Minister Nancy Shukri on the role of women-owned businesses in the economy

Speaking at the Women Entrepreneurs Academy's graduation ceremony, the minister noted the importance of giving such businesses the skills and networks to thrive further.

Procter & Gamble (P&G) has successfully concluded the 2023 edition of its flagship P&G Women Entrepreneurs Academy (WEA), in collaboration with WEConnect International.

Culminating with a virtual graduation ceremony attended by Human Resources Online, the graduation marks the end of a wide range of training and development modules for 23 women entrepreneurs this year – 10 from Singapore and 13 from Malaysia. Held online over a period of three weeks, the modules covered various business development topics including operations, procurement, leadership skills, sales, and company branding. These modules were designed with WEConnect International and conducted by senior P&G representatives to help develop the entrepreneurs’ capabilities, enabling them to grow their businesses.

This year’s edition also marks the fifth year for the programme in Singapore, while concurrently being the first edition organised for Malaysia. As a whole, the P&G WEA represents "a key initiative in P&G’s long-term commitment towards an equal and inclusive environment aimed to close the gender economic gap." 

The graduation ceremony was graced by Guest-of-Honour Low Yen Ling, Singapore's Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth with Malaysia's Minister of Women, Family and Community Development YB Dato' Sri Hajah Nancy Binti Haji Shukri sharing a few words of her own in a recorded speech.

Minister Nancy said: "It takes great effort to bring many professional trainers together to provide tailored coaching programmes covering leadership skills, procurement process, sales, digital marketing, leveraging technology and business strategy."

"We appreciate P&G and WEConnect’s support in providing this platform to help spark ideas to improve our participants’ businesses."

Minister Nancy further touched on how women-owned businesses play a crucial role in building a healthy society and economy. "With more women-owned businesses gaining the skills and networks, the exclusively designed training in WEA can truly help our women's businesses to thrive further."

Concluding her speech, she further congratulated all of the participants for successfully graduating from the WEA, and wished them a prosperous business ahead.

MOS Low, on her end, also affirmed Singapore's commitment to providing women with equal opportunities in her speech: "I am heartened to see our women in the business community and companies such as P&G and WEConnect International working together to remove barriers and provide better economic opportunities for women."

Image / Screenshot of Malaysia's Minister of Women, Family and Community Development YB Dato' Sri Hajah Nancy Binti Haji Shukri's speech at the P&G WEA Graduation Ceremony