How Women in Tech Travelled the Historic Silk Road and Opened the Central Asia Region in Just 18 Months

Central Asia is a region located at the very centre of the world — historically shaped by the Silk Road, where ideas and cultures moved freely across borders.
Today, with nearly 80 million people, a predominantly young population, and rapid investment in digital infrastructure and innovation, the region is entering a new phase of exploration. The growing role of women in technology and leadership reflects a deeper structural shift.
In just 18 months, Women in Tech completed one of its fastest regional journeys across Central Asia, with chapter launches personally supported by Ayumi Moore Aoki, Founder and CEO of Women in Tech Global.

Uzbekistan

The first Women in Tech chapter in Central Asia was launched in Uzbekistan in March 2024.
Led by Director Anna Ambrozevich, the team delivered over 80 initiatives, engaging more than 7,000 participants. The chapter launched programmes such as Women in Tech Talks, I Am Remarkable, Global Voice, AI Boost, the Regional Roadshow, and others, and produced two documentary film episodes featuring real heroines and their families. A strong focus was placed on regional outreach: the team visited all regions of Uzbekistan, reaching over 19 cities beyond the capital.

In 2024, Uzbekistan hosted the Women in Tech CCA Awards in Tashkent, covering Central Asia and the Caucasus. For three consecutive years, representatives from Uzbekistan received the Life Achievement Award.
In 2025, the chapter signed the Osaka Protocol at the Women in Tech Global Summit in Japan and was awarded the Global Youth Engagement Award, marking international recognition of its regional impact.

Kazakhstan

The movement continued in Kazakhstan in September 2024.
Led by Director Assem Bolatzhan, the chapter quickly gained international visibility. Since its launch, Women in Tech Kazakhstan has united over 6,000 participants and built a portfolio of more than 100 initiatives focused on women’s leadership, digital skills, and professional growth in technology.

Key programmes included the AI for Her educational initiative, reaching over 4,000 women nationwide, the Female Founders Support programme for women entrepreneurs and startup founders, the localised international WIFI DX programme, Women in Tech Talks, and a dedicated direction supporting girls in regional areas. An important milestone was the creation of a dedicated Women in Tech space at a university, strengthening the chapter’s long-term infrastructure.

In 2025, Kazakhstan hosted the Women in Tech CCA Awards, reinforcing its role as one of the regional centres of the Women in Tech ecosystem in Central Asia and the Caucasus. The combination of scale, systemic programmes, and regional leadership led to international recognition: Women in Tech Kazakhstan was named Chapter of the Year at the Women in Tech Global Summit in Osaka, Japan.

Kyrgyzstan

In February 2025, Kyrgyzstan joined the journey.
Led by Director Alia Chynybaeva, the chapter delivered a series of large-scale, high-quality events, training sessions, webinars, and workshops throughout the year. 

The chapter opening at AUCA attracted an exceptional audience, with over 1,000 attendees, including speakers and guests from government ministries, commercial banks, councils, and founders of leading national IT companies.
A key milestone was the launch of the Women ICT Frontier Initiative (WIFI DX) — a gender-focused programme supporting women entrepreneurs through business digitalisation and regional digital inclusion.
During its first cohort, 45 women completed the programme and received certifications.

Tajikistan

In September 2025, Tajikistan became part of the journey.

Led by Director Zarina Achilova, the chapter launch received strong institutional backing from senior government stakeholders, including deputy prime ministers and high-level representatives responsible for finance, economic development, investment, and digital infrastructure, as well as international development organisations and financial institutions.
To mark the launch, a three-day regional programme was organised, bringing together leading technology voices from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The programme created a platform for cross-border dialogue on digital transformation, women’s leadership in technology, and innovation-driven entrepreneurship. It also featured a startup pitching session for women-founded ventures, highlighting scalable technology-based solutions with social and economic impact.

One Region. One Team.

What defines Women in Tech in Central Asia is not only the speed of growth, but the way it happened.
The chapters evolved as one region, one team.

Directors learned together, supported each other, and built momentum collectively rather than in isolation.
This unity became especially visible in 2025, when over 40 delegates from Central Asia attended the Women in Tech Global Summit in Osaka — representing different countries, but moving forward with a shared regional voice.

From the historic Silk Road to a new phase of exploration, Central Asia is once again becoming a space of connection — this time through technology, leadership, and global collaboration.
The fifth Central Asian country is already in preparation — stay tuned!

From a simple lunch conversation to an unforgettable three-day journey, the Youth Camp: Code Your Future – Girls & Parents Bootcamp became a shining example of what happens when bold ideas meet action. Held at 42 Paris from July 11–13, this pioneering initiative by Women in Tech® France brought together 30 girls aged 14–16 and their parents to learn, build, and dream in code.

🚀 Turning Possibility into Purpose

The idea was sparked over a conversation between Ayumi Moore Aoki and Élisabeth Moreno: “What if we could create a tech camp for teenage girls and their parents together?” That spark grew into a fully-fledged camp designed to boost confidence, technical skills, and collaboration.
Over three immersive days, the young participants formed teams, developed real-world tech solutions, and gained firsthand experience of coding, pitching, and innovation. Five extraordinary teams emerged from this adventure:

• 👑 Star Amazons (Winning Team)
• 🚀 GTF – Girls to the Future
• 💥 TechnoGirls
• 🧠 Neuronova
• 🌍 Evol’IA

These teams lived up to their powerful names, presenting ambitious, inventive, and inspiring projects—proof that the next generation of leaders and changemakers is already here.

🎁 A Surprise to Fuel Their Future

The grand finale brought joyful tears: every girl was surprised with a brand-new iMac, a gift from 42 Paris, to continue her tech journey at home. It was a powerful symbol of belief in their potential—and a practical step to empower continued learning.
“This is what we dreamed about—giving these girls the tools and confidence to build their futures in tech.” – Ayumi Moore Aoki

🤝 Behind Every Success: A Community

This camp was made possible by a generous and passionate network of supporters, including:

• 💙 Ayumi Moore Aoki, Angela Naser, Sanaé Blanc, and the entire Women in Tech® France team
• 🏛 42 Paris – host and generous donor
• 💡 Partners like Femmes@Numérique (Élisabeth Moreno, Juliette Delas), and Groupe BPCE (Sahra Duc, Ulric Streit)
• 🎓 Trainers and mentors from VRAI Learning, MARC SELLIER, Christèle Simeoni, Sabrina Zidour, Siwar Chabir Fahdel, and many more role models who shared their time and talent
• And, of course, the parents—whose presence and trust made this experience complete.

✨ This Is Just the Beginning

Code Your Future was more than a camp—it was a declaration. These young women are not just participants; they are pioneers. With the right support and belief, they’re already building the future of tech.

🎉 The Grow with Google scholarships are back, in collaboration with Women in Tech® Peru! 🎓✨
For the second consecutive year, Women in Tech® Peru has partnered with #Google through the Grow with Google program to offer up to 5,000 scholarships nationwide 🌍🚀

Want to boost your career in technology, management, or artificial intelligence? 👀
This is your opportunity to access professional certificates and AI courses that are 100% online, free of charge, and require no prior experience, all available through the #Coursera platform. 🧠💻

👩‍💻 Available Courses:

✅ Cybersecurity
✅ Project Management
✅ Digital Marketing & E-commerce
✅ Data Analytics
✅ Information Technology
✅ UX Design and User Experience
✅ Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence
✅ Fundamentals of Prompting for AI

📅 Apply by June 6, 2025

📍 Requirements:

• Be over 18 years old
• Reside in Peru
• Have access to the internet
• Have limited financial resources or face barriers to accessing professional training

🎯 Apply here!

A new collaborative initiative between Microsoft and Founderz is addressing the stark gender disparity in artificial intelligence through a free course specifically designed for women. The “AI Skills 4 Women” program, launching on March 8th—International Women’s Day—represents a significant step toward increasing female representation in a field where women remain dramatically underrepresented.

The Concerning State of Gender Diversity in AI

Recent data highlighted in the program’s promotional materials reveals a troubling landscape: women constitute merely 12% of AI researchers, less than 22% of AI professionals, and hold only 16% of AI faculty positions. These statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to diversify the AI workforce.
“Neither energy nor billion-dollar investments. What truly powers AI are people like you,” reads the program announcement, emphasizing that diverse perspectives are essential to developing ethical, inclusive artificial intelligence systems that work for everyone (AI Skills 4 Women, 2025).

Comprehensive Curriculum for Future Leaders

The entirely online program offers a three-hour curriculum covering essential AI topics:

• AI Fundamentals: Core concepts and principles of artificial intelligence
• Practical Applications: Real-world implementation of AI technologies
• Prompt Engineering & Ethics: Responsible AI interaction and ethical considerations
• AI Cybersecurity & Data Analytics: Critical skills for protecting and analyzing AI systems
• Leadership & Mentorship: Career development guidance from established AI experts

Participants who complete the course will receive an official Microsoft Achievement Badge that can be shared on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, providing tangible recognition of their newly acquired skills.

Special Benefits for Women in Tech Hub Members

For members of the Women in Tech Hub, this opportunity aligns perfectly with the organization’s educational mission. WIT Hub members can leverage this free course as part of their continuous professional development journey, complementing the Hub’s existing educational resources and programs.

“This initiative perfectly complements our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality tech education for women at all career stages,” says Maria Rodriguez, “We encourage all our members to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their AI literacy and connect with industry leaders.”

Expert Instruction from Industry Leaders

The program features an impressive roster of instructors, including Amanda Nguyen (Product Manager, Search & AI for Copilot), Anna Cejudo (Co-CEO and Co-founder), Anna Ogan (Program Manager), and Emma Reid (Director Western EU). Fiona Carney, COO at Microsoft EMEA, is also associated with the initiative.

“Your AI journey starts now,” the program materials state, inviting women to “join a community of women shaping the future.”

Scholarship Opportunities for Continued Growth

Beyond the initial free course, the program offers an additional incentive for participants: the chance to earn one of 150 scholarships for a three-month online program in AI & Innovation. These scholarships, provided by Founderz and Microsoft, will be awarded to participants who excel in the course’s final challenge.
WIT Hub members who receive these scholarships will also gain access to the Hub’s advanced project incubator program, providing additional support for implementing AI projects in their workplaces or entrepreneurial ventures.

Implications for Closing the Gender Gap

Dr. Maria Chen, Professor of Computer Science at MIT and unaffiliated with the program, notes that initiatives like “AI Skills 4 Women” are crucial for addressing systemic barriers. “When women see other women succeeding in AI, it creates a powerful ripple effect. These targeted educational opportunities are essential for bringing more diverse voices into a field that’s shaping our future,” Chen explains.

For young girls considering STEM careers, programs specifically designed for women can provide both skills and community. Research by the American Association of University Women suggests that female-focused STEM initiatives can significantly increase confidence and persistence in technical fields.

Registration for the “AI Skills 4 Women” program is now open, with content becoming available on March 8th, 2025. Interested participants can sign up through the enrollment link.

How to Participate

1. Enroll today for FREE at the official registration page
2. Content unlocks on March 8th, 2025
3. Complete the three-hour course at your own pace
4. Submit your final challenge for scholarship consideration
5. Receive your Microsoft Achievement Badge upon completion

WIT Hub members should log in to their accounts before registering to ensure they receive all member benefits associated with this program.

Women in Tech® Global is pleased to announce that our Founder and CEO, Ayumi Moore Aoki, will join industry leaders from Microsoft and NTT in a strategic discussion on gender parity in STEM at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland.

The session, titled “Driving Gender Parity in STEM for a Thriving Global Economy,” will examine how achieving gender equity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields is fundamental to driving sustainable economic growth and fostering global innovation.

Strategic Collaboration for Global Impact

This high-level dialogue brings together three powerhouses in the technology sector: Women in Tech® Global, with its presence in over 50 countries and community of 250,000 members; Microsoft, a global leader in software and cloud computing; and NTT, Japan’s telecommunications giant. This collaboration underscores the critical importance of public-private partnerships in advancing gender equity in technology.

Economic Imperatives of Gender Parity

The session comes at a pivotal moment when the technology sector’s influence on global economic growth continues to expand. Research consistently demonstrates that increasing women’s participation in STEM fields could significantly boost global GDP. This aligns with Women in Tech® Global’s mission to empower 5 million women and girls in STEAM by 2030, creating a substantial impact on both economic development and technological innovation.

Building on Global Partnerships

This speaking engagement builds upon Women in Tech® Global’s established partnerships with UN Women and our active participation in the World Economic Forum’s Edison Alliance. It represents another significant step in our organization’s commitment to driving systemic change through international cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement.

Event Information

The session will take place on January 22, 2025, from 13:00 to 13:45 CET at Ice Village, Dome A, in Davos. It will address key topics including:
– Economic benefits of gender parity in STEM
– Strategic frameworks for achieving equity in technology sectors
– Role of public-private partnerships in advancing women in STEM
– Impact of gender-diverse technology teams on innovation

Looking Forward

This platform at the World Economic Forum provides an opportunity to advance the dialogue on gender equity in STEM at the highest levels of global leadership. Women in Tech® Global remains committed to ensuring that the outcomes of such high-level discussions translate into tangible benefits for women and girls in technology worldwide.

The vibrant city of Accra came alive on November 22nd, 2024, as Women in Tech® Global proudly inaugurated its Ghana chapter, marking another significant milestone in our mission to empower women and girls in STEAM across Africa. The launch event, centered around the theme “Mentoring the Next Generation of Tech Leaders,” brought together some of Ghana’s most influential voices in technology, education, and corporate leadership.

Building on a Strong Foundation

Our Ghana chapter joins our expanding African network as the ninth country chapter, further strengthening our presence on the continent. Led by the dynamic Chapter Ambassador Luvina Sandra Atsu, the Ghana team brings together an impressive array of professionals dedicated to fostering technological innovation and gender equality in STEAM fields.

Leadership That Inspires

The chapter’s advisory board features prominent figures in Ghana’s corporate and technology landscape, including:

• Mrs. Gloria Opoku Anti, Executive Director of JOSPONG Group of Companies, whose two decades of leadership experience in human resources and corporate governance will be invaluable in shaping opportunities for women in tech
• Mrs. Cynthia Amartey, Director of Human Resources at Electricity Company of Ghana, bringing her extensive experience in implementing gender development policies and empowerment initiatives
• Dr. Mrs. Enyonam Kpekpena, Chair of Women in Engineering (WFEO, FAEO, WinE-GhIE), whose leadership in global engineering organizations will help bridge crucial gaps in tech education and professional development

A Powerhouse Team

The Ghana chapter launches with a strong operational team including:

• Barbara Hodasi-Yallow as Community Manager
• Elizabeth Appiah as Marketing Manager
• Cordelia Ivy Sackey as Events Manager
• Stephen Nsor as Partnership Manager
• Sena Kwami as Social Media Manager
• Mildred Vittor as Programs Manager

Distinguished Speakers and Vision

The launch event featured keynote speaker Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, whose groundbreaking work in establishing biomedical engineering in Africa exemplifies the innovation we aim to foster. Her address highlighted the crucial role of mentorship in developing the next generation of women tech leaders.

Looking Forward

As Women in Tech® continues to grow, now reaching 54 countries with over 250,000 members globally, the Ghana chapter represents another step toward our goal of empowering 5 million women and girls in STEAM by 2030. The chapter’s focus on mentorship, education, and professional development aligns perfectly with our core mission to create a world where women and girls thrive in STEAM, shaping the future of technology with confidence and excellence.

The launch was supported by key organizations including JOSPONG Group of Companies, Electricity Company of Ghana, and Forest Grove Hotel, demonstrating the strong corporate commitment to advancing women in technology in Ghana.

We look forward to the impressive initiatives and success stories that will emerge from our Ghana chapter as they work to transform the technology landscape and create more opportunities for women in STEAM fields.

Join us in celebrating this milestone and supporting our mission to empower women in technology across Africa and beyond. Together, we can create a more inclusive and innovative future in technology.

#WomenInTech #Ghana #WomenInSTEAM #TechLeadership #Innovation #WomenEmpowerment

On January 21st, 2024, during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Women in Tech Global will host a landmark dinner to officially launch the Women in Tech Global Council – a groundbreaking initiative that brings together some of the world’s most influential voices in technology, business, and policy.
This exclusive, invitation-only evening will mark the beginning of a powerful new chapter in our mission of Advancing Gender Equity in the Digital Age. The inaugural dinner will convene distinguished leaders and visionaries who are at the forefront of shaping our digital future.

The Women in Tech Global Council represents a carefully curated network of change-makers who leverage their positions and influence to drive meaningful transformation, foster strategic partnerships, and advance technology diplomacy on a global scale. Each member brings unique expertise and a demonstrated commitment to creating a more inclusive digital world.

By launching the Council during the World Economic Forum, we position gender equity in technology at the heart of global economic discussions. This timing reflects our commitment to ensuring that women’s perspectives and leadership are central to shaping the future of technology and innovation.

The evening will feature meaningful dialogue about the future of technology, cross-sector collaboration opportunities, and concrete actions for advancing gender equity in the digital age. It represents not just a gathering, but the beginning of a powerful movement to transform the technology sector.

This launch dinner sets the stage for a year of impactful initiatives and collaborations that will help shape a more inclusive and equitable digital future. We look forward to sharing the outcomes and announcements from this historic evening.

The 7th edition of the Women in Tech® Global Awards, held on November 14, 2024, in Paris, France, celebrated the remarkable achievements of women in the technology sector and beyond. This prestigious event, hosted at the Hôtel de Lassay, the palace of the French National Assembly, served as a platform to recognize the pioneering efforts of female leaders who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Recognizing Exceptional Female Leadership

The Women in Tech® Global Awards presented a range of accolades, including the inaugural Women in Tech® Global Honorary Award, which was bestowed upon Her Excellency Denise Campbell Bauer, the U.S. Ambassador to France and Monaco. This distinguished award acknowledged Ambassador Bauer’s outstanding leadership, her unwavering commitment to empowering women, and her ability to foster international cooperation and drive positive change across various domains.

Amplifying Diverse Voices and Experiences

The 2024 Women in Tech® Global Awards ceremony was the culmination of a three-month world tour featuring seven regional awards across LATAM, North America, Africa, Europe, APAC, MENA, and Caucasus and Central Asia. This global reach ensured that the event celebrated the diverse contributions of women from different cultural and geographical backgrounds, providing a platform for their stories and experiences to be heard and celebrated.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Female Leaders

Among the speakers was Marzieh Hamidi, a remarkable 21-year-old Afghan refugee and taekwondo athlete, whose powerful speech resonated deeply with the attendees. Hamidi’s journey of survival and determination, as well as her dream to win an Olympic medal for the women of Afghanistan, underscored the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in the country and the importance of global solidarity in supporting these efforts.

Celebrating the Trailblazers

The 2024 Women in Tech® Global Awards ceremony in Paris served as a powerful testament to the remarkable contributions of women in the technology sector and beyond. By spotlighting the achievements of diverse female leaders, providing a platform for their voices, and fostering a global community of support and collaboration, the event has the potential to inspire and empower the next generation of women to pursue their dreams and drive positive change in their communities and the world.

Congratulations to the 2024 Women in Tech Global Awards winners:

🏆 H.E. Denise Campbell Bauer (U.S. Ambassador to France) – Global Honorary Award
🏆 Natalia Alejandra Vargas Terán – Aspiring Teen Awards, sponsored by AXA
🏆 Marwa Hammad – Best Ally Award, sponsored by Bouygues Group
🏆 IT For Girls NTT DATA, Inc. – Most Impactful Initiative Award, sponsored by Pluxee
🏆 Momoko Fukunaga – Most Disruptive Award, sponsored by Amazon
🏆 Helo Passos – Woman in Web3 Award, sponsored by The Sandbox
🏆 Tonya Hicks – Greentech Start-Up Award
🏆 Audrey Plonk – Tech Diplomacy Award
🏆 Varuna Bangaleea – Global Leadership Award
🏆 Sasha Bezuhanova – Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Absa Group

Women in Tech Global has taken significant steps to strengthen its presence in Uzbekistan’s technology sector, focusing on empowering women in the rapidly growing IT industry. This expansion aligns with the organization’s global mission to foster diversity and inclusion in tech.

Strategic Partnerships

Ayumi Moore Aoki, Founder and CEO of Women in Tech Global, recently visited Uzbekistan to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with key stakeholders in the country’s tech ecosystem. These partnerships aim to create more opportunities for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) fields.

Key Partners

The organization has joined forces with several esteemed institutions, including:

– Fintech Association of Uzbekistan
– IMPACTHUB
– IT Community of Uzbekistan
– ITCOMMS
– IT PARK Uzbekistan
– IT Park University
– TBC
– “Single integrator – UZINFOCOM” LLC
– Uzum

The recent signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between Women in Tech Global and various stakeholders in Uzbekistan was made possible following Kamola Sobirova’s visit to Paris during the Women in Tech Global Summit last May. At this pivotal event, which gathered over 400 delegates from around the world, Sobirova represented Uzbekistan, engaging with leaders and innovators dedicated to advancing women’s roles in technology. Her participation underscored the commitment of Uzbekistan to fostering a supportive environment for women in the tech industry. The connections made during the summit laid the groundwork for these collaborations, enabling Women in Tech Global to partner with key local organizations.

Collaborative Framework

These MOUs establish a framework for long-term collaboration, focusing on activities that will empower women in Uzbekistan’s IT industry. By combining global expertise with local knowledge and resources, Women in Tech Global aims to create a more inclusive and diverse IT landscape in the country.

Leadership and Vision

Anna Ambrozevich, Director of Women in Tech Uzbekistan, has been instrumental in driving the organization’s mission forward. During recent events, including the Women in Tech CCA Awards held in Tashkent, she emphasized the increasing representation of women in IT and the importance of state support for women’s initiatives.

Impact and Future Outlook

The signing of these MOUs marks a significant milestone in efforts to empower women and girls in STEAM across Central Asia. Women in Tech Global is confident that these partnerships will play a crucial role in shaping an inclusive, innovative, and empowering tech-driven future in Uzbekistan.

Growing Presence

Uzbekistan has become the first country in Central Asia where Women in Tech operates, with the organization’s office in Tashkent. This expansion reflects the growing importance of the region in the global tech landscape and the organization’s commitment to supporting women in technology worldwide.

As Women in Tech Global continues to expand its reach and impact in Uzbekistan, it remains dedicated to creating a supportive environment for women in the tech industry, fostering innovation, and driving meaningful change in the Uzbek tech ecosystem.

Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, October 17, 2024 – The third edition of the Women in Tech (WIT) APAC Summit and Awards commenced on Tuesday at the prestigious Central Bank of Malaysia, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s mission to empower women in the technology sector across the Asia-Pacific region.

Ministerial Address

In his keynote speech, Malaysia’s Minister of Digital, YB Gobind Singh Deo, emphasized the crucial role of women in technology:

“As we stand on the precipice of this ever-evolving digital era, it is extremely important that we recognize and amplify the contributions of women in the tech space,” stated Gobind Singh. He referenced the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report 2024, which highlighted a concerning decline in women’s representation in senior leadership roles across industries, including tech, calling for increased focus on leadership training and mentorship programs.

Event Overview

The summit featured a comprehensive program including workshops, high-level peer-to-peer sessions, and panel discussions addressing critical challenges in the industry. A notable addition this year was the introduction of an Oxford-style debate format, fostering deeper engagement among participants in knowledge sharing and project development.On Day 1, we also had an enlightening breakout session: speed mentoring organized by the 30% Club. Ms. Nurul Ain Abdul Latif, the Chair of the 30% Club Malaysia, participated as one of the mentors.

Congratulations to the inspiring winners!
Aspiring Teen Award: Yam Yiu Wong
Best Ally Award: Akio T.
Most Impactful Initiative Award powered by CelcomDigi: Dr Saira Osama for CerebroCure Technologies Pvt Ltd
Most Disruptive Award, powered by Amazon: Momoko Fukunaga
GreenTech Startup Award: Dr. Chithra Lekha P
Woman in Web3 Award powered by The Sandbox: Selvarany Rasiah
Tech Diplomacy Award: Jean Linis-Dinco
Global Leadership Award: Melissa Proxenos
Lifetime Achievement Award powered by AFFIN Group: Tserenjagzan Gansukh

The event showcased an impressive gathering of 57 speakers, including four ambassadors, with support from five embassies (France, Japan, Netherlands, Hungary, and the US), demonstrating the global significance of the initiative.

Empowering Women-Led Startups

Recognizing the critical role of financial support in fostering women’s entrepreneurship, the awards ceremony included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Kapital DX (KLDX) to support funding for women-led startups. This initiative addresses one of the most significant barriers faced by women in tech entrepreneurship – access to capital.

The “Startup x Funding Scene: Empowering Women Founders – Navigating the Funding Maze with Diverse Investors” panel provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in securing funding for women-led tech ventures. Experts such as Christina Teo from she1K and Sam Shafie from pitchIN shared their experiences and advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs in the APAC region.

Spotlight on Emerging Technologies

The awards also focused on emerging technologies and their potential impact on women in the workforce. Microsoft’s presentation on “AI in Action” explored how generative AI is transforming industries and affecting the work lives of employees, particularly women, across the APAC region.

Sessions on cybersecurity and data protection highlighted the growing demand for skilled professionals in these areas, presenting opportunities for women to enter and excel in these critical fields within the APAC tech ecosystem.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

The Women In Tech APAC Regional Awards served as a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and celebrating the achievements of women in tech across the Asia-Pacific region. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, from government officials to startup founders, the event created a comprehensive dialogue on advancing women’s participation in the tech industry.

A heartfelt thank you to our valued partners: Affin, CelcomDigi, bp, PayNet (Payments Network Malaysia), Amazon, and MDEC (Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation), a government agency under the Ministry of Digital. Your support made this event possible!

The event’s success and the high-level support it received underscore the growing recognition of the vital role women play in driving innovation and economic growth in the APAC technology sector. As the tech industry continues to evolve, initiatives like this awards ceremony play a crucial role in ensuring that women are not just participants but leaders in shaping the digital future of the APAC region.

For more information on upcoming events and initiatives, visit the Women in Tech Global -hub