KUCHING: A batch of 34 women graduated from the HER2026 programme on Monday (April 27) after completing a three-month journey in leadership, creativity and digital influence.
According to a press statement yesterday, the initiative brought by BorneoTalk ended with a celebration ceremony at The Waterfront Hotel here.
Organised through BorneoTalk’s social enterprise Stirring Up Borneo (SUB) in collaboration with the Women’s Leadership Apprentice (PERANTIS) initiative under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, HER2026 drew participants from diverse age groups, backgrounds and ethnicities.
The evening was graced by Member of the National Council for Women and Family, Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Dr Rashidah Bolhassan, who represented Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri at the ceremony.
In a video message, Nancy described HER2026 as a meaningful platform that brought together women from across the spectrum — from young executives to experienced officers — for connection, mentorship and continuous development.
“Such efforts are crucial in ensuring that women are not only participants in progress, but leaders of it,” she said.
BorneoTalk’s Ashley Pan, who served as speaker for the programme, said HER2026 was built on the belief that people learn best when they feel at ease.
“The relaxed setting, interactive sessions, and hands-on activities helped participants open up, connect with each other, and learn in a real and meaningful way,” she said.
The programme kicked off on Feb 3 at the Borneo Cultures Museum, where participants were introduced to five core modules: Foundations of Leadership, The Power of Voice, Storytelling with Your Voice, Public Leadership & Influence, and Creativity & Expression in the Digital Age.
Over the course of three months, participants completed six assignments centred on capturing personal moments, applying their learnings to real-world situations, challenging old narratives and documenting their individual journeys.
A mid-programme online check-in session in March allowed participants, the speaker and facilitators to share progress, reflect on their experiences and refine ideas before the programme concluded.
The HER2026 Celebration Ceremony also featured a panel discussion titled Journey: Keep Going, Aim High, with insights from Rashidah alongside Arkitek Nurcipta Sdn Bhd Managing Director Erna Syafina Abdul Rahman; Plushed Event Management founder and CEO Selina Lee; and Timberland Medical Centre Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr. Sue Marie Cheng Kian Pei,
HER2026 was organised in partnership with Borneo Cultures Museum and Angkatan Zaman Mansang Sarawak (AZAM) Young Souls.
