A distinguished High Tea in Singapore brought together diplomatic and community leaders to introduce Dr Meenakshi Ahora Dabral and champion women’s roles in economic leadership across ASEAN.

SINGAPORE, 23 May 2025 — The High Commission of South Africa in Singapore, under the leadership of High Commissioner H.E. Madiepetsane Charlotte Lobe, hosted a special High Tea gathering to introduce Dr Meenakshi Ahora Dabral, a key organiser of the upcoming Women’s Economic Forum (WEF) ASEAN 2025, which will take place in Kuala Lumpur this June.

Held at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, the event welcomed members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials from Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), and prominent women from business, health, education, and civil society. Among the distinguished guests were Dr Suhina, a leader in digital health, Ms Nomita Dhar of Sun Media, and other notable contributors to women’s empowerment in Singapore and the broader ASEAN region.

In her keynote remarks, H.E. Lobe highlighted the continuing disparities faced by women in the economic domain, noting the persistent undervaluation of women’s contributions in both formal and informal sectors. She called for greater inclusion of women from the Global South into the economic mainstream and emphasised the importance of mentorship and collaboration in shaping the next generation of women leaders.

Dr Meenakshi Ahora Dabral, who also serves as Global Chair for Philanthropy, Business, and Poverty Eradication under the G100 network, presented an overview of WEF ASEAN 2025, to be held from 19–21 June 2025 at Dewan MITI Perdana in Kuala Lumpur. The forum, now in its 115th edition globally, will feature over 100 speakers from around the world, and is expected to gather more than 400 delegates.

Organised under the patronage of Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), and with participation from national airlines and major corporate partners, the forum will centre on the theme “Women Leaders Beyond Borders: Shaping the Future of the ASEAN She Economy.” The event will feature plenaries, mentoring sessions, cultural showcases, and an awards gala, all aimed at advancing SDG 5 on gender equality and economic participation.

The event concluded with a reaffirmation of solidarity and collaboration among women leaders across sectors, strengthening networks that champion inclusive economic progress in ASEAN and beyond.

Source: IN Diplomacy Reporters