WOMEN are increasingly shaping Penang and the country’s economic landscape as founders, investors, employers, and innovators, contributing to sectors such as manufacturing, technology, services, tourism, and creative industries.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow shared this when he attended the Penang Women Chamber of Commerce (PWCC)’s 8th Chinese New Year and Women’s Day Celebration at St Giles Wembley Hotel today.
“Over the past six years, the state government has supported 433 women entrepreneurs through programmes such as PenMentor and Wanita Jana Rezeki, with participants achieving average annual income growth of around 30 per cent.
“Nationally, nearly 219,000 women-owned businesses were registered in 2022, making up more than 20 per cent of total businesses,” Chow said.
He also highlighted women-led trade initiatives like HERTrade, which has brought together more than 120 women-led enterprises and attracted over 5,000 visitors, showcasing the dynamism of women entrepreneurs across sectors.
However, Chow added that while progress is encouraging, challenges remain, particularly in access to capital, leadership opportunities, and balancing career with family responsibilities.
He emphasised that addressing these gaps requires structural solutions, including stronger financing support, expanded digital and technology training, and mentorship networks linking experienced women leaders with the next generation.
“Under the Penang2030 vision, empowering women is central to building a family-focused, green, and smart state. When women succeed, families prosper.
“When families prosper, communities grow stronger, and when communities thrive, Penang moves forward,” Chow said.
He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to enhancing women’s participation in the economy and leadership roles, urging all women entrepreneurs and leaders to continue driving Penang’s growth.
Meanwhile, State Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim stressed that when women gain, society gains.
She also highlighted that this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give to Gain’, carries a powerful message.
“When women lift one another up and share opportunities, knowledge and support, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. Businesses grow stronger, families become more resilient, and communities become more inclusive,” she said.
Lim also pointed out that while development is often measured through infrastructure, investments, and economic growth, behind every thriving community are people who quietly hold things together, many of them women.
“Their efforts often go unseen because society has long treated their contributions as something simply expected of them.
“Progress is not about women replacing men. It is about women and men working side by side with mutual respect to build a society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
“Let us continue supporting and uplifting one another, because when we give opportunities, encouragement and trust to others, we create a society where everyone gains. This is how empowered women create prosperous beginnings,” she added.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siew Chia En