The Women Economic Forum (WEF) Asean 2025 came to a close on 21st June, wrapping up three days of high-level discussions. 27 resolutions aimed at accelerating women’s leadership and inclusive growth throughout Southeast Asia were unveiled through the conference.
Held at Dewan Perdana, within Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the forum saw a diverse gathering of voices from across the region and further afield. The final day concluded with the formal handover of the adopted resolutions to WEF founder and global president Dr Harbeen Arora Rai, alongside the symbolic passing of the torch to the Philippines, which will host the next edition of the event in October 2026.
Speaking after the closing ceremony, WEF Asean 2025 president Dr Hartini Osman said: “The outcomes of this forum are crucial in realising the aspirations of women across Asean and globally to advance empowerment, to give voice to those often unheard, and to carry a collective mandate forward.”
She added, “These resolutions will be brought to the attention of the Prime Minister and the relevant ministers to support the development of gender-related policies that are inclusive, effective and responsive to women’s real needs.”
Themed “Women Leaders Beyond Borders: Shaping the Future of the Asean Sheconomy”, the forum ran from 19 to 21 June. It was officially closed by Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad. She was joined by Dr Harbeen, who has spearheaded the WEF’s global expansion.
Hartini explained that the resolutions are built around four core areas. The first, Inner Power, seeks to strengthen women’s capabilities through education, leadership and innovation. The second, Inclusion, focuses on equitable and sustainable growth. The third, Integration, calls for alignment in digital, cultural and policy areas to support the Sheconomy. Lastly, Innovation emphasises improved global connectivity and visibility in what the organisers called “post-normal” times.
The event drew 614 participants representing 33 nations. It was backed by a wide network that included four advisory board members, nine Asean advisors, and the support of three key Malaysian ministries: MITI, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, and the Health Ministry.
Over three days, the forum delivered an intensive programme featuring 24 parallel sessions, 10 plenary panels, six workshops, nine roundtables, and four firechat conversations. These were supported by four keynote addresses, 29 moderators, and a 20-member organising secretariat.
Addressing delegates during the closing remarks, Noraini hailed the event as a demonstration of what can be achieved through unity and shared vision. “This forum sparks inspiration and provides a blueprint for long-term cooperation. And the ideas born here, if nurtured and carried forward, have the power to shape policies, influence markets, and redefine inclusive leadership in Asean and beyond.” She also acknowledged the complexities that come with translating ambition into action.
Noraini closed her speech with a call for transparency and accountability in the road ahead. “Let us reaffirm our commitment to good governance, the cornerstone of impactful intergenerational agendas. As we move from discussion to implementation, the principles of transparency, accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness are more vital than ever.”
“We believe the outcomes of this forum will be translated into real, measurable actions through sound policies, innovative enterprises, community-led efforts and meaningful collaborations,” she added.
