Forum calls for inclusive investment, women’s leadership and accountable economic development in Malaysia.
The High Commissioner of South Africa to Singapore, H.E. Madiepetsane Charlotte Lobe, addressed the Annual Women Economic Forum (WEF) and G100 Global Meet 2026 on 14 October 2026 at the International Youth Centre (IYC) in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, calling for greater women’s participation in economic decision-making, responsible investment and systemic change to advance gender equality.
Held under the theme “Powering the Future: Empowering Communities and Cultures of Care, Co-existence, Creativity & Commerce through Women-Led Development”, the gathering featured 77 speakers from 17 countries across 25 sessions, including 66 international speakers. The programme focused on women’s economic empowerment, leadership, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development.
Founded in New Delhi, India, in 2015 by global leader and philanthropist Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai, WEF has expanded to more than 160 regional and international editions, connecting participants from over 120 countries. The Kuala Lumpur gathering followed WEF ASEAN 2026, hosted by the Philippines in Manila from 18 to 21 June 2026.
In her opening statement, the South African High Commissioner emphasised the need to address persistent barriers to women’s participation and leadership. She asked: “What does empowerment mean if women are invited to participate in the economy but remain excluded from the power to shape it?”
In his keynote address, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Chairman of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), highlighted the economic benefits of gender equality, stating that it could generate an additional US$4.5 trillion annually for Asia-Pacific economies, with potential gains of US$50 billion a year for Malaysia.
Discussions also examined responsible investment, fair wages, safe working environments and flexible working arrangements. The High Commissioner stressed that women entrepreneurs required access to finance, technology, international markets and business networks to develop sustainable enterprises and compete globally.
The address called for measurable action beyond declarations and commitments, urging leaders and investors to assess progress through meaningful participation, accountability and improved economic opportunities for women.
The High Commissioner expressed appreciation to Dr. (H.C.) Hartini Osman and her team for hosting the event, and to Ambassador H.E. Maud Dlomo, High Commissioner-Designate of the Republic of South Africa to Malaysia, and her team. She also expressed hope that Ambassador Dlomo’s tenure would support closer ties between South African and Malaysian women, as well as women throughout ASEAN.
Source: South African High Commission in Singapore
