Date & Time: Sunday, 26 October 2025, 11:30–12:45
Venue: Level 1A, Room My9, Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Language: English
The ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC), in collaboration with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Philippines, will host a side panel discussion during the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2025, organized under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme, “Unifying Markets for Shared Prosperity.”
This session will convene distinguished leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from ASEAN and Japan to explore how digital transformation, inclusive investment, and gender-responsive innovation can empower women entrepreneurs and drive sustainable growth across the region. The discussion builds upon AJC’s Impactlink Initiative, which supports women social entrepreneurs through digitalization and investment readiness programs.
Participants will gain insights from inspiring women leaders and experts who are shaping inclusive business ecosystems and advancing digital innovation to empower MSMEs in ASEAN and Japan.
Program
| Time | Agenda |
| 11:00–11:25 | Registration and Networking |
| 11:26–11:30 | Opening Remarks Dr. Kunihiko HIRABAYASHI, Secretary General, ASEAN-Japan Centre |
| 11:31–11:35 | Introduction of Panelists |
| 11:36–12:35 | Panel Discussion: “Driving Inclusive Futures in ASEAN and Japan: Women’s Entrepreneurship in a Digital World” Moderator: Ms. Madiha Fuad, CEO & Founder, PlusVibes (TBC) Panelists: i) Ms. Josephine Romero, Senior Adviser, ASEAN-BAC PH & Adviser, Go Negosyo – Angat Lahat sa Digital Philippines ii) Dr. Kunihiko Hirabayashi, Secretary General, ASEAN-Japan Centre (Japan) iii) Ms. Marie Asami Fukase, CEO & Founder, Summys Ventures (Japan) iv) Ms. Puan Muna Abu Bakar (Director, Transformation & DigitalTrade Division, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)) (Malaysia) (TBC) |
| 12:36–12:45 | Q&A and Closing Reflections |
Through this session, the ASEAN-Japan Centre aims to highlight how digital innovation, inclusive finance, and entrepreneurship can serve as powerful tools for achieving gender equality, economic resilience, and sustainable regional integration.
For further information, please contact:
Ms. Deborah Danker (deborah@asean.or.jp)
