WOMEN'S ECONOMIC SUMMIT SERVES AS PLATFORM TO RECOGNISE WOMEN'S CONTRIBUTION TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia-China Asia-Pacific Women's Economic
Summit, to be held from March 4 to 6, serves as a platform to recognise women's
entrepreneurial contribution to economic development.

Organising chairperson Chew Mei Fun said companies with women on the board will
grow faster than the traditional corporate outfit only headed by men.

"This shows that women is the engine of economic development and they are able
to lead a team," she told a press conference after announcing the media partners
for the summit.

Chew said women ranked fifth globally for senior positions held by women with 31
per cent compared to the global average of 24 per cent.

This showed an increase of eight per cent from 23 per cent in 2007, she said,
adding that unfortunately not many people realise the fact that women were
contributing to the economic and social development.

Thirty-nine businesses in Malaysia have three or more women holding senior
positions, Chew said, adding that companies should not just recognise women's
contribution in business but also capitalise on their talent and competitiveness
in various fields.

"It's a waste if we don't promote them and leverage on their strength. Men
should not shy away from the women's economic summit because companies could
grow faster if both genders work together," she said.

Chew said more women pursue entrepreneurship and become successful because they
have the confidence, right attitude, positive, focus and dare to take up the
challenges.

"It is not just about having big capital, high level of education. If they
(women) have the focus and know how to grab the opportunity, they will become
excellent entrepreneurs," she said.

The summit, endorsed by the Women, Family and Community Development
Ministry, is held to celebrate International Women's Day 100th anniversary.

Among key topics to be discussed at the summit are opportunities and role of
women in economic transformation, culture-driving sustainable development and
internet business opportunities.

Commenting on the summit, Hai-O Enterprise founder and managing director Tan Kai
Hee said the summit will gather women to come up with a proposal to influence
their governments to change some policies and bring up their rights.

Hai-O is the premier sponsor of the summit.
-- BERNAMA