and Business Summit (WWEBS,) to be held at Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur on July 10 and themed “Transforming Tomorrow: Women Leading in a Digital, Sustainable and Inclusive Future”, two Malaysian ministers will take centre stage alongside global diplomats to address urgent issues of sustainability, education and women’s economic resilience.
Ministerial leadership
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri will deliver the keynote address entitled “Transforming Tomorrow: The Power of Women’s Leadership.”
Her speech is expected to spotlight Malaysia’s evolving gender-responsive policies and the ministry’s agenda for boosting women’s leadership in both public and private sectors.
From legislative support for caregivers to expanding digital literacy among rural women, Nancy is known for pushing beyond tokenism to achieve systemic change.
Complementing her vision is Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, who will deliver a special luncheon address focused on “Educational Pathways for Women’s Economic Empowerment.”
Education reform has long been a cornerstone of long-term gender equity and Fadhlina’s efforts to embed digital skills, climate awareness and leadership training into Malaysia’s education system reflect her commitment to equipping the next generation of women with tools to thrive in a green and digital economy.
Diplomatic dialogue
The Fireside Chat with Women Ambassadors and High Commissioners is one of the most anticipated sessions.
Featuring Maria Angela Abrera Ponce (Philippines), Nineta Barbulescu (Romania), and Dr Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed (Maldives), the dialogue will explore how diplomatic missions are working to integrate women into trade, entrepreneurship and policymaking frameworks.
Moderated by Asean economic adviser Josephine Romero, this discussion will unpack the diplomatic and cross-border cooperation required to open access to finance, foster women-led startups and expand trade networks that include women-owned enterprises – particularly in sectors like renewable energy and digital innovation.
Systemic renewal
Another highlight of WWEBS 2025 is the panel on Global Health Security, Crisis Leadership and Women’s Economic Resilience.
Featuring speakers from the UN, academia and private sector – including Rupa Chanda (UN ESCAP) and Datuk Zunaidah Idris (Women Leadership Foundation) – the session will explore how women-led organisations responded to pandemic-era disruptions and what adaptive strategies are needed going forward.
Importantly, this conversation will examine why women – often overrepresented in vulnerable employment and underrepresented in decision-making – must be central in shaping more shock-proof economies.
From rethinking healthcare access to building community-based safety nets, the panel reinforces that resilience is not about recovery alone – it’s about redesigning systems.
Why WWEBS matters now
Since its founding in 2022, WWEBS has become Asia-Pacific’s flagship platform for amplifying women’s voices in business and economic policy.
With over 12 countries represented and topics ranging from AI to green finance, this year’s summit doesn’t just elevate inspirational stories – it drives action, policy discourse and meaningful cross-sector partnerships.
As climate change accelerates and technology reshapes the global workforce, the role of women in steering sustainable and inclusive growth is not aspirational – it is essential.
