NAWEM International Forum on the power of entrepreneurship among vulnerable groups

KUCHING, 13 Oct: The Government of Sarawak will support and participate in the NAWEM International Forum on Inclusive Growth 2027 to expand entrepreneurial opportunities to low-income and vulnerable groups, thus promoting more inclusive, sustainable and sustainable economic and social development.

Sarawak's Minister of Women, Child Development and Community Welfare, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the forum is scheduled to take place from 27 to 29 January 2027 at Borneo Kuching Convention Centre (BCCK), with the participation of about 1,000 participants from domestic and overseas.

According to him, participants are expected to include policymakers, industry leaders and social entrepreneurs who will share their experiences and explore approaches for strengthening inclusive economic growth.

"The forum also opens up space for local women entrepreneurs to acquire knowledge, learn from the experiences of successful entrepreneurs, expand business networks and explore market opportunities at domestic and international levels", she said at a press conference in Sarawak's DUN Complex today.

However, she said that women entrepreneurs still face many challenges including limited access to information, business capital, skills training and digital transformation, as well as needing more market exposure and guidance in business management.

In this regard, the Government of Sarawak will encourage participation of groups under its ministry agencies especially women from B40 group, female housekeepers, persons with disabilities (OKU), poor families and former prisoners.

Fatimah said the government also provided skills training, business grants and various forms of assistance to help vulnerable people develop micro businesses, increase household incomes and achieve economic independence.

He also welcomed the announcement by the Sarawak Premier regarding the provision of loans totalling RM25 million to help women entrepreneurs develop their businesses.

He said the forum was not just a platform for discussion, but it is expected to be able to generate new ideas, build strategic cooperation and encourage concrete action to ensure that development benefits can be enjoyed by all sections of society.

"Entrepreneurship is among the important approaches to empowering women and increasing household incomes, thus reducing dependence on government welfare assistance", he said.

Meanwhile, Fatimah reminded parents to ensure that their children continue their education despite facing financial constraints in order to guarantee a better future.

He hoped that cooperation between NAWEM, the government and related agencies could expand economic opportunities to vulnerable groups, thus contributing to Sarawak's more inclusive and sustainable development.