Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) will host the Women in Trade and Industry (WITI) Forum 2025 on Oct 8, 2025, and the ASEAN SME Economic Conference 2025 on the following day.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the two events, to be held at Menara MITI in Kuala Lumpur, underscore Malaysia’s leadership in promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth under its ASEAN 2025 chairmanship (Economic Pillar). The WITI Forum 2025, themed ‘Unleashing the Power of Women in ASEAN: Trade and Industry Across Borders,’ is a joint effort by MITI, Pertubuhan Aspirasi Wanita Malaysia (Hawa Malaysia), and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).
The event aims to highlight the role of women as key contributors to ASEAN’s economic resilience and sustainable future and is expected to draw more than 1,000 participants. It will feature engaging knowledge-sharing sessions focusing on women’s empowerment in trade and digital innovation, access to finance and markets, leadership and mentorship opportunities, as well as sustainable and inclusive business practices, according to MITI.
At the event, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz will deliver the opening keynote, while Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri will deliver the closing keynote.
On the ASEAN SME Economic Conference 2025, MITI noted that 600 companies are expected to participate. It is organised in partnership with CIMB Bank Bhd as the title sponsor, WPP Media, and Astro, under the theme ‘Unlocking Economic Opportunities for SMEs in ASEAN.’ The conference aims to gather thought leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs from across ASEAN to explore strategies to enhance SME competitiveness, strengthen regional integration, and improve access to financing and markets.
The conference’s sessions will focus on SME financing, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered marketing strategies, alongside sharing sessions by regional experts, investors, and successful SME founders. Keynote addresses will be delivered by Tengku Zafrul, Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Datuk Ewon Benedick, and his deputy, Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan.
Tengku Zafrul expressed that Malaysia’s SMEs are the heartbeat of its economy and deserve every opportunity to grow beyond the nation’s borders. As ASEAN’s Economic Pillar chair this year, MITI is honoured to co-organise these knowledge-sharing and networking events that could transform SMEs’ businesses from a ‘domestic hustle into regional muscle.’ Through targeted funding, mentorship, regional networks, and strategic AI-powered marketing support, MITI aims to empower SMEs to thrive across ASEAN and compete confidently.