KUCHING: The ‘caregiverpreneurship’ concept will be one of the topics to be discussed at the Women Entrepreneurship Conference (WEC) 2025 on Feb 21 and 22.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the topic aimed to increase the participation of professional caregivers in Malaysia, including services for the elderly, children and postnatal mothers.
“We want to have more people in the caregiver industry because there is an increasing need for it. We don’t want people to look down on those who work in this industry so we want to give them a better brand.
“For this year’s ASEAN chairmanship, I will be in charge of the women sector and ‘caregiverpreneurship’ is one of the areas we will focus on,” she told a press conference to promote WEC 2025 here today.
Nancy added other key highlights of the conference to be held at the Dayak Chamber Of Commerce And Industry (DCCI) here included the hospitality industry, e-branding and marketing as well as the gig and circular economy.
“The Women Entrepreneurship Conference (WEC) 2025 is a transformational opportunity for Dayak women, connecting them with entrepreneurs, professionals, government leaders and industry experts.
“The conference equips attendees with practical skills and industry knowledge to excel in today’s business landscape.
“More that just a conference, this gathering provides Dayak women with valuable networking opportunities, enabling them to connect, exchange ideas, and build strategic collaborations.
“This conference is crucial in ensuring Dayak women thrive in the evolving global economy, with their contributions recognised and elevated,” said Nancy.
Nancy then also stated that WEC2025, alongside Program Kepimpinan Perantisan Wanita (PERANTIS) for women entrepreneurs was seizing new opportunities to build resilience and thrive in today’s economy.
“To our partners, including corporate sponsors, financial institutions, and industry leaders, we urge you to join us in championing the cause of women’s entrepreneurship.
“Investing in women is not just a social responsibility; it is an economic necessity,” she added.
WEC 2025 will cover key topics, including women’s role in economic development and business leadership, innovation and technology in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) success, digital branding and marketing strategies, business opportunities in modern agriculture, food processing, tourism and caregiving and gig and circular economy trends for women entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, Women Empowerment and Sustainability Network Association (WESNA) Kuching president Dr Carolina Sandra Giang urged Sarawakians, especially the Dayak community, to venture into the caregiver industry.
“We find that very few of our Dayak people are involved in this industry, like for post-natal services. We find that there are high numbers from the Malay community.
“So we want to encourage more of our Dayak women to be involved in this kind of business, not just handicraft,” she said.
