Three-day forum in Batam featured women’s entrepreneurship, halal business and international business matching
The ASEAN Business Forum 2026, organised in Batam, Kepulauan Riau, from 22 to 24 September 2026, featured discussions on women’s entrepreneurship, the halal economy and business opportunities connecting ASEAN with international markets. Organised under the theme “Connect, Collaborate, Grow”, the three-day programme included an international gala dinner, Women Business Forum, Halal World Forum and business matching sessions.
The programme opened on 22 September with the International Gala Dinner and Nusantara Heritage Night at Harmoni One Hotel, Batam. The evening included a Nusantara Heritage Parade, traditional Malay performance, cultural presentations, a welcome address and a Women Entrepreneur Recognition and International Networking session.
The second day, on 23 September, focused on the Women Business Forum, Halal World Forum and International Business Matching. Sessions covered Indonesia’s opportunities in the global halal economy, Batam’s potential as a halal business hub, halal certification and one-stop services, and the role of women entrepreneurs in reaching international markets.
The programme also included a talkshow on women entrepreneurs and the halal world, followed by a declaration and commitment for women entrepreneurs and halal businesses. International business matching was held in the afternoon, with participants continuing discussions on negotiations, product sampling and potential memoranda of understanding.
The final day, 24 September, focused on National Business Matching: From Product to Partnership. Buyers and sellers were introduced before product pitching and national business matching sessions. The programme concluded with discussions on business matching results and transaction commitments.
In a message to participating speakers, Dr H. Zuraimi Jumaat, CEO of Everdeen Global Pte Ltd, expressed appreciation for their contributions to the forum and its pre-event webinar. Speakers joined from countries including Turkey, South Korea, India and Vietnam, while the pre-event webinar featured participants from Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Turkey, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam.
Dr Zuraimi also thanked supporting organisations and partners, including NPE Print Communications Pte Ltd, Sun Media Singapore, PT Nakia Global Sejahtera Indonesia, Halal Hub Vietnam, Lon Planet Pte Ltd and Coolab Events & Entertainment Pte Ltd, for their support.
The forum aimed to promote connections between women entrepreneurs, halal businesses and international markets while supporting the development of the Batam-Bintan halal ecosystem.
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporter
