Empowering Women in Business: SME BizChat x Rakaniaga Bazaar 2024

On May 29th, 2024, Affin Bank organized “Empowering Women in Business: SME BizChat x Rakaniaga Bazaar” at Menara Affin, TRX, Kuala Lumpur. It was a pleasure to be invited to the event and witness the launch of the new financing scheme designed for women entrepreneurs called ‘Affin Gem,’ along with the panel discussion on empowering women in business and the Rakaniaga Bazaar.

Gratitude and Networking

A big thanks to Affin Bank for inviting our Founder and CEO, Jess Low, as one of the panel speakers for the business forum on the topic of empowering women in business. We are also grateful to Affin Bank for inviting us onboard as one of their RakanNiaga business partners. The RakanNiaga Bazaar was a fantastic opportunity to connect with many inspiring individuals. We made valuable connections and look forward to staying in touch with the new faces we met.

Launch of Affin Gem Financing Scheme

The event officially commenced with the grand launch of the Affin Gem Financing Scheme, celebrating Affin Bank’s long-term collaboration with SIDEC. The “Empowering Women in Business: SME BizChat” kicked off with Anne Idris, the founder of My Mums Bakery, sharing her inspiring entrepreneurial journey. 

She recounted the challenges she faced and how she overcame them to stand tall once again. Her story, particularly the “Kisah RM 5” and her self-taught business lessons at a cybercafe, was truly motivating. Anne’s experience demonstrated that women can achieve remarkable success and should not fear failure.

Empowering Women in Business: SME BizChat

Following Anne Idris’ inspiring talk, we proceeded to the main event: the business forum. The panel featured esteemed leaders including Sharon Goh, CEO of Syuen Zens Resources; Joanne Rodrigues, Group Chief Financial Officer at Affin Bank Berhad; Noor Amy Ismail, Group Transformation Advisor at Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated); Jess Low, CEO and Founder of JEV Management and Job Majestic; and Christina Mei Mei Ng, CEO of Christy Ng.

Many insights and motivating stories were shared during the business forum. The discussion began with the speakers’ perspectives on work-life balance. All five speakers agreed that achieving a perfect work-life balance is a myth and that sacrifices are necessary to reach certain milestones, particularly for women who must navigate the delicate balance between family and career. As our founder, Jess Low, put it: “You need to ask yourself whether you are happy when you are doing your work or if you are happy when you are doing this. This reflection can help you make decisions about choosing your path.”

All the speakers, including the moderator Sharon, shared that the entrepreneurial journey is not always smooth and how they have overcome challenges as women in business. Their stories were truly inspiring and motivating. Particularly notable was Noor Amy Ismail, who shared how she juggled being a full-time PhD student, a board member, and a CEO, all while maintaining her beauty and health. She encouraged the women at the event by assuring them that “we women have each other’s backs here, so don’t be afraid to step out and gain visibility.”

Conclusion

The “Empowering Women in Business: SME BizChat x Rakaniaga Bazaar” was a resounding success, offering valuable insights and fostering connections among women entrepreneurs. The event highlighted the importance of support and collaboration in overcoming challenges and achieving success. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Affin Bank for organizing such a meaningful event and look forward to future collaborations that continue to empower and inspire.