
The EmpowerHER Forum is a 1.5 day immersive event that embodies the mission of IWFCI (International Women’s Federation of Commerce and Industry) to empower women entrepreneurs through economic development, business networking, mentorship, and skill-building.
Rooted in the BRiM (Business, Relationship, Innovation, and Mental) framework, each session is designed to support women entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses, expanding their networks, fostering innovative mindsets, and nurturing mental wellness and advocating inclusive policy towards neurominority.
With targeted participants from industries such as training and education, sustainability, information technology, health and wellness, jewellery, retail and event management, the retreat will address sector-specific challenges while aligning with IWFCI’s empowerment, inclusivity, and growth principles.
WHY ATTEND
Promote Economic Empowerment for Women:
Equip participants with actionable strategies to manage and grow their businesses, enhancing their economic impact.
Enhance awareness on neurodiversity:
Learn about neurodiversity in business and approaches to implement inclusive policies in businesses.
Foster Professional Networks and Strategic Partnerships:
Facilitate structured business matching and networking, helping women entrepreneurs establish valuable connections with peers, mentors, and sponsors.
Encourage Innovation and Global Perspectives:
Inspire adaptability and innovation in content creation, product development and customer engagement to remain competitive and relevant.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 | 21 FEB 2025 | FRIDAY | |
1:00pm |
Pick up at IBIS KLCC 32 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng |
2:00 – 5:00pm |
Industry visit to Masterpiece by Masrina Batik Studio • DIY Batik design workshop |
5:00 – 6:00pm | Travel to dinner place |
6:00 – 9:00pm | Networking Dinner and business matching |
9:00pm | Travel back to IBIS KLCC |
DAY 2 | 22 FEB 2025 | SATURDAY
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9:00 – 9:10am | Welcome remarks Salwana Ali, President IWFCI Malaysia. AngeeLia Phua, President IWFCI Singapore |
9:10 – 10:25am | Design Your Business Annie Chan, Founder, Red Box Events Pte Ltd. |
10:25 – 10:45am | Coffee break |
10:45 – 12:00pm |
From Connections to Collaborations: Mastering Relationship AngeeLia Phua, President, IWFCI Singapore & Personal Branding and Image Consultant |
12:00 – 1:15pm | Lunch/ Networking |
1:15 – 2:15pm |
Innovation for Business Relevance Salwana Ali, President, IWFCI Malaysia |
2:15 – 3:30pm |
Neurodiversity in Business Hazleen Ahmad, Lead, Institute of Neurodiversity APAC and MENA |
3:30 – 4:00pm |
Closing Reflection & Empowerment Circle Gina Phan, Vice President, IWFCI Malaysia |
4:00 – 4:30pm | Coffee and Networking |
4:30pm | Session ends |


ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Salwana Ali
President, IWFCIM Malaysia
Salwana possesses 37 years multitude of work experiences covering the corporate world, entrepreneurship, and non-profit organization.
Currently, as the President of IWFCIM, she works collaboratively with the EXCO team to set organizational goals that include community outreach, organizational capacity, fundraising and capital improvements. She also evaluates progress of the planned outcomes and the strategic plan to grow organizational capacity and connect daily work with the vision and mission of the organization. She has managed and directed key programs and projects, targeting multitude segments of communities for the purpose of raising funds as well as improving the livelihoods of the B40 communities in Malaysia. She is responsible in establishing a one stop platform providing programs for women entrepreneurs to develop skills, strike partnerships, access new markets and facilitate constructive funding options.
Balancing the supply and demand side of the future of work, she leads the Ready4AI&Security Malaysia initiative in collaboration with Microsoft Philanthropy ASEAN to upskill 200 TVET Educators and 5000 TVET students in future proof market ready generative AI and cybersecurity skills.
As an International Training Center International Labor Organization (ITCILO) Lead Trainer, she facilitates Women in Digital Business (WIDB) training to upskill women entrepreneurs in digital business utilizing the structured approach and content developed by the International Training Center International Labor Organization (ITCILO).
She co-owns a management development consulting company, Salwana and Rahim Associates Sdn Bhd, helping organizations to improve operational excellence and team efficiency. She also mentors and coaches the youth, middle managers, and future leaders.
Prior to her entrepreneurial ventures, she invested 20 years in the corporate world holding management and leadership positions in the information technology industry. Her last role in the corporate world was the Public Sector Director of Microsoft Malaysia. She has authored
and published a couple of management development books – A Handbook for First Time Managers and Give Receive Improve.

Gina Phan
VP Operations, IWFCI Malaysia
Gina Phan is the Principal Trainer and Consultant at Zinfinity Consulting. As a certified trainer, she focuses on equipping people by improving their workplace performance skills, such as Purposeful Leadership, Consultative Selling, Negotiations, Problem-Solving, Conflict Resolution, Business Communication, and Business Presentations. She is also a Certified Brian Tracy Trainer.
Prior to this, Gina spent almost 30 years in technical, marketing, and leadership positions in the IT industry. During these formative years, she was involved in product development, product roll-out and support, sales and key account management, corporate marketing, as well as being part of her company’s IPO team. She was the Managing Director of a subsidiary of an international software provider, in which she successfully set up and expanded the business in Malaysia and regionally. In this role, she was responsible to build her team as well as the channels of distributors and dealers. Her previous employer (Dr. Vinod Chachra) describes Ms. Gina Phan as a competent and soft-spoken manager. “She has great leadership and teaching skills. She mentors her employees to the benefit of the users and customers.”

Hazleen Ahmad
Lead, Institute of Neurodiversity APAC and MENA
Hazleen is a disruptive impact investor, leader and entrepreneur, advocating for Neurominority youths and women, nurturing a culture of compassion through her World of Kindness initiative intersect harmoniously with the values upheld by the Amazing Trekkers Club nation.
She fosters a cohesive and inclusive community supporting the growth of women leaders and contributing to positive change on a global scale. A strategic, passionate, and empathetic person with a solid commercial edge and an extensive Corporate Communications experience. She has successfully built long-term business relationships and has helped organisations defined and implemented marketing communication strategies that delivered significant business benefits.
She was voted Media Woman of the Year. She has over 28 years’ experience in FMCG, Finance, Real Estate and Hospitality industries.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is the Forum Venue?
- 32, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Kampung Baru, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
- Forum at Rafflesia 1, Level 8
How much is the fees?
IWFCIM Member | RM600 |
Non- Member | RM900 |
Singapore Participant | SG$300 |
Notes:
- The fee includes an industry visit, batik workshop, networking dinner, forum registration/materials and lunch.
- Accommodation and airfare are NOT included.
How to make payment?
Below is the registration form with payment link. Please fill in the form and complete the payment accordingly.
Malaysia Participant: https://forms.gle/BTPJRQ4FZoPrteVf7
Singapore Participant: https://forms.gle/tugifunP9KH9gL2a6
Is this conference HRD Corp Claimable? (For Malaysian delegates only)
Yes, it is HRD Corp claimable. Please email to support@eventsmastery.com for further assistance. Thank you
Do you offer special rate for accommodation?
All hotel bookings are via this link and direct booking with the hotel.