In support of women entrepreneurs in the ASEAN region, Cambodia is hosting the second and final edition of The Pinnacle Entrepreneur Forum and ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Awards (AWEN) this year before passing hosting duties to Laos.
The event, which has gained traction over the past two years, serves as a platform to empower women entrepreneurs across all sectors, fostering collaboration, innovation and the growth of business ventures led by women.
The Pinnacle Entrepreneur Forum and AWEN have garnered widespread attention as they aim to promote women-led businesses, encourage regional cooperation and establish a robust network of female entrepreneurs.
The 2025 edition of the forum, scheduled for September in Phnom Penh, promises to be an even more significant milestone in Cambodia’s journey towards becoming a hub for international business dialogue.
This year’s forum will carry the crucial message that “The World Prospers When We Collaborate”.
The theme highlights the importance of collaboration amidst the challenges of international insecurity and instability, which have had far-reaching consequences for the global economy.
During a June 30 press conference, Eng Lykoung, chairwoman of the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN) and president of the Cambodian Women Entrepreneurs Network (CamWEN), reflected on her leadership journey, as well as the lasting impact of the event.
“Over the past two years, my role as chairwoman reflects my sincere desire to promote women entrepreneurs across ASEAN and also have a positive impact on women entrepreneurs around the world beyond our ASEAN borders,” she said.
Her leadership was characterised by a strong commitment to advancing women’s entrepreneurship and encouraging women across the region to thrive in the competitive global market.
In her address, she quoted a proverb that she believed resonated with her leadership approach.
“Many people can stand adversity. But if you want to test a person’s true character, give them power,” she said.
Her tenure is a testament to the transformative potential of women in leadership, and she remains dedicated to organising the best possible event for the last time under her leadership.
The forum itself aims to provide entrepreneurs with access to financial institutions, establish a strong network of women-led businesses and offer funding opportunities for innovative ventures.
Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodia Tourism Association (CATA), emphasised the significance of the event in promoting Cambodia on the international stage, noting that it presents the country as a stable, secure and developing hub for business and entrepreneurship.
She encouraged more female entrepreneurs to take part in this prestigious regional event, which offers them the opportunity to gain recognition not only in ASEAN but globally.
“Cambodia is often misrepresented as a country that is unsafe and unstable, which discourages international tourists from visiting,” she said.
“We are taking this opportunity to present Cambodia as a safe, stable and secure country by hosting this event, which promotes tourism,” she added.
Prime Minister Hun Manet, in his remarks during the event’s inauguration in 2024, acknowledged the vital role women play in the economy, as well as wider society.
He recognised that approximately 60 million women across ASEAN are involved in business, underscoring the importance of supporting women’s entrepreneurship.
He further reiterated the Cambodian government’s continued commitment to enhancing the confidence and potential of female entrepreneurs.
“Women are the heart of the family, the spirit of the community and the conscience of the nation,” he said.
After a successful 2024 debut, Cambodia is once again set to host the prestigious event this year, continuing its mission to promote entrepreneurship, innovation and regional collaboration.
Chan Pheary, President of the Cambodian Women Entrepreneurs Association (CWEA), highlighted the importance of connecting Cambodian women entrepreneurs to regional and international networks.
She expressed her hope that the forum will showcase the capabilities and potential of Cambodian women entrepreneurs and serve as a catalyst for even more opportunities in the future.
“By supporting this programme, you are helping to encourage female entrepreneurs who are not only doing business in the country but also connecting with the region and internationally,” said Pheary.
Sok Channda, CEO of MekongNet Alumni Awareness and a sponsor representative for the 2025 event, also shared her pride in Cambodia’s achievements as a host country.
She recounted how foreign partners were often surprised by Cambodia’s development, dispelling misconceptions about the country’s economic potential.
“We Cambodians are truly capable, contrary to the negative perceptions some people have,” said Channda.
“I have many partners from foreign countries, and when they visit Cambodia, they often say, ‘Wow! I never expected your country to be so developed,’ because outsiders often think we are poor or weak, but that’s not what they see and experience,” she added.
The event has also seen strong support from the private sector, with Chin Thomith, founder of iDEN and the event’s director, sharing his optimism for this year’s awards.
He noted that the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Awards programme will continue to recognise and celebrate outstanding female entrepreneurs across ASEAN member states, reinforcing the ongoing efforts of the network.
“This year’s Pinnacle Entrepreneur Forum and the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Awards will be even more special,” said Thomith.
“We will continue the tradition of the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network through the 2025 ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Awards programme, along with the transfer of the presidency to our friend, Laos.”
The 2024 ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN) Award was presented in conjunction with the Pinnacle Entrepreneur Forum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, recognizing 100 exceptional women entrepreneurs from across ASEAN.
The AWEN Award honoured 100 women entrepreneurs from across ASEAN. Cambodia led with 23 winners, followed by Thailand (11), Myanmar (12), Indonesia (18), and others.
