LAWAS: The local Public Park here came alive on Saturday as the Lawas District Women’s Association (PPWS) hosted its Women Entrepreneurs’ Mini Festival, a day-long celebration designed to strengthen women’s roles in business and community life.
The festival was officially opened by Lawas Member of Parliament, Datuk Henry Sum Agong, representing Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
It featured product exhibitions, fun contests and lucky draws that drew an enthusiastic crowd from Lawas and neighbouring Brunei.
The festival chairperson, Suriyah Jinin, highlighted that the gathering provides a vital platform for women entrepreneurs to expand their market reach and establish connections with government agencies and customers.
“Thirty-two PPWS branches took part, supported by agencies such as CENTEXS, the Limbang-Lawas Welfare Department, FAMA, RISDA, the Agriculture Department and Agro Bank,” she said.
Competitions like the ‘Ratu Kebaya’ pageant, teh tarik skill challenge, flower arrangement contest and roti canai flipping added festive flair, drawing more than 100 participants, including several from Brunei.
Suriyah expressed hopes to upgrade this event into a Borneo-wide Women Entrepreneurs Festival in future editions.
Henry praised the festival for strengthening both social unity and the local economy.
“Women are playing an increasingly vital role in community development. Events like this foster multi-ethnic harmony while empowering local enterprises,” he said.
Henry also announced a RM10,000 contribution to PPWS Lawas and highlighted major infrastructure projects, including a new airport, the Coastal Highway, a deep-sea port, MARA Junior Science College (MRSM), and upgraded main roads, as key drivers of Lawas’ future economic growth.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognising outstanding booths.
PPWS Banting won first place, followed by PPWS Pangi and PPWS Belipat.
