[13 February 2009]
Successful businesswomen across Asia-Pacific engage in Singapore Management University on female entrepreneurship

Conference is an extension of efforts by the Singapore Management University and the World Bank Group to drive opportunities for women entrepreneurs and connect young people with them

Singapore, 13 February 2009 – Singapore Management University (SMU), New York University Stern School of Business and The World Bank Group Gender Action Plan collaborate for the first time to present the 3-day conference Economic Opportunities for Women in Asia-Pacific (EOWAP).

Held in Singapore for the first time from 13th February to 15th February 2009 and at SMU, EOWAP features over 15 prolific international and regional speakers from various backgrounds discussing important issues relating to economic growth and opportunities for women in this region. They will share learning points on their journey to success and also engage with conference delegates in dynamic discussions on the key challenges and issues in female entrepreneurship across Asia-Pacific.

The Conference is designed with a series of engaging plenary discussions, workshops and sharing sessions covering leadership, entrepreneurship, business planning, financing, technology and innovation. Through its series of events, networking and sharing opportunities, it aims to shift paradigms and mindsets of delegates and explore ways to level the playing field in creating better business environments for both females and males.

“World Bank research has demonstrated that when women are given access to resourcesand opportunities, the benefits accrue not just to them but to the companies where they work, their families and their communities, their national economies, and most importantly, to the next generation. The current financial and economic crisis is an opportune time to consider what else needs to be done for better outcomes. It therefore gives me great pleasure to see so many like-minded and committed businesswomen from the region gather in Singapore with delegates over the next three days. It is my hope that their insights will inspire many more others towards economic empowerment and sustain their contributions towards development in their communities and economic growth in their countries,” said Amanda Ellis, Lead Specialist for Gender and Development, World Bank Group Gender Action Plan.

“SMU is honoured to co-organise this important event. Beyond the classroom and programmes such as SMU internships, the university and faculty has also built close connections for our female undergraduates with business leaders, through various initiatives and organisations such as the UBS Young Women's Leadership Connection, the Financial Women's Association and the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations. Hosting EOWAP further underscores our commitment to broaden our students' horizons, to inspire and to encourage them to become more aware of their roles as future business leaders and entrepreneurs,” said Professor Howard Hunter, President, Singapore Management University.

Claire Chiang, Senior Vice President of Banyan Tree Holdings Limited is guest-of-honour for the Conference and will deliver the Keynote Speech on the second day of the Conference. Amanda Ellis will be making a presentation on the economic opportunities, lessons, issues and challenges facing women in Asia-Pacific. The impressive line-up of speakers also include Yen Dang, a prominent female entrepreneur from Vietnam, hailed as the first woman to make it big in the infrastructure business, a largely male-dominated sector in the country; Dr Sarah Mavrinac, President, aidha, who recently received the Social Entrepreneur Award by Schwab Foundation jointly with the Singapore's Social Innovation Park for her work in providing financial and entrepreneurship training to women migrant workers; Elim Chew, founder and President, 77th Street (S), a dynamic entrepreneur and advocate for youth; Pacita Juan, Founder, Figaro Coffee Company from the Philippines; Mavis Mullins, Director, Paewai Mullins Shearing Ltd from New Zealand; Meg Jones, Women and Trade Programme Advisor from the International Trade Centre, and Sonali Bishop, Investment Policy Officer at the International Finance Corporation.

A highlight of the Conference includes the launch of World Bank Group publication Women Doing Business in Asia-Pacific. Specially produced for EOWAP, the inspiring publication features case studies of 10 successful female entrepreneurs and their businesses in the region. Claire Chiang and Elim Chew are two Singaporean businesswomen profiled in the publication.

Attachments – EOWAP Conference Programme and Speaker Profiles

The World Bank Gender Action Plan

The World Bank Group Gender Action Plan (GAP), launched in January 2007, seeks to advance women's economic empowerment in client countries as a way to promote shared growth and accelerate the implementation of the third Millennium Development Goal (MDG). The Action Plan commits the World Bank Group (WBG) to intensify gender equality work in the economic sectors over four years, in partnership with client countries, donors, the private sector, and other development agencies.

Stern School of Business, New York University

New York University Stern School of Business (NYU Stern) is one of the nation's premier management and education research institutions, engaged in leading the dialogue between business and society. The School's location promotes close relationships with the international business community, offering students unique educational and professional opportunities. NYU Stern offers a broad portfolio of academic programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels, all of them informed and enriched by the dynamism, energy and deep resources of New York City.

About Wee Kim Wee Centre at Singapore Management University

The Wee Kim Wee Centre at the Singapore Management University (SMU) is tasked to promote deeper understanding on the impact of cultural diversity on the business environment. It was named in 2002 after former President of Singapore, the late Dr Wee Kim Wee, who had a heart for people and for lifelong learning. The Centre hosts and supports lectures, conferences such as EOWAP, publications and aim to advance learning and thinking about cross cultural issues.