Penang Women Entrepreneurs

Women Directors Training, fully funded

2014-04-08T11:20:00.000+08:00

Male-dominated corporate boards are the norm in this country and elsewhere.

Malaysia is taking action to correct this imbalance and has set a target of minimum 30% women in senior decision-making positions and corporate boards by year 2016.

A Women Directors Onboarding Training Programme 2014 starts this month.

The programme is in its third year running, to prepare potential and qualified women for directorship roles in Malaysian public-listed companies.

The first year saw 220 women accordingly trained plus 500 more trained in 2013. Are you among the trainees this year?

The programme is fully funded and organised by NAM Institute for the Empowerment of Women (NIEW) - a training, research and knowledge management agency under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.

Those who have successfully undergone the training get listed at the Women Corporate Directors' Registry, which assists in the placement of board-ready candidates.

Are You Game?

The programme requires that you are female, a Malaysian citizen, age 45 and above, degree holder or professional qualification like LLB, ACCA, etc, and hold senior management post in PLC, GLC, NGO or are entrepreneurs holding post of CEO, CIO, COO, CFO and the likes.

NAWEM receives invitation to attend the training and its participants last year included our Penang chairperson Wendy. "It is beneficial and a great experience even if you don't intend to become an independent director," she said.

One gets to understand the culture of the male-dominated boards, experience board simulation through case studies, join panel discussion with experienced directors, and go through third-party assessment of board readiness, she added.

TRAINING STRUCTURE / MODULE

For more info on the women directors on-boarding programme, visit http://www.wcdregistry.com/.

Wendy with fellow trainees

Spread Some Love & Cheers; Donate

2014-02-14T12:30:00.000+08:00

Happy Chap Goh Mei and Blessed Valentine's Day to all women entrepreneurs and their loved ones!

We share below a 'love letter' giving details of the masquerade ball invitation published earlier this month...it is going to be NOT just a party but, more importantly, a fund-raising event to benefit women entrepreneurs.

The letter is from MAWEM president

On behalf of the National Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Malaysia (NAWEM), and in my capacity as President of the Association, we are happy to inform you that on the occasion of our 20^th Anniversary, we will be organising a dinner as follows:

Date : 15^th March 2014 (Saturday)

Time : 8.00 p.m.

Venue : Manhattan Ballroom, L 14,

Berjaya Times Square Hotel, KL

For the past two decades, NAWEM has undertaken various programmes to realise the Government’s goals of integrating Women into the Nation’s Economic mainstream, particularly in the area of Business and Entrepreneurship. Such activities includes:

i. Conducting training courses

ii. Workshops

iii. Seminars and conferences

iv. Mounting skills training programmes in collaboration with the Private Sectors

v. Participating in CSR initiatives in conjunction with the Business Community

For the last two decades, NAWEM has received valuable support from the Government and from the Private Sector. NAWEM has received the TAX EXEMPTION STATUS under Section 44 (6B) of the Income Tax Act 1967 (effective from 1st January 2011). This TAX EXEMPTION applies to BOTH contributions made to NAWEM, as well as incomes generated by NAWEM.

In this context, we are therefore writing this letter to seek for your kind consideration to

a) Sponsor a Table / Tables

b) Place an Advertisement in the Souvenir Programme

Although we have set the Table prices, NAWEM welcomes additional contributions that would further support our fund raising effort.

NAWEM hopes to be able to raise sufficient funds to enable us to carry out all the planned programmes and activities, particularly to expand the existing Training facilities, and establish a full-fledged Training Centre for Women Entrepreneurs.

On behalf of my Executive Committee Members, we hope that your goodself and your company will be able to support NAWEM in realizing its Objectives of nurturing and developing Women Entrepreneurs, particularly within the SME Sector.

For your convenience, we are attaching a Reply Slip for your action.

Thank you so much for your support and contribution, and we look forward to welcoming you and your guests on March 15, 2014.

Thank you.

Regards

Sarojini Ruth

Organising Chairperson/President

NAWEM

p.s. Please email us at nawempg@gmail.com for the gala tickets and 'reply slip' mentioned in the letter.

Masquarade party for women entrepreneurs

2014-02-05T13:33:00.001+08:00

It's NAWEM big anniversary and the celebration this time is open to friends and guests as well.

Do join us!
NAWEM Penang holds ticket stock. Get yours now and let's have a ball this March!!

Below, we share some highlights from the NAWEM Penang + Customs Penang-organised GST Seminar last month. It was a full-house event that attracted over 300 attendees (we had to turn away quite a number of people too).

Several NAWEM officials from Kuala Lumpur also came to support the seminar held at Wisma Kastam in Seberang Jaya.

The response was awesome and the Q & A session at the end saw a lot of participation. There were requests for more such seminars to be held, particularly industry-specified GST seminars. The participants appreciated much that the speakers were all Custom officers - getting the facts straight from the horse's mouth.

We applauded most the hard work of our energetic organising chairperson Ai Li. The seminar also helped sell copies of NAWEM eco-diaries, the proceed of which goes to support Tabung Amal NAWEM.

For the big event of second quarter 2014, NAWEM Penang plans on a SME Bank Clinic to help those looking for business loan and want a hands-on guidance on how to go about getting one. Do check back here for more details coming up. Email nawempg@gmail.com if you are keen to participate.

Goods & Services Tax; Malaysia

2013-12-16T15:17:00.000+08:00

The Malaysian GST (Goods and Services Tax) is scheduled for implementation by 2015 with inflation, as estimated by some analysts, accelerating to 4% from the current 2.1% annual average.

Are you curious about how the 6% GST would impact your businesses and you?

NAWEM Penang will start its New Year 2014 with the above one-day seminar, and do mark your calendar and register yourself by Dec 27.

The event is organised with full support of the local Royal Malaysian Customs Department, which provides venue, speakers and food - thus, registration is necessary.

Some 300 people are expected and a bit more is okay as the hall can accommodate up to 400. However, the participants should be comfortable to ensure better learning, right? So grab your seat today - first come first serve!

To date, some 150 have registered. We look forward to see you all in Seberang Jaya for some great networking too.

Come prepared with questions you want answered by the authorities like:

• Why GST?
• What are the salient features of GST in Malaysia?
• How to file a GST Return?
• What are the transitional issues?
• How to prepare your business for GST? (prices, cash flow, business process, computer system, etc)

This GST talk is held in line with NAWEM's objectives to:

Act as liaison between the Government of Malaysia, State, and local agencies and organisations as well as external agencies and bodies
Conduct seminars, workshops, training programmes and conferences
Provide counselling and constituency services
Promote, propagate and enhance women's capabilities and potentials.

NAWEM Pg members with Penang Customs senior officers. Seated centre is the director Dato' Zulkifli Yahaya

Again, to register, click on the poster above or go here http://ow.ly/rlRzZ. Direct any inquiries to the organising chairperson Ai Li Yeap: hp 017 582 3699, ailiyeap@gmail.com / nawempg@gmail.com or Fax: 04-538 8471

* * *

You are also welcome to join NAWEM Penang's Christmas Lunch on Dec 28. Simply bring along a gift (worth RM50 minimum) for exchange and to spread the holiday cheers!
Ongoing details shall be posted at its Facebook fan page.

Women CEO Korean Trade Mission

2013-11-05T20:10:00.000+08:00

Ten Korean companies will be in Kuala Lumpur this month, looking to promote their products to Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region, to explore business opportunities and to share technology.

It will be an exclusive event, meeting their top officials on 1 on 1 basis, and confirmation has been made a month earlier for the limited seats available. NAWEM members received their online invitation and registered through its secretariat.

The Korean participants include cosmetic manufacturers like Ecoment, which makes the Vieco brand natural cosmetic, and Eunsung that produces makeup tools and accessories and is known for its Silstar brand silk pore cleansing brush.

Korean cosmetic products

J World Tech that makes the popular Lovpe brand hair curling tong will also be there to promote its other home appliances like food blender, etc. So are Aphome, famous for its handmade jewellery and accessories, and pomegranate + wild berry health juice manufacturer Health Love.

Other participating Korean companies are Seshin (die-cast aluminum cookware), Rollpack (home vacuum sealer Foodkeeper), Clear Lighting Tech (LED lights), Heemang (multi mobile charger), and Care (adult diaper and pad as well as sheet for pet).

They all are part of the Gyeonggi Small and Medium Business Centre. Gyeonggi is the biggest state in South Korea with the largest concentration of brilliant product manufacturers and high technology companies like Samsung, LG, Hyundai and KIA.

The one-day trade event will take place on Thursday, Nov 21, at the JW Marriott Hotel, KL. Interpreter service is provided for non-Korean participants, so no worries...

The organiser, Gyeonggi Business Centre Kuala Lumpur (www.gtrade.or.kr/kuala), is the Southeast Asian business hub representing the Gyeonggi government to assist Korean SMEs to penetrate the SEA markets through the promotion of regular trade missions with local buyers and specific trade meetings.

The Koreans are looking for potential local business partners to assist them in distributing/manufacturing their products either through exclusive marketing, joint venture or investment into Malaysia set-ups.

We wish all the participants a fruitful meeting and happy networking!

Hands-on Business Loan Clinic

2013-09-20T18:45:00.000+08:00

It takes efforts to get others to open their wallet and give you money, especially money to expand your business. There are procedure to follow and documentation to get ready; and SME Bank Clinic is one place where you can learn first-hand how to secure such funding.

NAWEM has organised several SME Bank Clinics in Kuala Lumpur and NAWEM Penang wants to extend similar service here, to benefit members and other women entrepreneurs up north.

Entrepreneurs and business owners must prepare the following to attend the SME Bank Clinic:

1) A full set of MOA, forms 24,49,9,442) Directors' IC-copy and profile(s)
3) Company profile
4) 3 years audited account (most important)
5) Cash flow projection
6) Project plan
7) Other supporting documents (cost-benefit analysis) as per consultation, according to industry and loan objectives (machine, new outlet, etc.)
8) Application form

SME Bank will conduct the clinic for minimum of 5 participants. Register yourself with the organising chairperson Jac Lynn (016-4109048 or jacquelinelaherballe@yahoo.com). Help her to quickly get the number, then she can set up the date for the clinic in the 4th Quarter.

Better still, come meet Jac Lynn in person this Saturday, Sept 28 during NAWEM Penang sharing session, where she will speak on "Make-up for Business." Expect some tips on how to create a more professional appearance & great first impression to help you garner more business!

Some more sharing by two Penang members who attended the recent NAWEM lecture on "Crowdfunding - what is it and is in it for you?"

Date :	28 Sept 2013 (Saturday)
Time :	10.00 a.m – 12.00 p.m. (Committee Meeting) 12.00 noon – 1.00 p.m (Sharing Session) 1.00 p.m. – 2.00 p.m. ( Lunch Networking)

The venue is at NAWEM Penang's shared premise at One Precinct, 1A-2-01, Lengkok Mayang Pasir, Bayan Baru, 11900 Penang (near Bayan Baru market and Sunshine Square).

Successful Women & Wine this June

2013-06-22T17:02:00.000+08:00

Five from NAWEM Penang were among the 1,100 delegates from 72 countries, who attended the Global Women's Summit held in Kuala Lumpur earlier this month. By comparison, the 2012 summit in Athens, Greece gathered 800 participants.

Delegates to Global Women's Summit 2013 in Kuala Lumpur

NAWEM Penang committee meeting this month (June 29) will be a time for them to re-live exciting moments connecting first hand with numerous successful women from all over the world.

After the committee meeting, vice-chairperson Catherine will do a 10-minute sharing on the summit with all members and guests. This is great opportunity for women entrepreneurs, who didn't attend, to find out and decide if they would want to commit to next year's Global Women's Summit in Paris.

The Kuala Lumpur summit, among others, featured as a speaker Malaysian Amanda Nasim who, as a 19-year old student, won the master franchise for Tutty Fruity Europe and opened her first outlet in London over a year ago. Read her story here

NAWEM Penang representatives with Amanda Nasim (centre)

Other successful women, who shared their wisdom with the participants, included IBM Thailand MD Parnsiree Amatayakul, Bank Consortium of Hong Kong CEO Lau Ka Shi and France BETC founder Mercedes Erra.

Join us this Saturday to hear what are the take-away wisdom gained by the summit participants from NAWEM Penang. More over, we have a new meeting venue on the mainland for a change, and for a good reason. We shall meet in Bukit Mertajam at Fine Wine Resources (near Tesco) and learn from the resident wine expert Loo Lip Moon.

Date: 29 June 2013 (Saturday)
Time: 10am - 12.30pm Committee Meeting
1.15pm - 3.30pm Sharing Session (open to guests)

Speakers: Catherine Heah & wine expert Loo Lip Mun

Venues:
Committee Meeting
Straight Talk Business Services
30-F, 2nd Floor, Taman Jaya,
Jalan Kulim, Bukit Mertajam

Lunch/Sharing Session
Fine Wine Resources
27, Lorong Seri Impian 2
Taman Seri Impian
Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang

P.S. There probably be more sharing from the June 18th Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Penang Lunch Networking Session. Three NAWEM Penang members had attended it.

The networking lunch was for representatives from prominent agencies and key players in the local industry. This is where they shared ideas on future direction, issues and challenges of the industry and got updated on the latest development in the industry.

Besides strengthening networking across industries, MIDA uses such occasion to identify the assistance needed especially in coordinating all facilities including grants and funds.

BTW, NAWEM Penang has confirmed our industry visit to MIDA Penang on July 3rd at 10am. Its director Ms Azhana Mohamed Saleh will be hosting.

Both members and guests are welcome to join this industry visit. Simply register yourself first with the organising chairperson Wendy. Email her at wendy@penexpo.com.my to state your name, company and the questions you want to post to MIDA.

Info on MIDA is available at www.mida.gov.my and its Penang address is below:

Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
Unit 4.03, 4th Floor
Menara Boustead Penang
39, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah
10050 Penang

How to Market on Facebook, etc

2013-05-15T13:36:00.000+08:00

Another interesting sharing is due this Saturday, May 18, following NAWEM Penang monthly committee meeting.

The speaker is Jason Gan of Tribeup, a digital marketing agency & innovation lab and Instapps, DIY toolset software for online sellers to setup full functioning Facebook stores.

Instapps Social Store is a full fledge Facebook ecommerce system that sits on your Facebook page. It allows your fans to browse and search your products effectively at a fully functional shopping cart.

Your customers can choose to pay via Paypal or opt for manual payment or online banking. The whole Paypal transaction process will be done within Facebook environment. If a customer choose to pay via manual payment, they can come back to update payment at the Purchase Management Panel, which you, the seller, will be notified immediately. Instapps also feature a full fledge inventory system to help you take care of your stockkeeping headaches, plus another 20 over cool features.

Mark your calendar if you are keen on learning more about Facebook promotion, marketing and sales!

Date :	18 May 2013 (Saturday)
Time :	10.00 a.m – 12.00 p.m. (Committee Meeting) 12.00 noon – 1.00 p.m (Sharing Session by Jason Gan (open to guests) 1.00 p.m. – 2.00 p.m. ( Networking session )

The venue is at NAWEM Penang's shared premise at One Precinct, 1A-2-01, Lengkok Mayang Pasir, Bayan Baru, 11900 Penang (near Bayan Baru market and Sunshine Square).

In April, we had Jason Teh, a certified retail coach and CEO of two companies, who shared on SoLoMo Marketing that targets online-mobile users.

The following is a brief on what NAWEM Penang members had been up to recently.

> Three members and two guests were in KL for the promotional conference on the 10th China-Asean Expo 2013, which is scheduled for 20-24 September in Nanning, China. They returned excited to share 'this very valuable information' to members and all.

MATRADE is organising the Malaysian participation in the 10th CAEXPO, a major annual event that has been credited as an important platform for the promotion of trade and investment between Malaysia and China.The expo theme this year is 'Regional Cooperation and Development: New Opportunities, New Impetus and New Stage.'

There is an incentive of RM10,000 to Malaysians who are interested to take up booths at the expo and two NAWEM members are keen to do so.

Chairperson Wendy recommended members to attend such promotional conference to better understand the incentives offered by MATRADE for promoting Malaysian products to the overseas market.

>Wendy also attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Regional Forum in KL, where an Indonesian delegate highlighted that not all countries provide subsidy for participation in the forum. So Malaysians are the lucky lot because they have such subsidy.

>Five members took part in the 13th Penang Career & Post Graduate Expo at PISA. The organiser PenExpo Event (via Wendy) had sponsored a double booth for NAWEM Penang. Some great results were obtained.

Firstly, two lady entrepreneurs were attracted to join NAWEM, one filled up the application form right away :), mostly thanks to Pauline.

Swe Ee received 50 applications for her company special programme, Jac got 15 job applications for her business with one successful candidate, Jace and Ai Li promoted their company products and services.

Jac said the expo was a good platform to get job candidates and to showcase your business to audience in the northern Malaysia. She recommended that more NAWEM members should participate in future expos.

SME Corp Penang Visit

2013-05-09T09:37:00.000+08:00

Get ready to visit SME Corp Penang this month and learn face-to-face the business incentives they have to offer to entrepreneurs and women entrepreneurs in particular. The visit is scheduled for 13 May 2013 starting 2.30pm.

This follows NAWEM Penang's fruitful industry visit to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Penang office last month where, among others, the members gained a better understanding of the market development grants it provides to different types of business.

Member Chuat Tien said: "Matrade is indeed a source of both technical and financial support besides providing useful advice based on its vast experience and contact throughout the world."

As for the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Corp, currently our member Jacquelin has the pleasure of working with them on the franchising project of her La Herballe skin care and beauty business.

Both NAWEM Penang members and guests are invited to join this industry visit, and take the opportunity to find out more what are the various services, business incentives and assistance available from SME Corp to entrepreneurs.

You need to sign up by May 9 and provide the organising chairperson Wendy some basic info to ensure a smooth and successful visit. You can email her at wendy@penexpo.com.my to give your:

name
telephone number
email address
company name
nature of business
questions for SME Corp and/or information needed

On the day of visit, please gather at least 15 minutes early at the below address:

SME Corp Malaysia
No.16, Lorong Perindustrian Bukit Minyak 2
Taman Perindustrian Bukit Minyak
14100 Simpang Ampat
Pulau Pinang

Cheers and hope to see you there!

Online Marketing & Mobile Users

2013-04-24T17:19:00.000+08:00

By 2015 most Internet traffic is expected to come from mobile devices. How can businesses target, engage and turn those online into your customers?

Retail coach Jason Teh would give you some answers this Saturday, April 27. He will be the guest speaker for NAWEM Penang sharing session. Jason of Biz Coach Firm Sdn Bhd shall tackle the subject of 'How to increase via SNS your sales, profit & customers without marketing budget increase.'

So please mark your calendar:

Date :	27 April 2013 (Saturday)
Time :	10.00 a.m – 12.00 p.m. (Committee Meeting) 12.00 noon – 1.00 p.m (Sharing Session by Jason Teh, open to guests) 1.00 p.m. – 2.00 p.m. ( Networking session )

The venue is at NAWEM Penang's shared premise at One Precinct, 1A-2-01, Lengkok Mayang Pasir, Bayan Baru, 11900 Penang (near Bayan Baru market and Sunshine Square).

Below is another sharing worth going to, especially for those having to deal with difficult people. Most of us have to do so, at one point or another. The difficult ones can be our parent, sibling, child, spouse, boss, neighbour, friend or sworn enemy. Hehe...

Tackling the subject matter would Arun Doshi, a retired CEO, trainer, mentor and professional life coach, who enjoys sharing his insights with enthusiasm and humour. His talk would expand your understanding of ego and the skill set required in dealing with difficult people.

The date with Mr Doshi is 2.30pm, Sat 27.4.2013 at the Oasis of Peace, Bayan Baru Brahma Kumaris at No. 36, Solok Kampong Jawa.

If you are in the export business, the following may interest you:

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) half-day seminar on "Export Trade Disputes" on Tuesday, April 30 in Kuala Lumpur.

The objective of this seminar is to equip exporters on how to avoid any possible and future disputes in their export business by using correct documents, internationally accepted and the correct terms of payment and terms of sale like INCOTERMS.

Register online at http://www.matrade.gov.my/en/online-applications/matrades-exporters-training-programme/470 . The closing date to register is on 29 April 2013.

Riveting Read on Improving Your Business Page

2013-04-12T23:25:00.003+08:00

From time to time, we shall share some fascinating read found elsewhere, which content should be helpful to the entrepreneurs. The following is such a piece as businesses big and small nowadays use SNS as part of their marketing and branding.

Quote: "Post content that interests your followers and less about how great your company is."

Click through the slides to learn more:

Top 10 Tips from Best LinkedIn Company Pages of 2012 from LinkedIn

Business Incorporation & other attractions

2013-03-20T14:08:00.001+08:00

Managing director Richard Oon of ConsultNet Tax Services will join the women of NAWEM Penang this Saturday, March 23rd. He will share on the basics of business incorporation, benefits and related issues such as taxes and asset protection.

Richard's sharing session starts at noon.

Don't fret that you'd get hungry for lunch as refreshment is prepared by NAWEM Penang as usual during its meeting, which normally takes place every last Saturday of the month. However, this month NAWEM will hold its AGM on Saturday, March 30th. So its Penang affiliates shall meet a week earlier.

So mark your calendar accordingly, especially if you're looking to faster grow your business organisation this year.

Date :	23^rd March 2013 (Saturday)
Time :	9.00 a.m – 10.00 a.m. (Breakfast ) 10.00 a.m – 12.00 p.m. (Committee Meeting) 12.00 noon – 1.00 p.m (Sharing Session by Richard Oon, open to guests) 1.00 p.m. – 2.00 p.m. ( Networking session )

The venue is at NAWEM Penang's shared premise at One Precinct, 1A-2-01, Lengkok Mayang Pasir, Bayan Baru, 11900 Penang (near Bayan Baru market and Sunshine Square).

* * *

As mentioned earlier, NAWEM will hold its 20th AGM and the first 50 members who register will receive door gifts. Registration starts at 9am this March 30th at its Secretariat, at Lot 13, Rumah Puspanita, Jalan Hose, Kuala Lumpur.

While waiting for the AGM to begin at 10am, you can browse and shop at the concourse, where members would have product exhibition/sale. NAWEM trainees, who have participated in the baking and tailoring courses, would also be offering their services and selling their products.

Those who want to participate in the exhibition must register with NAWEM Secretariat by March 25th. A confirmed participant, Elit Purnama, would be offering free any first piece of garment + a second piece for sale at RM10 minimum. All proceed is to be donated to NAWEM charity fund TAN.

Following the AGM, speaker Cassandra Lee would share on 'Tummy Flattening' at noon, and lunch would follow.

* * *

4 April 2013 (Thursday)

A morning briefing on 'Global Purchasing Centre (GPC) in China' at Menara MATRADE in Kuala Lumpur starting at 8.30am. Participation is free and you must register by April 2nd.

It is a perfect opportunity for businesses looking to export to China. Selected products to participate in this programme will be promoted via seven GPC in key China cities including Beijing, Zhangjiagang, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang and Wuhan, and thereafter to be distributed to more than 100 retailers throughout China.

10 April 2013 (Wednesday)

NAWEM Penang will visit MATRADE Penang in Seberang Perai. The appointment is at 3pm. Come have a face-to-face meeting with its director Nyaee Ayup, who will share some of the incentives MATRADE has to offer to entrepreneurs.

10-11 April 2013

Women Entrepreneurs Synergy Network, a programme by SME Corp Malaysia, to be held in Subang. This year's programme carries the theme of 'Retail Transformation toward Economic Growth' and comprises seminar, workshop, networking and trade visit.

The programme is free and you must register by March 29th. Participation is limited to 5 members of each association. It is designed to provide basic exposure to the retail business, up-to-date technology and best practices.

Anniversary Charm Bracelet

2012-12-13T11:26:00.000+08:00

To celebrate a 40th anniversary...four pretty little charms, made of pure silver and coated with platinum, stringed onto a matching bracelet that would daintily adorn any woman's hand.

The piece is designed by NAWEM-PAN member Amee Philips (photo at left) of the famed Penang jewellery house. The award winner and internationally known designer collaborated with Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang to create a special something to commemorate the ruby anniversary of this Penang foremost resort and spa.

What is the charm of the bracelet?

Well, simply wearing and flashing it while visiting the resort will earn you discount at certain outlets. What's more, the bracelet with the little charms depicting Rasa Sayang outstanding features is to be given away free to resort customers.

The details will be available at the official unveiling of the 40th anniversary charm bracelet this Saturday Dec 15. There will be a jewellery show by Amee Philips , too.

Come along PAN and show support to our fellow member!

The party starts at 2.30pm at the resort's Spice Market Cafe terrace, where you may enjoy its scrumptious Scone High Tea while drinking in the lush green ambiance of Rasa's manicured gardens...just like the one below. COOL, huh!

December Entrepreneur Events

2012-12-10T11:46:00.000+08:00

Dec 29
PAN final business meeting of the year + holiday gathering with lunch sponsored by madam chairperson. Attendees are encouraged to bring a gift each (worth minimum RM20 or more, if you wish) for the holiday gift exchange and to spread cheers.

We shall be meeting at PAN new shared premise in One Precinct Penang in Bayan Baru.
The address is: 1A-2-02 @ One Precinct (1147),
Lengkok Mayang Pasir.

The sharing session at noon shall feature member Linda Cheoy, speaking on 'choosing a good loan.' Come learn some tips...most businesses can benefit from loan at some point in time :)

The agenda is as follows:

10.00am - 12 noon Committee meeting

12 noon -12.30pm Sharing by member/guest (non-members welcome)

12.30pm - 1pm Q & A

1pm - 2.30pm Lunch-cum-networking

Dec 13
NAWEM has 20 seats at today's Chairman Power Breakfast with the Prime Minister in Kuala Lumpur. NAM Institute for the Empowerment of Women (NIEW), an agency under the Ministry of Women, Family and community Development, is the event organiser.

Dec 7
Inaugural Meeting for the "Staying Connected" Committee of the Malaysia In-Country APEC Forum 2012 in NAWEM office at Rumah Puspanita in Kuala Lumpur.

Dec 4 - 6
8th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) in Johor Bahru. NAWEM has 5 complimentary seats for the WIEF Business Women Forum on Dec 5 that features several intriguing sessions including on:

Women in Technology: Fostering Interest and Overcoming Obstacles.

Business Innovation: Chasing Success on a Shoestring

CEO Panel Women Entrepreneurs: Catalyst for Change

Dec 1
Full day seminar titled ‘Merancang Kejayaan Perniagaan dari Aspek Kewangan dan Undang-Undang’ in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. NAWEM has invitation for 20 members. This is a Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism event, organised together with Peniagawati Malaysia.

Sharing by Women Entrepreneurs

2012-11-19T15:13:00.000+08:00

For November sharing, PAN member Jacqueline of La Herballe beauty care will relate her company's experience participating in numerous expositions.

This is Jac

Most recent, La Herballe was among the exhibitors at last week Gift, Premium & Stationery Fair as well as the Penang Career & Post Graduate Expo held at the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA). By now, for sure her team are experts at getting the most out of such events, what are the do's and dont's when you are promoting products, building brand and franchise, etc.

New PAN member Jace will also be sharing on the topic of 'choosing the sex of your baby.' Jace is the director of Choice Baby Family Planning, a company that provides baby gender selection services.

Jace Lim

The company uses what is called the 'Choice Method', which Jace said is simple, safe and 100% natural for both mother and baby, without genetic manipulation, any clinical or surgical treatment. It has been used by thousand of mothers with over 98% success rate.

Aren't you curious now?

We all can learn much from these two growing women entrepreneurs. Come and meet them.

Kindly take note that NAWEM-PAN sharing session follows its monthly committee meeting, held every LAST SATURDAY of the month, and the Agenda is as follows:

10.00am - 12 noon Committee meeting

12 noon -12.30pm Sharing by member/guest (non-members welcome)

12.30pm - 1pm Q & A

1pm - 2.30pm Lunch-cum-networking with guests

Note the venue below and be part of PAN sharing & networking.

C-5-1, Bay Avenue, Lorong Bayan Indah 3, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang.

(next to Eastin Hotel, near Queensbay Mall)

Also, starting December PAN official meeting venue will move to One Precinct Penang - a new seven-storey office-cum-retail complex in Bayan Baru (near Suntech). Our shared premise is at Precinct East 2nd floor. The address is 1A-2-02 @ One Precinct (1147), Lengkok Mayang Pasir, 11950, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

November Events

2012-11-06T18:28:00.000+08:00

NAWEM-PAN member Wendy Wong at PenExpo Events is super busy nowadays with two up coming back-to-back expositions her company is holding at PISA (Penang International Sporst Arena) this month.

A tired & still smiling Wendy at the last expo.

PenExpo is known for its big expos that draw crowd of 20,000 - 30,000 people, and the exhibitor booths cost several thousands Ringgit each. Thanks to PenExpo and Wendy, women entrepreneurs from NAWEM often get to participate for free in such expos.

The two coming up events are the second Gift, Premium & Stationery Fair 2012 from Nov 15-17 and to be followed by the 12th Penang Career & Post Graduate Expo on Nov 17 & 18. Come find us among other Malaysian and international exhibitors at the events ya!


Participating PAN members at a previous expo.

...and the visiting crowd

Of course, you can just come for the expo daily top lucky draw prize of the new iPad, and to earn one or two of the 10,000 free Firefly Air tickets on offer.

If you or someone you know is looking for a job or want to change career, the career expo brings to you some 10,000 opportunities including for overseas postings...there must one or two that meet your preference.

If you rather take a break from work and go for further study, the expo post graduate section also let you easily browse through the different options available.

Company functions normally peak towards the year-end. Some functions require that you prepare unique gift items and souvenirs. Pick and order yours at the Gift, Premium & Stationery Fair.

Details of both expos, the list of exhibitors and their detail offerings are posted on https://www.facebook.com/penexpoevents and www.penexpo.com.my. Btw, PenExpo will also hold the Johor Career & Post Graduate Expo on Jan 12 & 13 next year.

* * *

There are more up coming events that offer business opportunities and learning, networking, training, etc. Some are free to eligible entrepreneurs while others charge substantial fees. However, many of them have free seats allotted to NAWEM members via our secretariat.

Nov 20
Half-day Street Smart 'MBA' for Entrepreneurs (SME CEO Forum 2012) in Petaling Jaya - for clearer understanding of how business works holistically, how to take complex decisions and operate in fast moving and competitive environment. NAWEM has 2 complimentary seats.

Nov 25
Entrepreneurship Programme with SME Bank in Kuala Lumpur - provides exposure and information about the role and financing opportunities offered by SME Bank to women entrepreneurs. NAWEM has 25 seats.

Nov 26-30
Women as Creative Tourism Players, a regional course organised by NAM Institute for Empowerment of Women (NIEW) and to be held in Bali. NIEW is sponsoring the course except for air fare. NAWEM is allotted three applicants.

Nov 28
Incoming Buying Mission: Intrade Malaysia 2012 in Kuala Lumpur for new and active Malaysian exporters. It is organised by MATRADE (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation) with expected presence of some 500 international buyers.

Nov 29
Creativity & Innovation
Key to Survival & Growth of SMEs
HRDF-sponsored programme in Petaling Jaya.

PAN is 3 Years Young!

2012-10-20T21:21:00.000+08:00

Come November 2012, Penang Affiliates of NAWEM will be three years old and members had an early anniversary celebration in Kuala Lumpur recently, together with fellow women entrepreneurs from NAWEM headquarters.

And what a celebration it was for PAN members during that three-day two-night trip! We much appreciate that many NAWEM members, busy business women that they are, had made time for us and on week days too. They graciously became our tour guides, committee meeting coaches, lunch and dinner hosts and party pals.

We felt their generosity, camaraderie, warmth and sisterhood, which made me think of bunch of proud mamas showering gifts on her only child's birthday. Ah! it's good that PAN is NAWEM's first child, so to speak :)

At the end of the trip we were left feeling like children pampered on their birthday; from the various treats, bagful of wonderful souvenirs and fun prizes to take home and the warm, happy memories made. There were also lessons learned and inspiration taken, friendship forged and strengthened.

NAWEM President Sarojini Ruth addressing the gathering.

Fun and camaraderie at the Monkey Bar... anniversary dinner party hosted by NAWEM deputy president Puan Sri Dr Susan Cheah.

We sang, we danced, we had fun contests and won prizes, talked like only women could and made friends, ate and drank...and waited for the host to turn up. She was held back by work and bad traffic and couldn't make it. We had loads of fun anyhow!

Puan Sri Susan felt bad for having missed the party and made it up by treating us the next day to lunch. Awesome. A relaxed and leisurely meal, plus great conversation, at the Atrium, Sunway Pyramid certainly left many in joyous mood.

PAN chairperson Swe Ee was especially pleased that, with this anniversary trip, all in her committee had finally visited NAWEM Secretariat. The office is very cozy and has a feel of that of a home especially in the kitchenette.

It was serious business though when come to the meeting proper. We thank president Saro and her exco for sitting through the meeting with PAN committee, and for the coaching so as to better standardise the procedure. Also, thank you Mayi of the Secretariat for the professionally prepared minutes. We all learned and shall strive to do better.

Perhaps the greatest learning curve during the trip occurred while visiting Ken-Rich Chemical factory in Shah Alam.

This CEO dresses very comfortably to work.

NAWEM member Hooi Lai Lin fascinated and inspired with recount of her success story; building the business with just RM5,000 in pooled capital amidst the mid-80's Malaysian economic crisis.

Her factory makes household and personal care products and today it supplies, among others, the house brands for international supermarket and retail outlet chains. Ken-Rich Chemical has also recently expanded to Penang to start making new personal care product lines.

Waiting for lunch to be served at South Sea Seafood in Subang.

After feeding our mind and soul, Lai Lin took us out and fed our tummies as well. She sent us off with bagful of goodies each.

Like Wendy said, the generosity we received was very encouraging, made us want to achieve more and grow as entrepreneurs, and take our turn at being gracious host and equally encouraging to other fellow women entrepreneurs.

For now, it has just gotten easier for the PAN members to answer that question of 'How have I benefited from NAWEM?' : ) What say you, gals? Comment below or leave some words in the cbox at right.

Business Grants to Beef Up Your Company?

2012-09-23T21:51:00.000+08:00

Beauty care entrepreneur Jacqueline Goh started her business from a single table in a Penang shopping mall. Five years later, the La Herballe brand she created had begun distributing products throughout Malaysia, and even the world via online mall.

This year the brand celebrates its 8^th anniversary with Jac as the company group managing director and licensor for the La Herballe skin/beauty salon, which uses Japanese products first formulated over 30 years ago. She studied business in Japan as well as trained as a skin therapist and beauty consultant there, and naturally had since moonlight as a Japanese translator too.

La Herballe currently has 1 outlet on Penang Island, 2 in Seberang Prai and 2 in Selangor. It also actively distribute products through clinics, pharmacies and other salons.

The brand differentiate itself as the natural skin care/facial quick fix for urban lifestyle, attracting people with its effective, light and easy facial/spa experience at affordable prices.

La Herballe's latest concept of beauty kiosk

We are proud to have Jac as vice chairperson of NAWEM-PAN since its inception. Last year she was a recipient of NAWEM-HSBC skill training grant worth RM30,000. This allowed 10 eligible women in Penang to receive La Herballe beauty care training to enable them to at least start a home-based business, beauty kiosk or salon.

Certainly Jac has under her belt enough business experience and acumen to inspire other women. She had a regular job when she first started her business. “I would get up in the morning and go to my normal job as a PA/translator in factory uniform, and in the afternoon change into my skin therapist/consultant attire... in high heels.” For La Herballe, it had taken courage, effort, determination, belief in the products and the right image to succeed, Jac added.

A proud sponsor of Star Walk 2012...Jac @ centre

She recently applied for another NAWEM grant and hopes to train the next batch of deserving women entrepreneur wannabes. Jac has also been mulling on writing a women entrepreneur's guide titled 'The Warrior In Me...in High Heels.' We only wish she would get to it soon so more women can benefit from the La Herballe experience.

Meanwhile her company has, through NAWEM assistance, also received a SME Corp grant for La Herballe to obtain Franchise licence and ISO 9001 certification. For some immediate sharing with Jac, come join PAN sharing session this month on 'How to maximize your benefits being a member of NAWEM?'

Jewellery talk, not on gold, this Saturday

2012-07-27T14:50:00.000+08:00

The topic for PAN July sharing session has changed from gold to jewellery; both are favourites with us women, entrepreneurs or not. The earlier designated speaker, PAN member Monica, has a family emergency so another member Amee Philips has step up to take over the rostrum.

Yes, the speaker is the Amee Philips of the famous Penang jewellery house that has gone national as well as international as of this year. So free up your Saturday afternoon tomorrow to listen to and spend some personal time with this rising entrepreneur.

At the 6^th Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards earlier this month, Amee won the Most Promising Entrepreneur Award 2012. This particular award requires for the nominees to be entrepreneurs leading a registered business for no less than one year, and with a turnover of no less than USD1 million in the past one year.

The Most Promising Entrepreneurship Award is for entrepreneurs who have displayed promising accomplishments in the past and present and have the vision and potential to advance their companies to be leading businesses in the near future. They are deemed to hold the potential to make it big and inspire the young minds to follow their footsteps in becoming successful entrepreneurs in the future.

Amee (L) receiving her Most Promising Entrepreneur Award

And Amee has been judged to fit that bill. So come prepared with questions to ask her over a cuppa. PAN sharing session is normally quite intimate with just 20 women or less chatting together.

Here's some Amee's basics to entice you further.

She hailed from Nibong Tebal and got into the jewellery business by accident. She was in Germany and received a gemstone in the mail from mom, who asked Amee to send home more of the same.

At the time Amee could only afford costume jewellery to wear. “I didn't even know what gemstone my mom had sent. I took it to a crystal shop and look for its look-alike and bought some to send back home.”

Her mom shared the gems with friends and soon was asking Amee to get more, who then started sourcing them for much cheaper from wholesalers.

That was how her gems wholesaling business took hold, supplying to the jewellery shops along Pitt Street (now Lebuh Masjid Kapitan Keling) in George Town. “I walked door-to-door asking them to buy but they only agreed to sell the gems for me on consignment.”

“I develop good eyes for the good gem stones as I go through thousands of them daily. And I started designing jewellery too and was lucky enough to have sold every piece.” She opened her jewellery production studio in 1992.

With the 1997 Financial Crisis, the wholesaling business took a dive. Amee shifted her focus entirely on producing jewellery and hasn't look back since. Year 2012 brought the Amee Philips brand to the international arena through a smart partnership with Zhang Toi, a fellow Malaysian who is now a world renown fashion designer based in New York.

Amee Philips became an international brand overnight with Zhang Toi, she said. It all began with them meeting as participants in the George Town Festival 2011. She counted that among the lucky moments or breakthroughs in her business.

Amee Philips is looking forward to become a world renown brand in no time because, she said, “I'm the best in coloured gem stones, I love them, I believe in innovation and creativity, I'm a big dreamer, a doer, and have no worries about making mistakes.”

Awesome words and resolve; don't you wish to hear more from her in person?

July Sharing: Gold Intrigue

2012-07-07T00:07:00.001+08:00

Are you noticing that lately gold is talked about quite often?

Yes, the shiny yellow metal has been gaining more attention than usual, at least for the past two years that I've noticed in Malaysia:

My friends sell gold bar and promote the gold dinar and coin on FaceBook.
Banks offer free gold wafers when you open an account and gold coins to win when you grow your balance.
You can open gold account easily at any bank; two years ago only 2 or 3 banks have such facility. You have option to keep your gold bullions in the bank or take them home.
There are also new companies dealing in gold bullions.
'Cash for your gold' event held in major city hotel and advertised in major papers.

PAN sharing session this month shall present some answers to the gold intrigue. Member Monica Toh wants to spread awareness of gold bullions as a good hedge against inflation and preserver of wealth.

People place their savings mostly in the bank, property or stock market, hoping to grow their wealth. Is now a good time to diversify and put some of your savings in the precious metal too?

Monica had joined the manufacturing sector right after school. After more than 20 years there, she left to go into financial planning and unit trust investment. Two years ago she expanded into trading of gold bullion.

She said gold bullion is providing her income regardless of the market movements, and helping others to do the same has been very financially rewarding as well.

Other Upcoming Events

26 & 27 July: NAMWEM has 2 complimentary seats at the 16th Malaysian Banking Summit. Themed 'Charting the Future Direction of Banking and Finance in a New Era', the event is organised by the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI) and held in Kuala Lumpur. Register with NAWEM Secretariat by noon, Friday the 16th, if you want to attend.

Sept 11 & 12: Join some 1,400 employers at the HRDF Conference & Exhibition 2012 this coming September. This annual event by Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad (PSMB) will take place at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

The Human Resource Minister will give the keynote address. There will be other prominent speakers plus information-packed workshops to intensify information exchange pertaining to theoretical research and practical developments in HR development.

For details, contact NAWEM Secretariat at 03-2142 3325 or email secretariat.nawem@gmail.com

or visit www.hrdf.com.my.

Earlier Events

July 11: NAWEM is alloted 4 seats at a full day "International Population Conference on Population Ageing : Issues and Challenges" in Kuala Lumpur, held in conjunction with World Population Day 2012.

Expected attendance is about 230 representatives from government agencies, private sector, universities, international agencies as well as non-governmental organisations.

They are to discuss issues and challenges of the ageing population in Malaysia and other ASEAN countries in general. There will be Malaysian and international speakers, presenting a total of 13 papers.

Their top task is to evaluate the financial needs and family support for the older persons in view of the changing family scenario and current social economic situation.

Apart from sharing of information and experiences internationally, the conference would help programme managers and policy makers in the formulation of a more comprehensive policy for the
older persons.

The Social Security Research Centre, Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Malaya (UM) is jointly organising the conference with the National Population and Family Development Board under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.

July 5 & 6: NAWEM had 2 complimentary seats at the e-commerce workshop "Versatile Innovation in Doing Business in the Global Market” held in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised it in collaboration with the Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry & Secure Online Shopping Association, Taiwan.

July 2-8: NAWEM had 2 complimentary seats at the forum and networking session held during the Economic Cooperation Development In Private Sector Between Malaysia & Iran in Kuala Lumpur. The organiser was SME Corp.

June Sharing

2012-06-01T10:25:00.000+08:00

Polly Kheong will share her life passion for flower craft, which also has been her business for over 5 years. Join us and find out how to turn your passion into business that you love, can sustain and grow into your own unique success story.

Wish Flower Creation, her shop in Butterworth, offers better designs and arrangements of pretty stuff like...

fresh flowers hand bouquet and hamper,

everlasting bouquet,

flower basket,

gift & flower,

fruits & flower basket,

congratulatory floral stand,

clay flower & toy.

As you can see, Polly's arts extend to clay flowers and toys, patchwork and drawing as well as teaching them to children and adults, boys & girls, men & women.

clay flowers that look like the real thing

Other June events

June 28-30:
SME Solutions / Entrepreneurship Expo in Kuala Lumpur.

NAWEM members have 15% discount on booth rental. Contact the event coordinator at 603 7880 3511 ext. 102 or mobile 6012-6129351.

June 28–30: Women Economic Forum at St Petersburg, Russia.

Join the Malaysian delegation to this regular event under the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), which has theme of 'Women and Innovative Economic Growth'.

The forum is expected to attract some 300 high-profile participants from the public, private, NGO and academic sectors. There are 3 main elements of the forum:

APEC policy partnership on women and the economy.
Public-private dialogue on women and economy.
High-level policy dialogue on women and the economy.

To participate, register with the International Relations Division of the Malaysian Women, Family and Community Development Ministry. Telephone 03-8323 1403/1407 or email tanbeechin@kpwkm.gov.my or farahsalma@kpwkm.gov.my.

June 26: NAWEM invited to a luncheon business talk 'Creating a global brand; the Lewre Success Story' in Kuala Lumpur. Lewre is a Malaysian brand of quality footwear for men and women, marketed globally especially to Europe and the Middle East.

June 21&22: ASEAN-India SME Conference with the theme 'Breaking Barriers, Building Success' in Kuala Lumpur. NAWEM was given 30 complimentary seats.

June - NAWEM Exco member Jacqueline Francis is on a business trip to London and US, visiting women business association in the region as a spokesperson for NAWEM, and passing along business-related matters from other members.

May Events

The 2^nd Conference on Greater KL in Kuala Lumpur

3 Complimentary seats given to NAWEM

3-Day 'Women & Money Asia Convention' in Kuala Lumpur.

10 complimentary seats reserved for NAWEM members.

Fully sponsored course on 'Sexual Harassment at the Workplace' in Shah Alam. 2 Reserved seats for NAWEM members.

NAWEM Sarawak trip, scheduled for Friday, 18th May, has been postponed to a later date.

Know Your S&P Agreement

2012-05-25T20:46:00.000+08:00

PAN legal advisor is to speak on "Understanding your sale & purchase agreement" at our May sharing session that follows the monthly committee meeting.

Do come join us. The sharing session, open to all, starts at 12noon and includes Q&A time. More questions and/or extended discussion can be done over lunch that starts about 1pm. Let's have some women time together and enjoy!

Date: 26 May 2012
Venue: C-5-1, Bay Avenue
Lorong Bayan Indah 3 (next to Queensbay Mall, Penang)

Curious about who is PAN legal adviser?

Catherine is 2nd from left.

Catherine Heah has accumulated extensive knowledge and practical experience in her seventeen (17) years in legal practice. She obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree (Honours) from University of East London, United Kingdom in 1992 and later also passed her Certificate of Legal Practice examination prior to being called to the BAR.

Currently, she is the head of the conveyancing department of Messrs Othman Hashim & Co.Advocates & Solicitors and the said Department comprises of three(3) other lawyers and together they are ably assisted by eight (8) clerical staffs. Her area of specialization covers General Conveyancing, Banking & Finance instruments including Corporate & Retail transactions, Probate & Admninistrative Law, Small Estates, Wills, Landlord & Tenant and Leases. To enhance her knowledge in companies and business sectors, Catherine recently took a Company Secretarial course so that she can be conscious of the legal impediments on one hand and on the other hand take charge of the legal assignments with dedication by ensuring the service level and quality of work rendered to the clients are not compromised.

Messrs Othman Hashim & Co. was established in October 1983 in Kuala Lumpur and has expanded beyond the city limits of Kuala Lumpur to Sepang, Wangsa Maju, Melaka, Johor Bahru, Kota Bahru, Sibu & Kuching in Sarawak. In addition, the firm has close association in Shenzen, China and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. The firm continues to grow at a steady pace to 53 lawyers to date.

As the firm undertakes litigation and non-litigation work, its vision has always been to provide its clients a wide range of legal services and strongly believe that there is strength in diversity .

Catherine is an active member and a Past President of the Lions Club, known to many as the largest service organization/NGO in the world with more than 1.7 million members. For more than ten ( 10 ) years, she gave freely her time to serve the less fortunate in the community by participating and organizing many meaningful projects/activities with the aim of raising funds towards humanitarian efforts.

Heart of a Mother

2012-05-01T13:40:00.000+08:00

For all those who are and have a mom, entrepreneur or not, in conjunction with the coming Mother's Day, I'm sharing this... beautiful, beautiful words, sound and images that just touch the soul and draw warm tears to the eyes.

It begins like this...

"The moment a child is born,
   the mother is also born.

She never existed before.
The woman existed,
   but the mother, never.

A mother is something
   absolutely new." - Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh

"Making a decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide
   forever to have your heart go
      walking around outside your body." - Elizabeth Stone

"A mother is she who
   can take the place of all others
      but whose place no one else can take." - Cardinal Mermillod

"The heart of a mother
   is a deep abyss at the bottom of which
      you will always find forgiveness." - Honore de Balzac

"It's not what you do for your children
   but what you have taught them to do for themselves
      that will make them successful human beings." - Ann Landers

"A mother holds her children's hands for a while,
   but their hearts forever." - Author unknown

"A hundred years from now it will not matter
   what my bank account was,
      the sort of house I lived in,
         or the kind of car I drove,
   but the world may be different because
         I was important in the life of a child." - Forest E Witcraft

"The greatest gift you can give your children
   are roots of responsibility
      and wings of independence." - Denis Waitley

And it ends with...

"Before you were conceived,
   I wanted you.
Before you were born,
   I loved you.
Before you were here an hour,
   I would die for you.
This is a miracle of life." - Maureen Hawkins

Now for the full beautiful effect, go to Heart of a Mother. And don't forget to turn up the volume. Wish I could just have the video embedded in here. Sigh, the life of a non-techie...

Sharing on Health and Wellness

2012-04-26T22:52:00.000+08:00

Children, adolescents, adults and the elderly have different nutritional requirements. Knowing what they are is especially important to women as the main care giver of the family.

Thus we are delighted to have someone shares on this topic at PAN sharing session this Saturday. Pauline Cheah will speak on 'Your Health Is Your Greatest Asset' starting at noon, following PAN committee meeting.

Pauline's favourite saying is "your body is like a car."

"If at the beginning we don't know how to maintain it well, until it breaks down one day as part of the aging process, then we panic to repair it. Even if the situation improves, it will also leave irreparable regrets."

So why do people get sick? What is the ideal life style? Explore some of the answers with Pauline, whose credentials include below list:

Pauline Cheah, a BSc (Maths) graduate from University Malaya, started her career as a consultant for Statistical Engineering and Process Control Systems in the semiconductor industry in Penang for 15 years, attached to two giant MNCs, AMD and Intel respectively.

The year 2007 marked a turning point of her career from an employee to a freelance trainer-cum-consultant for Quality/Process Improvements courses and project consultation for MNC, SMI and local companies in Northern Region and KL.

Concurrently, Pauline has also established herself as an Independent Business Owner and Consultant to provide global business opportunities to individuals who seek financial independence and time freedom to pursue their dreams in life. Pauline’s Free Enterprise business is affiliated with Britt WorldWide (BWW), which is one of the biggest business education and training company in the USA, to provide a systematic business education and mentorship.

In addition, as Brand Ambassadors of Nutrilite and Artistry, part of her role is to provide consultation and service in wellness and beauty.

In 2011, Pauline had the opportunity to attend a training workshop in China to enhance her knowledge in Traditional Chinese Health Therapy for prevention of most of the chronic diseases.

Women Entrepreneur at Work

2012-04-21T12:37:00.000+08:00

An exhibition celebrating women and creativity. "Femme Flora" is a tribute to women, by women. A dazzling display of womanhood.

It is held till the end of this month at the Malaysian Tourism Ministry Gallery in Kuala Lumpur, in celebration of the International Women's Day 2012.

NAWEM president Sarojini (in purple) was among the VIPs at the exhibition opening.

Here is the guest of honour, Malaysian Tourism Minister (at right), giving a finishing touch to a painting.

The exhibition is presented by Penang-based Alyssa Galeri.

Alyssa (in red) is an E&E engineer by training but she grew up surrounded by art, exhibitions and galleries.

"My dad is an artist. When small, I was often the girl carrying the tray that holds the scissors for ribbon-cutting ceremony to open art exhibitions."

So after being retrenched from her engineering job, she founded Alyssa Galeri in 2010 and never look back. Nowadays her tasks include visiting potential client's home or office to propose suitable artworks.

She also started the ArtMalaysia Photography Club that within two years attracted 29 members including foreigners. As such her 3-storey gallery also houses a photo studio on the top floor.

Alyssa is soon-gonna-be PAN member. As we move along, this space shall showcase more PAN members and their businesses. Women are an enterprising lot! Do you know one with an interesting story to tell?

In the mean time, below are some events you can look out for and participate, to grow yourself and your business.

Upcoming activities:

April 26
A one-day E-Learning Mini Seminar & Exhibition at Pacific Hotel, KL. NAWEM has a booth for display of members' training programmes, modules and brochures. Those who are registered trainers with Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad (PSMB) can participate, and are to register with NAWEM secretariat by April 23 on first-come-first-serve basis.

Also, a visit with PSMB Deputy CEO at 11am. Participants are to register with the secretariat by April 23.

May 8
A visit with Malaysia Tourism Minister and participants are to register by May 2 with NAWEM secretariat.

May 12
NAWEM visit to Sarawak. Registration closed.

May 22-24
Inaugural SEA Women Entrepreneurs Conference in Kucing, Sarawak.
Participants to gain insights into the vibrant economic opportunities within Southeast Asia. Excellent opportunities to share, get inspired and seek business collaborations. Some 500 women entrepreneurs from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines are expected at the conference, hosted by the Women's Wing of Sarawak Chamber of Entrepreneurs (Dewanita DUBS). Details at www.seawec.com.

June 19
National associations dialogue with Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and registration is by May 31. This event was postponed from April 21.

July
The 6th Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Award 2012 in Kuala Lumpur.
Nomination is now open. More info at http://enterpriseasia.org/apea/my/. NAWEM is the supporting partner for this event.