The Malaysia Chapter of the Women in Tech® Global movement hosted the second annual WIT APAC Forum and Awards on 25 and 26 October in Kuala Lumpur. The Forum was launched by YB Teo Nie Ching, Deputy Minister Of Communications And Digital at MRANTI.
The event was also graced by the presence of Yuki Aizawa, Women in Tech® Global Movement, APAC Director and Country Director of the Malaysia Chapter.
Amid the vibrant discussions and groundbreaking moments at the Forum, WIT unveiled an expansion of its partnership with Headline Asia School, a free online program that empowers aspiring female venture capitalists with essential skills for success. This expansion follows the resounding success of the program during the WIT Global Summit and the IVS KYOTO 2023. Two upcoming WIT APAC cohorts in 2024 and 2025 will have the privilege to participate in the Headline Asia School program.
This strategic collaboration truly underscores WIT’s unwavering commitment to empowering women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) and nurturing the next generation of female tech leaders in the Asia Pacific region.
In addition, WIT is delighted to announce an exciting partnership with pitchIN, a digital fundraising and investment platform in Malaysia. The collaboration with WIT is in line with pitchIN’s mission to bridge the gender gap and empower women to embrace technology and provide a specific fundraising platform for women founders. This partnership is to ensure their continuous access to essential capital for growth and innovation.
Furthermore, during the Forum, WIT and Project Girls For Girls (G4G) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding for a program designed to digitally mentor young women and girls across the Asia Pacific region. Each cohort will embark on a six-week journey, with one session per week focusing on essential areas such as building trust, courageous leadership, the art of communication, negotiations, advocating for self and others, public service, and ethics and values in decision-making with additional mentoring on technical and digital skills.
This partnership aspires to impact the lives of 500 young women and girls between the ages of 19-25 years. G4G, a Harvard-born global not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to helping young women and girls discover their courage, vision, and leadership potential.
These two partnerships are a testament to WIT’s unwavering commitment to supporting women in S.T.E.A.M. at every stage of their careers. By providing mentorship, training, and resources, WIT is playing a pivotal role in fostering a more inclusive and equitable tech industry for all.
“I am thrilled beyond words that Kuala Lumpur is hosting the second annual WIT APAC Forum and Awards. With over half of the world’s population residing in this region, it is an incredible honor to witness the remarkable achievements of women in tech across the Asia Pacific. This event marks a significant milestone on the path to the final Women in Tech Global Awards in Sharjah on November 16, 2023, where all the winners from the seven different regions will compete for the Global Titles. This journey exemplifies the global significance of the Asia Pacific region in cultivating talent, leadership, and innovation in the world of technology. Tonight, I will be attending the WIT APAC Awards and look forward to celebrate the pioneers who are shaping the future of tech on a grand scale,” stated Ayumi Moore Aoki, WIT Founder and President.
Yuki Aizawa, Women in Tech® Global Movement, APAC Director and Country Director of the Malaysia Chapter, added, “In the heart of Malaysia, we stand with pride as the hosts of the second annual WIT APAC Forum and Awards. Our chapter’s strides are in harmony with our nation’s vision to lead in the digital transformation of ASEAN while fostering a more diverse and inclusive economic landscape. Our journey is one of unity, as we collaborate closely with a dynamic ecosystem of partners, including government bodies, academic institutions, corporations, non-government organizations (NGOs), non-profit organizations (NPOs), and the private sector. Together, I believe our collective efforts have ignited an irresistible, unrelenting force, propelling us towards an awe-inspiring future for Women in S.T.E.A.M!”
The WIT APAC Forum 2023 boasts a rich program featuring discussions spanning the startup and funding scenes to emerging technologies such as AI, green tech, and innovation. It includes keynote presentations by dynamic speakers and high-value peer-to-peer sessions. A highlight of the forum this year is an engaging Oxford-style debate, where participants will closely interact to share knowledge, define common projects, and set the roadmap for accountability.
The four main themes of the Forum encompass:
➢ Startup scene: Women Entrepreneurs/Founders/Investors/VCs – Opportunities in a Post-Pandemic World
➢ Classroom to boardroom: Shortage of S.T.E.A.M. talents/ Financial Industry
➢ Digital Inclusion Emerging Tech: AI / Green Tech & Innovation
➢ Driving Economic Boost through Women’s Empowerment: Government x
Corporate x NPO
In addition to the Forum, the Women in Tech® Global Movement will host the second edition of the WIT APAC Awards on the evening of 26 October in Kuala Lumpur. A regional jury composed of accomplished experts in the technology field came together to adjudicate and recognize women, and some men, who are making a significant impact in S.T.E.A.M. The Awards ceremony will honor outstanding individuals in the following nine categories:
The winners will be announced on the WIT APAC Forum and Awards website after 11 pm on October 26, 2023. To stay updated, please visit: https://whova.com/web/shdLehOIKtbddRrsQRx3brVD5x1avASpoggI-afXbRo%3D/ after 11pm on 26 October 2023.
