For 15 years now, Go Negosyo has been an active supporter of women entrepreneurs. We have strongly advocated for their empowerment, providing them mentorship, training, as well as a platform where they can showcase their skills and creative entrepreneurial ideas. As we celebrate the significant impact of women entrepreneurship across the region, we are launching once again a negosyo summit catering to these very empowered women.. Titled “Women 2020 Entrepreneurship Summit: Perspectives of a Global Woman of Impact,” the summit, which will be held on March 3 at the World Trade Center in Pasay, will gather several of today’s most successful and leading women figures from different fields and industries, such as agriculture, tourism, technology, and health and wellness.

For the first time in our history, not only will Filipina entrepreneurs be recognized, but also women of impact across Asia. As such, this highly anticipated summit is expected to become one of the biggest and most inclusive women gatherings of Go Negosyo to date, with at least 12,000 participants. There will also be a curated expo featuring successful women-led enterprises from varying industries across the country.

Among those to be honored are Kemariah Duraman (Brunei), Lok Chum Teav Mao Chamnan (Cambodia), Veronica Colondam (Indonesia), Manola Daravong (Laos), Hooi Ling Tan (Malaysia), Khin Lay (Myanmar), Amb. Delia Albert (Philippines), Dr. Gan See Khem (Singapore), Mom Luang Preeyapun Sridhavat (Thailand), and Madame Nguyen Thi Nga (Vietnam).

Madame Nga is the chairman of the BRG Group, which has become one of the top multi-sector economic groups in Vietnam under her strong leadership. She is also a pioneer entrepreneur in creating many important projects in Vietnam, such as the implementation of a Smart City project in the north of Hanoi. She built premium golf courses and export networks in nearly 80 countries and has received numerous awards including being one of the Top 20 Outstanding Vietnamese Entrepreneurs of 2019, and Forbes’ Top 50 most influential women in Vietnam. Madame Nga has inspired Vietnam’s next generation of young leaders and entrepreneurs.

Our awardee from Malaysia, Hooi Ling Tan, is best known as the co-founder of Southeast Asia’s first and largest mobile technology, Grab. Meanwhile, Duraman is the owner of Kunyit 7 Lodge, one of the leading tourist accommodations in Brunei. Mao Chamnan is the chief operating officer of Wing Limited Specialised Bank in Cambodia, while Lay is the president and managing director of Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs’ Association. Dr. See Khem, on the other hand, is the executive chairman of Health International Management (HIM) Group Inc. in Singapore. A United Nations Representative, Mom Sridhavat is also the owner and artistic director of Chiang Mai Ballet Academy in Thailand. Philippine Ambassador Albert is the former secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and serves as a senior adviser at SGV & Co.

Apart from the 10 Women of Impact Awardees, we are also conferring special awards to other women icons, including Bibi Russell, the Bangladeshi fashion icon and founder of Bibi Productions, who has helped thousands of local artists by providing jobs to at least 39,000 weavers and artisans. We are also awarding Sopheap Chen, founder and managing director of Cambodia’s Keiy Tambanh Khmer; and Filipina master weavers and artisans, namely Yabing Masalon Dulo, Ambalang Ausalin, Estelita Tumandan Bantilan, and “National Living Treasure” awardee Magdalena Gamayo. Aside from the awarding ceremony, these Filipina artisans will be joining us in a special forum on March 2, where they will exchange ideas with other icons, decision-makers, creatives, and fashion designers like Bibi Russell.

By inviting the local enablers – both from the private and public sectors – we hope to learn from the successful case studies such as Bibi Russell’s experience on how to further preserve and promote the weaving industry in the country.

Women are truly exceptional in their own right. With their intellect, skills, and enterprising attitude, they are able to forge a lasting legacy and make an impact in every industry that they’re engaged in. As leaders, managers, bosses, and team players, they maximize their power, resources, and platforms to address the world’s most pressing concerns. Through our Women 2020 Summit, we hope to further highlight and elevate the role of women in the country and across Asia. We hope you can join us at this very special summit and celebrate women’s month with us!

Interested individuals may register through www.women2020.ph.